Owner, Martin Waymire Advocacy Communications
Lansing, Michigan Area
Owner, Martin Waymire Advocacy Communications
Lansing, Michigan Area
Throughout his more than two decades as an award-winning journalist and public relations executive, Roger has been recognized as one of Michigan’s best communicators and has distinguished himself as a researcher, writer, strategist and tactician of integrity and high quality.
In 1981 Roger earned a bachelors degree in journalism from Michigan State University, where he also taught for about a decade. While a reporter and political bureau chief at The Detroit News, Roger won many awards for journalism excellence, including being named Michigan's Best Reporter in 1986 by a Detroit magazine, and three times being nominated by The News for a Pulitzer Prize. He also co-authored "The Journey of John Engler," a 1990 book about then-state Sen. John Engler's upset of heavily favored incumbent Gov. James J. Blanchard. He appeared as a journalist commentator on radio and TV political and issue programs across the state.
In 1991, Roger left The News to become president and minority partner at the Lansing-based public relations firm of Rossman Martin & Associates. In 2004, Roger teamed up with his current partner, David Waymire, to launch Martin Waymire Advocacy Communications.
During his 18 years in public relations, Roger has won numerous regional and national awards for PR excellence. In 1996, his firm won two Silver Anvils, the nation's top public relations award. Roger was the lead researcher and strategist for one of the Silver Anvil winning campaigns. In 1998, Roger was again a finalist for a Silver Anvil for his work on behalf of Greektown Casino in Detroit. His campaigns have won “Best of Show” twice in the PRSA Mid-Michigan chapter Pace Awards contest. He was also named “Pacemaker of the Year” in 2001 by PRSA Mid-Michigan.
Issue management, media relations, crisis communications, community relations, ballot campaign management, and making significant progress in social media. I have provided winning counseling and services to corporations of all sizes, trade associations, coalitions and individuals. His areas of expertise include health care, tax policy, the state legislature and governor, casino gaming, ballot question campaign planning and management, local government issues, and more.
(Public Relations and Communications industry)
Currently holds this position
(Public Relations and Communications industry)
May 1991 — March 2004 (12 years 11 months)
(Public Company; Newspapers industry)
October 1981 — May 1991 (9 years 8 months)
1978 — 1982
Family, fast cars (Corvettes specifically), great music (Americana, Alt-Country (whatever that is), blues, rock and roll, Fender guitars, Hofner guitars, Martin guitars, Fender amps, golf, basketball, and hockey, good wine, single malt scotch.
Michigan Chamber of Commerce, Greater Detroit Chamber, PRSA Central Michigan, National Corvette Museum.
Three times nominated for a Pulitzer Prize; Michigan's Best Reporter; numerous awards for feature writing and investigative reporting; numerous awards for public relations excellence, including a Silver Anvil, two "Best of Shows" for Pace Awards, Pacemaker of the Year.