Founder and principal of AftonRock Communications LCC, a strategic public relations and issues management firm.

Nominated for the university's Distinguished Teaching Award in the 2022-2023 and 2023-2024 academic years. Teaching classes in Media Storytelling and Media Literacy.

2019 Distinguished Adjunct in Social Sciences Award. Teaching courses in PR agency, professionalism, crisis communications, organizational communications, and public relations.Also chair of the Richard T. Roberston School of Media and Culture Advisory Board.

Led main corporate communications functions (Media Relations, Executive Communications, Employee Communications, Internet, Intranet, Social Media, Customer Communications, Video Production) for a “Fortune 500” energy company with $15 billion in revenue, 5 million customers and 16,000 employees. Served as chairman of the Communications Committee for the Interstate Natural Gas Pipeline Association of America (INGAA).

Team was named “Communicator of the Year” by Utility Communicators International for unprecedented three consecutive years. Social media efforts ranked among top 10 in our industry.Developed and am executing proactive communications strategy that has resulted in approximately a 50 percent increase in positive news stories about company’s largest subsidiary. Create highly effective integrated communications strategies in concert with Investor Relations, Government Affairs, Human… Show more Team was named “Communicator of the Year” by Utility Communicators International for unprecedented three consecutive years. Social media efforts ranked among top 10 in our industry.Developed and am executing proactive communications strategy that has resulted in approximately a 50 percent increase in positive news stories about company’s largest subsidiary. Create highly effective integrated communications strategies in concert with Investor Relations, Government Affairs, Human Resources and other company departments.Counsel C-suite and other senior executives on sensitive internal and external communications issues.Using Six Sigma and other metrics tools to measure effectiveness and improve communications. Received PRSA Bronze Anvil “Award of Commendation” in Speechwriting. Show less

Developed highly effective and resourceful internal communications team following the merger of Dominion and Consolidated Natural Gas. Directed communications for three major acquisitions and four labor contracts. Co-led cross-functional team that received PR News 2005 Platinum Award for best Employee Relations Campaign. Created model for labor contract negotiation communications that became subject of international case study.

Deputy head of corporate communications department, leading communications programs for financial analysts, shareholders, customers, news media and employees of “Fortune 500” energy company with 2 million natural gas distribution customers, interstate pipeline and storage system, and exploration and production business. Primary company architect of successful merger communications campaign that resulted in hometown newspaper endorsing the acquisition of my company.Created what… Show more Deputy head of corporate communications department, leading communications programs for financial analysts, shareholders, customers, news media and employees of “Fortune 500” energy company with 2 million natural gas distribution customers, interstate pipeline and storage system, and exploration and production business. Primary company architect of successful merger communications campaign that resulted in hometown newspaper endorsing the acquisition of my company.Created what is now called the “Dominion Energy Index,” which has been featured in USA Today and key trade publications, to help promote the company. Managed corporate media relations and crisis communications. Wrote main copy for annual report as well as senior executive presentations to financial analysts, industry and regulatory conferences, customers and news media. Wrote RFP that contributed to higher-than-expected sales price for $1 billion energy marketing subsidiary. Show less

Created what is now called the "Dominion Energy Index," which has been featured in USA Today and key trade publications, to help promote the company. Managed corporate media relations and crisis communications. Wrote main copy for annual report as well as senior executive presentations to financial analysts, industry and regulatory conferences, customers and news media. Wrote RFP that contributed to higher-than-expected sales price for $1 billion energy marketing subsidiary.

Directed staff of 10 reporters and editors in coverage of business and finance issues for 245,000-circulation daily newspaper. Melded highly motivated staff following merger of two competing newspapers. Helped lead development of alternative news delivery tools, such as radio network and fax editions.

Hosted “Money Talk,” a live weekly television show about personal finance issues. Also acted as co-producer, coordinating topic and guest selection.Reported on major news stories for “The News At 10” nightly news show and “The Editors” weekly public affairs show.