Mike Milligan — Principal
Strategist, Advocate, Account Manager.
My agency experience and corporate leadership mean I understand your business needs.
I’ve taken the 2 a.m. call from a reporter requesting immediate comment. I’ve responded to extreme competition and built market share in challenging conditions. I’ve attracted thousands to grand opening events, sweating out every detail from invitations to parking. And I’ve loved every minute of it.
Learning the ropes in agency work
Before graduating from the University of Wisconsin – Madison School of Journalism, I launched my communications career at the Chicago office of Hill & Knowlton, a world-renowned public relations firm. Then, as senior writer and account executive with Bader Rutter & Associates in Milwaukee, I provided public relations counsel for DowElanco, a joint venture between Dow Chemical and Eli Lilly.
Serving as public relations director for Jacobson Rost in Sheboygan, Wis., I developed and coordinated a public relations plan for the Green Bay Packers that contributed to the sale of $25 million in team stock. I orchestrated various media opportunities including securing national coverage in USA Today, Sports Illustrated, and on CNN.
A proven corporate track record demonstrates expertise
As regional director of public relations and strategic communications for Aurora Health Care, Milwaukee, I led the response to various crisis situations, planned opening events for several hospitals and clinics, coordinated health fairs and education events, and launched a 24-page magazine.
I later served as vice president of marketing and communications for Prevea Health in Green Bay, where I led a rebranding initiative that included a name change, new logo, and a television advertising campaign. And in my role as director of marketing and public relations for New Hanover Health Network, Wilmington, N.C., I spearheaded several innovative campaigns targeting one of the fastest growing areas in the U.S.
Legato Marketing & Communications brings it all together
Desiring to return to our Midwestern roots and to fulfill a life-long dream of establishing my own agency, I moved my family back to Green Bay, where we opened Legato Marketing & Communications. My wife Ann and I have two daughters, and we enjoy spending time doing anything outdoors…from snow shoeing to camping.
Community service
As an active member of the community, I had the privilege of being recognized by the Green Bay Chamber of Commerce magazine Bay Business Journal as “One of 50 people to know in Green Bay.” I was formerly elected to the Board of Education of the Howard-Suamico School District and served on the boards of the United Way of Brown County, Family Services of Northeast Wisconsin, and the Green Bay Cellcom Marathon.
Contact me so I can put my marketing and public relations expertise to work for your business.
