More than two decades of journalism and public relations experience working with Wisconsin’s government and medical leaders. Strong feature writing, editing, communication planning, with focus on Internet, podcasting, magazines, newsletters, brochures, newspaper columns and speeches.
June 2014-present, Senior Marketing Communications Specialist, Dean Health Plan
Writer/Editor for multiple publications, website pages, brochures and other communications.
March 2014-June 2014 Senior Communications Specialist, University of Wisconsin System Administration
Writer/Editor, Office of the President, temporary transitional position
2006-present Principal, Steve Busalacchi Communications, LLC
Began health communications consulting firm, providing services which include strategic communications, media training, writing, editing, podcasting, speech training, public speaking, as well as other services.
1997-2006 Director, Public Relations, Wisconsin Medical Society
Serve as spokesman, manage public relations budget, prepare officers/other physician members for interviews, edit and write for statewide newsletter, magazine, e-mail newsletter, Website and medical journal. Provide speech/media training and writing for president and other officers. Responsible for having attracted more than $5 million worth of earned media over nine years. Served as PR consultant for the Society in the immediate first years of starting his communications firm.
Activities:
Honorary Fellow, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health
Speaker, TEDx Madison, July 2013
Author, White Coat Wisdom, Life Matters, The Harmony of Hope and Media Savvy, Media Success!
Judge, Awards Committee, PRSA-Madison, March 2007
Elected to the Board of Directors for the Public Relations Society of America-Madison chapter, 2007-2009
Brokered agreement for 2006 PSA to reach 6 million closed circuit TV viewers with falls prevention message
Guest Speaker, PR & Technology, PRSA Madison, March 2006
Guest Speaker, Public Relations Society of America-Madison Chapter, successful PR campaigns, March, 2005; Public relations panelist, Wisconsin Hospital Association, 2004
Media training presenter: EMS Service for Children, March, 2006; Wisconsin Academy of Family Physicians, May, 2005; American Academy of Pediatrics, WI Chapter, 2004; Medical Society of Milwaukee County, 2004; Center for Tobacco Research & Intervention, UW-Madison, 2004; CDC, Atlanta, Dec. 2001
Emcee/writer, Wisconsin Medical Society Foundation Roast, 2004 and 2002
Awards committee member & contest judge, PRSA-Madison, 2004; Contest judge, Society of Professional Journalists, 1997 and 1999
Developed and implemented promotion that drove 6,200 people to web site in three days, 2003
Annual guest class speaker, publicizing medical studies, UW Medical School, for Patrick Remington, MD, since 2001
1981-1997 Reporter/Producer/Editor, Wisconsin Public Radio
Prepared broadcast features, demonstrating ability to write accurately and creatively. Full-time medical reporter for 10 years. Covered politics and features, with frequent contributions to National Public Radio. Newscaster, editor and assignment editor responsibilities. Described as “one of Wisconsin Public Radio’s most prolific and acclaimed producers,” by Larry Dickerson, Director, University of Wisconsin Extension, letter of recommendation, December 8, 1996.
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Arts, Journalism, University of Wisconsin-Madison
CIVIC INVOLVEMENT
Madison South Rotary, member, 2001-present, President (July 2014)
Board of Directors, Alzheimer's & Dementia Alliance of Wisconsin (2012-2014)
Wisconsin Health Report, Advisory Board, April 2007
United Way of Dane County, Healthy for Life Committee, 2007-2010
Group Study Exchange, Belgium, 2001
Amanda the Panda Program, UW Hospital, 2001
Access to Independence, 1999
Madison Literacy Council, 1989-1990
Big Brothers/Big Sisters, 1985-1988
HONORS
Steve has earned various awards throughout his career