About PlanetHS
PlanetHS is a multi-faceted platform to be used by teachers to better communicate with students and their parents concerning school-based activities using modern media in a school-wide community. Each school’s on-line community is custom created within planetHS and is always under the total control of school authorized representatives. The communities are oriented around the classes and extracurricular activities that are central to the lives of high school students. Students are involved in several classes and a number of extracurricular clubs and teams that reflect the interests of each student. Those interests, and the potential of each student, are best cultivated through the active co-operative participation among the students, the parents and the teachers. Providing timely communication and coordinating schedules is an ongoing challenge. PlanetHS facilitates the communication and scheduling of the extracurricular activities so as to reduce the burden on the teachers sponsoring the clubs/teams, improve the participation by students and optimize involvement by families. The planetHS program is built around a set of scheduling and media tools designed to assist teachers through responsibility delegation to students whereby leadership skills are taught under the school’s control. The planetHS environment is designed to attract students and parents by featuring content created by the students (while always subject to school approval), together with calendar features that provide timely information, and frequent communication, regarding every activity scheduled by the classes, clubs and teams on planetHS. The content and the communication delivery is built upon the platforms that are most in tune with the preferences of today’s high school student – social networks and mobile devices. The program’s free tools have been developed to achieve these objectives while providing resources to the school that are otherwise economically unobtainable. School facility reservations, field trip approvals and fundraising requests may be coordinated efficiently on-line using planetHS. The planetHS community is supported by businesses that are well known to the students, parents and teachers. This community provides a unique opportunity for businesses to support the school, by not only providing the planetHS platform, but by also offering various fundraising and student employment opportunities year around.
A novel program that improves communications and facilitates participation of students, families and teachers in school-based activities through modern media and enhanced resources
Key Features and Tools included in the planetHS community
Media (live video streams, photos, video clips and documents) may be uploaded by students and parents to each clubs/team’s page on planetHS, but media is only viewable once approved by the teacher that is the sponsor for that club or team
Live streaming is simplified and supported for all events for every club and team using proprietary streaming software that produces and archives the full event videos
All media is viewable on current enabled mobile devices and computers
Personalized calendars are automatically created for each student and parent that feature only the class, club or team events that are relevant to that person
Exportable events into individual’s electronic calendar
Communication with students and parents via text message and e-mail
Weekly automated communication with information for scheduled events
Instantaneous communication for schedule changes or urgent communication
Ad hoc communication when appropriate by teacher sponsor
Teachers can set up a class for each subject they teach. Post class notes; upload PowerPoint’s, pictures and videos. Remind students via text message and email about upcoming tests, quizzes and homework due. Use planetHS Live Streamer to record lessons, speakers or field trip experiences.
Create Polls to get input from across the school, and as a student or parent, provide your valuable feedback directly to the school with PlanetHS Surveys, Polls, Elections and Contests.
One teacher in each school coordinates the planetHS program
A member of the planetHS field force will typically be in each school each week to assist
Teacher may delegate more responsibility to class, club and team officers, while retaining control over the content
Resource reservation tools to allow class, clubs and teams to reserve school facilities for meetings, practice or performances with necessary administrative approvals and notifications
An outstanding student participating in planetHS in each school receives a $500 scholarship
Opportunity for each class, club and team to raise funds by having a local sponsor for that club
Management
Joe Hawkins – CEO
Joe Hawkins has over 25 years experience in investment banking, venture capital and technology start-ups. Mr. Hawkins has launched over 20 businesses in the technology, school fundraising, manufacturing and retail sectors. He has personally been responsible for the day to day operations of several ventures in fields ranging from retail to technology to software. Mr. Hawkins was a managing partner of Venture Alliance, LLC from 1994 to 1999. Venture Alliance was established in 1994 to facilitate the marriage of ideas, capital and talent necessary to create successful new businesses. During its five years of active operation, Venture Alliance evaluated over 900 new business ideas, pursued over 60 ideas, launched eight new businesses and raised in excess of $35 Million. Businesses launched were in fields ranging from consumer products to service industries, medical devices and laser technologies. From 1977 to 1989, Mr. Hawkins was Executive Vice President and Treasurer of Benton & Company, a specialty investment banking firm. During this time, he closed transitions in 39 states with financings totaling approximately $ 1.5 Billion. A graduate of the University of Tennessee and the London School of Economics, Mr. Hawkins received his Doctor of Jurisprudence and Master of Business Administration in 1980, and his Bachelor of Science in Accounting in 1977.
