Experience

Maryland Inclusive Housing

• Housing Programs
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Director Of Communications

  • May 2022 - Present

  Leads communications efforts of the Maryland Inclusive Housing Corporation in an effort to help people with intellectual and developmental disabilities successfully access and maintain inclusive, affordable and accessible housing of their choice by creating opportunities, identifying resources, connecting people and providing services. Leads communications efforts of the Maryland Inclusive Housing Corporation in an effort to help people with intellectual and developmental disabilities successfully access and maintain inclusive, affordable and accessible housing of their choice by creating opportunities, identifying resources, connecting people and providing services.



Washington Commanders

• United States
• Spectator Sports
• 400 - 500 Employee

• Freelance Writer, Internal Public Address Announcer

  • 2004 - Present

  In consecutive roles, researched, wrote, and edited stories for team publications and Web site during five-year tenure as Freelance Writer. Assumed position as press box public address announcer in 2010, communicating with media regarding game play and delivering media announcements as directed by PR staff.- Published more than 80 articles for Redskins.com, Redskins Gameday (game day program), and Redskins Insider magazine (biweekly fan publication). In consecutive roles, researched, wrote, and edited stories for team publications and Web site during five-year tenure as Freelance Writer. Assumed position as press box public address announcer in 2010, communicating with media regarding game play and delivering media announcements as directed by PR staff.- Published more than 80 articles for Redskins.com, Redskins Gameday (game day program), and Redskins Insider magazine (biweekly fan publication).



Sugar Free Kids Maryland

• Wellness and Fitness Services

• Director of Communications

  • Jan 2019 - Jan 2022

  Design and execute innovative communications strategies across broadcast, print and social media channels to drive awareness, support and publicity for healthy decision making that minimizes the risk for chronic childhood diseases.- Utilize strong relationships with local and national media to position Sugar Free Kids Maryland as the leading voice on issues involving healthy drinking options leading to the prevention of chronic disease.- Facilitate a communications advocacy team of partner groups that deliver key messages and garner support through their specific audiences to advocate the passing of healthy policies throughout Maryland.- Develop cohesive, streamlined messaging documents for utilization during city, state and county-based advocacy and awareness campaigns, creating a unified voice for Sugar Free Kids Maryland.Select Achievements:- Directed integrated media and communications plans that helped pass nine pieces of local legislation within the state of Maryland to promote healthy kids' meal choices and reduce sugary drink consumption: a. Two "Kids' Meals Bills" (Baltimore City and Prince George's County) made it easier for families and their children to choose healthier food and drink options for their kids' meals in local restaurants. b. Seven policies were healthy vending legislation, which ensured at least 50% of vending machine items meet AHA’s recommended nutrition standards for sugar, salt, fat and other measures. - Achieved more than 500 media hits to date with local and national coverage, including The Today Show, CNN, Associated Press, Washington Post and Baltimore Sun.- Collaborated with the Baltimore Sun Media Group to implement a digital advertising strategy for Sugar Free Kids Maryland and its partner group, LOCAL Maryland.- Established a 30-member, partner-based advocacy communications team to develop and implement consistent coalition messaging and cohesive social media strategies influential in critical decision making.

• Communications Officer

  • Dec 2014 - Jan 2019

  Developed and implemented strategic communications plans to promote the mission and objectives for statewide nonprofit coalition. Use media outreach strategies to enhance the Sugar Free Kids Maryland's position with relevant audiences.- Spearheaded media relations effort that has garnered nearly 500 national and local placements. Successfully used media presence, advocacy communications, social media to assist in campaigns that have led to healthier drinking and snacking options for Maryland families. Hits include USA Today, Washington Post and Kojo Nnamdi Show on National Public Radio (NPR).- Created and maintain key relationships with national and local media contacts that have made Sugar Free Kids Maryland the leading voice on issues involving the healthy drinking options leading to the prevention of chronic disease.- Facilitated communications advocacy team of partner groups that have helped deliver key messages and garner support through their specific audiences. Team played a major factor in passing healthy vending legislation in three Maryland counties.- Develop messaging documents for use of coalition during city, state and county campaigns that create a united voice for the coalition.- Delivered presentation on how to use media relations for campaigns at a conference hosted by Voices for Healthy Kids, a national initiative working to improve the health of children.



