Natalie Eckhart, Apr Email & Phone Number

StrategyProven ability to deliver strategic public relations counsel to executives, managers and employees. Demonstrated excellence in planning and execution to exceed measurable goals and objectives for service-line communications plans. Responsible for brand management, paid media, crisis response, web and social media, media relations, financial, regulatory and environmental reports, and enterprise key messaging.LeadershipRespected leader with experience guiding public affairs strategies, tactics and organizational culture. Ability to challenge the status quo, facilitate improvement opportunities and solve problems creatively. Recognized model for teamwork, collaboration and adaptability. Consistent performance in continuous improvement and mentoring others.OperationsAbility to effectively plan and manage multi-million-dollar budgets, compile business plans, successfully negotiate and manage contracts. Skilled at organizing teams and prioritizing workload to deliver results in a volatile environment. Provide regular assistance and counsel to senior and executive management.

Protect and enhance the image and reputation of the organization through effective, strategic public relations. Serve as lead PR counsel for the following departments: Water Services, Planning and Finance, Customer and Corporate Services and Economic Development. Support PR counsel for Energy Services. Key accomplishments/activities: Met or exceeded all measurable communications objectives for operational areas by implementing strategic and tactical plans, successfully launched and executed Change the Current customer engagement program, research and development of Economic Development pitch packet, served on Customer Experience Council, Budget Challenge and Making it Better Employee Engagement Committees. Facilitated partnerships with several key accounts, including the United States Air Force Academy and the United States Olympic Committee.

Provided leadership and oversight to the Corporate Communications Department, including supervision of paid media, digital media, crisis response and workforce communications teams. Responsible for management of department budget and launching engagement/outreach to support mandatory water restrictions. Team was recognized for international public relations excellence for 2013 Springs Water Saver Campaign. Oversight of Southern Delivery System and Emission Control communications. Led crisis response activities including serving as Public Information Officer and coordinating Joint Information Centers. Compilation and coordination of annual Financial, Environmental, Water Quality and other regulatory reports. Facilitated partnership with the U.S. Forest Service.

Provided leadership to the Corporate Communications Department, including supervision of paid media, website, media relations and internal communications teams. Led the launch of social media customer engagement, efficiency rebate programs and communications support for exit of value added products and services. Managed the department budget and structure for the Public Affairs Division integrated public affairs strategic action plans, in coordination with issues management, community relations and government affairs. Led crisis response activities including serving as Public Information Officer and coordinating Joint Information Centers. Compilation and coordination of annual Financial, Environmental, Water Quality and other regulatory reports. Featured speaker for American Public Power Council and J.D. Power and Associates national conferences.

Responsible for planning and execution of community and media relations activities including support for Utilities Board, Utilities Policy Advisory Committee, Products and Services Advisory Committee and Community Events Team. Led the launch for Company Store, stakeholder engagement for conservation and environmental responsibility programs Springs Energy Saver (energy crisis response) and Springs Water Saver (drought response, mandatory water restrictions) and co-authored the organizations first Brand Standards Guide. Supported the Charter Review Committee and served as ghost writer for the Chief Executive Officer’s 2005 City Charter Review White Paper. Served on Customer Relationship Management Committee, co-trainer for Employee Past Traditions, Current Conditions and Future Vision class, selected for Colorado Springs Utilities’ first Talent Management cohort and Pikes Peak Regional FEMA trip.

Responsible for coordinating public relations and marketing efforts including publication production, news releases and reports regarding housing related issues, promotional events and advertising. Served as director for association events, including Home & Garden Show, The Parade of Homes and monthly membership events.Supervised marketing and public relations coordinator, event staff and managed a variety of volunteer committees.

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma Area

Promoted client products and services through organization of special events and promotions, newsletters and media interaction. Responsible for research, media relations and crisis communications. Worked closely with media and creative teams to develop fully integrated communications strategies. Clients: Edmond Electric, Pioneer Telephone Cooperative, City of Edmond, OKC Convention & Visitors Bureau, OKC Zoo, Oklahoma Department of Transportation anti-litter campaign, METRO Transit, Jimmy Johnson Three Rings Bar & Grill, Local Federal Bank, Heartland Homes, Cattleman’s Restaurant.Served as mentor for junior account service staff and supervised agency interns.

Coordinated all advertising and public relations efforts including annual marketing plan, publication development, media buying, ad layout and copywriting, news releases, FAM tours and trade show participation.

Ba, Journalism & Mass Communications/Public Relations

Minor: Sociology/Social Issues

Education record