If your business or organization has ever tripped over a communication hurdle, you are not alone. Plenty of knees bear the scars of misaligned messaging, botched news interviews, crisis missteps and overlooked advocacy opportunities. Those things are understandable but not inevitable. I am leveraging 30 years of experience in news and public relations to help clients overcome obstacles in media relations, issues management and public affairs. Why I am qualified:> Media relations: As an awarding-winning reporter and editor for 22 years, I served at every level of the newsroom — writing, assigning and editing stories, leading high-impact projects and managing teams. Later, for seven years as strategic communications director for three agricultural organizations, I trained spokespeople, facilitated interviews, developed messaging and managed relationships with a broad range of news providers. My work helped generate millions of dollars in earned publicity and built the organizations' reputations as honest and responsive sources for expert insights. Today, I am putting that inside-out perspective and practical experience to work for clients.> Issues management: In my newsroom leadership roles and later as communications director, my teams relied on me to see around corners for potential controversies, develop a management plan, and direct traffic in the thick of full-blown crises. I advised publishers, a CEO and boards of directors on sensitive issues involving internal and external factors. Also, members found me to be a trusted resource when facing public relations challenges.> Public affairs: As a journalist, I scrutinized governments at all levels. In my PR role, my grasp of the process and politics of government made me a valuable adviser, message creator and media manager for government affairs teams that advocated in town halls, at state legislatures and on Capitol Hill. I developed and implemented strategies that elevated dairy industry voices to convey to lawmakers and the non-farming public the significance of dairy farming and food processing to food security, the economy and the environment. I also worked closely with members to earn community acceptance of business expansions and environmental sustainability efforts.I have experience in a variety of industry sectors and service areas, with particular expertise in agriculture, conservation, government, politics and sustainability. For clients today, I am working independently, partnering with other consultants and complementing internal communications teams. Learn more at jamiemara.us.