Resume

Purpose

Through communication and engagement, I empower people to access products and services that help them thrive. Whether building a communications program for a more inclusive local government or leading multi-million dollar marketing campaigns to connect engineers to technology that saves lives, I seek opportunities to use strategy, collaboration, and strong technical skills to build trust and connection.

Key Skills

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Recent Experience

Senior Communications and Outreach Specialist, MacroSys, LLC (4/2023 – Present)

As a consultant, I develop and implement comprehensive communications strategies, facilitate stakeholder engagement, and analyze data to inform decision-making across a variety of federal projects, including the Bureau of Transportation Statistics’ Precursor Safety Data Program. This includes building engagement in safety programs related to offshore energy, maritime, and transit industries.

Senior Communications Consultant, Lincoln Financial Group (9/2022 – 4/2023)

I worked with clients to develop communication and education strategies that helped their employees understand how to engage with and maximize retirement plan benefits. This rewarding work involved delivering digital, print, and in-person marketing projects for audiences representing diverse industries and more than $1B in retirement assets.

Lead Diaper Changer and Box Mover, Career Break (4/2022 – 9/2022)

I temporarily paused my career to spend time with my newborn daughter, to transition our family from Colorado to Iowa, and to explore new opportunities for my career.

Chief Communications Manager, City of Arvada, CO (1/2019 – 4/2022)

As the principal executive leading a comprehensive communications strategy, I oversaw internal and external communications, including media relations, social media, digital communications, and video production for a city of 120K. I implemented a KPI-driven approach to streamline processes, elevate the city’s brand, and produce compelling content, supporting the redevelopment of the city’s website, and a new CRM. I served as a primary spokesperson, provided strategic counsel to leadership, and fostered a culture of engagement through employee communications and intranet initiatives.

Deputy Director of Communication, City of Boulder, CO (11/2017 – 1/2019)
Communications Manager (11/2015-10/2017)

I led digital and internal communications teams for a community of 115K, coordinating information and content across teams, implementing a strategic communications plan, and launching an integrated storytelling process and brand strategy. I managed communications for climate, sustainability, and energy initiatives and supported the launch of an online community engagement portal, developed an internal communications strategy, and led a website redesign process.

Before being promoted to Deputy Director, Managed external communications for the City of Boulder’s Public Works and Planning, Housing, and Sustainability Departments. Developed communications plans for long-range urban planning, affordable housing, transportation safety, water utilities, and development review. Served as spokesperson and member of the Communications Department.

Communications Manager, US Dept. of Transportation, Cambridge, MA (5/2011 – 10/2015)
Senior Communications Specialist and Team Lead (5/2011-3/2013)

I managed a team of 45+ at the Volpe National Transportation Systems Center, overseeing communications, graphic design, and website projects generating $3M+ annual revenue. We launched national campaigns to influence transportation officials. I also led user-centered website and app projects, provided strategic counsel and technical writing for executives.

Prior to a promotion, I led a smaller team of communications, writing/editing, and logistics professionals, providing advice and oversight on the team’s portfolio of projects. We developed and executed communications strategy in support of various transportation projects.

Media Team Leader, US Census Bureau, Boston, MA (01/2009 – 5/2011)

I supervised a team of 10 media-relations professionals, managing relationships with 2,000+ regional media outlets. We launched communications campaigns to encourage undercounted groups to participate in the 2010 Census. I designed print materials, digital graphics, and radio/television PSAs in multiple languages and was recognized as an Excellence in Government Award Finalist for Creativity and Innovation.

Other Professional Experience

Communications Specialist, Beaver Country Day School – Chestnut Hill, MA

Public Awareness and Programs Coordinator, National Archives and Records Administration, Office of Presidential Libraries – College Park, MD

Interim Director and Special Programs Assistant, Project Art, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics – Iowa City, IA

Education and Training

Education

• Masters Degree in Public Administration – Northeastern University, Boston, MA
• Graduate coursework in Art History – University of Maryland, College Park, MD
• Bachelor’s Degree in Art History and Studio Art – University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA – with distinction and a certificate in museum studies

Recent Professional Development

• Crisis Communication Training: National Emergency Response and Rescue Training Center (2021, crisis communication training)
• Leadership Training: Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service, University of Virginia (2017)
• Community Engagement Training: Foundations In Public Involvement – International Association of Public Participation (2017)

Activities

• Member of the International Association of Public Participation
• Member of the Government Alliance on Race and Equity
• Irwin Family Farms Board of Directors, 150-year Heritage Farm in Iowa (2015 – present)
• Board Member, Arvada Visitors Center (2019-22)

Selected Recognition

Most Outstanding MPA Capstone Project, Northeastern University

Excellence in Government Award Finalist for Creativity and Innovation, Greater Boston Federal Executive Board (2010, for the Census on Campus Initiative)

Phi Beta Kappa

Interests

Travel, food, and wine

Hiking and the outdoors

Modern and 17th-century European art