Overview
Nick Weber helps clients overcome communication barriers. Whether he is helping local governments speak the language of business to advance economic development or helping private organizations understand the policies and motivations of local officials, Nick “translates” foreign concepts to help clients advance their organization’s objectives. Nick’s work in this area is informed by both his experience as a government leader and more than 20 years in public relations, during which he has handled local, regional and national crisis communications issues.
Economic Development
The former Deputy Mayor for Economic and Workforce Development with the City of Indianapolis, Nick understands how local and state government policies and programs relate to private sector economic development. He connects with public sector clients to facilitate projects in the private sector, and he collaborates with private sector clients to partner with the public sector. Nick has facilitated economic development projects worth more $1.5 billion over the last decade.
Strategic Communications
Nick serves clients in strategic communications, reputation management and public relations. Whether in the public, private or nonprofit sector, he develops effective strategies, designs core messages and delivers positive responses when challenges arise.
Public Private Partnerships (P3)
Nick knows the unrelenting pressures felt by local elected officials who need to balance the obligations of government with a dwindling supply of resources. Nick has participated in small- and large-scale request for proposal processes in which local governments seek a partner in the private sector to drive efficiencies by harnessing market-based skills and access to private capital.
Government Experience
Nick served as an Indianapolis Deputy Mayor under Mayor Gregory A. Ballard. In addition to economic and workforce development, he oversaw the city's educational and cultural initiatives, with functional responsibilities spanning quasi-public agencies and city departments.
Previously, Nick served in several roles on the staff of former U.S. Senator Richard G. Lugar in his Washington, D.C. and Indiana offices over 6½ years. His positions included special assistant, campaign manager, and Indiana press secretary and deputy press secretary.
Nick is a consulting professional within Faegre Drinker Consulting, and does not act as a lawyer for clients. Learn more about the Faegre Drinker Consulting practice.
Services & Industries
Credentials
Education
Indiana University, Bloomington
B.A. in History (1996)
Insights & Events
Other Perspectives
- Crisis on Campus: Integrating the Legal and the Practical for Effective Crisis Management
International Forum, Council for Christian Colleges & Universities, January 2018 - Communicating an Inspiring Message in the Midst of Crisis
THE Foundations Seminar, North-American Interfraternity Conference Foundation, August 2017 - Crisis Management: A Multidisciplinary Approach
Legal and Public Policy Conference, Council for Christian Colleges & Universities, October 2016 - Communications Preparedness for Times of Crisis
Chapter co-author, Bringing Your Pharmaceutical Drug to Market, FDLI, May 2015
Leadership & Community
Civic Activities
- Circle Area Community Development Corporation, Indianapolis — Former Board of Directors (President)
- Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra — Former Board of Directors
- Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis — Alumni Board
- We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution Program — Volunteer
- Indianapolis Public Schools — Volunteer
- Gleaners Food Bank Strategic Planning Initiative, Talent, Financial & Communications Excellence working team — Volunteer
Honors
- Indianapolis Business Journal — Forty Under 40, Class of 2012
- MarCom Awards — Gold Winner, 2008
- Accolade Awards — Award of Excellence, 2008
- Communicator Awards — Award of Distinction, 2008
- Telly Awards — Bronze, 2008
- Indy's Best and Brightest — Finalist, Government, 2008