Pete Shafer '86

Major: Political Science

Pete Shafer is the Vice President, Sales & Marketing for Indiana-based The Prosper Group and Everest Communications, both digital marketing firms that work with clients regarding online reputation management, crisis communications and social media advertising. Pete founded RSSL Advisory LLC, a marketing communications firm that counted Washington College as a client. Pete was CEO of KRC Research and has worked in a variety of sales and marketing leadership roles at global market research companies like Gallup and Harris Interactive. In addition, Pete was a Global Partner at London-based Brunswick Group as well Senior Vice President at Paris-based digital research firm Toluna. Pete authored two management books and is a frequent speaker at conferences.

Pete has four children and lives in Lutherville, Maryland with his wife Lisa. He is a frequent and long-time volunteer with Washington College.

Favorite Class

Philosophy of Religion taught by Dr. Peter Tapke. And any class taught by Dr. Tari Renner.

Fondest WC Memory

Grilling out on the steps of Middle Hall after working for the Dining Services team and Birthday Ball.

Let’s Hear It for the Liberal Arts

By learning “how to write” was and still is invaluable to me today. I loved how my professors taught me how to listen, to discern what was said and unsaid in conversations. I always appreciate being taught over and over how to reason, how to think and how to express ourselves in writing. Being able to articulate what I am thinking has helped me in every aspect of my life.

Advice

When you dig a hole, and then emerge from that hole, you haven’t made any progress. You just returned to where you were. Always strive to move forward and don’t dig holes for yourself.