Cristie Hopkins Email & Phone Number

At Harford County Sheriff's Office, my role as Director of Media and Public Relations hinges on shaping our communication strategies and being the voice that bridges the Agency with the public. My expertise in handling high-stakes crisis communications has been pivotal in navigating complex incidents, ensuring transparency, and maintaining public trust. We've leveraged social media platforms to foster community engagement and deliver vital information swiftly and effectively.The team's commitment to excellence is evident in our adept management of critical situations and proactive media relations. My contributions include shaping the media narrative during significant public safety events and pioneering the agency's robust presence across multiple social media channels. This strategic approach has amplified our outreach and reinforced our mission of serving with integrity.

Listed skills include Public Relations, Community Outreach, Public Speaking, Nonprofits, and 23 others.

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  Director Of Media And Public Relations

  Harford County Sheriff'S Office

  Jul 2014 - Present - Bel Air, Maryland, United States

  o Serves as the primary spokesperson for the Sheriff’s Office;o Acts as strategic advisor to the Sheriff and Command Staff (C-level executives) concerning all matters of public relations and communications during both routine and active incidents;o Available to Command 24/7 to coordinate all high risk and crisis communications during critical public safety incidents;o Creative storyteller engaging the community in the work of the Agency;o Researches, prepares and writes news releases, official statements and other marketing materials for public release; supervises all external communications and ensures they are accurate, well-written, professional and consistent with policy;o Develops and manages a proactive communications strategy to enhance community awareness and trust in the Sheriff’s Office;o Produces and Hosts television show, “Behind the Badge”;o Manages all social media, electronic media, and website development and content; o Manages a team of four, in addition to a 7 member on-call media team.o Coordinates all agency media requests;o Attends County events and public forums to ensure maximum, effective and accurate media coverage; o Promotes public understanding of the Sheriff’s Office, its programs, services, activities and events through presentations to the public and representative community groups;o Develops and coordinates marketing and advertising strategies; o Cultivates and maintains positive relationships with media agency contacts;o Oversee Agency events and awards.Significant Accomplishments:o Managed all communications for two active shooter incidents and two line of duty deaths;o Launched Agency presence on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, Next Door, YouTube; o Successfully migrated all publication of public information for citizens and media to social media platforms;o Invited to speak on local, statewide, and national stage highlighting successes of using social media in a crisis and the importance of transparency.