Chuck Tombarge Email & Phone Number

Saint Paul, Mn, Us

Washington Dc-Baltimore Area

Greater Minneapolis-St. Paul Area

As a senior enterprise-wide leader, I lead strategic external and internal communications programs to advance the institution's reputation, brand, and profile.Specific responsibilities include:- Leading institutional efforts to manage day-to-day issues, as well as large-scale crises;- Created and initiated an institutional issues management process and tools that have enhanced the preparation and consistency of institutional responses to high-profile issues;- Designing and implementing an institution-wide effort to enhance marketing/communications quality and efficiency;- Led an interdisciplinary team to successfully navigate enterprise-wide COVID response communications;- Collaborating with University leaders and communicators (internally and in state government) to develop and implement proactive public relations plans (e.g., statewide/national media relations, issues and crisis management, internal communications, and other strategies);- Working with the Vice President, Chief Marketing Officer, and Chief Government Relations Officer to set goals, strategies, and measures for the U Relations team that advance University goals and initiatives; - Providing counsel and training to the Board of Regents, President, Vice Presidents, Chancellors, faculty, and other leaders;- Managing and mentoring the University's central PR and internal communications teams to deliver high-level results on behalf of campuses, colleges, and units systemwide;- Maintaining strong relationships and collaboration with University and government partners;- Co-leading efforts to build professional development and best practices training for communications professionals systemwide;- Serving on campus and enterprise initiative committees;- Maintaining strong relationships with colleagues nationally in the Big Ten, Association of American Universities, and the Association of Public & Land-Grant Universities.

Greater Minneapolis-St. Paul Area

- Mentored and managed the University's News Service team to deliver high-level results, reform office culture, and greatly improve client service related to strategic public relations, issues management/crisis communications, and responsive media relations;- Worked with University leadership to develop communications policies and strategies to build the University’s reputation and public trust;- Capitalized on proactive communications opportunities to drive Board of Regents and presidential administration priorities internally and externally;- Collaborated with senior leaders, collegiate/departmental units, and Greater Minnesota campuses to advance University-wide goals;- Provided strategic public relations and crisis communications counsel, including in a consulting role to Gopher Athletics during its 2013 leadership transition;- Collaborated with Government Relations leadership to reduce surprises, support policymaker outreach, and seek political counsel on media and communications issues;- Served as the University spokesperson and Public Information Officer

Greater Minneapolis-St. Paul Area

- Worked closely with the Executive Director to develop a strategic planning process that effectively engaged staff and board members, and set a clear direction for the $3 million-a-year non-profit organization;- Led the board and organization through a challenging leadership transition resulting in enhanced trust between staff and board, increased board effectiveness, and an ability to refocus attention to improving outcomes for youth;- During my tenure, the board has strengthened governance roles and committee accountability, and has worked effectively with staff to enhance fundraising and marketing efforts. As a result, the organization has begun to broaden its donor relationships and increase donor giving;- Coaches, mentors, and manages the Executive Director. Also provides counsel to the Executive Director and her leadership team on high-profile issues.

Greater Minneapolis-St. Paul Area

Greater Minneapolis-St. Paul Area

- Helped guide the board in its development and adoption of a three-year strategic plan that increased the organization's stability, enhanced outcomes for youth; and prepared it for significant leadership change; - Developed a process for and implemented Executive Director performance reviews; - Previously served as Vice Chair. Began service on the board in May 2010.

Greater Minneapolis-St. Paul Area

- Led strategy development, provided counsel, and collaborated with cross-functional client teams on proactive media relations, crisis communications, advocacy and social media, reputation and issues management, and other strategies aligned to meet clients’ organizational goals;- Member of firm’s senior leadership; managed and directed account teams in a deadline-driven environment;- Provided media and presentation/speaking training to client spokespeople and leadership, and delivered presentations to client and public stakeholder groups;- Developed and implemented staff development program, provided staff coaching, and managed firm efficiency;- Built strong client, media, and stakeholder relationships that fostered firm and client successes;- Managed e-communications, marketing, media and internal/external stakeholder outreach strategies that assisted the Northstar Commuter Rail project to successfully achieve final government approvals and launch rail service in 2009.

Greater Minneapolis-St. Paul Area

- Co-managed proactive and crisis media relations to local, national, and international media during I-35W Bridge reconstruction (recognized by the American Road & Transportation Builders Association for excellence in public-media relations/education);- Developed and oversaw implementation of tactical plans for clients;- Wrote, edited, and proofread media/communications materials to ensure consistent messaging and AP/other style;- Developed and utilized qualitative and quantitative research and issue environment analysis to effectively frame key messages and guide strategies.

Greater Minneapolis-St. Paul Area

- Conducted public and stakeholder outreach on behalf of a non-profit health organization, contributing to a successful statewide legislative initiative;- Drafted news releases, talking points, radio actualities, editorials, letters to the editor, and other communications;- Built strong media relationships and conducted outreach to successfully place earned media and foster media coverage.

Greater Minneapolis-St. Paul Area

- Handled media inquiries for daily and high-profile issues, managed media access, and served as spokesperson, including for the 2001 Special Redistricting Panel; also managed internal communication efforts to judges and staff.- Managed public and stakeholder outreach programs, reaching 15,000+ people in a year and earning American Bar Association recognition;- Worked with Supreme Court Justices, Judges, and court officials at all levels to develop and implement strategies to advance Judicial Branch goals and policies and ensure public trust and confidence;- Served as Interim Director of Communications during summer 2002.

Rochester, Minnesota Area

- Wrote breaking news, features, and news about local government and education for daily newspaper;- Developed high-quality news sources and interview skills;- Awarded Frank Premack Public Affairs Journalism Award and Society of Professional Journalists award for team-reported series.

Austin, Mn

- Managed writing, editing, and production of news pages;- Wrote about local government, the courts, law enforcement, and health care for daily newspaper.

Master'S Degree, Public Affairs

Included study in leadership, issues and crisis management, and negotiation. Earned school recognition for team capstone research project.

Ba Cum Laude, Journalism, Public Relations, Business

Activities and Societies: Delta Epsilon Sigma, St. Thomas Aquinas Scholars