LD Creates, Inc. is a woman-owned small business offering a full suite of high level communications and public relations services including freelance web content development, business writing, blog posts, presentations, and public representation. Next step, WBE certification. Stay tuned!

Working for a national mission-driven not-for-profit, I had the opportunity to work closely with diverse partners to collaboratively find solutions to meet the challenges of governance at all levels. I was charged with developing an economic development practice in the disaster recovery arena, with a focus on infrastructure, waste water management and community development block grant administration.

Interim Executive Director (2015-2016) Managed one of the nation’s largest metropolitan planning organizations (MPO). In addition to handling all external relationships and day-to-day administration of a staff of 40 with an annual budget exceeding $20 million, ensured mandated transportation planning requirements were met to enable federal funds to flow to the ten-county region. Brought consensus to conflicting and contentious issues among members, including those related to development of annual budget and operational activities. Communicated regularly with staff and members to discuss issues and concerns related to politically-sensitive transportation planning and financing. Coordinated and chaired internal and public meetings with high profile speakers and attendees to further regional planning activities. Collaborated with proximate MPOs and regional transportation agencies and organizations to promote seamless cross boundary planning and communication. Represented NYMTC locally, regionally and nationally to keep abreast of current industry practices, key legislative changes and educational opportunities. Initiated Organizational Assessment and staffing plan, resulting in new hiring commitments for the first time in six years.External Affairs/Manager/Public Information Officer (2008-2015) Managed all outreach, media relations and external affairs for the MPO, from development and execution of broad-based communications strategies to progressing and implementing transportation policy positions. Launched first new website in ten years and managed all social media. Created policy and messaging to communicate with diverse multi-regional stakeholder groups including: federal, state and local agencies; transportation and environmental organizations; and elected and appointed officials. Conducted public meetings, hearings and events; produced annual report and developed public-facing collateral material.

Co-chair of key committee responsible for building consensus among members and community to find common ground for recommending liquor license and sidewalk cafe applications, including developing stipulations on applicant operations and restrictions.

As a senior member of the regional management team, responsible for coordinating three media relations team directors in developing and promoting strategic communications activities for the NYC metro area. Society activities (NYC, Long Island and Westchester.) In conjunction with CEO, worked with senior leadership and key opinion leaders on message development and media relations to promote major local, state and national initiatives. Relationship manager for national and local media outlets, health care providers/partners, related private organizations, and hundreds of volunteers.

Key public relations advisor to President and executive staff responsible for designing and executing strategic communication plan to advance College agenda. Created and implemented crisis communication plan, managed press relations and worked closely with faculty and staff to develop news of interest for key constituencies including communicating with alumni, donors, businesses, the community and elected officials. Managed all aspects of Public Relations Office, with staff of four.

Senior manager/primary spokesperson responsible for designing and executing media strategy and external relations for county executive, including policy development and messaging in collaboration with elected officials and unions, and all interactions with and outreach to print, radio and television to publicize and further efforts in various community and business-related initiatives. Planned and managed all public communication efforts, including website design and maintenance. Led strategic response to crisis situations. Managed all operations of Press Unit, with staff of seven. Aggressive issue development and media management to ensure continuing media focus on education, transportation, economic development and public safety. Wrote and edited op-eds, letters to the editor and feature articles. Supervised staff of four and administrative operations of press office.

Senior manager/primary spokesperson responsible for designing and executing media strategy and external relations for county executive, including policy development and messaging in collaboration with elected officials and unions, and all interactions with and outreach to print, radio and television to publicize and further efforts in various community and business-related initiatives. Planned and managed all public communication efforts, including website design and maintenance. Led strategic response to crisis situations. Managed all operations of Press Unit, with staff of seven. Aggressive issue development and media management to ensure continuing media focus on education, transportation, economic development and public safety. Wrote and edited op-eds, letters to the editor and feature articles. Supervised staff of four and administrative operations of press office.