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Roger Friedensen

Hi, I'm Roger Friedensen, co-founder of Forge Communications, a Raleigh-based reputation design and management firm. We specialize in public relations consulting, issues management, strategic planning and crisis communications.


Roger Friedensen is a veteran strategic communications consultant with 25-plus years of broad experience in reputation design, issue management, public relations and marketing communication. Extensive knowledge of and expertise in a wide array of verticals in the public and private sectors. Trusted Counsel | Savvy Business & Communication Strategist | Creative Thinker & Problem-Solver | Dynamic National/Regional Speaker | Superior Writer/Editor/Mentor | Experienced Trainer & Facilitator | Recognized Business, Community & Industry Leader | Professional Guitarist | Loving Father & Husband.

Roger Friedensen's Background

Roger Friedensen's Experience

Senior Vice President, Client Services at The Catevo Group

April 2007 - November 2009

Full responsibility to develop and direct public relations and research programs for state and national clients in various industries, including pharmaceutical, insurance; assisted living, construction, consumer products, publishing and utilities. Counsel senior management on full range of communications and public policy issues, including media, community and employee relations, investor/stakeholder relations, strategic planning, market research, crisis communications, organizational development, government affairs, marketing, issues management and environmental communications. Research, plan, budget, coordinate and evaluate comprehensive public relations programs, market and opinion research, strategic plans and special events. Help direct the firm's long-term business strategy and day-to-day operations. Supervise, mentor and motivate professional and administrative staff. Recruit new business and expand existing client base. Monitor and evaluate legislative and regulatory activities; build coalitions and grassroots programs. Conduct media, presentation and crisis communications training. Research, write and edit news stories, newsletters, speeches, proposals, brochures, radio/print ads and position papers. Coordinate development of graphic materials, image advertising and audiovisual presentations

Vice President, Integrated Communications at The Catevo Group

April 2006 - April 2007

Full responsibility to develop and direct public relations and research programs for state and national clients in various industries, including pharmaceutical, insurance; assisted living, construction, consumer products, publishing and utilities. Counsel senior management on full range of communications and public policy issues, including media, community and employee relations, investor/stakeholder relations, strategic planning, market research, crisis communications, organizational development, government affairs, marketing, issues management and environmental communications. Research, plan, budget, coordinate and evaluate comprehensive public relations programs, market and opinion research, strategic plans and special events. Help direct the firm's long-term business strategy and day-to-day operations. Supervise, mentor and motivate professional and administrative staff. Recruit new business and expand existing client base. Monitor and evaluate legislative and regulatory activities; build coalitions and grassroots programs. Conduct media, presentation and crisis communications training. Research, write and edit news stories, newsletters, speeches, proposals, brochures, radio/print ads and position papers. Coordinate development of graphic materials, image advertising and audiovisual presentations

Vice President at Epley Associates, Inc.

January 1995 - April 2006

Helped private- and public-sector organizations solve problems and increase profitability and productivity through expert reputation design and management. Managed and mentored dozens of public relations professionals over 11-year period. Boosted agency growth through business development success with new and existing clients. Worked extensively with regional, national and international companies in a wide range of vertical sectors, including healthcare, life sciences, biotechnology, banking, manufacturing, environmental, transportation, insurance, waste management and consumer goods, among others. Built strong local and national networks and made positive contributions through active involvement in business, community and professional organizations such the Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce, the PRSA Counselors Academy and United Way of Wake County.

Visiting Lecturer at North Carolina State University

January 1996 - January 2001

Public Relations Applications Problems in Public Relations Introduction to Public Relations

Director, Client Services at Epley Associates, Inc.

January 1992 - January 1995

Senior Counselor & Account Manager at Epley Associates, Inc.

January 1991 - January 1992

Account Manager & Public Relations Specialist at Epley Associates, Inc.

January 1985 - January 1991

Instructor, Small-Group Communications at UNC-Chapel Hill

August 1984 - December 1984

Instructor, Public Speaking at UNC-Chapel Hill

January 1984 - May 1984

Teaching Assistant, Small-Group Communications at UNC-Chapel Hill

January 1984 - May 1984

Teaching Assistant, Business Communications at UNC-Chapel Hill

August 1983 - December 1983

President | CEO at Forge Communications

November 2009

Co-founder of Forge Communications, a reputation design and management firm in Raleigh, N.C. We serve public- and private-sector clients in myriad industries, including healthcare, finance, construction, energy, business strategy, biotechnology, manufacturing, technology and transportation. Learn more at http://www.forgecommunications.com.

Roger Friedensen's Education

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

1983 – 1985

Master of Arts


University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

1979 – 1983

Bachelor of Arts

Concentration: Speech communication


R.J. Reynolds High School

1977 – 1979

Roger Friedensen's Interests & Activities

Guitar, music, fitness, technology trends, cooking, photography, film, hiking and, of course, my family and friends.

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