Twenty-nine year veteran in public affairs and government relations on the local, state and national level. Prior to Weber Shandwick, served as Acting Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Transportation, as well as Assistant Commissioner for Transportation Policy and Public Affairs, providing leadership on issues management, communications, government relations and policy analysis and development. Well known nationally as the public spokesperson for Mn/DOT and the state of Minnesota during the 2007 I-35W bridge collapse crisis. Bisecting a 14-year career at Mn/DOT, served as founder and president of MCF Consulting Group, a Twin Cities public affairs and communications consulting firm; and served as executive director for the Board of Trustees of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system. Currently serves on the Metropolitan Council, the Twin Cities regional governing body for land use planning, housing, wastewater treatment and transportation. 1993 recipient of the National Association of Government Communicators Award of Excellence, and has won several professional awards for public affairs programs, writing and media relations. Holds a master of arts in speech communication and a bachelor of science in business administration, both from the University of Minnesota.Specialties: Public policy, public affairs strategic planning, state and federal transportation issues, crisis management.