I am a communicator, retired after a long career in public relations. My last job was at the American Association for Cancer Research in Philadelphia as associate director of communications. Details on LinkedIn at http://www.linkedin.com/in/richardlobb
Expert writer and public relations executive; long experience as contract writer; skilled in turning information on complex subjects into engaging, readable and publishable articles. Well-developed journalistic skills in interviewing newsmakers and sources; expert at online and traditional research.
Professional Experience
American Association for Cancer Research — 2014-2024
AACR director of communications for Stand Up To Cancer. I interpreted scientific advances to the general public, worked with SU2C to ensure scientific accuracy of its communications, staged news conferences, helped manage other events, and managed website content.
Council for Biotechnology Information — 2012-2013
As managing director, worked to promote agricultural biotechnology as a safe and efficient tool in food production.
Trade Publications — Contributing Editor — 2011-2014
Contributing editor to Meatingplace In Print Magazine; Meat & Poultry Magazine; and Watt PoultryUSA magazine.
Published author with 12 entries, comprising almost 30 pages in the Encyclopedia of Food and Culture (New York: Scribner’s, 2003).
National Chicken Council — Director of Communications — 1998-2011
Initiated in-house PR function and reported to CEO of the major trade association for the $35 billion chicken production, processing, and marketing industry. Responsible for improving the industry’s image with the media, policy-makers and the public.
Expertise as Association and Industry Spokesperson
• Articulate and successful in media encounters on variety of legal, political, technical, and scientific issues.
• Featured in the movie “Food, Inc.,” advocating modern production and processing.
• Appeared on “Colbert Report” to assure public of plentiful supply of chicken wings for Super Bowl.
• Worked closely with scientists on their media encounters on key scientific and technical issues.
Fleishman-Hillard — Vice President — 1989-1998
Promoted to vice president in Washington office of this major public relations firm.
• Worked on-site with clients to communicate their messages effectively.
Education
George Mason University, Fairfax, Virginia, 1983-1986; bachelor’s degree in political analysis.
Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, 1970-1974; majored in journalism.