I’m a St Paul-based government and communications specialist with twenty years experience providing strategic counsel and public affairs services for governors, state commissioners, legislative leaders and candidates at all levels. I specialize in crisis communications – it’s an everyday occurrence in politics and government. I know how to pitch a story to show off an organization’s strengths, and more importantly, I know how to kill a story that will damage reputations. I’m also a very good writer used to working under tight deadlines and extreme pressure.My specialties include:• Strategic advisor - Providing counsel and executing strategic communication plans to support announcements, programs and initiatives. Experience guiding organizations through crisis communications. • Writer - Experience writing press releases that get noticed, columns that get published and speeches that have an impact.• Media spokesman – Conducted hundreds of television, radio and newspaper interviews on behalf of the leaders and organizations for whom I’ve worked. • New media specialist - Experience implementing new media initiatives and strategies to effectively communicate with the public, customers and stakeholders. • Internal Communications Director - implemented internal communications plans for two different state agencies including weekly newsletter, internal websites and regular communication from agency leadership.• Pitchman – Experience setting up statewide tours to promote issues or candidates including pitching regional editorial boards and organizing town meetings to build grassroots support.• Government Relations Director – Over fifteen years direct experience with the legislative process – I know how a bill becomes a law and I have strong relationships with the people that make those decisions.I'm looking for opportunities to utilize these talents with a team dedicated to innovative communications in a creative and professional environment.