David Shapiro
As a former reporter/producer, David Shapiro has long been fascinated with how and why some issues resonate with the public and some, equally or more important, do not. New to the FPRA Gainesville Chapter, David works as a consultant specializing in reputation and issue management and has clients across the nation.
“Public relations is my job, though sometimes my clients need my help in avoiding attention instead of garnering publicity. Increasingly, my work is less about traditional media relations and more about communicating directly with stakeholders through digital media,” David said.
A native to New York, David also spent 25 years in Washington, D.C. where he spent time working at public relations agencies in the area. He received his Bachelor of Arts in History and Political Science from the University of Rochester and also has a law degree from George Washington University.
A fun fact about David is that he “discovered” two prominent women in foreign policy.
“While a foreign affairs producer at the old PBS MacNeil-Lehrer NewsHour, I was the first to give national television exposure to Democrat Madeleine Albright and Republican Condolezza Rice. Both later served as Secretaries of State.”
As a consultant with prospective clients all around the country, David can pretty much work from anywhere.
“While I moved to Gainesville a little over a year ago primarily for family reasons, I really like being here. I like the excitement and intellectual undercurrents of a university town. Washington D.C., where I came from, was described by President Kennedy as a town of northern charm and southern efficiency. I’ve found Gainesville to be almost the exact opposite: things get done quickly and everybody still has time to wave when they drive by.”
In his spare time, David can be seen riding his motorcycle every weekend with a group of retired and semi-retired riders locally.
“Our goal is finding the best cheap breakfasts in North Central Florida. I also enjoy kayaking on the Santa Fe and also admit to spending a bit too much time enjoying some of the newer cable and Netflix television offerings.”