Led all aspects of corporate and marketing communications, including internal and external communications, web and social strategy, trade show strategy and execution, and marketing collateral development. Led a team of 3 specialists, managed department budget and reported to the President.

Led and executed enterprise-wide communications, proactive and reactive public relations campaigns, and social media strategy. Developed and oversaw internal communications strategy across intranet, digital boards, email and newsletters. Reported directly to the SVP and Head of Corporate Communications.

Led corporate citizenship and charitable contribution strategies in Virginia and Tennessee. Regularly networked with prominent community leaders, elected officials, and senior leadership of business and trade organizations. Directed and executed all internal/external communications and media relations for priority government affairs and community relations issues. Reported directly to the SVP, Communications and Corporate Citizenship.• Managed 40+ community partner relationships and a $7 million charitable contribution budget.• Led communication and community engagement strategy on multiple public policy proposals; served as corporate spokesperson and wrote testimony, message points, opinion editorials, and employee communications. • Directed message creation, speech writing, and advertisement/brand collateral development for community sponsorships and events; secured a speaking opportunity for the Chairman and CEO at the Virginia Chamber of Commerce Economic Summit, attended by 850+ business and state leaders.• Championed a $1.3 million charitable grant to local community college workforce development programs to support Altria’s hiring needs; achieved favorable print/broadcast/social media coverage and persuaded key civic organizations to share across their social media platforms, tripling audience reach.

Directed the public relations and corporate communications strategy, including spokesperson responsibilities, on sales and marketing initiatives, financial performance, regulatory and legal matters, and charitable contributions. Led crisis communication planning and execution.

Provided strategic communication counsel to the Regulatory Affairs and Sales departments. Led a cross-functional team to identify emerging issues and develop strategies that shaped public policy.

Led advertising, engagement, and communication strategies for Philip Morris USA’s brand protection efforts on Marlboro, one of the world’s top 10 most valuable brands. Managed a $6.8 million department budget and four direct reports.

Drove market research to identify consumer trends and track retailers selling counterfeit and tax-diverted Marlboro cigarettes. Trained retailers, wholesalers, field sales, and federal and state law enforcement on strategies to identify illegal cigarette sales.

Led the strategy, development, and implementation of sales plans for five Territory Sales Managers that generated ~$50M combined annual sales revenue and serviced 600+ retail locations.