With 20 years of public relations and strategic communications experience, I have worked in a variety of industries. I currently serve as Global Director of Communications at Avenues: The World School, an independent school which is building a global network of campuses in the world's leading cities, serving students age 2-18. With campuses in New York, São Paulo, and Shenzhen, as well as virtually with Avenues Online, Avenues provides more than 3,000 students around the globe transformative, world-focused learning experiences. I am responsible for the strategy and execution of all corporate communications, including global and campus-based parent and colleague communications, external communications, public relations and crisis/issues communications.Prior to joining Avenues, I spent 16 years at Lambert, Edwards & Associates, where I led the firm's award-winning consumer practice, providing strategic counsel and overall account management for all of the firm’s retail and consumer product and service clients, as well as playing a key role in the agency's growth.Clients under my direction included: major brands such as Krispy Kreme, Moosetracks ice cream and 5-Hour Energy; national retailers Family Christian Stores, 1000-store chain Mattress Firm, Pier 1 Imports and Shopko; a number of education clients including the nation’s largest charter school operator, National Heritage Academies; and a variety of faith-based organizations, including the world’s leading Christian publisher, Zondervan, a division of HarperCollins.During my time as Managing Director, the firm's Consumer practice group won a number of national awards, including three Silver Anvil Awards (the Oscar of the PR industry) and six Bulldog Reporter Awards, including PR Innovation of the Year in 2010 and Best Integration of PR and IR in 2011.My areas of expertise include strategic communications, regional and national media relations, community relations programs and crisis/issues management.