Hibernia Principal For A Day

Opportunity

The “Principal for a Day” program invites executives and community leaders to shadow principals for one day to gain a better understanding of the rewards and demands of educational leadership in the 21st century.  Since 2005, the Pierpont Public Affairs team has helped Hibernia Bank strengthen their partnerships with key educators and government officials as well as make a difference in Hibernia’s local markets through this unique program.

Strategy

Pierpont recognized early on that a taking ownership of “Principal for a Day” would be a rewarding opportunity and recommended Hibernia Bank to serve as the leading and sole sponsor of the 2005 program.  After confirming the event was a strategic fit with the company’s business objectives, Pierpont secured the background information needed to implement the program and maximize Hibernia’s involvement.  Equipped with a full understanding the program’s rich history, Pierpont initiated relationships with the City of Houston, the Just Help Foundation and Houston Independent School District (HISD) and formed a committee to discuss implementation of the program. 

 For the 2005 program, Pierpont negotiated influential sponsorship benefits for Hibernia Bank which included exclusive naming rights to the title “Hibernia Bank Principal for a Day.”  By ensuring that the bank was the one and only sponsor, Pierpont was able to position Hibernia’s initiatives among a key audience.

Pierpont sought out several interesting angles for media coverage consideration.  For example, Pierpont arranged for Hibernia’s regional president, Paul Davidson, to serve as principal for a day at his own Alma matter, Westbury High School, as well as serve as the keynote speaker during the luncheon that afternoon.  Since then, Paul has worked with Pierpont to cultivate ideas for an incentive program to alleviate tardiness at the High School.  Pierpont also arranged for Hibernia Bank’s South Texas Retail Group Manager, Annella Metoyer, to participate in the program to ensure that Hibernia would play an active role in the program.  

Initial Results for the 2005 Program

The amount of executive and principal involvement doubled in 2005 and Hibernia developed strategic relationships with these businesses as a result of the event. In addition, KTRK-TV Channel 13, KRIV-TV FOX 26 and HISD-TV featured the event during their morning and evening newscasts.

Hibernia emerged as a leader among its corporate peers and gained the respect of city officials and area educators for their support of the Houston educational system.  Not only were Mayor White and the Superintendent pleased with the outcome of the program, but Hibernia Bank successfully achieved their goal of supporting the community through charitable contributions, branding and innovative educational partnerships.

Success in the Following Years

In November of 2005, Capital One completed a merger with Hibernia Bank. Pierpont has stayed on and continues to develop and build upon the “Principal for a Day” program strategy.

The media exposure garnered from the partnership continues to produce valuable positive exposure among prospective customers.  As an additional tribute to the program’s success, HISD showcased “Principal for a Day” in its 2006 annual report, highlighting valuable community results such as:

• Renewed partnerships between Capital One and James Madison and Westbury High Schools.
• The launch of a mentor program at Lamar High School.
• A strengthened relationship and sense of understanding between business and community leaders and the HISD administration.

The Pierpont team looks forward to facilitating Capital One’s strategic leadership role again in the upcoming 2007 “Principle for a Day” program.