Music Watson, Apr Email & Phone Number

Greater San Diego Area

Serve as liaison to school districts and business and community groups, provide leadership for a range of key initiatives, and work to deepen relationships with key partners. Assist in the development and implementation of SDCOE’s strategic plan, co-lead the Strategic Leadership Team, and provide leadership and support in tracking progress toward organizational goals. Design and implement a comprehensive communications strategy for SDCOE, which supports nearly 800 public schools across 42 school districts serving more than 500,000 students. Provide communications counseling and guidance to the County Superintendent of Schools and SDCOE leadership, school district superintendents, and school staff on existing and emerging issues impacting public schools. Oversee all proactive and reactive communications (including internal communications, media relations, crisis communications, website, social media, publications, and community relations).

As a member of the NSPRA Executive Board, my role advocates for the interest and concerns of equity and inclusion of NSPRA members and the school districts we represent across the United States and Canada. I develop and facilitate training on cultural competency, equity, and inclusion, work with an identified team of task force members to create communications that help lead school public relations professionals through discussions, and issues as it relates to equity, diversity, and inclusion, and provide counsel to public relations professionals on best practices in the realm of diversity, equity and inclusion.

The California School Public Relations Association is an award-winning, nationally-recognized organization of education public relations professionals, administrators, and school personnel who have full or part-time responsibility for communications. Previously held CalSPRA officer positions include Immediate Past President (2017-18) President (2016-17), President-elect (2015-16) and Secretary (2014-2015).

Planned and executed strategic communications efforts to support CCSA's key statewide and local policy priorities and initiatives, leading the Association's communications with members and overseeing CCSA's video production and social media presence. Key achievements:--Grew the Association’s Facebook and Twitter presence by 606% from 3/2010 to 4/2012.--Strategic communications efforts increased annual California Charter Schools Conference registration by 48% from 2010 to 2011. --Implemented video communications program that increased YouTube views by 157% compared to previous year and resulted in 2012 and 2013 Bronze Telly Awards and one Bernays Award for video production.

Orange County, California Area

Led external communications (including crisis communications, website, social media, publications and government relations), community outreach, and media relations activities, to generate high visibility and favorable public opinion.

Greater San Diego Area

As second in command of the Mayor's ethics organization, oversaw day-to-day management and administration of 13-person staff and $2.1M budget. Devised, planned, directed, and implemented City-wide ethics- and diversity-related efforts, designing and conducting training, preparing reports and making formal presentations to the Mayor and City Council.Served as Planning and Intelligence Section Chief within the City’s Emergency Operations Center, including service during the massive October 2007 wildfires.Key achievements:--Increased City-wide awareness of ethics and compliance program elements by up to 29%,improved employee perception of City leadership by nearly 25%.

Greater San Diego Area

Served as lead district spokeswoman and media contact for local, national, and international media. Pitched stories, produced live segments with local television outlets, and managed reactive media relations and crisis communications.

Orange County, California Area

Focused on identifying and implementing strategies to communicate with employees, media, community leaders, and government officials. Responsibilities included creating/implementing crisis communications and reputation management strategies, delivering media training, and writing (press releases, talking points, etc.) on issues ranging from labor negotiations to admission price increases to ride accidents.

Greater San Diego Area

Led internal communications for the district and planned special events for the Board of Education. Wrote extensively for a variety of formats (articles, fact sheets, formal correspondence, etc.) and created and implemented communications plans for district-wide initiatives.

Ma, Latin American Studies

Fellowship, Political Science

Ba, Government & Spanish

Political Science