CAREER HIGHLIGHTS
Led Award-Winning Internal Engagement Initiative: Increased employee alignment and awareness by 40% at Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration through strategic messaging and digital content—earning two 2024 Platinum MarCom Awards.
Shaped Organization-Wide Strategy: Launched Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Office of Information and Technology’s first audience personas using Human Centered Design principles, shaping enterprise communication strategy and enhancing engagement across 10+ business lines. Recognized by the VA’s Veteran Experience Office for innovation and measurable impact.
Resolved Major Contract Backlog: Cleared a one-year Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) communications backlog in just six weeks by leading an eight-person team with structured timelines and deliverables. Recognized by Under Secretary for Benefits—team’s rapid delivery became a VBA-wide model.
Improved Congressional Response Efficiency: Created a digital tracking system for VA inquiries—cut response time by 33%, improved transparency, and enhanced coordination for 500+ cases annually.
Led High-Stakes Crisis Communications Operation: Directed crisis communications during a 96-hour Operation IRAQI FREEDOM evacuation, coordinating unified messaging for 1,295 airlifted personnel and their families. Enabled real-time updates and media access, earning a U.S. Air Force Achievement Medal for operational leadership under pressure.
Expanded Community Engagement: Launched Honorary Commander Program at JB MD, pairing 100+ civic leaders with military leadership, increasing outreach by 30% and strengthening long-term community ties.
Advanced Military-Civilian Relations: Directed communications strategy, media relations, and event planning for the 2017 Joint Civilian Orientation Conference (JCOC) at JB MDL, coordinating engagement with 40+ civilian leaders and amplifying USAF messaging to national policy influencers through DoD’s oldest and most prestigious public liaison program.
Delivered Cost Savings and Media Reach: Transitioned visual operations in-house post-contract at JB MDL, saving $240K annually and ensuring quality continuity.
Revitalized At-Risk Morale Event Program: Led planning and promotion for 12+ annual Morale, Welfare, and Recreation events at Hill AFB, increasing participation 60% while demonstrating program impact and cost-effectiveness to prevent closure, securing continued funding and leadership support.
PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND
Communications Portfolio Manager | Sr. Strategic Comms Specialist | Artemis ARC (Remote) | 2024 –2025
Project Manager | Senior Strategic Communications Specialist | Cathexis (Remote) | 2023
Project Manager | Strategic Communications Consultant | Barbaricum (Remote) | 2022 – 2023
Public Affairs Officer | Visual Information Manager | Executive Assistant | Mountain Home VA | 2020 –2022
Public Relations Specialist | Document Control Specialist | Oak Ridge Schools - IT Department (Tennessee) | 2019 -2020
EARLIER CAREER (U.S. AIR FORCE)
Held progressive leadership roles since 1999 in public affairs, media relations, and strategic communications. Earned multiple USAF Achievement and Commendation Medals. Led award-winning editorial teams, supported 15+ crisis responses, and managed outreach to 1.2M+ stakeholders. Swept AMC journalism awards for news, commentary, and feature writing—earning AMC’s Outstanding New Writer.
Public Affairs Officer | Chief of Community Engagement | U.S. Air Force (Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey | 2017 – 2018
Executive Assistant to the Commander | U.S. Air Force (JB MDL, New Jersey) | 2015 – 2017
Community Engagement Coordinator | Special Events Lead | U.S. Air Force (Hill AFB, Utah) | 2011 –2014
Chief of Internal Communications | U.S. Air Force (Moody AFB, GA & Incirlik AB, Türkiye) | 2004 – 2011
Public Affairs Specialist | Media Relations Lead | Newspaper Editor | U.S. Air Force (Charleston AFB, SC) | 2001 – 2004
Photojournalist | Visual Storyteller | U.S. Air Force (Charleston AFB, SC) | 1999 – 2001
