Experience

Taloma Partners, LLC

• United States
• Public Relations and Communications Services
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Principal

  • Dec 2017 - Present

  Principal of a full-service public affairs practice providing clients with expertise in government relations, strategic communications, issue management, organizational capacity building and operational oversight, as well as on-site leadership transition and contract interim CEO services. Principal of a full-service public affairs practice providing clients with expertise in government relations, strategic communications, issue management, organizational capacity building and operational oversight, as well as on-site leadership transition and contract interim CEO services.



Denver Zoological Foundation

• United States
• Museums, Historical Sites, and Zoos
• 200 - 300 Employee

• Chief External Relations Officer

  • Mar 2016 - Dec 2017

  This executive level role is responsible for managing and executing strategic local, state and federal government relations efforts, ballot issue campaign engagement, marketing, communications and public relations for the organization. This executive level role is responsible for managing and executing strategic local, state and federal government relations efforts, ballot issue campaign engagement, marketing, communications and public relations for the organization.



Ward & Associates, LLC

• United States
• Transportation, Logistics, Supply Chain and Storage
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Founder & President

  • Jul 2015 - Mar 2016

  Principal of a full-service public affairs practice providing clients with expertise in government relations, strategic communications, issue management, organizational capacity building and operational oversight, as well as on-site leadership transition and contract interim CEO services. Hallmarks of Tamra’s approach include her ability to quickly assess situations and stakeholders; clearly define steps to meet a vision or goals; building and maintaining high-performing teams and coalitions; strong relationships in Colorado’s business and nonprofit communities, and success in raising financial resources. Ward & Associates’ clients included: * Susan G. Komen Colorado – Interim CEO * Trapper Mining Inc. * COPIC * Colorado Association of Realtors * Colorado Health Foundation *Coloradans Protecting Patient Access Show less



Colorado Concern

• United States
• Non-profit Organizations
• 1 - 100 Employee

• President and CEO

  • Oct 2011 - Jun 2015

  Managed and operated a statewide business advocacy organization with an exclusive membership of 116 CEOs from across Colorado. Responsible for shaping the organization’s vision of a healthy and vibrant business climate, ensuring Board support and engagement, and executing a strategy with state policy and political activities to achieve that mission. Directed state legislative lobbying and the financing of business-friendly candidates through the organization’s Political Action Committee (PAC), 527 and 501c4 entities. Provided ballot issue campaign leadership and fundraising expertise. Served as the fiduciary for the organization, ensuring financial health and stability. Managed internal staff and consultants. Show less



Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce

• United States
• Civic and Social Organizations
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Sr. VP, Public Affairs/Communications ~ 2006-11; VP, Public Affairs ~ 2003-06; Director, PA ~2000-03

  • 2000 - Oct 2011

  Executive management team member serving as key adviser to the President and Chief Executive Officer and volunteer leadership of 55-member Board of Directors. Responsible for the development and implementation of federal, state and local public policy and political strategies. Led efforts to raise $18.8 million for three successful campaigns to support or defeat statewide ballot measures viewed as helpful or harmful to Colorado’s economic climate. Successfully facilitated the creation of a separate, financially solvent, statewide legislative advocacy entity known as the Colorado Competitive Council (C3). Served as spokesperson and provided oversight and guidance for all internal and external communications – as well as media and advocacy messaging. Show less



Columbia Hospital for Women Medical Center

• VP, Marketing and Development

  • Aug 1999 - Nov 2000

  Acted as primary fundraiser on executive staff of private, congressionally chartered, not-for-profit hospital. Initiated Foundation Board of Directors to build an endowment framework; served as primary hospital liaison and recruiter for board. Guided hospital administrators through federal appropriation request process, as well as interaction with other government entities. Developed and adapted long-range strategy to position the hospital competitively in the marketplace. Managed public relations and outreach efforts. Directed ongoing medical awareness programs and special events. Show less



Kennedy Western University

• E-Learning Providers
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Director of Public Affairs

  • Jan 1999 - Jul 1999

  Managed corporate marketing of private, post-secondary distance learning provider with enrollment of 13,500 students. Provided community and business outreach and education regarding trends in alternative academic instruction. Served as liaison between university and state government. Directed and produced alumni publications and marketing materials. Managed corporate marketing of private, post-secondary distance learning provider with enrollment of 13,500 students. Provided community and business outreach and education regarding trends in alternative academic instruction. Served as liaison between university and state government. Directed and produced alumni publications and marketing materials.

• Director of Planning and Marketing

  • Dec 1997 - Dec 1998

  Served as liaison between hospital and federal agencies, Congress and city government. Served as media spokesperson. Managed corporate and individual financial appeals. Organized and supervised special events. Directed advertising and marketing programs. Provided community outreach on behalf of 400 physicians. Served as liaison between hospital and federal agencies, Congress and city government. Served as media spokesperson. Managed corporate and individual financial appeals. Organized and supervised special events. Directed advertising and marketing programs. Provided community outreach on behalf of 400 physicians.



United States Senator Craig Thomaswas

• Deputy Chief of Staff

  • Jan 1995 - Dec 1997

  Top-level adviser to Senator. Helped develop and implement administrative policies and operating procedures. Supervised personnel matters, legislative mail operation and intra-office communications. Represented Senator at policy meetings and other events. Assisted Chief of Staff on special projects and outreach to constituents. Functioned as political designee for campaign- related matters. Top-level adviser to Senator. Helped develop and implement administrative policies and operating procedures. Supervised personnel matters, legislative mail operation and intra-office communications. Represented Senator at policy meetings and other events. Assisted Chief of Staff on special projects and outreach to constituents. Functioned as political designee for campaign- related matters.



United States Senator Craig Thomas

• Press Secretary

  • Mar 1994 - Dec 1994

  Served as spokesperson. Coordinated media interviews, press conferences and coverage. Wrote press releases, letters to the editor and weekly editorial columns for publication in Wyoming newspapers and national print media. Briefed the Congressman prior to television and radio appearances; researched and prepared background information and talking points. Served as spokesperson. Coordinated media interviews, press conferences and coverage. Wrote press releases, letters to the editor and weekly editorial columns for publication in Wyoming newspapers and national print media. Briefed the Congressman prior to television and radio appearances; researched and prepared background information and talking points.



United States Senator Alan Simpson

• Assistant Press Secretary

  • May 1990 - Mar 1994

  Served as spokesperson. Wrote press releases, columns and editorials. Managed Senator’s radio and television appearances. Organized “Off the Record” Club luncheon for the Senator and the national print media. Selected and researched topics and wrote scripts for nationally syndicated daily radio program “Face Off” with Senator Edward Kennedy. Served as spokesperson. Wrote press releases, columns and editorials. Managed Senator’s radio and television appearances. Organized “Off the Record” Club luncheon for the Senator and the national print media. Selected and researched topics and wrote scripts for nationally syndicated daily radio program “Face Off” with Senator Edward Kennedy.