Chuck West – COO
Chuck West was the Co-Owner and Chief Executive Officer of National Services Associates, Inc. (“NSA”). NSA is a service business with a national network of field representatives and serves such recognizable clients as American Express, Chase Bank, Cardtronics, CVS Pharmacy, and other top name firms. NSA offers its customers rebranding, audit, survey and compliance, and merchandising services. NSA services all 50 states and Canada. NSA was recognized during the last two years of his leadership as one of the fasting growing private companies in the state of Tennessee by Business Tennessee magazine. Mr. West sold that business in 2010. Prior to Mr. West’s involvement with NSA, he served as President, CEO and Director of a public company formerly known as Tice Technology, Inc.
Mr. West and Joe Hawkins were among the partners at Venture Alliance. Before joining Venture Alliance, he served as President and CEO of MasterCraft Boat Company, the world’s leading manufacturer of tournament water ski boats. During the nine years he served as President, the company grew over 600% in sales (from approximately $15 million in 1986 to $100 million in sales in 1995). Throughout Chuck’s tenure as President and CEO, MasterCraft perennially led the marine industry and its affiliated companies in return on investment and return on sales. Prior to serving as President of MasterCraft, Chuck served as both the Chief Financial Officer and the Executive Vice President and General Manager within the organization. He currently serves as Chairman of the University of Tennessee Friends of the Library Executive Committee and is a member of the University of Tennessee Chancellor’s Associates. Chuck has held the positions of Treasurer and Director for the National Marine Manufacturers Association as well as President and Trustee of the American Water Ski Educational Foundation. Chuck is a graduate of the University of Tennessee and holds a BS in Business Administration.
Bill Bates – Sales and Sponsorships
William Frederick Bates was born and raised in Knoxville, TN where he starred in football, basketball and as a sprinter on the track team. He was all-state in football and basketball. Bill was a four year starting safety for the University of Tennessee football team. He was awarded a position on the 100 Year All Tennessee Team and induction to the Greater Knoxville Sports Hall of Fame. Bill and his wife, Denise, have five children, including triplets. Bill was named “Best Dad in Dallas” in June of 1994. He served as the Chairperson for the March of Dimes “Blue Jeans for Babies” campaign for healthier babies and Bank One “Spirit of Christmas” campaign which provides gifts for abused and needy children. Bill was the spokesperson for the Children’s Advocacy Center golf tournament and he helped start the Wednesday’s child golf tournament in Dallas benefiting homeless children. He continued his celebrity chair for the 21st year of the tournament. He also has donated his time and energy to various other charitable organizations including: United Way, Children’s Medical Center, Scottish Rite Hospital, FCA, Campus Crusade and Young Life. Recently, Bill has started his own organizations to benefit children. The Bill Bates Foundation for Children and The Bill Bates High School Football Classic were created to raise money for worthwhile organizations that help children.
A member of the 1992, 1993 and 1995 Super Bowl Champions team, Bill has been a long time favorite of the Dallas Cowboys fans. He was named the winner of the Bob Lilly Award four years in a row, from 1990 – 1994. This award is selected by a vote of the fans and annually goes to the Cowboy player who displays leadership and character on and off the field. The 1993 season had seen him return from a disabling knee injury that prematurely ended his 1992 season. After the 1993 season Bill was selected by his teammates to receive the Ed Block Courage Award for successfully overcoming his injury. In 1995, Bill was named by the fans and his team-mates the “Unsung Hero” award, which is given to one player from each NFL team. He has also been the recipient of the Dallas All Sports Association Courage Award. Bill was selected to the All-Madden Team for twelve years in a row and made the roster of the Madden-Summerall “ALL DALLAS COWBOY TEAM” and the Madden Hall of Fame. It was Bates’ notoriety that helped propel the NFL into adding a spot on the Pro-Bowl teams for special team’s coverage players. In 1994, he became the first NFC player so honored.
