Dave Close
Dave Close has been leading communications campaigns in the technology industry since 1981. During the early 1980s, he was a writer and editor at World Information Systems, Inc. He researched and wrote stories for industry newsletter Electronics Insight and contributed sections on manufacturing, transportation, computing and energy to The Science Almanac.
In 1983, Close joined Digital Equipment Corporation and for the next 11 years he held a series of positions as a group communications manager and executive speechwriter. During his time with Digital, Close led communications teams handling advertising, PR and writing in the personal computers, workstations and UNIX organizations.
Close joined Schwartz Communications in 1994 as one of the first senior-level executives in the then-fledging agency. Throughout his career as Schwartz, he has led more than 60 client teams, created and directed the agency's "Schwartz College" training program and led the agency's new business efforts. He also serves as mentor and advisor for several agency vice presidents.
Close is one of the agency's resident experts on manufacturing technologies, energy/utilities and environmental technology, open source software, aviation and transportation, compliance and business ethics.
Close continues to lead client teams, creating PR strategies, pitching the media and helping his teams generate media results. He is known for ghostwriting bylines and "think pieces" for his clients' executives and has won several awards for this work. In his role as "brain trust" advisor, Close also provides insight and advice to a variety of clients beyond his direct assignments. As the leader of the Schwartz Communications National Multiple Sclerosis Society PR team, he directs the pro bono efforts of a large group of agency volunteers that has substantially increased MS fundraising in Massachusetts during the past four years.
A life-long avid cyclist, Close bicycles more than 5,000 miles per year and has been progressing through his goal list to ride up the highest mountains in New England. He is married with two children and lives in Sudbury, Mass.
