Provide operational and strategic leadership to a team of 290 staff who administer nearly 90 economic and community development programs, with an annual budget of nearly $4 billion. Lead planning and execution of complex economic development incentives for companies ranging from start-ups to Fortune 100, branding and marketing of Ohio as the heart of it all, and a multibillion-dollar biennial budget process that involves the executive and legislative branches of state government. Continuously seeking organizational enhancements to best position the department for success, which includes overhauling its mission statement, establishing its core values, creating a strategic plan, and updating and developing important policies and procedures.

Developed and implemented policy and communications strategies for the department ranging from programmatic operations to earned and paid media efforts. Led efforts to improve department’s collection, interpretation, and application of data to allow for more informed decisions surrounding policies, marketing, and engagement. Managed projects and rollout plans for new and ongoing initiatives that included message development, marketing materials creation, website launches, and coalition building.

Managed a team of 100+ people responsible for administering over $800 million in federal and state funded programs to assist individuals and communities. Proactively engaged in reviewing of divisional operations to improve internal procedures that achieved greater efficiency and improved customer service.

Developed and implemented strategic communications and policy plans to include outreach and education efforts which promote Ohio’s advance autonomous and connected vehicle projects. Partnered with policy and regulatory teams to identify areas of state law where changes were made to allow for greater testing and deployment of new technologies along the state’s 33 Smart Mobility Corridor (U.S. Route 33).

Developed and implemented all aspects of strategic communications and outreach efforts, while directing media relations, marketing, and regional services weekly. Crafted messages for public comments, news releases, columns and talking points, while branding and creating content for social media, public information campaigns and office initiatives; as well as organizing and deploying grassroots efforts.

Served as the primary spokesperson for the office and conveyed complex issues in an easy-to-understand manner. Drafted statements, press releases, guest columns, and other communication materials. Collaborated with the executive team to create and execute media strategies.