Michelle Stewart Email and Phone Number

Leads the Public Affairs program in developing and executing mission-focused communication support to the command and tenant activities. Maintains the internal public information program including a command website and an active, engaged social media presence ensuring ample internal media coverage of personnel and resident commands. Ensures distribution of internal/external communication products via appropriate media including base-wide publications, installation updates to leadership and tenant commands, close of business reports, situation report inputs, and briefing materials. Coordinates public affairs community relations activities with tenant command public affairs offices; encourages the involvement of Navy volunteers in the community; and promotes volunteerism and community service between Navy personnel and the local community. Establishes priorities and ensures the appropriate distribution of press releases, news media inquiries, and coverage of personnel and installation activities. Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with media representatives and area governments to inform news outlets of the U.S. Navy's mission, plans, programs, news and accomplishments.

Assisted the Chief of Public Affairs in the planning, implementation, and evaluation of the ERDC PA program. Developed and writes information materials designed to reach publics through social media, radio, television, and newspapers. Served as the ERDC PA lead for equipment and service purchases via the organization's contracting office. Led the ERDC conference, convention and events exhibit program.

Executed the base strategic communications plan by conducting public information, command information and community relations activities at the U.S. Navy's largest overseas installation. Developed Communications Plans in support of steady-state and emergency operations. Provided daily administrative management of 20 civilian and military Public Affairs specialists. Established and maintained effective working relationships with the press, 10 local PA Officers, as well as civic and community leaders. Led all Operation Tomodachi PA activities and assisted in relief coordination for the 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami. Managed annual 90K office and 30K community relations budgets. Executed an aggressive Community Relations program that featured four annual historical walking tours for approximately 3,000 Japanese citizens. Developed continuing education strategies to maintain PA staff proficiency.

Prepared press releases and media advisories for distribution to media and key audiences. Prepared subject-matter experts for print and broadcast media engagements. Established and maintained relationships with key governmental, civic, fraternal and area service organizations. Assigned and edited the articles/photos from five staff Public Affairs Specialists for publication in the MCLB Albany News and external Department of Defense and civilian print outlets. Produced news and feature articles, commentaries that aligned with the commander's priorities. Processed and distributed Fleet Hometown News program forms and selected appropriate articles for external Navy News Service submissions. Served as mistress of ceremonies for pageants, promotions, balls and parades.

Senior Enlisted /Combat Correspondent: Supervised a staff of 40 military combat correspondents.Developed and conducted readership surveys. Managed the Fleet Hometown News Program for the installation. Implemented mechanisms for customer communication, and coordinated responses from decision makers. Maintained the On-the-Job training program and evaluated the staff’s performance. Developed publicity to promote the command’s objectives and programs. Managed personnel matters ranging from administrative discrepancies, pay problems and disciplinary matters. Provided advice concerning public affairs involving contingency operations, death, aircraft mishaps and environmental concerns. Spokesperson /Media Chief: Conducted press conferences, responded to media queries, wrote press releases, coordinated communication plans and talking points for varies issues including deaths, assaults and environmental issues. Advised Public Affairs Officers on various issues to include unfavorable public reaction resulting from negative news coverage.