Headed the communications team in the Washington, D.C., policy headquarters of the largest and oldest national organization representing America’s entire beef supply chain. Quickly revolutionized the organization’s policy communications efforts by tapping into a career’s worth of media contacts in DC, producing edgy, original social media content that tripled Twitter engagement and more than quadrupled weekly podcast listens. Also spearheaded the organization’s Cattlemen for Tax Reform campaign, which resulted in more than one million online video views, and was named a Finalist for Multimedia Campaign of the Year by the National Agri-Marketing Association.

Founded new creative communications consulting firm, specializing in video production and other forms of online marketing and advertising for a variety of clients, including the Republican Governors Association, NFIB, and Americans for Prosperity.

Reported directly to President, coordinating across the development, marketing, advertising and grassroots teams to expand organization from three to 23 state chapters in less than four years. Also built support for federal policy agenda with Administration officials, Members of Congress, coalition partners, and other potential allies through regular face-to-face meetings, proactive forms of outreach, and targeted strategic communications, including online video.

As a Bush Administration political appointee and primary media spokesman for U.S. Labor Secretary Elaine L. Chao, shaped public affairs strategy and coordinated communications with senior Administration, Congressional, Department and agency staff. Also served as liaison to government relations team, building support for DOL’s legislative agenda on Capitol Hill and among coalition partners.

Coordinated NFIB’s involvement in Congressional, Administration and lobbying coalition news conferences, hearings and special events, which aided passage of landmark legislation providing income-tax relief, repealing the death tax, and establishing Small Business Health Plans.

Oversaw all communications with news media covering Congressman Hilleary in Congressional office and on two hotly contested reelection campaigns. Also drafted a weekly newspaper column, established website, and produced a monthly cable television show.

Advised the Congressman on a wide variety of legislative issues, including the areas of national defense, foreign affairs, federal spending and Constitutional issues such as gun control and abortion. Duties included researching and tracking all relevant legislation, meeting with lobbyists, attending all relevant policy meetings and answering constituent mail related to those issues.

Assigned, edited and wrote hundreds of articles for the Sports section of the University of Tennessee’s student newspaper. Developed positive working relationships with nationally known athletes and covered major events, including the Sugar Bowl and the Women’s Final Four.