LEAD San Diego Hires Marketing, Event Planning Specialists
February 6, 2012
LEAD San Diego, which provides leadership development for top business, civic and government executives throughout San Diego County and Northern Baja California, has added two experienced marketing and event planning professionals to its full-time staff.
The new staff members are John Freeman, who was named Director of Marketing & Communications, and Carole Ravago, who will serve as Program & Event Manager. Both began their duties Feb. 1.
"We are pleased to welcome John and Carole to these vitally important roles," said Vicky Carlson, President & CEO of LEAD San Diego. "Together, they bring valuable local knowledge, experience and professionalism, all of which will help accelerate our enduring 30-year commitment to excellence in serving the best interests of our region, now and into the future."
In his role, Freeman will coordinate LEAD's marketing, branding and public relations campaign to reach out to San Diego businesses, media outlets, academic institutions and community decision-makers.
Prior to joining LEAD San Diego, Freeman served as communications director for a San Diego-based wind energy firm and a local luxury yacht firm. In addition, Freeman spent almost 15 years as a media columnist and staff writer with The San Diego Union-Tribune. A native of San Diego, Freeman earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from the University of Arizona and holds a Marketing Certificate from UC San Diego.
Ravago will organize and coordinate LEAD's annual awards gala, the Visionary Awards, set for May 24, as well as manage LEAD's membership programs, forums and events.
Before joining LEAD, Ravago was Director of Development at Pro Kids, The First Tee of San Diego, which encourages young children to play golf. She also served in management roles with the San Diego Business Journal, Mingei International Museum and the Union-Tribune. A long-time San Diego resident, Ravago is a graduate of San Diego State University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Spanish.
