About
Nicholl Brandt Communications is a full-service corporate communications firm.
Our niche is working with small businesses and non-profit organizations. We specialize in developing marketing and communications strategies that are effective, while cost-efficient. Planning, implementation and evaluation are part of the services we can provide.
Our philosophy has three main components:
- Success begins with the identification of your target audience and their needs.
- Key messages must be developed to inform your target audience how you can meet their needs.
- Communications vehicles must be created to convey your key messages and motivate your audience to act, while strengthening your brand.
Laurie Nicholl and Becky Brandt formed Nicholl Brandt Communications in 1999.
Laurie Nicholl
After 15 years of professional employment as a writer, fund-raiser and manager, Laurie Nicholl made the decision to start a marketing communications firm. And with her business partner, Becky Brandt, she did just that, forming Nicholl Brandt Communications Inc. in 1999.
Ms. Nicholl leads consulting services for non-profit organizations undertaking advertising campaigns, business plans, corporate identity programs, fund-raising campaigns, marketing communications campaigns and database management issues. She also provides direct services in the following areas: annual fund campaigns; publications; direct response marketing; grantsmanship; writing, editing and proofreading; strategic planning; and social marketing.
Ms. Nicholl served as director of corporate communications and community affairs for The Watson Institute (formerly D.T. Watson Rehabilitation Services) in Sewickley, Pennsylvania, from 1996 to 1999. She participated as an active member of the management team through involvement with strategic planning, program development and operations. Ms. Nicholl also planned and implemented comprehensive communications programs, including advertising, media relations, publications and community affairs.
Prior to working at Watson, Ms. Nicholl was the director of donor relations and print marketing for Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, from 1992 to 1996. She planned, implemented and evaluated the response marketing program, including all direct and indirect mail and telemarketing campaigns to individuals, small businesses, organizations and churches.
Throughout her career, Ms. Nicholl has provided internal and external consulting services, preparing business plans, auditing response marketing programs and managing communications projects. In addition, she has presented to a variety of audiences on a number of topics, including writing careers in nonprofit organizations, grantsmanship and direct mail fund-raising.
An active member of the Pittsburgh Chapter of the American Marketing Association, Ms. Nicholl has held several leadership positions and served as chapter president for the 2003-2004 membership year. She remains active as a member of the past presidents’ council, assisting with the planning of a regional marketing conference. She was selected as one of the Top 50 Women in Business in Pennsylvania.
Ms. Nicholl completed the National Society of Fund Raising Executives’ certification program and maintained her status as a Certified Fund Raising Executive from 1992 to 1998. Her direct mail writing and design has won regional awards sponsored by the National Society of Fund Raising Executives and The Association for Women in Communications.
Ms. Nicholl has a master’s degree in professional writing from Carnegie Mellon University and a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Indiana University of Pennsylvania.
Becky Brandt
Becky Brandt has worked in the communications and fund-raising fields throughout her career. She's held positions in health care, human service, youth and higher education organizations. In 1999, along with her business partner, Laurie Nicholl, Ms. Brandt formed Nicholl Brandt Communications Inc.
As co-owner of Nicholl Brandt Communications, Ms. Brandt provides consulting and planning, as well as direct services to businesses and organizations in need of business plans, corporate identity programs, fund-raising campaigns, marketing communications campaigns, public relations campaigns and board development. In addition, Ms. Brandt manages the financial and legal aspects of the business.
Prior to founding Nicholl Brandt Communications, Ms. Brandt was the manager for corporate communications at The Watson Institute (formerly D.T. Watson Rehabilitation Services), a Sewickley, Pennsylvania, special education and rehabilitation facility. In this role, she managed response marketing activities, publications, the Watson web site and general marketing communications activities.
Ms. Brandt has also worked for a local council of Girl Scouts of the USA. There, she was the assistant executive director responsible for administration, fund-raising and capital asset management. Twice, Ms. Brandt was called upon to serve as the chief executive officer.
Throughout her career, Ms. Brandt has worked as a consultant and freelancer. Her projects have included writing, graphic design, web site development, event planning and strategic planning, among others.
Ms. Brandt has a master’s degree from West Virginia University and has completed all coursework toward a doctor of education degree. She received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Pittsburgh. While at West Virginia, she received a Sweiger fellowship and worked as a researcher and writer. Many of her publications were used as teaching materials, and she has presented at national conferences. In addition, Ms. Brandt completed the WebMaster Program at Pitt’s Computer Learning Center to increase her skill in developing interactive media.
Actively involved in her community, Ms. Brandt has served on several alumni boards at the University of Pittsburgh, including the Pitt Alumni Association, the Alumnae Council and the Pitt Band Alumni Council. She is also a member of the Pitt Alumni Legislative Network and is a member of the steering committee for the Quest for Excellence–The Campaign for Pitt Athletics.
Ms. Brandt is a lifetime member of Girl Scouts of the USA and has volunteered as a troop leader for girls and as a Community Coach, trainer and mentor for new Girl Scout leaders. She is trained as a volunteer trip leader for Venture Outdoors, serves as Treasurer for Walk//Bike Ross (the Ross Township, PA, Bike/Pedestrian Committee), and is a member of Teutonia Mannerchor (Pittsburgh's German Club).