After 6 years as a coach in the NFL 5 for the Cowboys and 1 with the Jacksonville Jaguars, Bill is enjoying life out of the NFL. He is now a volunteer coach for his son’s football high school football team. He is involved in a number of businesses, one of which is Temperature Management Systems (air cooled football shoulder pads) and he still owns the Bill Bates Cowboy Ranch (corporate family party ranch). The Bates’ now reside in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida where they are raising and coaching their family.
Rivr Media
Knoxville is the fifth largest cable television production market in the U.S., largely due to the vision of Ross Bagwell Sr., who founded the studios that would become both Scripps Howard and RIVR Media. Today, led by Dee Bagwell Haslam and her business partner Rob Lundgren, RIVR is one of the largest independent production companies in the U.S. and has produced nearly 4,000 episodes of dozens of series, with particular expertise in the reality, how-to, home improvement, lifestyle and documentary genres.
Company directors are Joe Hawkins, Denny Post, Scott Helbing, Karen Burdette and Howard Serkin.
Denny Post
Ms. Post is a creative and strategic leader with 25+ years of achievement in creating consumer driven marketing success and product innovation. Focused on building teams to create and champion disciplined idea pipelines and strategies that drive sales, increase brand recognition and bolster the bottom line.
Denny’s vast experience includes senior, national leadership roles as SVP, Chief Marketing Officer at T-Mobile USA ; SVP, Global Food & Beverage at Starbucks Coffee Company; SVP, Chief Concept Officer at Burger King Corporation and Chief Innovation Officer at KFC/Yum Brands.
Scott C. Helbing
Helbing spent 5 years at AT&T where he was a Senior Officer and Executive Vice President of the company. From 2006 until 2008 he launched the Entertainment division at AT&T and was responsible for acquiring and monetizing all content across the television, Internet and wireless devices. From 2003-2006 he served as Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer of the AT&T Consumer Business, a $40 Billion business. He was responsible for all strategies, products, product pricing, marketing, all sales channels, including the Internet, which generated over $6 Billion in annual revenue. Currently, Scott is President of Scott Helbing, Inc., an Entertainment and Marketing Consulting firm in Dallas, TX that he started in 2008.
Prior to joining AT&T, Helbing worked at Dell for over 5 years where he was the officer responsible for the Dell brand. In that role, he had strategic oversight for the brand as well as brand oversight for all media channels, including the web, where Dell generated significant consumer and business division sales. A major accomplishment under his watch was a complete re-design of the Dell website. Helbing has held officer level positions for other global businesses; 3 years at YUM restaurants, 2.5 years at Reebok, 9 years in publishing at Whittle Communications where helped develop the Channel One program that was installed nationally in over 10,000 school and 9 years with national advertising agencies in Chicago and Dallas.
Helbing has served on numerous boards during his professional career. Those include; Media Rights Capital, a leading media/ entertainment company headquartered in Los Angeles; Radar, a magazine/internet media company in Chicago; The Alamo Bowl, IOCOM, a software development company in Chicago, The Dallas International Film Festival, the Touch Research Institute at the University of Miami and the Marketing Board of the McCombs Business School at the University of Texas.
Karen Burdette
With more than 25 years of experience in marketing, advertising and public relations, Ms. Burdette serves as chief executive officer of Burdette Ketchum. In 1996, Burdette left the large agency world to pursue a more strategically focused marketing group, now called Burdette Ketchum. Under her leadership, the firm has grown into a thriving marketing consulting and creative services group offering clients “handcrafted answers.” Handcrafted answers are customized, insight-driven strategies that create action and make brands work harder. Burdette Ketchum is considered one of Northeast Florida’s leading firms.
