Leader of successful multi-year communications program that established Microsoft among the most visible and effective corporate US government affairs programs. • Drove proactive campaigns that positively elevated the profile of the company, priority issues and senior executives including the CEO, president and corporate vice president of US government affairs. Integrated campaign combined media relations, social media, marketing, events, stakeholder outreach and other tools.• Acted as a spokesperson on public policy and legislative efforts. Developed narratives and supporting campaigns that helped the Microsoft team successfully advance policy positions. Served on leadership team for US government affairs and as senior advisor to other corporate communications initiatives.• Managed public relations teams in DC, Brussels and Seattle and a yearly budget of over $3 million.

• Acted as senior advisor to clients in times of crisis and in the development of advocacy plans that effectively resonated with policymakers and media.• Successfully recruited new clients and managed internal account teams for this leading international public relations firm, including major corporations and advocacy associations.

• Served as chief communications advisor to Secretary Mike Leavitt and oversaw all communications activity for the department and its 11 agencies, including the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, the Food and Drug Administration, the National Institutes of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.• Responsibilities included development of coordinated communications strategy; management of 60 person team that included a press officers, speechwriters, web developers, broadcast studio staff and FOIA experts; and oversight of $15 million communications budget.• Generated positive media placements, highly-visible events and successful proactive campaigns for the department as it planned for pandemic flu outbreaks; implemented the Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit; sought to forward policy changes to increase access to affordable health insurance; and managed crises such as outbreaks of illness, drug recalls and other emergencies.• Presidentially-appointed and US Senate-confirmed in this position. Before tenure as Assistant Secretary, served as Deputy Assistant Secretary (2005–2007), Director of Media Relations (2003-2005) and Communications Director for the Assistant Secretary for Health (2002-2003).