Name:
Brett Willi
Position:
Account Supervisor
Primary accounts:
Central Garden & Pet Company, DAP
Family life/Living situation:
Engaged to be married at Montaluce Winery in Dahlonega, Ga., on June 2, 2012. We’re in the process of finding a community in Atlanta to call home.
What are you passionate about?
Running. I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to run cross country in college. In post-college life, I’ve shifted to marathons. Next year, I’m planning to participate in the Georgia and New York City Marathons. Other passions: Social impact, be it through faith- or community-based outreach or corporate-driven engagement.
Little known fact about yourself:
In the fall semester of my junior year, I studied abroad at St. Andrews University in Scotland. The trip was unlike any other in my life, with travel throughout Scotland, England, Ireland, northern Italy, Paris and Barcelona mixed in.
Favorite sports team:
Born and raised Ohio State.
Favorite music artist/band:
Somewhat eclectic. Anything from Zac Brown Band and Incubus to Hootie & The Blowfish and Seven Nations.
Favorite food:
All of them. I don’t always have time to cook but enjoy testing new recipes. In my head, I recall most of the big events in my life based on what food was served. One of the best parts of living in Washington, D.C., was the variety of incredible ethnic options. To Atlanta’s credit, the city is full of amazing chefs and exciting restaurant concepts. My recommendation: Go explore.
Favorite place you’ve ever been and why:
LeCinque Terre, which is located on the coast of the Italian Riviera and is composed of five villages, or “The Five Lands” (Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore). I traveled alone to this beautiful part of the world to hike the trail that connects the villages. Inspiring sunsets, amazing people.
Charitable affiliations:
I recently became a volunteer with the Atlanta team of Back on My Feet (BoMF), a nonprofit organization that promotes the self-sufficiency of homeless populations by engaging them in running as a means to build confidence, strength and self-esteem. To learn more, visit www.backonmyfeet.org.
Professional affiliations:
Elon University Alumni Association
How long have you been in communications?/How did you get into the field?
Nearly seven years. I’ve always been on the agency side, first sinking my PR teeth into consumer marketing that spanned the construction, woodworking and home improvement industries. I eventually transferred to Washington. While there, I helped manage a number of high-profile programs as part of my company’s Social Impact Team (cause marketing, CSR, philanthropy), with additional emphasis in crisis/issues/corporate reputation and digital. It was a great growth period. I’m excited to bring those learnings to MSL Atlanta.
What about the work keeps you engaged?
The complexity and variety of the work. PR spans industries, sectors, practice areas, disciplines, platforms and people. There isn’t any profession like it.
What are you looking forward to most as a new member of the MSL Atlanta family?
It all boils down to opportunity—to teach and share what I’ve learned with others, to learn from the talented staff here and to inspire/challenge our clients in new ways.
