Experience

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  Exelon

  • Baltimore, Maryland Area

  • Strategic Communications

    • May 2011 - Present
    • Baltimore, Maryland Area

    In January 2014, I joined BGE's (Maryland's largest electric and gas utility) communications team in order to deliver strategic guidance to BGE leadership, facilitate the integration of varied communications disciplines into a cohesive unit, refine the utility's crisis communications plan, and execute proactive outreach to strengthen the company's brand. I serve as an on-the-record spokesperson and prepare our people for interviews.Utilities are faced with an increasingly competitive and contentious environment that demands timely, transparent, and comprehensive communications to varied stakeholder groups. Aligning all external communications efforts toward a common objective, coupled with clear and succinct messaging, will provide effective support to BGE as it strives to meet its operations goals.My role has grown to include a seat on the company's innovation steering committee. I earned this after submitting the winning idea in two out of six categories during the company's first Ideathon in 2016. As the lead communicator for BGE's innovation effort, I have driven increases in all of the group's performance metrics.I previously provided communications leadership to Constellation Energy Nuclear Group by developing proactive outreach strategies for both internal and external audiences. This included media outreach, media and interview preparations, website content development, social media planning, and internal communications channels. I also created and executed communications strategies to support the alignment and engagement of 2,700 employees based in four locations with our business goals and initiatives.

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  US EPA

  • Washington, District Of Columbia

  • Public Affairs Specialist

    • Oct 2010 - May 2011
    • Washington, District Of Columbia

    During a quick tour at the EPA, I ensured the consistent and accurate delivery of the Agency’s messages. I worked on high-profile and contentious issues including hydrofracking, coal ash waste, emergency response, and homeland security. I was the first point of contact for media inquiries and pitched proactive stories. In six months I resolved more than 250 media inquiries.

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  Xenophon Strategies

  • Director

    • Feb 2006 - Oct 2010

    In five years, I evolved from a communications neophyte who monitored news and created media lists to a Director responsible for managing all aspects of several accounts in the energy, aerospace engineering, transportation and health care industries.I audited clients to determine communication capabilities, deficiencies and goals, developed communications plans that supported client business goals and provided day-to-day strategic counsel.I interacted with the media daily, proactively trying to get my clients in the news and efficiently responding to reporter inquiries. To help with this, I created core messages and issue briefs and also cultivated issue-experts and spokespeople.One of the most interesting aspects of my job entailed reviewing and revising crisis communications plans, creating crisis drills and leading media trainings. I used much of what I helped to prepare and create during several client crises, including multiple aircraft incidents, helicopter accidents and potential energy blackouts.

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  U.S. Senate

  • Communications Intern

    • Aug 2005 - Jan 2006

    Senator Charles Schumer's (D-NY) prolific press office was my first exposure to communications. This office has a reputation for being aggressive and effective and the experience I gained in just six months allowed me to transition to my first full-time job seamlessly.I developed briefing documents for press conferences and interviews, organized press conferences, drafted press releases and monitored media for relevant news.

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  South Carolina Democratic Party

  • Field Organizer

    • Jul 2004 - Nov 2004

    I organized Charleston County for a statewide campaign, serving as liaison between the state Democratic Party and state and local level candidates. I cultivated grassroots support, recruited volunteers, and was responsible for voter contact I also captained our tri-county GOTV canvassing program which involved prioritizing precincts and managing 20+ paid canvassers and 20+ volunteers.