Marlene Orr Crooks Email & Phone Number

Fairfax, Va

As President of the Fairfax County Foster Care and Adoption Association (FCFCAA), develop innovative programs and initiatives for public affairs and community outreach. Lead and direct fundraising events, represent the organization at County meetings, and oversee community outreach and training activities. Participate in organizational budget initiatives and the establishment of policies and procedures as they relate to the issues pertinent to the needs of today’s youth and families.

Fairfax, Va

Conceptualized and enhanced Veteran advocacy communication and marketing efforts for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Disabled Assistance Transition Program (DTAP). Assisted the VA in developing innovative programs and initiatives for public affairs and community outreach activities designed to expand understanding of the VA's programs for the disabled veteran. Made recommendations to streamline and augment the communication of DTAP messages through greater efficiency and collaboration with stakeholders and promote available technologies to amplify visibility and reach additional diverse audiences through new strategies, including social media networking tools such as Facebook, Twitter, Blogs and YouTube. As a final product, developed a strategic communications and stakeholder engagement plan for DTAP.

Ft Belvoir, Va

As communications consultant for the Army Defense Acquisition University (DAU) through Strategic Insight, developed a tactical communications guide that highlighted new work processes, best practices, and identified problem areas with recommended resolutions. The resulting published report provided change management initiatives to enhance operations throughout the acquisition communities. Provided oversight and leadership on the creation of a new manager’s communications toolkit and an all-inclusive communications plan for the Defense University that guided communication transformations throughout the organization. Initiated marketing and branding strategies including a Speakers Bureau, Video Vignettes, Media Kit, Intranet/Internet Web sites, e-newsletter and Crisis Communications Plan.

Washington, Dc

Managed all aspects of corporate communications, including public relations and media activities. Created and executed high-level public affairs initiatives on controversial tax-related issues while initiating news stories, press releases, and magazine articles that enhanced the agency’s public perception. Responded to Congressional inquiries, wrote Congressional reports, testimonies, speeches, and publications such as the Congressional Guide to the IRS. Responded to multi-faceted media requests, and recognized for producing the first-ever live radio interview with the Commissioner. Oversaw Freedom of Information initiatives, and raised public visibility and branding of proactive voluntary compliance initiatives. While managing editor of the Criminal Investigation magazine, which received national recognition for creativity and style, oversaw the entire publication process. As a Web Board member, participated in the design and development of award-winning Web sites and marketing tools. Selected as Treasury’s loaned executive to the Combined Federal Campaigns for Congress and Senate, overseeing some of Capitol Hill’s most successful fundraisers. Honored by serving on the U.S. Vice President’s staff, receiving a Director’s Award for publicity launched for the Department of Defense, with a focus on the Army, Navy and Marine Corps.

Washington, Dc

As Chief of the Latin America Division’s Human Resources Unit, oversaw international personnel programs, including recruitment, hiring, training and reengineered best business practices. Led classification and staffing educational workshops to ensure policy adherence, and developed professional development programs such as interagency events with the U.S. Department of State. As a certified facilitator, enabled productive cross-functional meetings, including national focus groups of subject-matter experts and managers that ultimately developed processes to streamline recruitment, define new promotion criteria for overseas positions, and improved contracting pay procedures. Served as President of the CIA’s Nathan Hale Toastmasters Club.

Worldwide

Served in various DoD support positions throughout the U.S. and the Philippines. As executive assistant to the Commander, Clark Air Base, Philippines, coordinated international outreach and community programs. As the Commander’s liaison, identified and provided quality of life assistance to military members and their families. While executive secretary to the Hospital Administrator, served as liaison to the media and community outreach.

Master Of Science, Management For Organizational Effectiveness, 3.9

Bachelor Of Arts, Human Resource Management/Communications, 3.8

Organizational Development