Develop and execute proactive external communications strategies to promote capabilities, technology and successes of leading defense company through traditional and digital media, executive engagement and employee advocacy

Chief communications strategist and spokesperson for U.S. Senator serving on Armed Services Committee; Commerce Science & Transportation Committee; Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee Create short and long-term communications plans utilizing traditional and social media to strengthen the Senator’s bipartisan reputation and raise awareness on key priorities, including defense technology, self-driving cars and environmental issues. Manage media relations with reporters, editors, producers and opinion writers in Washington, DC and Michigan’s ten media markets, as well as relevant trade press Coordinate with internal and external stakeholders on policy rollouts, events and legislative campaigns, including response to the Flint water crisis and passage of veteran’s legislation that earned Sen. Peters “Legislator of the Year” award from the Vietnam Veterans of America

Developed strategic communications plan to bolster positive image & compliment campaign messaging for Senator with a high-profile reelection campaign that was called “near perfect” by National Journal, “smart” by Politico and one of the best congressional campaigns of 2014 by Roll CallCollaborated closely with legislative staff to develop policy proposals and positions related to Senator Hagan’s priorities serving on the Senate Armed Services Committee; Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee; Banking Committee and Small Business CommitteeCoordinated with state, legislative and communications staff to oversee production of message-driven press events in North Carolina & DC and served as on-the-record spokesperson with state & national reportersServed as primary spokeswoman and briefed and staffed Senator for national and local television, radio and print interviews, events and appearances

Established relationships with media outlets and campaigns in competitive congressional districts in Western states, including Arizona, California, New Mexico, Nevada, Oregon and Texas Collaborated with 19 campaigns and their consulting teams to develop communications strategy, earned media plans, story pitches, rapid response and interview and debate preparation, resulting in 15 general election victories Produced press plans, talking points, news releases, background documents, memos, media advisories and op-eds for campaigns

Created and implemented a strategic communications plan for the TDP’s coordinated campaign effort in Houston-area Harris County, the third largest county in the U.S. and Texas’ major battleground in 2008 and 2010Worked with 39 countywide candidates and numerous elected officials and surrogates to promote the Democratic ticket in 2008, resulting in 32 Democratic victories in a previously all-Republican county government and the first Democratic presidential victory in the county since 1964Supported individual campaigns in organizing and executing earned media efforts in Houston-area media market, one of the top ten largest markets in the U.S.Assisted in development of television and radio ads and targeted mail program

Built aggressive Communications Department from the ground up that focused on re-establishing the Texas Democratic Party in over 19 media markets and increasing visibility among the Texas Capitol press corps, Washington, DC journalists and online community Implemented statewide communications strategy targeting competitive districts and generating positive news coverage of Democratic accomplishments, including the gain of two congressional seats, seven State House seats and the TDP’s successful law suit against Tom DeLay in 2006Served as the Party’s primary on-the-record spokesperson in print, radio, online and television mediaOrganized press conferences and interviews for TDP Chair, Democratic candidates, federal and state legislators and local officialsCoordinated all media logistics at the Democratic State Convention for print and radio reporters, television outlets and bloggers

Developed and implemented comprehensive communications plan to promote legislative agenda and achievements of first-term Congressman serving on the House Financial Services CommitteePitched stories and acted as official on-the-record spokespersonGenerated news releases, op-eds, floor speeches, website content and constituent communications Coordinated press conferences, online town hall events and print, radio and television interviews for Congressman Cleaver

Wrote press releases, media advisories and weekly memos to campaigns outlining press opportunities, legislative activity, national observances, polls of note and presidential schedules Designed DCCC: From the Frontlines, a weekly roundup of House Democratic politics that was sent to 90 congressional reporters and 450 Democratic allies Served as Democratic News Service Whip for DCCC, scheduling Members of Congress for television satellite interviews at the Democratic National Convention Monitored news and compiled daily clips

Wrote news releases, media advisories, speeches, Congressional Record statements, and personal correspondenceOrganized constituent meetings and press events in the districtMonitored, tracked and advised Member on legislation related to labor, pensions, welfare, postal service and women’s issues