Introducing the MarketingSIG team

The SIG doesn't run itself, and the volunteer team puts time and energy to help make it a valuable experience for our SIG members.

We recently held a planning meeting. Here is a photo of the team, and a brief introduction to each of them.



Marketing SIG Co-chairs:

Filomena U:
I'm one of the co-chairs of the SDForum Marketing SIG. I collaborate with the SIGs core team to ensure the SIGs overall program offers a rich learning experience and meaningful networking opportunity for the vibrant SIG community. Some of my responsibilities include seeking interesting topics and speakers, and managing operational details for monthly events.

I am a Program manager with over 15 years of R&D experience leading initiatives including customer requirements, design, development, usability, and delivery to the market. Domain specialty includes applications software and solutions, imaging, document management, and digital printing and publishing. Recently started my company, www.livelyhues.com, creating, designing, and publishing childrens original art books.
You can reach me at:
email: filomena_u@sbcglobal.net

Vladimir Gostrer:
With the help of my co-chair and the core team I do my best to take care of the details, big or small, that are required for the SIG to run as smoothly as possible.

I am a senior software engineer for Electronics for Imaging, or EFI. So far in my career I have been working exclusively on embedded software projects. I have BS in Computer Science from University of California at Riverside.
You can reach me at:
email: vgostrer@gmail.com

The rest of the team:

Leslie Butlar - Public Relations Director:
My role in the SDForum Marketing SIG is Public Relations Director to promote the best practices in "Marketing Yourself" and "Leveraging Your Strengths" in building new relationships and keeping former contacts current.

I am a Senior Events Manager specializing in managing strategic executive level/sales and marketing meetings/events in large multi-national corporations. Also a worldwide sales force development training coordinator.
You can reach me at:
email: lmbutlar@comcast.net
Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/lesliebutlar

Mark Helfen - Communications Director:
My role in the SIG is Communications Director, which means that I manage this blog. I try to give SIG members a preview of upcoming events, and at least the key points of a speakers presentation if you miss the meeting.

If you have an interest in contributing to the blog, and getting your 15 minutes (or maybe just 30 seconds) of fame just let me know and I will get you going.

I am a marketing consultant, journalist, and freelance writer, specializing in product marketing strategy and technology writing. And an extra hand when you need some marketing help.

I have degrees in Engineering and Computer Science from U.C.L.A., and experience as a reporter at a daily newspaper.
You can reach me at:
Email: mhelfen@wordpixel.com
Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/markhelfen
Facebook: www.facebook.com/people/Mark-Helfen/1423354725
Twitter: twitter.com/mark_helfen

Paul Wcislo - Investor Relations Director:
The Investor Relations Director is responsible for sponsor development. My objective is to promote donor value in enabling ongoing marketing education on the best practices for entrepreneurs and the marketing professionals that serve them.

I am an accomplished marketing communications director. When I'm not running marathons, I bootstrap impactful communications, marketing programs, and sales tools for startups in wireless, telecommunications, and disruptive technologies that enhance the company image, attract buyers, and increase sales. I earned an MS in Journalism in integrated marketing communications (IMC) from Northwestern University.
You can reach me at:
Email:pwcislo@sbcglobal.net
www.linkedin.com/in/paulwcislo

Introducing - Communications Director

Hi -

My name is Mark Helfen, and I’m the new communications director for the SDForum Marketing SIG (which mostly means managing this blog) so I wanted to take a moment to introduce myself.

My objective is to make this blog as useful as possible to members of the SIG, and I encourage discussions of topics related (even distantly) to technology marketing. We’re going through tough economic times, and frequently a community of people generate the best ideas.

The initial postings have been summaries of meetings for those people who may have missed them. But I would also like to encourage everyone, whether you were at the meeting or not, to comment on the topic and the speakers ideas.

If you have something you would like to get posted, please email me and I will post it on your behalf. I’m also willing to consider making you a guest blogger for a week – just let me know, and keep your postings on-topic.

Any other ideas?? Please email me, I would be happy to consider them.

The blog software is set up to require registration before you can post comments to reply to postings (only the forum administrators – like me – can generate original postings.) Anyone with a Google mail account is already registered.
OpenID is also accepted (http://openid.net/get/).

There is a place at the top right to set up your RSS reader to follow changes as they happen, and to be a “follower” in blogspot terminology.

As for me: I am a specialist is researching, analyzing, writing, and consulting about technology markets and marketing. I have experience as a product marketing manager, marketing director, and print journalist.

You can see more about me at http://www.linkedin.com/in/markhelfen

You can reach me at mhelfen -at- wordpixel (dot) com (sorry for the anti-spam address).