Provides public affairs advice and counsel in support of an acquisition workforce of 1,500 at 31 sites throughout the nation responsible for delivering contracting and oversight for a wide range of business practices. Enhances public awareness and understanding of the organization and Army acquisition profession through community outreach in support of number of communities to include small business and large industry, general public, Department of Defense agencies, Congress and civic leaders. Develops strategic communications plans and command policy guidance in support of various Public Affairs programs and leader priorities. Represents the organization for external, internal, local and national news matters while directing the media relations program. Actively pitches and places stories with media outlets. Conducts media training for key organizational leaders on an as-needed basis. Plans, develops and produces a variety of materials and publications including print, visual, Web-based, multimedia and video materials to convey information about Army acquisitions to a variety of stakeholders. Directs the organization’s online public presence and social media platform by managing content to generate employee engagement as well as inform multiple audiences. Manages content review of speeches, news articles and radio and television show statements for security, privacy, propriety and suitability, and integration with overall communications strategies. Serves as brand steward ensuring consistent messaging and branding across all organizational units.

Planned and executed public affairs communications strategies for the Air Force Personnel Center, Manpower Agency and Services Agency in support of more than 450,000 employees. Served as primary liaison with Air Force Manpower and Personnel staff for communicating changes on total force policies impacting the entire personnel enterprise. Wrote, edited and staffed releases on personnel matters incorporating themes and messaging that aligned with overall communications objectives ensuring uniformity and consistency with strategic priorities. Developed and executed communications plans for Air Force-level policies and programs outlining communications objectives and engagement tactics for key audiences and social media avenues to achieve desired effects. Analyzed and identified key issues impacting all Air Force employees to ensure appropriate communications posturing through various traditional, grassroots and social media tactics. Provided creative input and copy edits for Afterburner newsletter distributed to an Air Force retiree population of more than 750,000. Served as chief in absence of Public Affairs director. Coached and mentored five professionals in writing and execution of public affairs activities.

Provided Air Force Recruiting Service creative advertising writing and editing services to support a variety of Air Force Marketing products and collateral advertising materials for public consumption. Wrote and developed national magazine advertisements, national magazine articles, brochures, fact folders, direct mail letters, fact sheets and audio-visual programs, ensuring they adhere to corporate branding and communication strategies. Conducted interviews with Air Force career field subject matter experts for technical oversight. Proofread and edited all national advertising material prior to Government Printing Office printing.

Researched, collected, prioritized and edited print and broadcast news and feature products to post on the Air Force-level website in support of strategic communications goals. Maintained contact and fostered relationships with public affairs staffs at all levels of the Air Force to ensure leadership messages and key issues were covered through electronic and print products. Conducted media analysis to identify trends, prepared reports and recommended coverage to increase effectiveness of agency news operations. Synchronized convergence of print, photo, broadcast, radio and Web products to produce timely, complete news event packages for more than 3 million monthly viewers of Air Force Link.

Oversaw day-to-day operations of public affairs programs for the headquarters staff supporting an organization of more than 3,000 employees. Developed and executed effective strategies and plans for internal and external communications goals. Directly supervised and trained two employees responsible for internal information products and managing national community outreach programs. Responded to international, national and local news media inquiries, determined release of information, and prepared talking points and key messages for senior organizational leadership. Worked persuasively with influential leaders in education and medicine to gain their support in reaching 100,000-plus potential recruiting leads for critical employee vacancies. Provided counsel, policy guidance and training for 28 field organizations located across the country. Editorial oversight for the award-winning, monthly national publication for internal employees. Prepared and executed annual $250K budget for publications, office and national tour programs. Researched and identified training deficiencies, developed standardized training documents for national implementation by regional trainers.

Planned and executed all functions related to advertising, promotional and public affairs activities within Indiana, western Kentucky and eastern Illinois. Developed and staffed support plans for community relations activities designed to increase awareness and generate leads for potential applicants. Negotiated advertising with print, radio, broadcast and outdoor advertising agencies. Managed annual $30,000 budget for advertising and promotional products, controlled distribution. Aggressively directed media relations program for 80-plus broadcast television outlets throughout tri-state area, leveraged media opportunities with radio partners in three designated market areas. Provided media relations training to 60-plus employees and senior management. Coordinated placement of marketing platforms and resources at national events in zone. Led media and community relations support of recruiting efforts at more than 40 air shows. Wrote, designed and published newsletter, biographies, fact sheets and other collateral materials in support of internal and external communications needs.