Brian P. Tierney is the CEO of Brian Communications and Realtime Media (a digital marketing firm) and is a nationally recognized expert in marketing and communications. He is also the chairman of the Poynter Foundation. Prior to Brian Communications and Realtime Media, Brian was owner and publisher of the Pulitzer-prize winning Philadelphia Inquirer and Daily News as well as the Chief Executive Officer of its parent company, Philadelphia Media Holdings. Tierney has a distinguished record of building brands for some of the largest companies in the United States such as Exelon, Commerce Bank, Marriott,IBM, Deloitte, ARAMARK and Independence Blue Cross. He has launched several successful advertising and public relations companies, including T2 Group and Tierney Communications, which he grew to $275 million in billings and sold to the Interpublic Group of Companies (NYSE: IPG). He has served as Entrepreneur in Residence at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, has presented at the Milken Institute Global Conference and appeared on the BBC, CNBC, CBS, ABC and FOX. Tierney serves on the board of NutriSystem (NASDAQ: NTRI) and Republic Bank (NASDAQ: FRBK), as well as several privately held businesses. He has served on the boards of numerous non-profit organizations including the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, Thomas Jefferson University, Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce, Episcopal Academy and the University of Pennsylvania Museum. He currently serves as Chairman of The Poynter Foundation. Brian received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Pennsylvania, a Juris Doctor from Widener University School of Law and a Doctor of Humane letters from Cabrini College.