Mark Bergin

11/04/2026

I spent the past two days at Digital Summit Series in Raleigh, my first time attending the conference!

There was plenty of discussion about artificial intelligence and how it's changing marketing and communications. But one of my biggest takeaways was a reminder of something technology can't replace: building relationships with people.

AI can help us work faster, research ideas and be more creative. But it can't replace listening, asking thoughtful questions and taking the time to understand what people actually need.

That's important in my role as an account manager at E&V Strategic Communications.

I'm grateful to the partners at E&V for investing in my professional development and allowing me to learn from talented people.

I recorded this short video to share a few thoughts from the conference.

AI can help us do more. But we shouldn't outsource the human perspective that makes our work valuable.

11/03/2026

✅ My first Digital Summit Series is in the books!

One of the highlights was meeting Kipp Bodnar, the Chief Marketing Officer at HubSpot.

His message stuck with me: Don't outsource your taste to AI. Teach AI to reflect your perspective instead.

AI can help us work faster and produce more content. But without the right direction, it often generates generic results. Human judgment is what makes the work effective.

Great marketing and communications still require:
— Creativity
— Strong relationships
— An understanding of what matters to your audience.

That's relevant to my work at E&V Strategic Communications. My job isn't only about producing deliverables. It's about understanding our clients and helping them make thoughtful decisions about how to tell their stories.

Grateful to E&V for the opportunity to attend the conference and learn from some great marketing and communications leaders!

11/02/2026

Over the years, I’ve interviewed several players who played for Mike Tomlin. One thing has always stood out: Not once has a player had a bad thing to say about him.

A few weeks ago, I had the chance to hear the Super Bowl-winning coach speak at North Carolina Central University Department of Athletics' Men’s Basketball Tip-Off event in Durham.

One message stuck with me: If you care about something, what are you actually doing to show it?

Tomlin’s relationship with NCCU basketball coach LeVelle Moton provides an example. It’s one thing to talk about supporting people. It’s another to show up and follow through.

Tomlin’s success on the football field speaks for itself. But hearing him reinforced something I’ve noticed through my conversations with his players. The respect they have for him says a lot about his leadership, communication skills and the culture he’s built.

Words matter. But actions give them meaning.

Grateful to E&V Strategic Communications for opportunities like this. A shoutout to Jack Messenger, Maurice Jones and Noah Walker for joining me. Nothing beats spending time with good people and making memories along the way.

I wrote a little more about what I took away from the event. Check it out here: https://eandvgroup.com/words-are-not-enough-a-leadership-lesson-from-mike-tomlin/

09/11/2026

NEVER FORGET: Welles Crowther saved as many as 12 people during the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, even at the expense of his own life.

It's been 25 years since the attacks changed our world forever.

Every American should know the story of "The Man in the Red Bandana." Welles' bravery and courage will be remembered forever.

08/25/2026

Dolly Parton was the embodiment of the goodness of humanity.

The angel of the Smokies.

I’ll never forget her contributions to the recovery efforts in the aftermath of the 2016 Great Smoky Mountain wildfires.

Her impact is immeasurable: Dollywood. The Dolly Parton Imagination Library. Iconic music.

Starting my career at WBIR in Knoxville, I was fortunate to learn about her and cover the impact that she had on the East Tennessee community.

Here’s a story I wrote in 2024 about how she helped raise millions of dollars for Hurricane Helene relief: https://www.wral.com/archive/21657431/

Rest in peace. Today we lost a true legend.

08/17/2026

I am proud to be part of the E&V Strategic Communications team. What a day with a talented group of coworkers!

06/26/2026

✅ Week 1 is in the books with Eckel & Vaughan!

06/17/2026

After more than four years at WRAL TV and Capitol Broadcasting Company, this week marks the end of a chapter in my career.

My journalism career dates back to 2009-2010, when I started writing online. I’ve had the privilege of working with some of the best people in the journalism industry in newsrooms across the country.

What I’ll miss most: The people.

Thank you to anyone who has commented, clicked, interacted, read, listened or watched my work over the years. I’m grateful for the opportunities I had at WRAL.

As one chapter closes, another begins.

I'm excited to share that I have joined Eckel & Vaughan as an Account Manager. This opportunity allows me to apply my storytelling, content strategy and communications experience in a new way while helping clients achieve their business and communications goals.

I'm pleased that I will get to stay in Raleigh, a place that has quickly become home.

Thank you to everyone at WRAL and Capitol Broadcasting Company who has been part of my journey.

05/07/2026

76 teams in the NCAA Tournament. What do you think of the new format? 🏀

The NCAA will expand its March Madness tournaments by eight teams each next season. It will add more early-round games in the first week without altering the overall format. The new 76-team brackets for men and women will feature 12 games involving 24 teams.

05/06/2026

There won't be a Triple Crown winner this year. Golden Tempo will not run in the Preakness Stakes.

I'm fortunate to have seen a Triple Crown winner, one of 13 horses total.

In 2018, I was at the Kentucky Derby to see Justify. I'll never forget it.

Kentucky Derby winner Golden Tempo will not run in the Preakness Stakes next weekend. Trainer Cherie DeVaux announced the plan to skip the Preakness and set sights on the Belmont Stakes on June 6 at Saratoga Race Course in upstate New York. Golden Tempo is the third Derby winner in the past five ...