Key ContactMichael B. Lake Office: Dallas
Phone: 214 224 8401
Fax: 214-224-8450
Email address: Mike.Lake@bm.com
Michael Lake is Chairman for Burson-Marsteller's Southwest operations. Mike has built the organization from the ground up, including developing a market presence that would support the agency's global clients, establishing brand awareness in the local market, and delivering a superior consulting product to clients. In just six years, Burson–Marsteller has become the third largest agency in the market. According to the most recent independent Harris Survey of non-client communications professionals, Burson–Marsteller ranks number one in agency reputation.
Mike brings extensive national political experience and nearly 25 years of private/public sector public relations expertise to developing public policy programs, media campaigns, grassroots operations, marketing programs, advocacy advertising campaigns and crisis communications strategies on behalf of clients. He has directed national, state and local communications programs for most business sectors including airline, telecommunications, energy, finance, solid waste, agriculture, maritime, education, technology, and trade. He is adept at identifying the full dimension of complicated communications-related problems, defining clear communications strategies, and mounting multidisciplinary campaigns to communicate pivotal information to target constituencies.
At Burson–Marsteller, Mike has led some of the agency's major client engagements including the crisis in the beef industry surrounding the first case of mad cow disease in the U.S. Mike created national and international strategies to minimize fear and maintain customer loyalty. He led the communications team on behalf of the National Cattlemen's Beef Association, American Meat Institute and the U.S. Meat Export Federation.
Currently, Mike serves as communications strategist and media spokesman for Russian oil giant Yukos Oil Company. He directs the communications activities for Yukos in its battle with the Russian Federation to prevent destruction of the company and during its bankruptcy filing in the U.S. court system.
In Texas, Mike created the public education and marketing campaign for the state's Public Utility Commission to introduce electric deregulation and competition to residential and commercial customers. And, working closely with DFW Airport officials, Mike developed a program to build and reinforce the DFW brand among the flying public. Upcoming activities for DFW include the inauguration of the new People Mover, International Terminal and Hyatt Hotel.
Prior to joining Burson-Marsteller, Mike spent six months in Istanbul, Turkey as a primary strategist for the Motherland Party and their candidate in the national election for Prime Minister. His team was responsible for the first-ever political public opinion survey via telephone.
Mike was a member of the senior management group at BSMG Worldwide (now Weber Shandwick Worldwide), one of the top three communications agencies in the world. While at BSMG he created and managed the public affairs division for BSMG Southwest, including the opening of their Austin and Houston offices.
As Director of Campaign Event Operations for Bush-Quayle '92 and '88, Mike coordinated, with the Campaign Manager and senior staff, the conceptualization and implementation of public appearances by President Bush. Prior to joining the Bush-Quayle campaign, Mike, as Director of Candidate Operations for the Dole For President campaign, traveled extensively with Senator Dole throughout the U.S.
Mike served in the White House from 1984 to 1988. As Staff Assistant to President Reagan, he worked as primary liaison between the White House and organizations ranging from foreign governments to town councils. Prior to his White House experience, Mike served Senator Pete Wilson (R-CA) as Assistant Press Secretary. Mike is a graduate of California State University, Fullerton, where he earned a bachelor's degree in economics.
Mike is on the Advisory Board of Southern Methodist University's School of Communications and Public Affairs and is a member of the Dallas Press Club, Texas Association of Business, Dallas Friday Group and Public Relations Society of America. Mike is listed as a Member of the National Register's "Who's Who" in Executives and Professionals.
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