Ben Rand

I'm Ben Rand, public relations specialist with Harris Corp. and a lover of great storytelling.

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Ben Rand is an award-winning writer, editor and PR manager. Prior to joining Harris RF Communications -- a division of Harris Corporation -- Ben Rand spent 19 years as a reporter working for daily newspapers in four states. His career has provided him a broad look at how the world works. Ben Rand is constantly interested in new challenges and looking for ways to apply his communication and business skills for the good of his community.

Journalist at Democrat and Chronicle

April 1998 - February 2007

Wrote business related articles about Eastman Kodak and the photo industry. It allowed to become experienced in digital photography, digital imaging, digital medical imaging and other important fields.

Business reporter at The Journal News

October 1995 - March 1998

Wrote about the local economy, about Reader's Digest and other public companies. Broke stories about major Texaco discrimination case.

Bureau Chief at Gannett News Service

July 1994 - September 1995

Wrote and researched articles of statewide interest for three Gannett Newspapers in Indiana. Working in bureau in Indianapolis.

Reporter at North Hills News Record

June 1992 - August 1994

Police, Courts, Business Reporter at Rockford Register Star

1988 - 1992

Public Relations Specialist at Harris RF Communications

February 2007

Overseeing public relations strategy and tactics for division of Harris Corporation, an international communications and information technology company. RF Communications specializes in highly secure tactical and public safety communications and networking. I'm responsible for utilizing PR to extend and amplify the division and corporate messages to key audiences, including journalists, customers and employees. In this role I spearheaded the division's entry into and understanding of social media and am managing our Facebook and Twitter channels. Other duties include overseeing the production of Frequency, a 40+-page bi-annual customer magazine, developing content for web sites, authoring press releases and maintaining relationships with key journalists. PRSA recognized Frequency in 2011 with a Silver Anvil for best customer magazine. As part of a small department I frequently participate on cross-functional teams to support trade shows, video production and advertising. My role also requires me to manage significant agency relationships and budgets with firms located in both Rochester and Washington, D.C.

Nazareth College of Rochester

2002 – 2006

Masters

Concentration: Management

Syracuse University

1984 – 1988

Bachelor's

Concentration: Newspaper Journalism

Activities: Daily Orange student newspaper

Distance running, college basketball, journalism, freelance writing, community service.