Assistant Director, Communications

• Jan 2020 - Present

Directs all media relations, social media, and strategic communications efforts on behalf of Wolf Trap Education, including Wolf Trap Institute for Early Learning Through the Arts and its Affiliate Network, Children’s Performances, and Community Programs. Develops messaging, content/storytelling vehicles, and strategy to reflect culturally responsive teaching practices and recruitment, opening avenues of access, increasing representation, and promoting equitable principles. Manages long-term digital strategy for all Education web-based communications and social media platforms. Executes all editorial content for Education programs, including quarterly newsletter, annual report, blogs, and byline articles. Manages collateral marketing materials and executive communications to support conferences and speaking engagements. Cultivates targeted media positioning opportunities to heighten brand visibility. Supports communication efforts of 24 Institute affiliates and ensures alignment to the Wolf Trap brand. Serves on Foundation DEIA Committee. Show less

Accompanying Spouse

• Jul 2016 - Aug 2019

Senior Director Communications

• Jan 2015 - Jun 2016

Played critical role in the transition of National Geographic Society to National Geographic Partners, under 21st Century Fox. Worked closely with internal divisions on communications issues regarding transition, extending to 50+ international publishers, licensees, and other relevant partners. Developed talking points and materials to communicate transition. Fielded media inquiries and addressed any resulting social media and crisis communications issues. Worked with virtually all divisions within National Geographic’s brand portfolio, including international publishing; consumer products, catalog, licensing and retail stores; television/film; digital media and gaming; travel; live events; kids; and maps. Provided counsel to senior executives on communications strategies related to prospective and ongoing business initiatives. Developed annual communications plans and budgets. Worked with regional publishing partners to launch editorial and licensing ventures within international markets, leveraging National Geographic talent, assets, partnerships, and editorial resources. Major initiatives included the launch of G Adventures' partnership with National Geographic Expeditions; National Geographic Fine Art Program; National Geographic Home Collection; and International Publishing's bi-annual Partners Conference. Managed several direct reports. Show less

Director Of Communications

• May 2008 - Jan 2015

Worked in tandem with marketing teams to develop and execute multi-platform initiatives designed to build affinity for National Geographic products, partnerships, and services, while underscoring the Society’s underlying mission. Promoted collaboration among National Geographic’s editorial and marketing channels to enhance partner representation and drive consumer engagement and activation. Orchestrated press events, broadcast satellite tours, contests, retail store promotions, and trade show campaigns. Major initiatives include the launch of National Geographic retail stores in Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Madrid, and Malaga; local-language magazine launches in Ukraine, Mongolia, Georgia, Latvia, and Iran; licensing partnerships with major retailers including PetSmart and Pottery Barn Kids; and Image Sales' collaboration with Christie's Auction House. Directed support staff and external agencies. Show less

Communications Manager

• Dec 2003 - Mar 2008

Managed public relations efforts for National Geographic Live! events, National Geographic Kids programming, and National Geographic’s licensing, maps, and digital media divisions. Supported trade show efforts and conducted media training. Developed annual holiday gift guide to boost Q4 sales and promote e-commerce sales. Major initiatives included the launch of the All Roads Film Festival in Los Angeles, Santa Fe, and Washington, D.C., National Geographic Live! events in domestic and international partner cities; National Geographic Maps and Licensing's participation in the Outdoor Retailer Show, Licensing Expo, and other trade shows; the launch of National Geographic Kids programming; and the launch of the first National Geographic Store in London. Supervision included one coordinator and external public relations agency. Show less

Publicist

• Sep 2000 - Dec 2003

Served as point person for program publicity on behalf of National Geographic Television, PBS specials, and home entertainment. Worked directly with producers, graphic artists, writers and videographers to develop B-roll and other supporting promotional materials. Identified and developed spokespersons and conducted media outreach to consumer media to drive audience viewership. Worked with trade press to heighten visibility of National Geographic Television and its executives. Supported presence at trade show conferences including MiPTV, TCA, and PBS' Annual Meeting. Also served as publicist for maps and licensing divisions. Show less

Senior Account Executive, Strategic Marketing Group

• Nov 1998 - Sep 2000

Served as account executive in the Strategic Marketing Group in Ogilvy PR’s Washington, DC office. Clients included General Electric, Sylvan Prometric, Omni Hotels, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and American Society of Civil Engineers. Managed national media relations, newsletters and advertising campaign (creative) for clients in technology, education, and hospitality industries. Supported public education initiative for major public safety program. Coordinated focus groups, created messages and developed materials to solicit public and private sector partnerships and maximize consumer awareness. Show less

Account Executive

• 1995 - 1998

Served as account executive at boutique public relations agency, focusing on clients in the entertainment industry. Clients included Walt Disney Company, Paramount Studios, Sony Pictures Entertainment, NBC Studios, USA Network, The Family Channel and PBS. Managed efforts for the production and distribution of press materials for studio, network and multimedia clientele. Coordinated on-set, in-studio, trade show and event coverage. Pitched national and local print and electronic media for program and talent placement. Show less