I’m certainly no GI Jane, but through a volunteer organization called BENS – Business Executives for National Security – I’ve had a unique opportunity to learn about national security issues and contribute communications and marketing know-how – a chance few private citizens ever get.
BENS is a one-of-a-kind national organization that connects business people with the government and military to create partnerships. We hear about national security situations from the country’s best minds and contribute best practices from the private sector to help solve national security threats. The goal is to help make America smarter and safer. Members apply their practical knowledge and experience to a wide range of issues – from cyber-crime and energy grids to tracing terrorists’ money and streamlining bureaucracy. We help make operations more efficient, save money and improve programs for veterans. Because BENS is nonprofit and non-partisan, our input is credible and respected.
What impacts me about BENS?
It’s hearing first-hand from some incredible heroes like General Michael Hayden, retired U.S. Air Force four-star general and former director of both the NSA and CIA. He talked to us this month about what he calls “the spooky stuff” that’s our first crucial line of defense. The general also discussed the challenge of the long-term relationship between American espionage and the American people in an era of shrinking trust in government and expanding global threats.
It’s seeing the service and sacrifice of our brave military men and women: I had the amazing experience of spending two days aboard the USS Theodore Roosevelt – seeing our Navy F-16 pilots taking off and landing round the clock – and a Navy community of 5,000 men and women protecting our country and way of life.
Other compelling speakers have included General Petraeus and special operations heroes Mark Owen, author of No Easy Day, and Kris Paronto, author of 13 Hours in Benghazi.
It’s a privilege for me to serve as the Communications Chair for Southeast BENS.
Jane Stout, EVP
As design director at Cookerly, Tim serves as the creative lead in the development of branding campaigns, print collateral and digital media for clients across a broad range of industries, including consumer, professional services, healthcare and technology.
As a senior vice president at Cookerly, Mike Rieman is a strategic communications leader specializing in media relations and reputation management. With a proven track record of securing high-profile placements in top-tier outlets such as The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, CNN and USA Today, he excels at crafting compelling narratives that resonate across print, broadcast and digital platforms.
Mike Touhill is vice president at Cookerly Public Relations, where he helps lead traditional, social and digital media programs for B2B and B2C clients in packaging, telecommunications and technology, among other industries. As a communication leader, he develops and executes public relations strategy, provides proactive and reactive counsel to C-level executives and secures earned media coverage for client initiatives and product.
Andrew Agan is a vice president at Cookerly Public Relations, overseeing the agency’s internship program and leading media relations, content strategy and social media initiatives. He provides counsel and executes campaigns for clients across various sectors, including finance, healthcare, hospitality, technology, automotive and many others. Andrew excels at crafting compelling stories and building media relationships, resulting in clients being featured in notable outlets such as CNBC, Associated Press, Business Insider, Fox Business, HBO, Inc. Magazine, Sirius XM, The Wall Street Journal and USA Today, among others.
As vice president of Cookerly, Sheryl Sellaway uses her extensive corporate communications background to lead consumer PR efforts, deliver strategy for marketing programs and share expertise about community initiatives.