MDA is giving DECA members an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the creation of the MDA Telethon from a marketing and communications lens and shares how the show was created collaboratively to best represent the MDA community and to appeal to a multi-generational audience.
The session is hosted by Alison Tibbits, CVA, Vice President, Volunteer Programs and Strategy, MDA and Moderated by Connor Liebman, Missouri DECA President and DECA/MDA Muscle Corp Ambassador.
Advisors: Use the Classroom Discussion Guide for a ready-made lesson plan that accompanies the video.
Meet the Panelists:
Josh Ackley
Vice President, PR and Communications, MDA
Joshua Ackley is a Communications Executive with deep expertise in handling consumer press, public policy and advocacy communications, executive communications, crisis communications, and digital marketing for leading brands. He is a strategic and dynamic leader recognized for his ability to elevate and differentiate a brand’s standing in the marketplace. Ackley is also a well-established musician, and has released music on Warner, BMG, and has toured extensively with various projects. Currently, Ackley is the Senior Vice President of Communications at the MDA and has been instrumental in re-launching the organization’s iconic telethon. Ackley raised the organization’s profile by delivering over 6 billion earned media impressions in 2020, as compared to the MDA’s 750 million earned impressions the year prior. Ackley also authored the organization’s digital brand campaign “Covid-19 Can’t Stop Us” in March 2020.
Lindsey Baker
Quest Editor-in-Chief and General Manager, MDA
Lindsey Anne Baker is the editor-in-chief of Quest Magazine, the nationally distributed flagship print publication of the Muscular Dystrophy Association, and Strongly, MDA’s national blog. Lindsey earned a bachelor’s degree in news-editorial journalism from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 2004 and has written and edited for numerous local and national publications, including the Omaha World-Herald, the Omaha Reader, Omaha Magazine, and AAA’s Home & Away Magazine. In 2015, she received an Individual Artist Fellowship in Literature from the Nebraska Arts Council. Her most recent collection of poetry was published in a limited run by Gibraltar Editions in 2019.
Jarrod Moses
Founder and Chief Executive Officer, United Entertainment Group Inc.
Jarrod has created global entertainment, sports, lifestyle marketing agency in partnership with Public Relations powerhouse Edelman and Big 3 talent firm United Talent Agency that utilizes pop-culture as the catalyst to develop marketing communications campaigns.
He leads global operation and strategic direction with full responsibility for bottom-line factors, including long-range planning, global agency management, and unique methodology practices. Works directly with Boards of both partner agencies and day-to-day communication with global agency leadership and management teams. Lead agency and manage a team of 20 EVPs and regional Presidents. Built firm from incubation to over a 350-person team in 8 global offices with 9-figure revenue.
Deb Barge
Chief Operating Officer, MDA
Deb currently serves as Chief Operating Officer for MDA overseeing fundraising, philanthropy operations and donor engagement for the mission. She has spent a career in nonprofit leadership for organizations large and small to drive strategy, organizational effectiveness and philanthropic engagement with donors, corporations, foundations and celebrities.
