Greater Indianapolis
I am a strategic thinker, tenacious doer, and dynamic leader with over a decade of experience in strategic communications, public relations, and brand development. Currently working as an Associate Director of Strategy and Program Manager at LINK, I get to help humans unravel complexity in a way that is visual, creative, and exercises both sides of the brain. A proud veteran, I started my professional career as a surface warfare officer and later as a public affairs officer in the United States Navy. My naval service culminated as the Chief Communications Officer at the Naval Surface and Mine Warfighting Development Center (SMWDC) where I led all enterprise communications for an international organization while concurrently developing a training curriculum focused on countering mis- and disinformation in a maritime environment. Ask me any day about what it's like to manage strategic communications and lead teams of creatives aboard an aircraft carrier at sea!
We partner with engineers, technologists, futurists, and thought leaders to untangle complexity, discover opportunity, and communicate clearly with visual stories. We apply journalistic standards of research to ground ideas in data. When you exercise both left and right brain, you discover game changing solutions. Let us be your partners in change. useinktothink.com
As the Chief Communication Officer for a globally dispersed organization of over 500 personnel, I serve as the primary communications liaison for the Navy's expansive Surface Fleet, which comprises over 100,000 dedicated Sailors. In this pivotal role, I lead the development of organizational messaging and oversee all aspects of communications, public affairs, and media relations. My leadership ensures that clear, impactful communications resonate across diverse audiences, navigating the complexities of a large-scale operation with agility and strategic vision. Key Accomplishments: - Led a diverse team of 30 professionals for an international organization, driving comprehensive communication plans, message development, and brand strategies. - Spearheaded the development of multiple multimedia communication channels, achieving a remarkable 300% increase in followers and a 12% boost in engagement rates within a year. - Cultivated robust media contacts across San Diego and national networks, securing over 20 placements across diverse outlets and reaching audiences exceeding 12 million. - Developed and executed a successful branding strategy for a competitive training program, surpassing recruiting goals by an impressive 106% in 2022 and 110% in 2023. On track to exceed expanded 2024 goals by 130%.
As head of public affairs for 7,500+ Sailors and Marines, led a dynamic team of 28 specialists and 15 coordinators while managing a full spectrum of communication functions, including internal and external communication, digital engagement, crisis response, media relations, and community outreach. Served as interim Chief Communications Officer for six months. Key Achievements: - Spearheaded an innovative, multi-channel campaign facilitating the historic transition of the first female commanding officer of an aircraft carrier, showcasing adaptability and strategic vision. - Flawlessly executed 30 community engagements, totaling over 600 hours for 400 visitors as the primary event planner for the Distinguished Visitor tour program. Leveraged media relationships, reaching over 2 million Americans with targeted messaging, elevating the organization’s public profile. - Guided crisis communication efforts post-helicopter crash and tragic loss of five Sailors. Provided exceptional counsel to senior leadership, developed consistent messaging fostering trust and confidence among internal audiences and families. Maintained strict control over sensitive information, achieving zero leaks or missteps, showcasing crisis management expertise. - Orchestrated crisis communication efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic, earning positive local press coverage for our organization's response. - Strategized and executed an innovative, multi-channel campaign facilitating the historic transition of the first female commanding officer of an aircraft carrier, showcasing adaptability and strategic vision. - Developed and trained the U.S. response to unsafe encounters at sea and in the air, hosting a training summit to share best practices across the organization. Awarded Navy Public Affairs Awards of Excellence in Crisis Communication, Internal Communication, Special Events, and Digital Engagement.
Responsible for process improvement for complex supply and administrative challenges in a global, disaggregated organization tasked with moving personnel and equipment worldwide in support of military operations. With astute attention to detail and expertise in cloud-based human resource software tools, Ideveloped requirements to ensure optimal manpower availability and tracked personnel qualifications and readiness for all employees assigned to the organization. Key Accomplishments: - Directed a $1.8M budget, overseeing 12 crucial administrative programs, and elevating workplace effectiveness by 94% for 145 employees across three locations achieving a remarkable 98% deployability readiness rate across the command, maximizing operational public affairs support for the entire United States Navy. - Headed three content creation teams, orchestrating the development of over 150 multimedia products. Ensured seamless message and brand consistency across five high-profile events, showcasing adept leadership in content creation and event management.