Experience

ACLU of Illinois

• United States
• Legal Services
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Deputy Director of Communications

  • Jul 2017 - Present

  Assist in leading communications planning and media relations across departments; serve as spokesman for media requests and interviews; help manage legislative relationships and goals in Chicago and Springfield; coordinate with National and other local chapters on communication response and initiatives; manage and draft content for ACLU blogs and social media accounts; collaborate with development team on fundraising pitches and goals; develop collateral and creative materials; and respond to local & national issues in real time.- Traveled to Texas to support ACLU National during the family separation crisis at the border, managed media relations, planned rallies, and created a coordinated court watcher program- Originated, produce, and edit the ACLU of Illinois podcast Talking Liberties- Helped organize the ACLU People Power Beer campaign with local breweries across Illinois- Assisted in policy and media relations campaigns to pass the Reproductive Health Act and HB 40 to protect reproductive freedom in Illinois- Create media plans for ACLU of Illinois clients around charges including pregnancy discrimination, transgender student access to facilities, First Amendment violations, and more



Kivvit

• United States
• Public Relations and Communications Services
• 100 - 200 Employee

• Principal

  • Sep 2012 - Jul 2017

  Principal, May 2015 - July 2017Senior Associate, September 2013 - May 2015Associate, September 2012 – September 2013Assisted clients with strategic communications, creative copy, issue and crisis management, content development and coalition building; developed critical client deliverables, including communication plans, messaging, and press releases; secured media opportunities and headlines; wrote, directed and filmed videos; developed and executed media trainings; led new business proposals and pitches; managed and coordinated external consultants, PR firms and vendors; managed junior staff members; and oversaw Kivvit internship program.­- Executed media relations, third-party outreach, and coalition management for the award-winning Illinois Unites for Marriage campaign- Established a rapid response and issue management plan for the launch of a major news network­- Organized press outreach and media-trained key stakeholders for the award-winning Save Prentice Hospital campaign with the National Trust for Historic Preservation- Assisted in Chicago media relations, paid media development, and host community engagement for Airbnb- Managed Chicagoland media relations for Northern Illinois University­- Executed earned media outreach and helped launch the Chicago Geek Street Fest for Google- ­Assisted in launch of Stage 18 and executed earned media strategy for Cinespace Chicago Film Studios­- Managed crisis communications and media response for Lawrence Hall Youth Services- ­Led successful digital marketing and community relations campaign to increase minority applicants to Chicago Police Department­- Created award-winning reports for Choose Chicago



City of Chicago

• Government Administration
• 700 & Above Employee

• Director of Communications, 44th Ward

  • Feb 2009 - Sep 2012

  Director of Communications, April 2011 – September 2012 Community Outreach Director, February 2009 - April 2011Served as the aldermanic spokesperson for media and the community; advised the alderman on outreach, legislation, LGBTQ issues, public safety, communication and press; maintained the 44th Ward website; assisted constituents with issues concerning the City of Chicago, including the Park District, public transportation, parking tickets, block parties, crime, personal safety; coordinated and managed special events and street festivals.­- Organized and facilitated a city-wide volunteer day with the Chicago Bureau of Tourism and the Chicago Cubs to renovate lakefront pedestrian pedways­- Modified and administered a new route and safety plan for the Chicago Pride Parade­- Spearheaded the creation and fundraising of the Rink at Wrigley with the Chicago Cubs and Chicago Park District in 2009 and 2010­- Managed and expedited city negotiations and approval for the Legacy Project, an outdoor LGBTQ walking museum­- Established the bi-weekly “News from the 44th Ward” e-newsletter and aldermanic social media (Facebook, Twitter and YouTube) and raised subscription by over 500%­- Served as spokesman in interviews with Chicago Tribune, Chicago Sun-Times, Crain's Chicago Business, Huffington Post, ESPN.com, RedEye Chicago, Windy City Times and Inside-Booster



State of Illinois

• Government Administration
• 700 & Above Employee

• Press Aide, Office of the Governor

  • Aug 2007 - Jan 2009

  Press Aide, August 2008 - February 2009 Dunn Fellow, August 2007 - August 2008Press Intern, Summer 2004 and 2005Compiled daily press clippings; managed and replied to constituent letters/e-mail; managed State of Illinois e-newsletter, blog, and site content; served as press advance for State of Illinois media events; updated and maintained the governor’s social media.­- Led minority media outreach on healthcare and insurance programs, including the expansion of the Illinois Breast and Cervical Cancer Program (IBCCP)­- Advised senior communications staff on media outreach, messaging, and PR plans ­- Served as LGBTQ press liaison ­- Formed State of Illinois talking points and speechwriting memos



Loyola University Chicago

• United States
• Higher Education
• 700 & Above Employee

• Media & Marketing Assistant, Office of University Marketing and Communications

  • Jun 2006 - Jan 2007

  - Developed and edited “Inside Loyola” interdepartmental newsletter and web content- Launched media outreach campaign for the new Loyola University Museum of Art- Drafted and edited Loyola University press releases- Compiled weekly print, television, and radio clips reports