ABOUT
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Brown Farmer Media Group, Inc. (BFMG) is a premier, full-service communications firm, specializing in elevating brands as well as providing media connections and strategic partnerships for emerging and established business leaders, corporations, and non-profits. BFMG establishes a legacy relationship with clients to provide a steady, sure climb to next level outcomes while creating a professional and rewarding experience for all involved.
Our mission of solving problems, addressing issues, and meeting needs allow us to raise the profile of dynamic individuals and organizations while strengthening communities. BFMG has a standard of high-level performance with an emphasis on quality, not quantity.
MEET THE TEAM
Deborah O. Farmer
President of Brown Farmer Media Group Inc., a full-service, Chicago & Atlanta based communications firm
Deborah Olivia Farmer is president of Brown Farmer Media Group Inc., a full-service, Chicago-based communications firm. Established in 2014, the fast-growing firm provides strategic media advice and counsel to a select clientele that includes small businesses and entrepreneurs, faith-based and community organizations, media personalities and more throughout the Chicagoland area and nationwide.
Deborah Olivia was born into a family that stressed loyalty to kin, community, church and country. With that mantra instilled in her from birth, she has made a conscious, persistent effort to use her talents and hard work to reach personal goals, while assisting others in achieving theirs.
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Prior to forming her company, Deborah Olivia was named Director of Station Relations in 2006 at NBC5-TV Chicago, an NBC Universal owned and operated broadcast station. Serving as the link between the station and the community, she provided media exposure for hundreds of underserved, non-profit organizations across the city of Chicago and surrounding suburbs.
Under her leadership, NBC5 sponsored several community initiatives focusing on health & wellness, youth & education, and arts & culture, including the Making A Difference Campaign, which raised awareness of those giving back to the community.
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Dr. Carol L Adams, Ph.D
President & CEO
Urban Prescriptives
(Consultant)
Dr. Carol L. Adams is President of Urban Prescriptives, Inc., a consulting firm that specializes in program and organizational development for educational, social, cultural and philanthropic institutions. This venture merges the diverse experiences that comprise her remarkable career as an applied sociologist, social activist, and change agent.
Adams has astutely moved from theory to action in a number of key positions, implementing evidence-based practice and informing practice-based evidence in every one. Among them: President and CEO of the DuSable Museum of African American History; Secretary of the Department of Human Services for the state of Illinois; Director of Executive Director of the House of Blues Foundation; Director of Resident Services and Programs for the Chicago Housing Authority; Director of Northeastern Illinois University’s Center for Inner City Studies; and Director of African American Studies at Loyola University.
Urban Prescriptives focuses on organizational development in these critical areas: Ideation, Civic Engagement, Social Marketing, Corporate Social Responsibility, Evaluation, and Strategic Planning. Collective Impact and Synergistic Planning models are the primary means through which organizations are advanced to increased innovation and effectiveness. Clients include major universities, museums, governmental agencies, and non-profits.
Adams’ branding campaigns are ubiquitous and include : “Du Something” for the DuSable Museum; “Bring It On Home” for the University of Chicago Obama Library campaign; “I’ve Got Next” for Next Level Health; “Don’t Shoot, I Wanna Grow Up” for Ceasefire; and “Be The Change” for the Chicago Police Department.
Known for her development acumen, Dr. Adams has raised over $400 million for a variety of agencies and institutions, both public and private. She is a thought leader frequently asked to serve as an advisor on public policy and civic engagement by legislators, corporate leaders, and governmental entities throughout the world. Closer to home, she is the founder of the South Shore Works, a movement dedicated to transformational community economic development in her beloved South Shore neighborhood.
Dr. Adams serves on the Board of the Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians (AACM), After School Matters, and the city of Chicago’s Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events., among others. Her memberships include: the Conference of Minority Public Administrators, Quadrangle Club, the Association of African American Museums, The Chicago Network, Choose Chicago, The Economic Club, the UIC African American Leadership Council, and the American Alliance of Museums.
