Zinaida "Zina" Wolfington Email & Phone Number

Washington, Dc, Us

Promotes accuracy, objectivity, and balance in foreign reporting from the U.S. by providing foreign media representatives with direct access to authoritative sources of information about U.S. foreign policy and key domestic developments.OUTREACH: Develops and maintains rapport with counterparts working on Central and Eastern European issues across the Department and the interagency, as well as with media representatives and their embassies. Supports media activities for high-level events with senior government officials.STRATEGY AND POLICY: Conducts activities in support of the National Security Strategic Guidance. Responsible for programming related to Russian invasion of Ukraine, Defense and Security, International Security and Nonproliferation, Political-Military Affairs, Arms Control, Verification and Compliance, Diplomatic Security, DEIA (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility), Cyber, Department of Defense, Veterans, Global Women’s Issues and others.

Washington, District Of Columbia, United States

Connected the American public to diplomacy. Led outreach efforts designed to increase the Department's engagement with U.S. domestic audiences to better inform the American public of current and relevant foreign policy priorities. Planned and coordinated a wide range of public information activities, prepares outreach strategies for informing and engaging designed to disseminate information about U.S. foreign policy to targeted domestic public constituencies, including non-governmental organizations, state and local elected officials, etc.Developed constructive working relationships with domestic organizations representing a broad spectrum of potential public audiences for information about U.S. foreign policy.Represented GPA & Department at conferences/meetings to identify issues of public concern, develop speaking opportunities, and seek new contacts. Represents the Department at meetings with the private sector, other Bureaus, and other agencies.

Washington, District Of Columbia, United States

Detailed as acting Public Diplomacy Desk Officer for the “Wine Countries” portfolio, which includes France, Italy, Portugal, Spain, Andorra, San Marino, Monaco, and the Vatican.Supported travel for the Vice President, Secretary of State, and Second Gentleman. Drafted all public engagement / messaging to be conveyed by principals traveling in the region. Built public understanding, broad outreach, and support for U.S. foreign policy in the United States and Europe and Eurasia, including by developing and coordinating on public messaging and engagement strategies with EUR posts, as well as with Department and interagency stakeholders. During my time with EUR/PPD, the U.S. faced a major stumbling block in our relationship with our oldest ally, France, when the AUKUS nuclear submarine deal was announced. This resulted in needing to convey sensitive messaging that sought to bridge this painful gap, while still making progress on our key goals, including security in the Indo-Pacific region, the climate crisis, economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, the Transatlantic relationship, and working with our allies and partners to address global challenges and opportunities. My work was important in helping smooth over France’s perceived wounds, to strengthen our relationship and move forward, solving the problems ahead of us.

Chisinau, Moldova

Special Projects Coordinator promoting U.S. Embassy outreach to Moldovan public audiences. Curated content and provided outreach advice on social media channels designed for local audiences.Subject matter expert for Mission’s strategic communications to Russian-speaking communities, advising on culturally appropriate messaging for planned outreach and press events.Certified Grants Officer Representative for several Public Diplomacy programs, assisting in the management of $2 million federal assistance budget.

Chisinau, Moldova

Planned, coordinated, directed and implemented PR campaigns. Worked with management to assess needs, set goals and establish annual budgets. Assisted teams with strategies, including selecting media lists, settling timing and placement of materials, estimating costs.Wrote press releases, abstracts, blog posts and other PR materials. Ensured campaign strategies were implemented on time and within budget, and adjusted or redirected strategies as needed.

Chisinau, Moldova

Developed and executed communications strategy for this media buying agency. Established and maintained relationships with influencers including media and partner organizations; communicated with these influencers on a regular basis to drive coverage, support and collaboration.Wrote and edited numerous communications materials including talking points, presentations, press releases, news articles, and more. Performed daily monitoring, posting and engagement with key audiences on Facebook and Twitter for VivaKi in Moldova.

Washington D.C. Metro Area

Social media and digital analyst for American automotive dealerships, working with up to 20 clients at a time. Performed daily account management on the Google AdWords search platform. Generated and analyzed weekly and monthly client reporting for all major metrics. Created, implemented, tracked, and analyzed paid search campaigns. Coordinated incentive messages across multiple channels.

Kyiv, Ukraine

Developed a set of shared objectives and vision for clients’ social media presence, based on their branding, communication strategy and approach. Created, promoted and filled groups and accounts in social networks with the content.Prepared analytics on digital media outreach efforts and developed reports for clients. Reviewed new digital media platforms and monitored trends to keep the agency and clients at the forefront of developments in digital media.

Bonn Area, Germany

Radio production and script writing on politics, economics, culture and science topics. Translation and adaptation | editing of radio manuscripts from German into Ukrainian for radio and online. Report writing and interview preparation for online platform and radio. Speaking on air.

Kyiv, Ukraine

Served as a point of contact for the news media — responding to inquiries, arranging interviews, and managing the preparation of background materials for spokespeople including pitch scripts, executive briefing materials and anticipated Q&A.

Public Diplomacy

Executive Leadership Program

Executive Leadership Program (ELP) is a nine-month, competency-based leadership development program that provides training.

M.A., Journalism

B.A., Sociology

Activities and Societies: Basketball team.Minor in Public Relations.