Denise Bakar, Ma, Mba Email & Phone Number

United States

Outreach and communications lead within the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology, working at the dynamic intersection of new and emerging technologies, data, policy, research, and all modes of transportation. Strategic communications lead for the cross-agency Advanced Air Mobility Interagency Working Group, spearheading efforts to develop a national strategy to usher in the third revolution in aerospace through the introduction of highly automated and electric aircraft.

Founding member of the Highly Automated Systems Safety Center of Excellence within the Office of the Secretary of Transportation, connecting transportation automation stakeholders across the private and public sectors to support a strategic and integrated approach to the future of driverless mobility. Education and engagement lead for technical programs powering the safe, coordinated development and deployment of automated vehicles and systems across the nation.

Organizational change leader specializing in the technology and media sectors to help organizations evolve through human capital solutions that build organizational capability and brands, drive strategic communications, and rewire the way people work. Account leader advising big technology clients invested in autonomous mobility and managing the professional development and production of a deep bench of marketing, communications, graphic design, and multimedia consultants.

Mclean, Virginia

Directed strategic communications activities for federal research on automated vehicle and digital infrastructure technologies. Managed a team of six practitioners. Developed and executed a comprehensive communications and marketing strategy, including developing plans and budgets for 36+ complex technology projects. Served as project manager for $7.5M base task funding lab management, operations, and communications. Led proposal activities including scoping work, developing win themes, and writing SOWs. Designed and executed change management strategies to prepare program workforce for transition to integrated digital systems and processes. Drove storytelling across industry by partnering with engineering, business, and external stakeholder teams. Led progress tracking and performance measurement activities, developing metrics to inform future strategy and campaign investments. Key accomplishments:• Grew national industry partnerships by 227%, web traffic by 564%, and video engagement by 268% by implementing an integrated communications strategy.• Key member of proposal team driving wins of $75M+ for Leidos.• Conceptualized, authored, and designed 15+ USDOT webpages.• Worked with researchers to refine technical materials and facilitated the publication of 163+ research publications. • Authored two feature articles in Public Roads magazine, one feature article in Roads & Bridges, and nine FHWA technical fact sheets.• Led the strategy and development of 20 FHWA videos to educate stakeholders about cooperative driving automation research and enable technology transfer.• Implemented a new project management system to improve team collaboration and workflows.• Promoted from communications specialist in April 2021.Clearance level: Public Trust.

Washington, District Of Columbia

Managed high-impact digital marketing and communications campaigns from concept to launch, providing strategic direction, leading a 28-person project team, working with stakeholders, and managing schedules and resource allocations. Leveraged data analytics to assess the effectiveness of campaigns and inform future campaign strategy and investments. Directed content strategy for programs and offices across three campuses and 14 schools and colleges, including developing key messaging and identifying new, creative ways to deliver tailored content. Provided ongoing PR counsel and messaging guidance to internal and external stakeholders, including marketing, media, research, academic, and business leads.Key accomplishments:• Directed the redesign of 46 research and academic websites from concept to completion, including leading content strategy and web development activities.• Planned and executed high-visibility events and led event communications campaigns, achieving a 100% registration rate for 12 consecutive months.• Directed mass email campaigns that maintained open rates of 97% and click-through rates of 32%, on average. • Led the development of and editorial review process for 116+ digital communications materials, including high-visibility marketing materials for university recruitment, resulting in higher rates of undergraduate and graduate enrollment.• Developed key messaging and talking points for university senior leadership to support strategic initiatives.• Promoted from communications specialist in August 2018.

Arlington, Virginia

Provided communications and marketing support to The Nature Conservancy corporate marketing group.Key accomplishments:• Led rebranding of the Virginia Aquatic Resources Trust Fund, providing strategy and managing creative development. • Established branding for the Charlottesville City Nature Challenge and managed regular updates to brand assets. • Provided strategy for social media channels of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology.

Gothenburg, Sweden

Served in a short-term product marketing consultant capacity to the Volvo Cars division of Volvo Group.Key accomplishments:• Developed an end-to-end global marketing strategy and provided strategic recommendations for implementing Care by Volvo, a new car subscription plan, within the United States and across seven European countries. • Conducted extensive market and brand research to extract customer insights and developed personas to build an innovative branding approach.

Mclean, Virginia

Created digital, print, and multimedia content for 53+ pro athlete and celebrity clients. Partnered with influencers and content creators to drive storytelling for global brands. Performed market research and supported business development. Supported development and execution of internal and external events. Served as a liaison with brand representatives. Supported the day-to-day servicing of clients, including responding to requests regarding internal and external clients.Key accomplishments:• Conceived and authored new voice and messaging for agency talent functions during rebrand effort.• Led content development for agency website refresh. • Single-handedly designed professional logo and brand concepts for Golf Channel host Travis Fulton. • Coordinated onsite activities for competing athletes and elite sponsors at the US Open Tennis Championships.

Houston, Texas

Worked closely with division heads to define digital communications strategy and scope. Implemented best practices for digital and web content and ensured the accuracy of content updates. Performed market research to support business development.Key accomplishments:• Led rebranding of the company’s web face by conceptualizing, designing, and building a new website, ssgfootball.com.

Jackson, Wyoming

Generated story ideas, conducted interviews, and wrote articles for print and online magazines. Captured and edited photos and videos for use in digital and print layouts. Managed the magazine's blog, including developing an editorial calendar, creating and posting content, and monitoring external conversations.Key accomplishments:• Authored seven feature articles and four blog posts.

Master Of Business Administration (Mba)

Master Of Arts (M.A.), Strategic Communication

Bachelor Of Arts (B.A.)