Deborah Mark Email & Phone Number

Accomplished professional with expertise in domestic, international and Jewish affairs, and a background in law, government relations, and advocacy. Recognized for exceptional written and oral communications skills, and as a quick study in a broad array of subjects ranging from current business affairs to public policy issues. Keen ability to simplify and invigorate complex content and data. Known for producing speeches, advocacy and promotional materials that mobilize audiences and resources to embrace a cause. Earned reputation for delivering: Decision-ready information in written and oral presentations for senior professionals and lay leaders;Persuasive and inspirational policy analysis that facilitates donor buy-in and financial support;Compelling analysis that increases audience engagement and understanding of critical complex issues and organizational missions; newspaper and website content, ghostwritten speeches, testimony, articles, books, newsletters, and related research.Media Experience:• C-SPAN broadcast of hearing of the Helsinki Commission of the U.S. Congress with recommendations regarding the Bosnian refugee crisis• The Oprah Winfrey Show for book promotion on “How To Talk Sports to Men”• Regis Philbin/AM New York for book promotion on “How To Talk Sports to Men”• The Leon Charney Report regarding book promotion on “Two Jews, Three Opinions”• Numerous newspaper, radio and television interviews representing the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society •Specialties: strategic communications, writing/editing, advocacy, public policy, tutoring middle/high school students in social studies, history, writing

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  Director Of Public Policy & Govt. Relations

  Hias (Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society)

  1989 - 1999

  • Represented HIAS as a member of an interdenominational delegation to the former Yugoslavia charged with assessing the needs of refugees; reported findings in testimony before the Helsinki Commission of the U.S. Congress • Pioneered the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society’s (HIAS) presence in the former Soviet Union to help implement and evaluate a new and untested U.S. government program for refugee processing in Moscow• Articulated the agency’s mission to international and federal authorities, including the United States Department of State, as well as to members of Congress and the Administration• Mobilized audiences nationwide and overseas to embrace the agency’s mission; Became known for moving audiences from skepticism to acceptance of the legitimacy of clients’ needs• As staff support to the Board’s Committee on Government Relations, created briefing materials, as well as written and oral testimony for HIAS Board members and Jewish Federation lay leadership in preparation for appearances before members of Congress and federal officials• Developed and sustained strategic relationships with other agencies and NGOs • Recognized for maintaining cohesive relationships with the agency’s management, department heads, and staff, to assure effective information sharing and efficient work flow