Prior to opening her own firm, Burdette worked as president at one of the Southeast’s largest advertising agencies. Her extensive experience includes work in the healthcare, financial services, travel and tourism, insurance and technology industries.
Burdette serves on the executive committee of the board of University of North Florida’s foundation, HabiJax the local Habitat for Humanity affiliate, the Florida Bank of Jacksonville and the River Club. Karen is also a member of the United Way’s Alexis D’Tocqueville society.
Howard C. Serkin
Mr. Serkin is Chairman of Heritage Capital Group, a regional investment banking firm providing merger and acquisition advisory, consulting and intermediary services to privately held middle market companies. He received his B.S. in engineering from Georgia Tech and served a four year tour of active duty as a Lieutenant in the U. S. Navy assigned to nuclear submarines and deep submergence rescue and salvage operations. Mr. Serkin also earned his M.S. in engineering and received his M.B.A. in finance from Harvard Business School. He has pursued post-graduate studies at Oxford University, Cambridge University and the London School of Economics.
Mr. Serkin is committed to the Jacksonville community and has served in leadership positions on numerous boards, including the UNF Foundation, Museum of Contemporary Art, Museum of Science and History, Governor’s Economic Advisory Council, Leadership Jacksonville and Youth Leadership Jacksonville, Cultural Council, Brooks Health System, Baptist Medical Center Beaches, Downtown Vision, Art With A Heart, JCCI, Community Foundation (Finance Committee), River Club, Jacksonville Marine Institute, United Way, Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce, Big Brothers and Big Sisters, Mental Health Resource Center, Junior Achievement, UNF Business Advisory Council, UNF Financing Corporation, FCCJ Open Campus Advisory Board and Downtown Master Plan Committee. In 2002, Leadership Jacksonville honored Mr. Serkin with its Distinguished Community Trustee Award.
About PlanetHS
PlanetHS is a multi-faceted platform to be used by teachers to better communicate with students and their parents concerning school-based activities using modern media in a school-wide community. Each school’s on-line community is custom created within planetHS and is always under the total control of school authorized representatives. The communities are oriented around the classes and extracurricular activities that are central to the lives of high school students. Students are involved in several classes and a number of extracurricular clubs and teams that reflect the interests of each student. Those interests, and the potential of each student, are best cultivated through the active co-operative participation among the students, the parents and the teachers. Providing timely communication and coordinating schedules is an ongoing challenge. PlanetHS facilitates the communication and scheduling of the extracurricular activities so as to reduce the burden on the teachers sponsoring the clubs/teams, improve the participation by students and optimize involvement by families. The planetHS program is built around a set of scheduling and media tools designed to assist teachers through responsibility delegation to students whereby leadership skills are taught under the school’s control. The planetHS environment is designed to attract students and parents by featuring content created by the students (while always subject to school approval), together with calendar features that provide timely information, and frequent communication, regarding every activity scheduled by the classes, clubs and teams on planetHS. The content and the communication delivery is built upon the platforms that are most in tune with the preferences of today’s high school student – social networks and mobile devices. The program’s free tools have been developed to achieve these objectives while providing resources to the school that are otherwise economically unobtainable. School facility reservations, field trip approvals and fundraising requests may be coordinated efficiently on-line using planetHS. The planetHS community is supported by businesses that are well known to the students, parents and teachers. This community provides a unique opportunity for businesses to support the school, by not only providing the planetHS platform, but by also offering various fundraising and student employment opportunities year around.
