I was chosen to serve as the public relations team lead for the launch of the VA MISSION Act, which was the law designed to provide more open access to community healthcare for our nation's veterans. In this role, I worked with the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, the Under Secretary for Health, White House staff, congressional affairs, national media outlets, and nationwide community leaders to build rapport in support of this new law. We stood up brand new intranet and internet websites, we held social media campaigns, we wrote numerous stories for publications and pitched them to national media. But perhaps the most significant thing was to develop and create a letter and literature that was sent to more than 9 million veterans who are on the roles of VA Health Care. Our efforts led to winning outcomes for staff and patients alike, and we earned national awards and numerous accolades. This job came to me as a direct result of my whistleblowing experience to highlight the devastating impacts that unethical leadership can have on providing healthcare to our nation's Veterans. Learn more online: https://azpbs.org/horizon/2021/11/phoenix-whistleblower-shares-experience-exposing-va-scandal/Before this, I served as the acting internal communications director for more than 320,000 VHA employees and I worked on the VA Media Relations team to provide public relations advice and counsel.I also gave guidance and support to facility PAOs across the country with issue management, media relations, and overall public relations strategy. I have continually fought for excellent health care for our Nation’s veterans and in doing so I have become a tireless advocate for their needs.I was one of the first Phoenix VA Whistleblower to expose unethical, leadership in financial matters and waits and delays for veterans healthcare that was having dire consequences. This is why I speak about the importance of truth, morals, and values in leadership. Ethics matters.

Conduct public opinion research to determine best practices in creating strategic public affairs plans to build stakeholder relations. Only VA Public Affairs Officer to earn three Public Relations Society of America Silver Anvil awards for Institutional Programs (2004) Reputation Management (2007) and Community Outreach (2010).Created numerous strategic public relations plans consistently cited as best practices in government. Earned more than 75 national, local and regional awards for public relations excellence including PRSA Silver Anvils, IABC Gold Quills, Telly’s, Health Academy Innovation, SHSMD Banner, Copper Anvils and more. Created TV Show “To Your Health” which earned numerous television awards for outstanding broadcast. Created Phoenix Veterans Day Parade, which is now presented by Honoring America’s Veterans.

Provide strategic advice and counsel to hospital directors in seven states to help improve relations between the VA and its employees; congressional members, the community at large, and the media. Created public affairs strategy, media relations, and garnered national news coverage on VA's national recreation events.I provided preparation and support to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs and Deputy Secretary on facility site visits. Supported Editorial Boards, created media roundtables, Veterans Service Organization forums, and other avenues to develop positive interactions. I was called upon to develop public affairs classes for the region. I developed courses for the national Public Affairs Training Program, including Strategic Planning, Special Event Management, Media Relations, Newsletters, and Institutional Programs.

Oversee all components of internal and external public relations, community outreach, and marketing for VAMC Buffalo, NY. Award winner for newspaper Center Stage and first PAO to host a press conference from the field on troop activation and VA support for Veterans called to serve in Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm. Integrated communications between SUNY and VAMC and garnered national news coverage for local VA research efforts.We earned national recognition for our newsletter, the "Center Stage," and for our media relations efforts with VA research initiatives.

Producer, writer, reporter and anchor supporting the America Today TV show under the auspices of community outreach through the US State Department's US Information Agency. Producer, reporter and anchor for COX broadcasting working for nine affiliate stations. Producer, reporter and news anchor for the US Navy's first global televison show called Navy News This Week. Reporter and anchor for the Armed Forces Radio and Television Service. Beats included politics, general assignments, health and entertainment. Political correspondent covering impacts of legislation from the Capitol, the White House and other agencies and its impact on businesses,and organizations.