• Responsible for developing, implementing, and integrating a broad range of communications, media relations and marketing activities for the Wayne County Executive's initiatives, Senior Services, Diversity & Inclusion and Public Services departments

  • Provide communications support to the Wayne County Executive, Department Director and Division Directors including briefing memos, talking points and messaging, presentations and speech writing

  • Responsible for department crisis communication management, media inquiries and statements and serve as spokeswomen

  • Lead community outreach and corporate partner liaison for department

  • Lead department's branding including newsletters, flyer templates, brochures, social media content including video scripting and editing

  • Responsible for Parks advertising and marketing annual budget

  • Lead event planner & producer for the State of the County Address and department public events

  • Manage small team including graphic designer, event manager and intern

Deputy Director of Communications

Wayne County Executive Office (local government)

Detroit, MI

Community Relations Manager

Priority Health (healthcare insurance)

Southfield, MI

  • Managed the development and implementation of strategies and initiatives for external communications, sponsorships, events and public relations for southeast Michigan.

  • Was responsible for managing regional sponsorship and philanthropy budgets and providing cost effective solutions that support the Priority Health business and communications objectives

  • Provided communication and media training services to internal leadership

  • Developed and implements targeted communications plans and programs, and positions the Priority Health brand and products to create and maintain a leadership role in the market.

  • Was responsible for the development of Priority Health’s overall charitable giving system & process (including in-kind, product donations & employee volunteer hours) and creation of Community & Commitments web presence and content

  • Was responsible for securing coveted board opportunities for senior leadership (successes include Detroit Economic Club, American Heart Association executive boards)

Media Relations Manager

The Salvation Army Metropolitan Division (non-profit)

Chicago, IL

  • Promoted The Salvation Army Metropolitan Division brand through visibility with media and general public (Secured over $2 million in publicity during Christmas holiday campaign)

  • Executed broad range of day-to-day PR activities, including media pitching, writing of press materials, online content development, responding to internal communication inquiries

  • Established and manage relationships with select media--developing compelling proactive pitches related to the leadership, services and corps

  • Led content strategy for online presence including social media and website

  • Analyzed and measured results of public relations initiatives through Cision reporting

  • Drafted messaging and speeches for organization senior leadership on various topics for media interviews

  • Managed copywriting, design and production of external collateral including event invitations, advertising campaigns and other promotional materials

  • Planned, created and executed media events including Day In Springfield Government Lobby event, 150th Anniversary Civic Luncheon, Freedom Center Groundbreaking and Grand opening ceremonies, Donut Days, Tree of Lights Christmas Kick-Off

  • Secured and maintained community partnerships with local media personalities, government officials, Chicago Bulls, Chicago Bears and Chicago White Sox

Alfred Fleishman Fellow

FleishmanHillard Communications (public relations agency)

New York, NY

  • Awarded Alfred Fleishman Fellowship, practicing in the corporate media relations & brand marketing divisions (Clients included: Ernst & Young, Carnival Cruise Lines, Connecticut Tourism, Chobani, UPS)

  • Managed & wrote social media content for Connecticut Tourism’s Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest channels

  • Strategized and created innovative angles for media pitching and placement in targeted outlets

  • Wrote and edited communications plans and new business presentations

  • Created campaign analysis documents for success and strategy review

  • Brainstormed, created and assisted with client campaign launches including Blissdom 2013

  • Compiled new business research, crisis management monitoring reports & brand awareness documents

  • Assisted in client event staffing, planning and production for small to mid-size events

  • Participated in both client-facing & internal brainstorm sessions concerning digital and account execution strategy

  • Oversaw all financial and administrative duties for teams including media monitoring, budget balance and partnership opportunities

Masters of Arts, Strategic Communications

American University

Washington, D.C.

Bachelor of Arts, Broadcast Journalism

Howard University

Washington, D.C.