Debra Pierce
MS – Business, University of Wisconsin Madison
Faculty Associate

Education:
University of Wisconsin – Madison
B.A. Journalism, PR Emphasis, 1987
M.S. Business – Marketing, 1992

Courses:
Principles of Strategic Communication
National Student Advertising Competition
Research and Strategy for Strategic Campaigns
NonTraditional Media Strategy

Biography: Debra brings 20 years of marketing and strategic communications experience in consumer packaged goods – on both the client and agency sides – to the School of Journalism and Mass Communication.

Debra began her career at Burson-Marsteller/Chicago on the Kraft Foods, General Mills, Miller Brewing Company, Procter & Gamble, Tropicana and Ameritech accounts.  Her public relations experience includes new product introductions and support, event marketing, corporate sponsorships, media tours and media training.

Debra joined Kraft Foods (Oscar Mayer Division) in 1993 in brand management and marketing, working on the Oscar Mayer, Lunchables, Louis Rich and Kraft brands through 2003. She then joined Spectrum Brands (formerly the Rayovac Corporation), and was most recently Vice President of Marketing for the Rayovac brand.  Her client side experience spans the food, mass merchandising, drug and specialty channels across North America, Europe, and Australia.  In addition, her work experience includes strategic development, advertising, public relations, promotions, new product development, and business management. Debra is currently working as a marketing consultant, practicing in the Madison area.

Debra holds both a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism (Public Relations emphasis) and a Master of Science Degree in Business (Marketing Emphasis) from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Her prior teaching experience includes various guest lectures for graduate-level Business courses at UW-Madison, along with more than 10 years experience in coaching, mentoring and recruiting marketing talent.

Debra and her husband John have two fun and active girls at home.