A novel program that improves communications and facilitates participation of students, families and teachers in school-based activities through modern media and enhanced resources
Key Features and Tools included in the planetHS community
Media (live video streams, photos, video clips and documents) may be uploaded by students and parents to each clubs/team’s page on planetHS, but media is only viewable once approved by the teacher that is the sponsor for that club or team
Live streaming is simplified and supported for all events for every club and team using proprietary streaming software that produces and archives the full event videos
All media is viewable on current enabled mobile devices and computers
Personalized calendars are automatically created for each student and parent that feature only the class, club or team events that are relevant to that person
Exportable events into individual’s electronic calendar
Communication with students and parents via text message and e-mail
Weekly automated communication with information for scheduled events
Instantaneous communication for schedule changes or urgent communication
Ad hoc communication when appropriate by teacher sponsor
Teachers can set up a class for each subject they teach. Post class notes; upload PowerPoint’s, pictures and videos. Remind students via text message and email about upcoming tests, quizzes and homework due. Use planetHS Live Streamer to record lessons, speakers or field trip experiences.
Create Polls to get input from across the school, and as a student or parent, provide your valuable feedback directly to the school with PlanetHS Surveys, Polls, Elections and Contests.
One teacher in each school coordinates the planetHS program
A member of the planetHS field force will typically be in each school each week to assist
Teacher may delegate more responsibility to class, club and team officers, while retaining control over the content
Resource reservation tools to allow class, clubs and teams to reserve school facilities for meetings, practice or performances with necessary administrative approvals and notifications
An outstanding student participating in planetHS in each school receives a $500 scholarship
Opportunity for each class, club and team to raise funds by having a local sponsor for that club
Management
Joe Hawkins – CEO
Joe Hawkins has over 25 years experience in investment banking, venture capital and technology start-ups. Mr. Hawkins has launched over 20 businesses in the technology, school fundraising, manufacturing and retail sectors. He has personally been responsible for the day to day operations of several ventures in fields ranging from retail to technology to software. Mr. Hawkins was a managing partner of Venture Alliance, LLC from 1994 to 1999. Venture Alliance was established in 1994 to facilitate the marriage of ideas, capital and talent necessary to create successful new businesses. During its five years of active operation, Venture Alliance evaluated over 900 new business ideas, pursued over 60 ideas, launched eight new businesses and raised in excess of $35 Million. Businesses launched were in fields ranging from consumer products to service industries, medical devices and laser technologies. From 1977 to 1989, Mr. Hawkins was Executive Vice President and Treasurer of Benton & Company, a specialty investment banking firm. During this time, he closed transitions in 39 states with financings totaling approximately $ 1.5 Billion. A graduate of the University of Tennessee and the London School of Economics, Mr. Hawkins received his Doctor of Jurisprudence and Master of Business Administration in 1980, and his Bachelor of Science in Accounting in 1977.
Chuck West – COO
Chuck West was the Co-Owner and Chief Executive Officer of National Services Associates, Inc. (“NSA”). NSA is a service business with a national network of field representatives and serves such recognizable clients as American Express, Chase Bank, Cardtronics, CVS Pharmacy, and other top name firms. NSA offers its customers rebranding, audit, survey and compliance, and merchandising services. NSA services all 50 states and Canada. NSA was recognized during the last two years of his leadership as one of the fasting growing private companies in the state of Tennessee by Business Tennessee magazine. Mr. West sold that business in 2010. Prior to Mr. West’s involvement with NSA, he served as President, CEO and Director of a public company formerly known as Tice Technology, Inc.
Mr. West and Joe Hawkins were among the partners at Venture Alliance. Before joining Venture Alliance, he served as President and CEO of MasterCraft Boat Company, the world’s leading manufacturer of tournament water ski boats. During the nine years he served as President, the company grew over 600% in sales (from approximately $15 million in 1986 to $100 million in sales in 1995). Throughout Chuck’s tenure as President and CEO, MasterCraft perennially led the marine industry and its affiliated companies in return on investment and return on sales. Prior to serving as President of MasterCraft, Chuck served as both the Chief Financial Officer and the Executive Vice President and General Manager within the organization. He currently serves as Chairman of the University of Tennessee Friends of the Library Executive Committee and is a member of the University of Tennessee Chancellor’s Associates. Chuck has held the positions of Treasurer and Director for the National Marine Manufacturers Association as well as President and Trustee of the American Water Ski Educational Foundation. Chuck is a graduate of the University of Tennessee and holds a BS in Business Administration.
