Druker, Yadgir & Haupt
Druker, Yadgir & Haupt is a multi-faceted communications team with extensive experience dealing with media relations, crisis communications, internal and external communication strategies, advocacy, and public policy development, implementation and communication.
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"For 24 years and counting, I have relied upon Bob, Dave, and Henry to help develop my public policy, communication and media relations strategy. I’m proud of the work we did at the Secretary of State’s office and can objectively say the role Bob, Dave and Henry played was instrumental in securing and promoting many of the achievements over my 24-year tenure. I congratulate them on this exciting new venture and know they will be successful.”
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Jesse White, Illinois Secretary of State (Ret.)
Our Team
Dave Druker
Dave Druker has spent his career successfully working with the news media and developing an extensive network of contacts and relationships. He has advised numerous elected officials and private sector clients on media strategy, crisis communication and public policy issues.
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He served as press secretary to Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White and before that as a media consultant whose clients included Arlington Racecourse, several state legislators, and Chicago aldermen. Dave earned a Bachelor’s degree in political science from Loyola University of Chicago and a Master’s degree in journalism from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He spent the early part of his career working at the City News Bureau of Chicago, the famous training ground for young reporters. Dave and his wife Mary, live in the northern suburbs where they are mastering the art of puppy training their newly adopted rescue Gracie.
Bob Yadgir
Bob Yadgir has over 30 years of experience in government, politics, communications, and management -- in both the public and nonprofit sectors. A proven leader who provides a clear path toward achieving goals, Bob is a strong communicator and writer with in-depth problem-solving, consensus-building, and crisis-management skills. He has a no-nonsense approach to developing messaging and campaigns.
For 24 years, Bob served as Director of Communications and Senior Policy Advisor for Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White, managing the Press Office and Communications Department as well as helping shape White’s agenda for the office. He has a record of successfully managing political, public service, and legislative policy campaigns. Bob was press secretary to Cook County Recorder of Deeds Jesse White and served on the Illinois House Speakers’ Issues Development Staff. He was on the board of directors for the Northern Illinois University Alumni Association, and the Jesse White Foundation, where he currently serves as its executive director. Bob also remains as Jesse White's political director. Bob received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism from Northern Illinois University. Bob and his wife of 36 years, Patty, have two adult children, Mike and Paul.
Henry Haupt
Henry Haupt has worked in state government in a variety of capacities, including press secretary and program and policy analyst for more than three decades. For 24 years, he served as spokesperson and press secretary to Secretary of State Jesse White. He served as press secretary to Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias for the first nine months of his administration, before retiring from state government.
Henry has a proven track record of honesty, promptness and accuracy when interacting with members of the news media. He has built an extensive list of contacts in the media, having made it a priority to develop and maintain relationships with reporters statewide. Beyond the news media, he has fostered relationships with key staff in every constitutional office in state government, the Illinois General Assembly as well as lobbyists and advocacy organizations. Henry received a B.A. in Communication from Arizona State University and an M.A. in Political Studies from Governors State University. Born in Chicago, raised in Chicago Heights and currently residing in Rochester (eight miles southeast of Springfield), Henry and his wife, Beth have two daughters, Kate and Cora. They share a home with their cat, Penny, who is the exemplar of love and affection when she isn’t aloof or biting.
What We Offer
MEDIA
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Develop, coordinate and execute effective media strategies and public outreach efforts.
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Develop and execute swift and thorough crisis communication plans.
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Assist in the development and response to media inquiries.
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Develop social media strategies and multi-media production.
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Utilize decades of contacts and relationships fostered with members of the news media.
PUBLIC POLICY
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Assist in the development and execution of new policy promotion and implementation.
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Leverage experiences with past successful endeavors, such as efforts involving teen driver safety and organ/tissue donation.
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ADVOCACY
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Develop strategies to promote and amplify messaging on key issues targeting core audiences.
EXECUTIVE COMMUNICATIONS
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Develop, coordinate and execute communication strategies for business executives and elected officials.
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Write speeches, talking points and fact sheets.