Experience

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Northwestern Division

• United States
• Armed Forces
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Regional Director Of Public Affairs

  • Dec 2017 - Present



U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Portland District

• Chief of Public Affairs

  • Dec 2004 - Nov 2017

  I served as the chief of the Portland District Public Affairs Office, the strategic communication and public affairs/relations subject matter expert to the agency’s commander, executive leadership and project managers. I prepared the District to meet the communication expectations of the 21st century with a team versed in the agency’s mission and capable of operating in a real-time, social media environment. I led, counseled, developed and coached six public affairs specialists in executing a public affairs program consistent with agency and departmental policies and regulations and federal laws. I oversaw the development of communication strategies and plans to support mission execution for some of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ most challenging and complex civil works projects; plans focused on agency, partner, stakeholder, public and media communication and relationship needs. Under my leadership, the team developed and maintained collaborative networks with agencies and organizations at all levels and interests. As one of the commander’s senior advisors, I fostered relationships with the District’s executive and mid-level leaders and staff, and executives and public affairs/outreach staff at federal, state and partner agencies, as well as special interest groups.

• Public Affairs Specialist

  • Jan 1994 - Dec 2004



Oregon Air National Guard

• United States
• Armed Forces
• 100 - 200 Employee

• Public Affairs Specialist

  • Apr 1994 - Dec 1999

  I was the non-commissioned officer-in-charge of a staff of three public affairs practitioners and one office clerk. Our office was responsible for publishing the monthly unit newspaper and maintaining positive relationships with local reporters. I developed my own story ideas, wrote and edited my own stories and shared responsibilities for acquiring photographic products for use in producing the newspaper. I oversaw the developmental needs of two junior enlisted members and supported the office and command responsibilities of the office supervisor. As an additional duty, I was the unit training NCO and was responsible for tracking, supporting and approving training requests for assigned personnel.



US Army

• United States
• Law Enforcement
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Broadcast Journalist

  • Aug 1989 - Aug 1992

  I was one of four broadcasters assigned to the 1st Infantry Division tasked with producing a weekly, 10-minute command information television program that aired on the base-wide commander's access channel. I developed my own story ideas, shared responsibilities for acquiring video B-roll for use in producing our story segments, wrote and edited my own stories, edited raw video footage into a completed package, and shared responsibilities for "hosting" the show. I worked in the media relations section of the office for nine months. I met with area reporters, escorted them around the base, provided appropriate responses to their queries, and saw to their many needs. I also wrote and took photographs for the base newspaper, prepared news releases and served as the emcee/narrator at division-level functions and ceremonies. During my time with the division we dealt with base expansion, a major deployment to Operations Desert Shield/Storm and the murder of a spouse by a service member.