Ben Trounson

I help Fortune 500 organizations build unshakeable stakeholder trust through strategic communications that turn complexity into clarity. As a VP of Global Corporate Communications with 20+ years of experience, I specialize in guiding companies through the reputation opportunities and challenges that come with transformation, crisis, and growth.

My career spans leadership roles at technology, energy, and pharmaceutical giants including Tata Consultancy Services, National Grid, Verizon, and Bristol Myers Squibb. At TCS, I helped transform the company's reputation from a lesser-known IT services provider into a globally recognized digital transformation partner for Fortune 500 clients, contributing to brand value growth from $5B to $14B over my seven-year tenure. This transformation required rebuilding narratives, executive
positioning, and stakeholder relationships across multiple markets.

I've built and led global communications teams ranging from 20 to 50+ members across North America, EMEA, APAC, and LATAM regions. My approach focuses on three core elements: authentic narrative development that aligns with business strategy, internal capability building that empowers teams to execute consistently, and external relationship management that builds lasting credibility with key stakeholders including media, investors, regulators, and employees.

Whether navigating CEO transitions, major acquisitions, regulatory scrutiny, or market repositioning, I ensure corporate communications delivers measurable impact on reputation and business outcomes.

Vice President of Communications, Verizon Business

Over a month into my new role at Arizona Public Service - APS, and I'm embracing life as an Arizonan.

A few early impressions:
- A welcoming and thriving culture across the company.
- The CX & Communications team: incredible passion for serving customers across AZ .
- Climbing Piestewa Peak; what a view of Phoenix and the valley!
- Seeing firsthand the growth in AZ and the key enabling role of APS.

And I clearly need to work on my local look! Perhaps slowly work my way in with some cowboy boots. 😀

VP, Global Corporate Communications | Reputation & Stakeholder Trust Builder | 20+ Years Transforming Fortune 500 Narratives | Former Verizon, National Grid, TCS | $5B-$14B Brand Value Growth

When you’re a communications leader, everyone comes to you for counsel. But who’s got your back? I've sat in your chair at companies like Albertsons and US Foods. Now I partner with senior communications leaders, providing strategic counsel and leading high-stakes projects when you need extra bandwidth. My only agenda is your success.

I’ve navigated IPOs, billion-dollar mergers, crises, and transformations. I’ve advised four different CEOs and rebuilt teams from the ground up. I know what it's like to be stretched impossibly thin, stuck in execution mode when you should be leading strategically.

Here's what changes when we work together:
You finally have time to think strategically instead of drowning in execution. You walk into C-suite meetings confident, knowing your most complex work is handled. You have a trusted peer you can be honest with – no politics, no agenda. You show your CEO what communications can do when you're not buried in the weeds.

What that looks like in practice:
Sometimes you hand off complex projects to me – transformation plans, sensitive announcements, leading team development workshops. Sometimes I’m your sounding board when you need to think something through with someone who gets it.

How I work:
• I’m your partner behind the scenes, here to make you look good. No ego. No agenda. When you succeed, I’ve done my job.

• Complete solutions, not frameworks. You don't get another recommendation deck. I lead projects from start to finish and deliver work that’s ready to use.

• Real-world expertise. I've sat in your chair. I understand the stakes. I know the weight of the decisions you’re making. I provide strategic counsel and deliver practical solutions that work in your complex reality.

What others say:
“Debra understands what it's like to be a CCO, and she translates that experience into practical, actionable insights. Her strategic perspective and her thoughtful, collaborative approach make her the kind of trusted partner every senior leader needs.” – VP, Communications, Fortune 500 B2B company

I work with senior communications leaders at Fortune 500 companies, typically in retail, food & beverage, healthcare, industrial, and B2B. You value partnership, believe communications drives real business value, and are committed to doing excellent work in a demanding role.

If you need someone who's been there, who gets it, and whose only agenda is making you successful – let's talk. debra@wildwoodcommunications.com

Debra Ceffalio

Every now and then, I read a book on writing to remind myself what first drew me to communications: a love of the written word.

I just finished "On Writing" by Stephen King, and it’s full of blunt advice that applies to anyone who writes professionally.

A few favorites:
• Trying to dress up your writing with fancy words is like putting a "household pet in evening clothes.” Your goal isn’t to impress. It’s to make the reader feel welcome.

• Honesty in writing makes up for many faults. Readers can sense when you lie about what you know and feel.

• Be brutal in your revisions. The first draft is telling yourself the story. Revision is taking everything out that isn’t the story.

Communicators, what's a book on writing that's influenced how you approach your work?

Helping Senior Communications Leaders Get Their Bandwidth Back | Former Fortune 100 CCO | Northwestern Faculty

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The Battle

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