Bill Bates – Sales and Sponsorships
William Frederick Bates was born and raised in Knoxville, TN where he starred in football, basketball and as a sprinter on the track team. He was all-state in football and basketball. Bill was a four year starting safety for the University of Tennessee football team. He was awarded a position on the 100 Year All Tennessee Team and induction to the Greater Knoxville Sports Hall of Fame. Bill and his wife, Denise, have five children, including triplets. Bill was named “Best Dad in Dallas” in June of 1994. He served as the Chairperson for the March of Dimes “Blue Jeans for Babies” campaign for healthier babies and Bank One “Spirit of Christmas” campaign which provides gifts for abused and needy children. Bill was the spokesperson for the Children’s Advocacy Center golf tournament and he helped start the Wednesday’s child golf tournament in Dallas benefiting homeless children. He continued his celebrity chair for the 21st year of the tournament. He also has donated his time and energy to various other charitable organizations including: United Way, Children’s Medical Center, Scottish Rite Hospital, FCA, Campus Crusade and Young Life. Recently, Bill has started his own organizations to benefit children. The Bill Bates Foundation for Children and The Bill Bates High School Football Classic were created to raise money for worthwhile organizations that help children.
A member of the 1992, 1993 and 1995 Super Bowl Champions team, Bill has been a long time favorite of the Dallas Cowboys fans. He was named the winner of the Bob Lilly Award four years in a row, from 1990 – 1994. This award is selected by a vote of the fans and annually goes to the Cowboy player who displays leadership and character on and off the field. The 1993 season had seen him return from a disabling knee injury that prematurely ended his 1992 season. After the 1993 season Bill was selected by his teammates to receive the Ed Block Courage Award for successfully overcoming his injury. In 1995, Bill was named by the fans and his team-mates the “Unsung Hero” award, which is given to one player from each NFL team. He has also been the recipient of the Dallas All Sports Association Courage Award. Bill was selected to the All-Madden Team for twelve years in a row and made the roster of the Madden-Summerall “ALL DALLAS COWBOY TEAM” and the Madden Hall of Fame. It was Bates’ notoriety that helped propel the NFL into adding a spot on the Pro-Bowl teams for special team’s coverage players. In 1994, he became the first NFC player so honored.
After 6 years as a coach in the NFL 5 for the Cowboys and 1 with the Jacksonville Jaguars, Bill is enjoying life out of the NFL. He is now a volunteer coach for his son’s football high school football team. He is involved in a number of businesses, one of which is Temperature Management Systems (air cooled football shoulder pads) and he still owns the Bill Bates Cowboy Ranch (corporate family party ranch). The Bates’ now reside in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida where they are raising and coaching their family.
Rivr Media
Knoxville is the fifth largest cable television production market in the U.S., largely due to the vision of Ross Bagwell Sr., who founded the studios that would become both Scripps Howard and RIVR Media. Today, led by Dee Bagwell Haslam and her business partner Rob Lundgren, RIVR is one of the largest independent production companies in the U.S. and has produced nearly 4,000 episodes of dozens of series, with particular expertise in the reality, how-to, home improvement, lifestyle and documentary genres.
Company directors are Joe Hawkins, Denny Post, Scott Helbing, Karen Burdette and Howard Serkin.
Denny Post
Ms. Post is a creative and strategic leader with 25+ years of achievement in creating consumer driven marketing success and product innovation. Focused on building teams to create and champion disciplined idea pipelines and strategies that drive sales, increase brand recognition and bolster the bottom line.
Denny’s vast experience includes senior, national leadership roles as SVP, Chief Marketing Officer at T-Mobile USA ; SVP, Global Food & Beverage at Starbucks Coffee Company; SVP, Chief Concept Officer at Burger King Corporation and Chief Innovation Officer at KFC/Yum Brands.