Among her many awards and honors are: the Illinois Arts Council Governor’s Award in the Arts, the Outstanding Humanitarian Award from the NAACP, the YWCA of Metropolitan Chicago Leadership in Education Award, Illinois Board of Higher Education Community Service Award and the Tradition Keepers Award from The Chicago Association of Black Storytellers. She’s also been named to Ebony Magazine’s “Power 100 List,” Today’s Chicago Woman’s 100 Women of Influence and Crain’s “Who’s Who in Chicago” List.
Liz Anderson
Director of Video Content Creation and Community Outreach
Liz Anderson, is known for her exceptional ability to capture significant moments through the lens of her camera. With a passion for videography, editing, and content creation, Liz embarked on her journey in 2013 when she acquired her first professional camera.
Since then, Liz has carved a remarkable path in the industry, collaborating with a diverse clientele that includes well-known music artists, actors, actresses, TV stars, and independent artists. Her portfolio boasts an impressive range of projects, from capturing red carpet events to immortalizing the energy of concerts, conferences, and fashion shows. Some of the notable events Liz has covered include the Emmy Awards, BET Awards, Image Awards, Grammy Foundation, Essence Festival, TD Jakes' Mega Fest, AT&T, Verizon, Hip Hop Caucus Climate Change Tour, Latino Fashion Week, and many more.
In 2018, Liz showcased her versatility by working alongside industry luminaries like Billy Dec, Waka Flocka Flame, London On DA Track, and others in the thrilling production "Mollywood." Additionally, Liz contributed her expertise as a second AC for the pilot of the TV series, "Conrad."
Liz's commitment to professional growth and excellence led her to earn a Bachelor's degree in Radio-TV Broadcasting from Lewis University in 2019. In 2021, she furthered her education and expertise by obtaining a Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership, coupled with an Executive Coaching Certification. This unique blend of industry experience and academic accomplishment positions Liz as a valuable professional, enabling her to assist organizations, small businesses, and clients in promoting their branding and content creation needs.
David Gethers
Vice President of External Affairs & Strategic Partnerships (Dallas, Texas)
David A. Gethers is Founder & CEO of David A. Gethers SPEAKS, LLC and Co-Founder and Vice-President of partnering and community engagement of, The 2Gethers Foundation.
David A. Gethers is a dynamic and energetic speaker on topics such as Leadership, Cultural Relevancy, Decision Making, and more. David delivers transformational messages of empowerment and possibilities to diverse audiences. He is a compassionate and servant leader who reaches the hearts of his audience with his exceptional charge: live with impact, intention, and integrity.
David is the former Vice-President of the Student Senate at Governors State University. A member of Manhood Development Camp, the former Youth Pastor at Nehemiah Christian Ministries and is involved in a host of others. As a well sought-after speaker, David has spoken at Operation Push, Illinois State Capital, New Faith International Ministries, and many other businesses and organizations. David earned a Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies from Governors State University.
He is currently attending Olivet Nazarene University earning his Master’s in Ministry Leadership. He is an Associate Minister at Faith Movers Church, in University Park, IL. and resides in Crete, IL with his wife, Tiffany, and their three daughters Brittney, Victoria, and Davye.
Josh Benson
Vice President of Social Media and Content Marketing at BFMG
Josh has over nine years of experience creating, implementing, and optimizing social media strategy for companies and brands. He has worked with some of the biggest influencers such as The Kardashians, Snoop Dogg and more. He has created photo and video content, from 15 second commercials to long form documentaries. When creating content, he comes from the mindset of making it through understanding analytics first, then creating something unique and trending.
Josh has also created websites for charter schools, construction companies and more within the Chicago area. These websites are all designed to work responsively and intuitively for traffic driven from social media.
Wendell Burts
Community Affairs Director
Wendell Burts serves as the Community Affairs Director at Brown Farmer Media Group, where he plays a pivotal role in bridging the gap between the firm and the community. With a passion for community engagement and a knack for building strong relationships, Wendell has successfully spearheaded numerous outreach initiatives.
His notable projects include extensive work with the Chicago Fire Department, where he led outreach programs aimed at enhancing public safety awareness and fostering community trust. Additionally, Wendell has been instrumental in collaborating with the Lawndale Christian Development Center, driving initiatives that support community development and empowerment.
