I am responsible for developing and managing external communications and government affairs for a Central California public utility, which is comprised of water, power and recreation enterprises. My responsibilities include keeping the public, government entities and elected officials informed of the Merced Irrigation District’s policy positions, goals and interests. Routine tasks include tracking legislation affecting the utility and advocating its interests. I also prepare newsletters, press releases and other communications materials. I serve as the utility’s primary liaison and spokesperson to the news media.

I served as the Communications Director for Congressman Dennis Cardoza, a member of both the House Agriculture Committee and Rules Committee. The Rules Committee serves as the gateway for all legislation considered by the U.S. House of Representatives. My responsibilities included producing news releases, brochures, briefing memos, speeches, talking points, and editorial pieces. I was further responsible for planning press conferences and speaking on the record with local and national media. Additionally, I managed Congressman Cardoza’s website as well as all electronic outreach and social media. Prior to my position as Communications Director at the U.S. Capitol, I had been the Congressman’s Senior Field Representative in Central California. In that position I served as a senior liaison to local organizations, businesses and government entities.

As a member of the Publisher's Management Team, I oversaw the news content, production and staff of several small weekly newspapers associated with the daily Hanford Sentinel in Central California. I also managed the newsroom of the daily paper. Regular tasks included guiding and editing news content as well as writing editorials.