Write and edit speeches, articles and other corporate communications for diverse clients

Provided research and speechwriting for CEO (considered national thought leader on energy’s current and future roles). Developed national, regional, and local talks focused on shape of utility of future, energy efficiency, sustainable resources, corporate social responsibility, and energy-related law and legislative topics. Assisted CEO in preparing for speaking publicly as keynote or panelist on economic development, the need to encourage minority business participation in the Chicago region, and other frequent topics that included women’s advocacy, STEM education and programs, major university commencement speeches, and continual internal talks (employee road shows and webcasts, retirement talks, and diversity and inclusion talks for employee groups dedicated to advancing African-Americans, Latinos, Asian-Pacific Americans, minority women, and other groups).

Provided various forms of communications consulting, including crisis and longer-term communications strategies. Maintained extensive coverage of professional conferences and special events for internal/external publications, intranet, and websites. Researched, wrote, and edited comprehensive company annual reports for various stakeholders, as well as technical/general white papers, fact sheets, and articles for print/web publication. Managed executive speechwriting, ranging from talking points and key messages to full narrative and PowerPoint presentations. Worked with wide array of clients, including New York Independent System Operator (NYISO), which manages electric grid for New York state, as well as CEO of Long Island Power Authority.• Contributed to attracting greater coverage of energy issues and the role of NYISO.• Researched and wrote confidential briefs on emerging issues and internal/external stakeholders (including evolving new boards of directors) for chair of Long Island Power Authority, as well as provided heads-up briefings on likely, imminent media coverage topics

Managed staff of 12 at corporate headquarters, including specialists in IT, general communications, and web development. Oversaw executive speechwriting and presentations, employee intranet site and publications, and human resources and marketing communications. Implemented first-ever real-time global CEO town meetings, with employees from 15 countries participating. Oversaw event and issue strategy maps as well as executing all collateral materials (on subjects that included company rebranding, multiple mergers and acquisitions, product launches and business line expansions, and new CEO visibility strategy). Conceived and developed most successful, all-purpose communication in company history – a plug and play, modular presentation covering Kodak businesses and topics of interest to all stakeholders, including investors, customers, and employees; with high-demand presentation later translated into 12 languages at the request of Kodak’s worldwide business units.

Drafted speeches and communications strategies for projects and issues, including deregulation, international development, and mergers and acquisitions. Prepared and edited CEO testimony before government and regulatory entities. Wrote and organized board of trustees’ backgrounders, updates, and incident reports. Rewrote, edited, and proofread major company publications and presentations (including marketing, financial, customer, shareholder, engineering, and legal). Researched and wrote company’s first code of conduct, which served as primary model for several U.S. utilities.

Developed and managed media, marketing, shareholder, employee, and executive communications for developer and manufacturer of cockpit avionics and fuel measurement systems for military and commercial aircraft. Executed communications strategies for company’s IPO and listing on Nasdaq, expansion into industrial and IT (non-aviation) markets, and company’s ultimate merger with Parker Hannifin Corporation.