Once you become aware of all of Michele Fabrizi’s responsibilities and achievements, it is impossible not to admire what she has accomplished in her business career as well as in our community. The stylish and beautiful president and CEO of MARC’s nationwide advertising division oversees accounts such as Rite Aid, TrueValue and the Pennsylvania Lottery. She is a member of scores of boards, including the national board of the March of Dimes, The Pittsburgh Opera (co-chair), The Warhol Museum and United Way.
Despite a 15-hour, 7-day-per-week schedule, she was gracious enough to answer a few questions about her remarkable career and life.
Jim Roddey: As CEO of one of the country’s largest independent advertising and marketing communications firms, how do you plan for the future in such a dynamic and competitive industry?
Michele Fabrizi: Any leader must have a clear vision, measurable objectives and a strategic action plan. My vision is that MARC USA will be known for creating game-changing results for clients through totally integrated, digital-based teams that effectively bridge the online and offline worlds. To do this, we must make digital understanding systemic – integral to every position in the shop, regardless of discipline.
JR: What advice would you give women who want to rise to the top of their profession?
MF: Observe leaders you admire to learn from them. Get out there and network with key business people – they won’t come to you. And, don’t be afraid to speak up in meetings. If you’ve done your homework, your idea will be as good as anyone else’s. You won’t always carry the day, but you’ll demonstrate the quality of your thinking.
JR: Given your responsibilities at MARC and your commitment to so many community organizations, why did you agree to lead the marketing efforts for Pittsburgh 250?
MF: This is a critical time for our region. I’m thrilled to be able to use my skills and network to make an impact. It’s my obligation as a business owner and leader. Pittsburgh 250 is a great platform to engage media, entrepreneurs, talent and tourists. Plus it’s a way to galvanize support for projects that will be a lasting legacy and to excite residents to take pride in all that the region offers.
JR: What is the theme of the celebration and how will it be communicated?
MF: Our regional brand, “Pittsburgh. Imagine what you can do here,” underlies Pittsburgh 250. We’ve created wonderful events and projects that demonstrate all you can do here – amazing outdoor recreation, world class arts and culture, leadership in science and technology and our rich heritage of innovation.
JR: Is there a significant difference in the way Pittsburghers perceive the region as opposed to those from other areas of the country?
MF: Yes, a recent survey found that 60 percent of people outside the region think Pittsburgh is headed in the right direction, but only 44 percent of people here feel the same way. We hope that Pittsburgh 250 will help to change their minds.
JR: What is your biggest challenge in attracting people from outside our region to visit Pittsburgh?
MF: Overcoming outdated perceptions. The wonderful accolades we’ve won in the last year are helping to change that – Most Livable City, Frommer’s Top Ten Cities to Visit, etc. And once we get people here, we win them over.
JR: Did you consider changing your Mardi Gras title from King to Queen?
MF: No. I thought it was time to show that a woman can and should be King!
JR: Your Majesty, what would people be most surprised to know about you?
MF: One of my first bosses told me that client service was no place for a woman. I’m proud to have proved him wrong. I guess I’m living proof of the “Imagine” brand.
One of King Michele I’s many honors was being named by the Girl Scouts of SWPA as a “Woman of Distinction.” A quick review of her biography will convince anyone that such a title, well deserved, is the understatement of the decade.
For more information on Pittsburgh 250, visit www.imaginepittsburgh.com.
