Rochester Hills hires innovations specialist

Former Campbell Ewald executive Tom Talbert has joined the staff in Rochester Hills as the city's first strategic innovations specialist in order to provide leadership for the city's new initiatives and special projects.

Rochester Hills Mayor Bryan K. Barnett said Talbert will assist departments with the creation and implementation of new programs and technologies, develop strategic partnerships with businesses and nonprofits, and develop data analytics to improve operations.

"Whether it's implementing a best practice or taking on new technologies, our team has always looked to be innovative by nature," Barnett said. "We look forward to having Tom bring his private sector perspective to local government to strengthen our efforts."

Talbert served as managing director and executive vice president of Campbell Ewald, one of Michigan's largest ad agencies, for nearly 29 years. Talbert left Campbell Ewald in December 2016 after serving as managing director of media for the agency. In 2017, he served as president for Two Roads Forward LLC, providing media consulting for businesses and non-profits. He started the new position with Rochester Hills in January of 2018.

Talbert will work with department heads to assist in rolling out new technologies and innovation. The new position comes with the departure of one staff member under the city's administration staff. The new position pays an annual salary of $81,234, plus benefits.

As a resident of Rochester Hills for more than 30 years, Talbert said he's excited to have the opportunity to work with the city and create meaningful change.

"It's an honor for me to take on this new position," he said. "I've spent my career working within innovation environments and creating changes and business success for clients. Now I get to do that for the city I love."