1. ValDeWitt.com
With nearly 35 years of communication consulting experience in
corporate, organizational, retail, service, entrepreneurial, non-profit, and
start-up settings, I have worked with Fortune 500 companies, one-person
start-ups, fledgling community-based organizations, and everything in between. I have learned that they all have
one thing in common: the need to create change. Whether the goal is to guide, teach, influence, entertain,
explain, persuade, comfort, confront, or reinforce — strategic communication is central to achieving your goals.
WRITING, EDITING & CONTENT DEVELOPMENT
CONSULTING & CREATIVE SERVICES
Consulting & Coaching • Project & Team Management • Writing, Editing & Publishing Creative Development •
Training & Capacity Building • Video Production • Events Management • Script & Speech Writing • Speaker
& Bureau Management • Web Development / SEO • Direct Marketing • Advertising • Resource Development
RECENT CLIENTS
Jacobs Family Foundation
Jacobs Center for Neighborhood Innovation
Acting as the foundations' director of communication for nearly 20 years, my consulting work included
development and management of all media, marketing, and communications efforts. Over time, the foundation
grew from a two-person grant-making organization to an innovative neighborhood-strengthening organization
employing 200 people and spawning 18 related entities. I led all communication efforts for non-profit and for-profit
entities, assisted in raising more than $350 million, and helped take the foundation from a small, local charity to a
worldwide innovator and leader in its field.
The Village at Market Creek
The Village at Market Creek is a place-based network of related non- and for-profit entities focused on social
enterprise and community ownership. I directed and developed media and materials in numerous languages for
festivals, talent contests, cultural events, and weekly entertainment. These activities helped increase foot traffic
and revenues for community businesses and bolster resident involvement in reclaiming their neighborhoods. As
a consultant, I directed all network communication, built a supporting consulting team, helped develop 32
businesses resulting in 716 new jobs, and contributed to economic activity of over $72.5 million.
Market Creek Plaza
Built by and for the community on a former brownfield, Market Creek Plaza is a destination providing critical
services and catering to the unique needs of the multicultural community. I developed and implemented marketing
and public relations plans, wrote and published a newsletter, led direct-mail campaigns, and produced TV and
radio spots. Market Creek Plaza reclaimed $50 million in retail leakage, created 250 new jobs with 84% of them
filled by minorities, outperformed sales benchmarks by 55%, and awarded 79% of its contracts to community
businesses. A groundbreaking Community Development Public Offering was also developed to make all
stakeholders eligible to buy ownership units in Market Creek Plaza. I developed the communication and
recognition plans, wrote and edited technical financial documents, developed campaign materials, managed
media, produced DVDs, and handled campaign communication. The ownership goals were met, including
attracting 425 stakeholder investors and raising $1.7 million. Resident investors have benefited from a 10% return
on investment every year since.
Market Creek Events & Venues
A for-profit social enterprise designed to bring a major conference and learning center to an underinvested area in
San Diego, MCEV serves as a training facility for careers in the fields of events and hospitality. I conducted and
analyzed market research, determined key audiences, helped build the business plan, developed the marketing
plan, and created marketing and sales materials. The business broke even in its first year of operation and is

2. positioned to continue that trend, adding jobs and economic activity in the community.
Hewlett Packard Company
My consulting work with HP grew from publishing a weekly employee newsletter to consulting on a worldwide
communication initiative. In addition to the internal newsletter, I helped develop and communicate an employee
safety program, writing and producing all supporting materials. Working with the marketing department, I
developed tradeshow promotions, wrote and published customer and technical newsletters, developed sales
training programs and materials, and coordinated third-party vendor communications. The worldwide
communication initiative involved research, surveys, focus groups, and analysis for use in developing strategy for
reaching employees in all countries where HP does business. Working from the top down, the team helped
executives and managers understand how effective communication can motivate employees, inform marketing,
and increase sales.
Fairfield Properties
As Fairfield improved and remodeled rental properties in California and Nevada, I worked with the management
team to develop promotions, advertising, and materials to attract tenants. My work included consulting on property
names, brand, and image, writing and producing supporting materials, training sales agents, and measuring
impact of the marketing efforts.
Elementary Institute of Science
Founded as an after-school enrichment program more than 40 years ago, EIS asked for help in developing and
implementing program, capital, and endowment campaigns to build state-of-the-art facilities and serve children
throughout San Diego County. As their communication consultant, I partnered with the small staff and a team of
campaign consultants on feasibility studies, visioning, strategic planning, communication strategy, major events,
media and materials. We surpassed all campaign goals, partnering with the institute until it became a self-
sustaining, nationally known hands-on science center.
Child Abuse Prevention Foundation
I worked with the board and staff to take the foundation from an unknown entity to a multi-million-dollar
organization serving abused children throughout San Diego County. I developed and implemented a multi-prong
communication strategy that increased visibility and attracted thousands of new donors. The foundation took on
the challenge of leading a capitol campaign to replace the aging and overcrowded Hillcrest Receiving Home,
bringing in the lead donors for the new Jessie Polinsky Children's Center. My work included developing resource
and communication strategy, initiating proactive media relations, producing video and printed materials, and
expanding staff capacity.
EDUCATION
Bachelors Degree at San Diego State University with major in journalism and public relations
Masters Degree at University of San Francisco with major in Organizational Development
Numerous certificates, continuing education units, and professional development programs
CONTACT
Val DeWitt
3344 Rancho Miguel Road
Jamul, CA 91935
619-840-4899
ValDeWitt@ aol.com
Work samples at ValDeWitt.com