Valerie Walston Email & Phone Number

Napa, California, United States

Train government agencies and leaders in plain language guidelines. Create original copy in plain language. Edit to make communications more understandable at first read. Create award-winning social media content using plain language principles.

Olympia, Washington

Design and develop election information and voter education materials including brochures, flyers, ballot materials, voter information pamphlets, and PSAs. Promote civic responsibility/voter engagement in the elections process and media story pitching. Secure confidence in the political system. Direct external communications and public relations; created news releases, media advisories, speeches, talking points, social media content, and presentations. Led content management.* Executed several major public events; increased participation and community engagement for annual elected official inauguration ceremonies, National Voter Registration Day, Disability Advocacy Day, and Latino Legislative Day.* Developed and implemented civic engagement tools; created the “Billy the Ballot Box + Friends” mascot and the Annual Good Citizenship Day Essay Contest to teach K-12 students about voting.* Increased social media interactions; skyrocketed impressions on Twitter (462%)/Facebook (1,606%). Improved Twitter engagement by 1,400% and Facebook engagement by 1,861%. * Increased voter registration by 452% through communications, grassroots outreach, and engagement initiatives.* Introduced a PSA program for social media channels and local television broadcast channels.Integrated graphic design and video and co-created a mobile app to attract and engage with a younger demographic of voters.* Received the 2016 Voter Outreach Award and was nominated for the 2017 Accessibility Outreach Award and Voter Outreach Award from Washington Secretary of State; recognized for outstanding efforts in increasing voter participation.

Santa Barbara, Ca

Served as the non-profit’s spokesperson and provided media with timely written information and graphic content. Maintained the team’s social media platforms (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram). Coordinated and executed public and open press events and fundraisers. Designed and disseminated communications via a quarterly newsletter and marketing collateral materials. * Implemented a robust media relations and photojournalism program targeting local, regional and major media markets.* Created a social media presence and a Public Information Blog to engage and educate outdoors enthusiasts and homeowners.* Devised a “Top Ten Tips” to safely enjoy the outdoors that received viral-level attention.Landed “Inside Search & Rescue” cover story for the Santa Barbara Independent in 2011.* Contributed photos (2013) and op-eds (2001-2009) from fire incidents for Los Angeles Times, AP, Washington Post, Time, NBC News, CNN, NY Times, San Francisco Chronicle, San Diego Union-Tribune, and Yahoo!* Received Worldwide Who’s Who for Work in Communications in 2013.

Santa Barbara, Ca

Drafted copy to promote nationwide restaurants, businesses, and adventures with emphasis on the California, New England, Washington State, and Hawaii markets. Published daily editorial online via a 200,000+ mass email subscriber network. * Successfully expanded into new markets gaining new audiences and brand visibility.* Positioned California in market expansion efforts; substantially increased sales and revenue.

Santa Barbara, Ca

Spearheaded and executed strategic communications. Coordinated and developed events, media relations, digital and print content development, research meetings, and multi-day conferences.* Enhanced and maximized Center’s brand presence.* Championed communications and public relations efforts; developed press releases, media advisories, and podcast scripts.* Placed stories in news media and publications including Nature, Science, San Francisco Chronicle, New York Times, and NPR.* Designed and distributed the organizational newsletter to science and education professional organizations.* Developed website content and graphic design for event flyers and collateral materials.

Santa Barbara, Ca

Led cross-functional teams in development and execution of public affairs activities for real estate and energy industry clientele. Collaborated with clients to develop comprehensive public relations plans and project budgets.* Enhanced and maximized Center’s brand presence.* Developed and delivered focus groups to translate resident concerns and ideas regarding real estate development.* Consulted Media Relations team on pitching, talking points, and open press event planning and coordination strategies.* Successfully developed crisis communications plans for a global oil company’s local plant in case of a disaster or emergency.* Overcame obstacles and skepticism among citizens; secured positive response and approval for new real estate developments.

Costa Mesa, Ca

Served as the primary spokesperson for the campaign. Wrote news advisories and press releases. Led candidate bookings to garner support via talk radio and television programs, editorial boards, and print reporters. Monitored news events and identified opportunities to pitch and place candidate in news media.* Seized media coverage opportunities resulting in more visibility and support for the candidate’s platform and candidacy.* Developed communications strategy during a primary and general election; contributed to the victory with 10 opposing candidates.* Secured endorsement from seven major California newspapers and California Congressional delegation.

San Francisco, Ca

Produced California Gubernatorial Recall election coverage and court challenges. Secured exclusive Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals decision on the constitutionality of the recall.

Costa Mesa, Ca

Booked candidate on radio/TV programs, editorial boards, and print reporters. Wrote media advisories, talking points, news releases on updates and platform.

Washington, D.C.

Executed bookings, pre-interviews, graphics production, and segment for primetime MSNBC shows. Secured exclusive interview with parents of couple abducted by terrorists in Philippines.

Washington, D.C.

Oversaw Public Affairs staff on broadcast media relations. Pitched and booked scholars/publications to national/regional broadcast producers. Trained Institute scholars on media. Directed editorials for CatoAudio, a monthly MP3 compilation of Institute podcasts. Responded to post 9/11 reactions.

Washington, D.C.

Interfaced with media and served as a spokesperson for a major national political party. Oversaw the organization's public events, 2000 Election Night media operations, and creative communications team. Created and distributed a daily cartoon and advertising design. Created a news podcast.

Nashville, Tn

Advised candidate and surrogates on talking points, managed media relations, press kits, and media backgrounders, and led fundraising efforts for federal candidacy.

Sacramento, Ca

Advised governor on talking points, press releases, bookings, press kits, and media backgrounders. Assisted in messaging in the 4th consecutive year of a multi-million dollar surplus.

Bachelor Of Arts (B.A.), Government

Activities and Societies: Dean's List; Music Scholarship; President, Phi Alpha Delta Pre-Law Society; President, College Republicans.

Certificate, Professional Social Media

Certificate, Emergency Medical Technician

Graphic Design