Telling Stories – Words And Images
Since I can remember I have had a camera in my hand. Seeing the way a single image can change a person is a powerful thing. Being able to capture those images is another. At a young age I knew I wanted to refine my ability and master the craft of image making and sharing those stories.
As a still photographer and later a television news journalist, I began to use the power and potential of the craft to influence the daily lives of viewers.
Throughout my career I have captured the little things and made them bigger – the teenager lending a hand at a Habitat for Humanity project, a little girl waving a flag while marching in her first parade or the face of a missionary who climbs mountains to help those in the poorest places. Even the great moments of our age; a president wishing a new cadet well upon graduation, the hand of a governor on a mother’s back after 9/11 or a defeated boxing champ returning to his home town, all these stories have a place in our collective mind.
The power of words and images have lead me to a better understanding of what we as Americans put value in, what we will support and work to improve. It is finding these things and helping them grow that excite me and keeps me going. The marketing, public and government relations projects and the ability to raise funds come out of focusing this power.
Professionally, I played a lead role in launching NYCareerZone.org, a website providing guidance to students and parents on how to navigate the process of choosing a career path. I have been instrumental in the growth of public and community relations programs, having managed the publicity efforts for the I Love NY Ski campaign, High-tech New York Jobs campaign, The State of Michigan’s UI Debit Card program, the Enough Already New York and Made in New York coalitions and the $1 A Day for Haiti development effort.
As a founding member in the Empire Haiti Coalition that raises funding to support Episcopal schools and churches in Haiti’s Central Plateau we have created a means for corporate sponsorship and institutional giving.
There is nothing better than catching that unexpected spark and helping it become a blaze of light.
As a professional story teller, I offer you a chance to take advantage of the work I do, to better your business and reach your goals.
More About Rob
Up until recently, Rob Lillpopp was the director of communications and a member of the leadership team at The Business Council of New York State.
Lillpopp came to the Council with more than 20 years experience in marketing, communications and public relations.
Before his time at The Business Council, Rob worked for JPMorgan Chase Electronic Financial Services as a marketing and communications consultant.
He served in both the Pataki and Spitzer administrations as the Director of Communications for the New York State Department of Labor. Before joining the Labor Department, Mr. Lillpopp was in the broadcast industry, most notably as the Assignment Editor at WTEN- ABC 10 in Albany and the Chief Videographer at WTWS-TV26 in New London Connecticut.
He received his undergraduate degree in Photographic Arts and Sciences from the Rochester Institute of Technology.
He lives with his wife and two children in Castleton-on-Hudson.