• Developed, sustained, and refined a communications strategy to secure media coverage for Mayor Lightfoot.• Managed four Deputy Press Secretaries, one Press Secretary, one Press Assistant, and oversaw the Mayor’s Press Office's daily outreach and operation.• Served as on-the-record spokesperson for Mayor Lightfoot.• Edited and provided final approval for press releases, statements, briefs, and talking points.• Provided strategic guidance to Public Information Officers across 40 City Departments to develop and implement effective messaging and robust media plans, as well as providing final approval for their various press materials.• Created communications plans and internal and stakeholder messaging guidance.• Identified rapid response opportunities and directed staff on execution.• Proactively pitched national and local media outlets and secured media coverage.• Built relationships with top national reporters, producers, correspondents, and editors.• Briefed and staffed Mayor Lightfoot ahead of press conferences, interviews, and appearances.• Managed recruitment and hiring process for communications roles.

• Developed and oversaw integrated campaigns that leverage public affairs, media, and digital tactics to reach key audiences and achieve client goals.• Helped set and advance the communications strategy for multiple client accounts.• Wrote and edited external and internal documents such as press releases, statements, op-eds, memos, talking points, and communications plans.• Led 5 client accounts, manage project teams of 3-6 people; responsible for project oversight and strategy, task delegation, and final deliverables.• Mentored and managed one direct report, fostering professional growth.

• Served as on-the-record spokesman.• Created and executed strategic press plans to secure targeted placements in national outlets.• Established and maintained relationships with national and D.C. based reporters, editors, and producers.• Drafted press releases, statements, pitches, media advisories, memos, op-eds, and talking points.• Managed a high volume of media inquiries from national and state press.• Coordinated and staffed the Senator for interviews and events.• Monitored and evaluated media coverage and developed reports for staff.

• Developed and implemented communications plans for Congressman Bobby L. Rush (D-IL).• Served as on-the-record spokesman.• Wrote op-eds, press releases, statements, talking points, e-newsletters, speeches.• Planned district press events and press conferences.• Responded to and managed all media inquiries from local and national press.• Pitched stories, upcoming legislation, and events to various media outlets.• Developed digital plans and strategies, managed all social media platforms, created graphics, and other sharable content.• Managed and updated the Member’s official website.

• Developed and implemented communication plans that increased brand awareness and encouraged charitable giving. • Wrote news releases, talking points, and other press materials.• Proactively pitched local and national media to drive an organizational narrative. • Worked closely with fundraising staff to create communication assets for sponsors and large donors.• Collaborated with corporate stakeholders to tell compelling stories that strengthened brand reputation.• Partnered with government relations staff to strategically place media advocacy content and created messaging for key advocacy issues.• Managed all social media platforms and created a variety of digital content.• Provided media training for volunteers, spokespeople, and staff. • Secured media partnerships to increase local visibility of the organization.

• Worked with field organizers to get out the vote on the South Side of Chicago • Did weekly phone banking and canvassing• Identified and contacted local churches to invite to watch parties and area campaign events

• Managed all Chuks Oneyzia for Chicago's 18th Ward Alderman campaign interactions with the media. • Media trained and set up interviews for the candidate. • Developed and wrote campaign literature, talking points, emails, drafted speeches and created copy for web site. • Managed social media presence and rapid response messaging.

• Acted as project manager for 40 accounts by leading client project implementation and overseeing all public relations objectives for a client portfolio of $5 million.• Provided valuable consultative and strategic public relations insight and recommendations to maintain Cision’s largest accounts. • Managed all media coverage for print, broadcast, online and social media content• Guided clients in proper analysis of their presence in the media and provide complete understanding of media measurement when comparing metrics across products, brands, competitors and company divisions.• Consulted with clients to identify Cision assets that best address their strategic public relations initiatives by acting as an extension to public relations teams.• Conducted trainings with clients regarding Cision products and services

• Provided strategic public relations guidance on a day-to-day basis for agency and major accounts• Consulted and supported clients in the creation and execution of successful public relations campaigns • Managed and guided clients in analyzing media coverage for print, broadcast, online and social media• Created and implemented public relations program components for clients, including media lists development, managing all media monitoring services, distribution of press releases and research• Assisted clients with utilizing CisionPoint, Radian6 and other Cision applications• Acted as an extension to public relations teams and offered continuous insight on how to achieve public relations efforts

• Consulted and educated PR professionals on Cision services• Assisted clients in managing all aspects of their PR campaign • Responsible for helping to identify key media contacts and industry influencers • Assisted in developing key terms to properly monitor traditional and social media coverage; and analyzing outcomes• Assembled press releases for distribution to targeted media contacts

• Responsible for drafting press releases, media advisories, website content• Pitching stories to the media• Managed social media platforms• Monitored all client media coverage and complied daily reports for entire staff• Conducted research for current and prospective clients• Maintained and created media contact databases• Coordinated mailings, assembled briefing books and press packets

• Responsible for media research, press releases, flyers and special projects• Worked with web producer to update and manage content• Assisted with managing social networking sites to connect with and update users

• Assisted producers, reporters and conducted interviews• Responsible for researching show ideas, news gathering, editing and field producing• Co-produced show segments, wrote copy, coordinated graphics and music

• Assisted project leads with distributing press materials and media pitching• Responsible for media monitoring, updating and generating press contacts• Responsible for writing press releases, assembling press kits and updating editorial calendars• Managed press outlets and celebrity talent at movie screenings, premieres, and press junkets

• Assisted producers and reporters with show segments• Responsible for researching, story gathering, conducting interviews, and field producing

• Assisted the Athletic Public Relations Department with their daily tasks• Responsible for writing press releases, creating media guides and gathering daily news clips • Distributed press materials and generated press contact databases• Managed press outlets during interviews and while in the press box