Wendell's expertise extends to various other projects, where he has consistently demonstrated his ability to connect with diverse community members and stakeholders. His commitment to fostering positive change and his strategic approach to community affairs make him an invaluable asset to Brown Farmer Media Group.
As the bridge between BFMG and the community, Wendell Burts ensures that the firm's projects resonate with and benefit the communities they serve, embodying the mission of Brown Farmer Media Group to drive meaningful impact and positive change.
Jean A. Williams
Print Journalist (Consultant)
Jean A. Williams grew up in New Orleans, but relocated to Chicago after finishing college at Dillard University, where she earned a bachelor's degree in mass communication. She has largely worked as a writer and editor for newspapers, magazines, corporations and associations, but she also is a filmmaker (with an MFA in cinema directing from Columbia College) and designer of handmade jewelry, wall art, housewares, accessories and other products.
As a print journalist, Ms. Williams has worked as a reporter and editor at the New Orleans Times-Picayune, Jet Magazine, the Chicago Sun-Times, and the ADA News. She wrote the nonfiction business memoir "Sweet Expectations: Michele Hoskins' Recipe for Success," published by Adams Media in 2004.
As a filmmaker, Ms. Williams has written, produced and directed three short films: "Oh Brother, My Sister"; “Ninth Grade Ned”; and “BARACKED.” Her short film "Oh Brother, My Sister" won the Lagniappe Award at the 11th New Orleans Film & Video Festival.
A huge lover of books, she has served as board chair of the Children's Book Fair in Hyde Park and is working on a young adult novel.
Visit her website: JeanWilliamsStudio.com
Follow on social media:
Instagram - @jean_williams_studio and @jean_the_creator
Facebook - Jean Williams Studio
Zvonimir Moric
Social Media/Art Director (Consultant)
A seasoned Art Director and UX/UI Designer with over 13 years of experience in many facets of design and the overall creative process. Worked in the Lightbank.com/Groupon.com offices for about 5 years and had the privilege to work closely with many of the startups that were created through the Lightbank VC fund. Have a very strong understanding marketing, sales, design, development, business strategy, raising capital, and team building.
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I have a strong talent for building supportive environments that bring out the best in creative professionals. Fully capable of managing multiple projects from concept to completion, according to client specifications in a high pressure, deadline driven environment. Specific areas of expertise include: user interface design, user experience design, branding & identity, marketing, business strategy, product design, investor pitch decks, and project management.
Tamaka Stephens
Special Events Director (Consultant)
Tamaka Stephens is an upscale event planner and owner of TM Stephens Events & Designs, where she specializes in event management. For more than a decade, Tamaka
has created sophisticated, timeless, and luxurious event experiences under her company's brand.
Alexy Irving
Marketing and Communications Specialist
Alexy Irving is a social media and marketing specialist, and photographer. Alexy has worked with event venues, magazines, and other creative companies to elevate their presentation, visibility, and online presence.​
Ingrid Grimes-Myles
Makeup Artist
Ingrid Grimes-Myles is a renowned makeup artist based in Chicago, known for her role as Michelle Obama's makeup artist during key events including the 2008 presidential campaign and Obama's early presidency. A lifelong Chicagoan with a psychology degree from UIC, Grimes-Myles has also worked with numerous celebrities and politicians, enhancing her reputation as a skilled makeup professional, particularly praised for her work with eyebrows. Her deep-rooted connection with Michelle Obama began before Barack Obama's presidential campaign, reflecting a longstanding personal and professional relationship.
Aaja Corinne Magee
Media Communications Director (Consultant)
At BFMG, Aaja is responsible for managing the company’s brand presence as well as developing key communication for the company, clients, and stakeholders. Prior to joining the team, Aaja worked in both the corporate and entrepreneurial sectors in the areas of branding, marketing, event coordination, operations, and visual presentation.
Amer Gosby
Public Information Director
Amer Goosby is a passionate leader with a love for fashion, the community, and events. She began her career as the PR Manager for Daniels Entertainment Group, a veteran public relations firm rooted in the entertainment industry.