Scott C. Helbing
Helbing spent 5 years at AT&T where he was a Senior Officer and Executive Vice President of the company. From 2006 until 2008 he launched the Entertainment division at AT&T and was responsible for acquiring and monetizing all content across the television, Internet and wireless devices. From 2003-2006 he served as Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer of the AT&T Consumer Business, a $40 Billion business. He was responsible for all strategies, products, product pricing, marketing, all sales channels, including the Internet, which generated over $6 Billion in annual revenue. Currently, Scott is President of Scott Helbing, Inc., an Entertainment and Marketing Consulting firm in Dallas, TX that he started in 2008.
Prior to joining AT&T, Helbing worked at Dell for over 5 years where he was the officer responsible for the Dell brand. In that role, he had strategic oversight for the brand as well as brand oversight for all media channels, including the web, where Dell generated significant consumer and business division sales. A major accomplishment under his watch was a complete re-design of the Dell website. Helbing has held officer level positions for other global businesses; 3 years at YUM restaurants, 2.5 years at Reebok, 9 years in publishing at Whittle Communications where helped develop the Channel One program that was installed nationally in over 10,000 school and 9 years with national advertising agencies in Chicago and Dallas.
Helbing has served on numerous boards during his professional career. Those include; Media Rights Capital, a leading media/ entertainment company headquartered in Los Angeles; Radar, a magazine/internet media company in Chicago; The Alamo Bowl, IOCOM, a software development company in Chicago, The Dallas International Film Festival, the Touch Research Institute at the University of Miami and the Marketing Board of the McCombs Business School at the University of Texas.
Karen Burdette
With more than 25 years of experience in marketing, advertising and public relations, Ms. Burdette serves as chief executive officer of Burdette Ketchum. In 1996, Burdette left the large agency world to pursue a more strategically focused marketing group, now called Burdette Ketchum. Under her leadership, the firm has grown into a thriving marketing consulting and creative services group offering clients “handcrafted answers.” Handcrafted answers are customized, insight-driven strategies that create action and make brands work harder. Burdette Ketchum is considered one of Northeast Florida’s leading firms.
Prior to opening her own firm, Burdette worked as president at one of the Southeast’s largest advertising agencies. Her extensive experience includes work in the healthcare, financial services, travel and tourism, insurance and technology industries.
Burdette serves on the executive committee of the board of University of North Florida’s foundation, HabiJax the local Habitat for Humanity affiliate, the Florida Bank of Jacksonville and the River Club. Karen is also a member of the United Way’s Alexis D’Tocqueville society.
Howard C. Serkin
Mr. Serkin is Chairman of Heritage Capital Group, a regional investment banking firm providing merger and acquisition advisory, consulting and intermediary services to privately held middle market companies. He received his B.S. in engineering from Georgia Tech and served a four year tour of active duty as a Lieutenant in the U. S. Navy assigned to nuclear submarines and deep submergence rescue and salvage operations. Mr. Serkin also earned his M.S. in engineering and received his M.B.A. in finance from Harvard Business School. He has pursued post-graduate studies at Oxford University, Cambridge University and the London School of Economics.
Mr. Serkin is committed to the Jacksonville community and has served in leadership positions on numerous boards, including the UNF Foundation, Museum of Contemporary Art, Museum of Science and History, Governor’s Economic Advisory Council, Leadership Jacksonville and Youth Leadership Jacksonville, Cultural Council, Brooks Health System, Baptist Medical Center Beaches, Downtown Vision, Art With A Heart, JCCI, Community Foundation (Finance Committee), River Club, Jacksonville Marine Institute, United Way, Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce, Big Brothers and Big Sisters, Mental Health Resource Center, Junior Achievement, UNF Business Advisory Council, UNF Financing Corporation, FCCJ Open Campus Advisory Board and Downtown Master Plan Committee. In 2002, Leadership Jacksonville honored Mr. Serkin with its Distinguished Community Trustee Award.