Selected for his keen insights and marketing strategies, Mr. Zeesman will help drive awareness and attract donors to support expanded educational programs for more disadvantaged youth throughout Los Angeles County.
BEVERLY HILLS, CALIF. - OCTOBER 2, 2007 - Recognized for his commitment to education and expertise in building advocacy through marketing, Arthur Zeesman, founder and chief strategist at Zeesman Communications, Inc., was elected to the Board of Directors for the Los Angeles County Education Foundation (LACEF). Mr. Zeesman brings more than 20 years of experience in marketing, advertising, media and management to the Foundation.
"Arthur brings a keen insight and greatly needed outside perspective to LACEF's Board of Directors," said Madelyn Alfano, president-elect of LACEF and owner and president of Maria's Italian Kitchen. "He challenges us to consider our marketing, fund-raising, and programs from an entirely new, strategic perspective that will enable us to expand the quality and variety of vital services we provide for disadvantaged youth. We are extremely lucky to have him join our Board."
Mr. Zeesman will work with the Board of Directors to ensure the Foundation's objectives are always linked to the creative process, and that the marketing programs truly engage and deliver the audiences LACEF needs to reach in order to achieve its goals. He will spearhead the development of a strategic marketing plan that will enable the organization to increase the number of donors and donations.
"The programs that LACEF provides are of the utmost importance in preparing our youth to succeed in life and in turn, give back to their communities as productive adults and role models for the next generation," said Mr. Zeesman. "Through innovative marketing initiatives we have the ability to significantly increase donations and empower LACEF to serve more disadvantaged youth with ground-breaking programs that will help them excel in school, their communities and, ultimately, the world."
Mr. Zeesman works closely with organizations to define their long-term goals and create a workable roadmap for achieving sustained success through strategic application of marketing tools. Mr. Zeesman has worked with multiple nonprofits including the W. M. Keck Foundation, the National Council of Jewish Women-Los Angeles and Goodwill Industries.
"Arthur will bring his considerable talents to our mission of reaching all kids, but particularly those who are most vulnerable. He can help us share their stories - about needing a fresh start, training and employment after getting into trouble, about needing clean air and time away from the urban environment at our science camp near Big Bear, about needing extra help and attention to be successful in school," said Madeline Hall, LACEF director. "We need his guidance immediately in designing a simple, consistent and inspired communication plan for our organization. We know there are people out there who want to help, and Arthur has the experience and know-how to make sure we reach them."
Prior to founding Zeesman Communications in 1990, Mr. Zeeman headed Zeesman Productions, an advertising agency specializing in International Tourism. Before that he owned Zeesman Photography, where he worked as a photo journalist and commercial photographer. Mr. Zeesman earned his bachelor's degree in history at the State University of New York in Buffalo and is a graduate from the MDE Program at UCLA Anderson School of Management's Price Center for Entrepreneurial Studies.
"We are delighted that Arthur has agreed to lend his energy and resources as an active member of our Board," said Cynthia McClain-Hill, director for the LACEF. "His business acumen, his passion for the work and programs funded by the foundation, and his ability to articulate the importance of our efforts to our supporters will enable us to continue raising the money we need to sustain and expand our services for disadvantaged youth."
THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY EDUCATION FOUNDATION
The Los Angeles County Education Foundation raises funds to provide children and youth with programs that increase school readiness, promote science learning and environmental stewardship, and provide educational opportunities for those who are most in need. The Foundation partners with Los Angeles County Office of Education programs, selected school districts, and others to improve lives, increase achievement, and open up new worlds for children and youth.
ZEESMAN COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
Over the past 17 years, Zeesman Communications has established a stellar reputation for strategically developing, creatively designing and efficiently executing everything from standalone design projects to comprehensive and integrated marketing communications programs for organizations in both the public and private sectors. The company's extensive capabilities include qualitative market research, marketing strategy and program development, brand identity and design, advertising, direct mail, email relationship marketing, public relations, websites and collateral. Zeesman's clients have included the City of Los Angeles, Griffith Observatory, Pioneer Electronics, Toshiba, Four Seasons Residence Clubs, the W.M. Keck Foundation, Walt Disney Company, Rock the Vote, the University of Southern California and Goodwill Industries. For more information, please visit www.zeesman.com.