Projects Harold Nicoll Managed at Dow Chemical

As a public relations and communications professional for Dow Chemical for over two decades, Harold Nicoll managed a wide range of projects, from global marketing campaigns to community relations during crises

Strategic communications projects

• Global Business Public Affairs Leader (2007–2010): As the marketing communications leader for Dow Performance Fluids and Dow Polyglycols and Surfactants, Nicoll managed all aspects of communications for this multi-billion dollar specialty chemicals portfolio.
• New product introductions: He organized press tours in major cities like New York, Chicago, and Houston to introduce new products. He also wrote and published all brochures, press releases, and customer letters for products such as FILMTEC reverse osmosis membrane water purification systems and hollow fiber membrane air separation technology.
• Sustainable development reporting: Between 2002 and 2004, Nicoll led the publication of Dow’s report on sustainable development and 81 local site publications. The reports detailed the company’s efforts in emissions reduction, water and power conservation, and sustainable chemistry.
• Executive communications: In 2001, he wrote speeches for the Executive Vice President of Research and Development and provided support for presentations. He also worked on the introduction of the book Rembrandt’s In The Attic, which featured Dow as a case study for intellectual property management.
• “Cancer smart bombs”: In 2001, Nicoll coined the term “cancer smart bombs” to describe a bone cancer treatment technology, leading to widespread media coverage.
• International communications: In the mid-1990s, Nicoll organized Dow’s first media tour of Asia to promote business expansion in the Pacific Rim. He conducted trade events in Tokyo, Hong Kong, and Sydney.
• Media relations: He was also the first person at Dow to use internet video news conferences, hosting a live event from Amsterdam.

Issues and crisis management

• Crisis preparedness: In 2010, as the North American Public Affairs Leader, he was responsible for crisis training across 13 states.
• Controversy management: Nicoll served on the issues management teams for highly publicized situations, including the Dioxin controversy, the Bhopal disaster, and the breast implant controversy. In the latter case, he was part of the Houston team that successfully achieved the goal of staying out of court.
• Community relations: In 2004, when the company wanted to build a minor league baseball field on the site of its first headquarters, Nicoll managed public perception and helped turn the project into a positive for the community.

Employee and community projects

• Employee relations: He founded the company-wide “Drive To Zero” safety initiative and produced 48 safety videos. He also edited the internal publication North American Newsline and facilitated the Citizens Advisory Committee.
• Community outreach: In 2004, Nicoll prepared Dow leaders for congressional testimony on water conservation. The effort garnered network and global print coverage.

Harold Nicoll is a public relations professional, entrepreneur, and community leader based in Lake Jackson, Texas. He is the principal consultant at Media Public Relations and the founder of the humorous brand, SwampButt Underwear.

Professional Career

• Media Public Relations: As principal consultant, Nicoll offers strategic public relations advice, media strategies, and crisis management.
• SwampButt Underwear: Nicoll founded this brand of moisture-wicking underwear, which is marketed with a comedic and playful tone.
• The Dow Chemical Company: Nicoll spent more than two decades in public relations and marketing communications with Dow, holding various leadership roles from 1988 until 2011.
• TDECU: From 2014, he served as the Vice President of Marketing for TDECU, a major credit union in the Houston area.
• TIC Gums: He worked as a Marketing Manager for this food ingredient company from 2011 to 2013.
• The Collectors Show: Nicoll hosted and produced podcasts for this show, where he discussed collecting and featured other collectors.

Community Involvement

• Brazosport Rotary Club:

• • Nicoll served as president and secretary for this large Texas Rotary club.

• Brazosport Symphony Orchestra:

• • He was three times president and a marketing leader for the orchestra in addition to performing on trumpet.

• Boys and Girls Club of Brazoria County

• • He has served on the Board of Directors and as treasurer for this organization. 

Education and accreditation

• • Nicoll holds a master’s degree in strategic public relations from The George Washington University and a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Houston.
  • He is an Accredited Public Relations (APR) professional.