College Relations Vice President

randy.hawthorne@firespring.com

As vice president business development Randy Hawthorne oversees the Research and Development of marketing products and services for Firespring. Additionally, he manages the Firespring brand, franchise development and franchise support services.

Prior to joining the team, Randy managed AlphaGraphics of Nebraska where he started in 1992. In 1999, Randy earned “Manager of the Year” from the AlphaGraphics franchise association from over 300 managers worldwide. Beyond AlphaGraphics, Randy understands the operations of a franchise organization, having extensive experience with Blockbuster Video.

As a Professional Certified Marketer, he served as president of the Lincoln Chapter of the American Marketing Association, leading his team to the 1st Runner-up Chapter of the Year. He speaks nationally for the American Marketing Association and has participated on the Downtown Lincoln Association marketing and public arts committees. He serves on the Community Services Fund and the Sheldon Art Association board of directors in the capacity of marketing.

Randy is past president of Updowntowners, the events producers of the Downtown Lincoln Association where he has helped produce and promote various Lincoln events including July Jamm, Celebrate Lincoln and the Star City Holiday Festival. He is the 2008 recipient of the IFEA/Zambelli Fireworks Internationale Volunteer of the Year Award.

Randy also works with Nebraska’s youth to develop leadership skills through the Nebraska Association of Student Councils Volunteer Staff, where he was executive director and recipient of the John Lux Award for outstanding contributions to Nebraska’s young people.

Selected as one of Lincoln’s 40 Under 40 by the Midlands Business Journal, he is a member of Rotary Club #14 where he serves on the board. Additionally, as a participant in Class XVI, he occasionally works with Leadership Lincoln and Youth Leadership Lincoln.

In his spare time, Randy periodically makes his way to the Lincoln Community Playhouse stage, where he also served as president of the board.