Chris Putman

Chief of Public Affairs at U.S. Army Engineering and Support Center Huntsville

Decatur, Alabama, United States

About

I am currently the Chief of Public Affairs at U.S. Army Engineering and Support Center Huntsville having previously worked for U.S Army Recruiting Command and the Army Material Command. Also, freelance public relations and marketing representative with 25 years of experience in the motorsports industry. I've worked with American Flat Track and with teams, drivers/riders and manufacturers competing in AMA Pro Racing, National Hot Rod Association, IMSA and the INDYCAR Specialties: Writing, Story Placement, Web Content, Publications, Photography, Media Relations, Social Media, Sponsorship.

Experience

  • Chief of Public Affairs at U.S. Army Engineering and Support Center Huntsville
    Mar 2021 - Present · 5 yrs 4 mos

    I serve as the Public Affairs Officer, responsible for the development, execution, and evaluation of the public affairs program. I am responsible for planning, organizing, and directing the Huntsville Engineering & Support Center (HNC) program to disseminate information relating to the Corps worldwide programs, objectives, and functions through the news media, organizations, and through direct contact with the public. Oversees development of multi-media approaches to convey public information, to include news releases, feature articles, video scripts, brochures, pamphlets, appearances, posters, social media and exhibits. Program lead for Corps of Engineers’ highly visible booth at AUSA Global Force Symposium. Ensures that public affairs team is nested with key members of the Project Delivery Teams and directs communication planning. Acts as primary consultant to the HNC Commander and executive staff, Program and Project Directors and other Center staff, and public affairs staff in HNC on public affairs matters. Serves as Supervisory Public Affairs Specialist for HNC.

  • Motorsports Public Relations and Marketing Consultant at Self
    Jan 2001 - Present · 25 yrs 6 mos

    Public relations and marketing consultant for teams, tracks, manufacturers, drivers and riders in various motorsports disciplines. Clients include American Flat Track, Triumph North America, Barber Motorsports Park, Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course and Don O'Neal Racing. Currently in a communications role with American Flat Track where I engage with local and tour media and VIPs.

  • Chief of Advertising & Public Affairs at U.S. Army 2nd Recruiting Brigade
    Dec 2012 - Mar 2021 · 8 yrs 4 mos

    As the Chief of Advertising and Public Affairs I managed all advertising and public affairs initiatives for U.S. Army recruiting to cover eight states and Puerto Rico. I managed two DA Civilians and three contractors with an annual budget of over $5m. I also had oversite of 29 DA civilians in the 8 Battalions that fell under the Brigade. Wrote and edited press releases. Conducted media and market analysis in order to prepare and publish marketing plans resulting in more efficient marketing tactics. Interacted with senior leadership briefing on situations and status throughout the Brigade footprint. Monitored taskings to ensure 100% compliance within the timeline given. Wrote speeches that the Brigade leadership uses when speaking at community and military events. Prepared briefing material related to advertising and Public Affairs. Oversaw promotional opportunities surrounding major sports, radio, newspaper, and television promotional events. Represented the Command at national events and meetings. Managed Brigade's web site and all social media platforms. Responded to media inquires to ensure that the accurate Army message was conveyed. Generated positive press for Army Recruiting through media releases, media contact, and special community activities. Developed short and long range communications plans that convey organizational policies and procedures. Contributed to accomplishment of USAREC’s strategic goals and plans for both the Active Army and U.S. Army Reserve mission by advising Brigade Command and Battalions A&PAs of program goals and objectives. Planed and assigned work, setting priorities and performance expectations, and evaluating work of employees. Developed Public Affairs Guidance (PAG) for events and situations arising within the Brigade footprint. Served as the consultant to the Command on public relations and advertising matters.

  • Public and Congressional Affairs at U.S. Army Materiel Command
    Aug 2010 - Dec 2012 · 2 yrs 5 mos

    Provide Public Affairs support for the leadership of the Army’s largest command, Army Materiel Command, with activities in all 50 states and 155 countries.

  • Chief of Advertising and Public Affairs at U.S. Army 2nd Medical Recruiting Battalion
    Oct 2005 - Aug 2010 · 4 yrs 11 mos

    Chief of Advertising and Public Affairs for US Army Recruiting in the Northern California area and for US Army Medical Recruiting Command for an area that includes 10 southern states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.