Kris Widlak Email & Phone Number

Vail, Colorado, United States

Edwards, Colorado

What I Do:High Country Communications provides an entire range of public relations services, from content generation to strategic outreach campaigns. We are experts in community engagement, media relations, transparency initiatives, public policy, government affairs, public/private partnerships, issues management, reputation management, crisis communications and emergency response.What I've Learned:Being your own boss is awesome, if you like your boss.

Eagle County, Colorado

What I Did:In this role, I led the highly talented Communications Team and developed and implemented the county’s strategic communications priorities. I oversaw the dissemination of public information through all outlets, including traditional media, social media, ECGtv (county TV station) programming, websites, e-news, digital and print collateral, advertising, media events, public outreach events and more. I assessed new technologies and implemented those that advanced the county’s communications efforts.I identified the scope and magnitude of policy issues and analyzed public response to county initiatives. I advised elected officials, county managers and peers on existing or emerging issues of community interest and/or concern, and facilitated the development and dissemination of messaging around those issues to support the county’s position and influence public opinion.I developed and directed strategies to promote transparency in government, and reinforced thecounty’s values surrounding open communications through modeling and coaching. I was responsible for facilitating two-way dialogue between the county and its varied constituencies.I served as the county spokesperson in both planned and unplanned situations. I developed trusting relationships with members of the media.What I Learned:Build a team of people much smarter than you. Treat taxpayers like valued customers. Engage people who will be affected by a decision in the decision-making process, then show them how their input was used even if (especially if!) it was not the outcome they preferred. Be the transparent provider of your own information, good or bad.

Vail, Colorado

What I Did:Performed all tasks relating to government communications including community relations, media relations, employee relations, incident response, government affairs, crisis communications, marketing and project management.Disseminated town messages and promoted town programs via writing and distributing news releases, newsletters, ads and other collateral; served as a liaison between town officials, town departments and the media; acted as the town spokesperson; and oversaw all electronic communications, including content and design management of town websites and management and growth of email databases.What I Learned:“The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place.” - George Bernard Shaw

Vail, Colorado

What I Did:Taught beginner to advanced snowboarding to resort guests through adult class lessons and private lessons. Developed relationships with yearly returning clients that resulted in lasting friendships.Supervised instructors and was responsible for work assignments, scheduling and guest relations.What I Learned:Everyone learns differently.

Vail, Colorado

What I Did:Assisted in the administration of the town’s employee housing program, including promoting the program, overseeing the qualification of applicants to the program and ensuring appropriate use of employee housing units.Administered Vail’s first as well as subsequent local housing lotteries, which were used to ensure equitability for buyers seeking to purchase deed restricted units.Worked with the Vail Local Housing Authority and its community partners to identify and pursue affordable housing development opportunities.What I Learned:An appreciation for public service and public servants. The unique challenges that come with trying to move from a seasonal employee in an expensive resort area to a permanent member of an (expensive) community.