Andy Watson Email & Phone Number

I am a white settler on Lekwungen Territory, and a seasoned strategic communicator, connector, leader, and proven media and government relations specialist. I have a decade of experience in government and media relations leadership roles, supporting strategic communications planning and issues management. Currently the manager of communications, issues management and media relations at BC Emergency Health Services, I also spent almost a decade with the BC Government with stops at the BC Coroners Service (nominated for a Premier's Award in 2019) and Government Communications and Public Engagement with various ministries, specializing in crisis communications, media relations, issues management and strategic communications planning.In 2020, I worked on B.C.'s initial response to the COVID-19 pandemic at the provincial Joint Information Centre, managing strategic communications. In 2019, I was named one of four finalists for the Premier's Award as an emerging leader. Previously, I worked as the manager for the communications team with Emergency Management BC (EMBC) and before that at the Ministry of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation (MARR), managing a team of four. I have also worked in a number of other communications and public affairs roles with the Province since 2012.I have expertise in media relations, issues management, communications planning, strategic planning, internal communications, social media and crisis communications. I also coach and train media spokespeople after professionally conducting more than 1,000 interviews in my career. I am available to consult or work as a freelance writer. Outside of communications, I'm a passionate lacrosse referee and support training, mentorship and the evaluation and development of officials around the world. I am a proud graduate of Royal Roads University's Master of Arts in Professional Communication program and Carleton University's Bachelor of Journalism program. I also have 12 years of experience in reporting, media relations, sports information and part-time teaching, working for a number of employers including the Ottawa Sun, St. Catharines Standard, the University of Western Ontario in London, Ont., the University of Victoria, Fanshawe College and the Toronto Rock Lacrosse Club. Specialties: Spokesperson & Media Training, Media Relations, Issues Management, Communications Planning, Sports Communications, Blogging, News & Speech Writing, Editing, Communications Strategy, Internal Communications, Teaching, Refereeing, Crisis Communications, and Government Relations.

Listed skills include Media Relations, Public Relations, Press Releases, Strategic Communications, and 36 others.