Horizon Foundation

• United States
• Philanthropic Fundraising Services
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Communications Officer

  • Dec 2014 - Jan 2019

  - Administered comprehensive communications plans and media outreach strategies to enhance the Foundation's position with grantees, community partners, health organizations, public officials and like-minded organizations. - Orchestrated the organization's 20th Anniversary Celebration, overseeing a multichannel marketing campaign, coordinating photography and event logistics and aiding speech writing to pull off a widely successful event.- Employed a targeted communications plan to publicize the results of a JAMA study concluding that a Howard County Unsweetened campaign led to a 20% decrease in soda sales and a 15% decline in fruit drink sales over three years. - The plan generated local and national coverage, including the Baltimore Sun, local tv channels, NPR and an appearance on the Kojo Nnamdi Show.



Easterseals DC MD VA

• United States
• Individual and Family Services
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Manager of Communications and Media Relations

  • Oct 2010 - Aug 2013

  Directed public relations efforts, communications initiatives, and media exposure for this nonprofit organization. Crafted press releases and campaign materials, generating awareness for a broad range of promotional events and fundraising programs hosted by this national leader in disability services. Built and managed comprehensive contact list comprised of media sources across the greater Washington-Baltimore region. Maintained website, updating content with current campaigns, stories, and media releases. Create, edit, and manage design/layout for newsletter distributed to all donors and organizational associates. Mentor development office staff, editing and collaborating on written pieces to improve impact and clarity. Providee key support to Director of Special Events spanning all aspects of planning and executing three major annual fundraising events.- Established rapport and cultivated solid, lasting relationships with key media contacts, securing over 100 media placements and elevating Easter Seals communications department to new heights; placements included television, radio, newspaper, web sites, and blogs.- Parlayed media relationships into successful recruitment of media sponsors to provide sponsorship two events: The Hill for Advocacy Awards Dinner with $50,000 in advertising and WTOP for Bright Stars Night at the Circus with $25,000 in advertising.- Served as Regional Coordinator for Make the First Five Count, a national campaign dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of early childhood intervention. - Innovated and orchestrated an advocacy event at the Easter Seals Child Development Center, publicizing the event through speaking engagements at two Easter Seals National Conferences and successfully securing congressional representation, media attention, and foundations.- Actively engaged in updating company Facebook and Twitter accounts, achieving social media presence never previously accomplished in this position.



USA Lacrosse

• United States
• Spectator Sports
• 100 - 200 Employee

• Freelance Writer

  • 2005 - Feb 2011

  Wrote feature stories and game stories that have appeared in Lacrosse Magazine and its affiliated web site, laxmagazine.com. Wrote feature stories and game stories that have appeared in Lacrosse Magazine and its affiliated web site, laxmagazine.com.



Parkinson's Action Network

• Director of Communications

  • 2007 - 2008

  Led public relations, communications, and media relations efforts for nonprofit organization. Spearheaded development and updates of organization’s marketing collateral. Redesigned biannual newsletter, produced numerous postcards, and managed all aspects of creation of new general brochure, including copywriting, photo selection, layout and design, and printing coordination. - Cultivated relationships with local and national media leading to interviews for organization’s CEO in the Los Angeles Times and on Global TV Network (Canada), CN8 News (news channel of Comcast Cable), and Comcast Newsmakers. Coordinated interview with former U.S. Attorney General and PAN supporter Janet Reno on CN8 News.- Designed 2007 program for annual Morris K. Udall Awards Dinner. - Directed communications for PAN’s annual Forum event, including writing and designing registration brochure, bios, and program guide and coordinating event webcast with vendor and onsite A/V crew.



National Education Association

• Education Administration Programs
• 700 & Above Employee

• Press Officer

  • 2005 - 2007

  Supported PR and media relations needs of nine state associations in the Northeast region, representing approximately 1 million members. Pitched radio, television, and newspaper media on NEA officer interviews and promoted upcoming events and legislative programs. Responded to media requests and coordinated contacts with individuals within the association. - Generated media coverage for the association and its interests in the Philadelphia Inquirer, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Orlando Sentinel, and Portland Press-Herald as well as stories on multiple National Public Radio (NPR) stations nationwide.- Conducted numerous media and message training sessions for state association executives and their staff, including state PR directors.- Planned and executed publicity for NEA’s “Read Across America” program in Southfield, Michigan during 2006 Super Bowl Week. Handled logistics for 2006 Read Across America program in Texas and Louisiana.



Lyons PR

• Public Relations Specialist

  • Mar 2005 - Oct 2005

  Represented numerous clients, including Anheuser-Busch, the TEAM Coalition, and the Rubber Manufacturer’s Association. Contacted radio stations throughout the U.S. to pitch placement of public service announcements (PSAs) and audio news releases (ANRs). Made inquiries regarding media interviews for company/organization representatives. Tracked and followed up on submissions.- Successfully placed hundreds of PSAs and ANRs with major outlets, including USA Radio Networks, Z104, WJZW, and WWDC.