David Polmer | Gagen MacDonald

Who we are / Team

David Polmer

Director, Consulting

An accomplished communications strategist, David has made a career of helping leaders find their authentic voice and tell the right story to the right audiences to inspire actions that lead to winning results. As part of that process, David helps leaders uncover and explore the challenges they face today, the outcomes they want tomorrow and the actions they can take to bridge the gap.​

A member of the Gagen MacDonald team starting in 2017, David has been a key contributor in helping clients shape and drive corporate strategy and helping position senior leaders to effectively drive change. His work has also included shaping organizational narratives and building implementation design approaches to support company communications strategies. Prior to working with Gagen MacDonald, David served within U.S. Cellular’s Executive Communications function, helping leaders shape and share the company’s vision, mold the corporate culture, and redefine its brand. David helped transform the Communications function to create a strategic platform for the CEO and executive team, ensuring overall alignment of messaging through strategic communications plans and experiential events.​

A creative and compelling writer, David began his career in communications as journalist, before adding the title of PR and marketing professional. His work has appeared in various print and online publications including the Chicago Sun-Times, BET.com, The Sporting News, The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, USA Today and MSNBC.com. He has also served as ghost writer for decorated Olympian Jackie Joyner-Kersee. As an account director for two separate boutique communications and marketing firms, David led senior leaders in corporate branding, including the development of integrated communications campaigns for a host of clients in real estate, architecture and design, and transportation.​

David has a knack for connecting with senior leaders, and believes that when it comes to success, the devil is in the details and in his ability to listen. He is a recognized leader whose best qualities are his curiosity, adaptability and flexibility, as well as a dry sense of humor and a can-do spirit. Originally from Washington D.C., David, married and the father of two girls, spent time in St. Louis, where he earned his undergraduate degree in English Literature from Washington University, before moving to Chicago. He has called the Windy City home for since the late Nineties.

Meet the rest of the team members
Education
Washington University in St. Louis
B.A.
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