San Francisco, California, United States
Deirdre is a strategic communications and public affairs expert with more than 20 years of experience that spans from journalism, crisis management, strategic planning, public policy, media relations and reputation enhancement. With strong analytical and problem-solving skills, she has experience in successfully driving complex strategies and projects, possesses outstanding cross-functional organizational skills and is a motivated self-starter that is never satisfied with the status quo. She began her career in the newsroom, with reporting and editing roles that took her to South Africa, New York and San Francisco, CA. At the San Francisco Examiner, her strategic vision and drive for results led to an increase circulation by more than 25 percent. She climbed the newsroom ladder, ultimately serving as the Editor-in-Chief, one of the few woman heading a major metro news organization. Deirdre has built a reputation as a strategic thinker, identifying opportunities and anticipating next moves. At Gap Inc., she built the $16B company’s strategy for corporate crisis management. She evangelized a proactive strategy, resulting in her creating and leading a content marketing strategy for the company focused on social responsibility. As a leader for the Office of Lt. Governor of California, and the San Francisco Mayor's Office, Deirdre identified innovative opportunities to elevate public profiles — often during highly unusual and volatile times. She was chosen by city leadership to serve as the Acting Director of Strategic Communications for the Department of Public Health during the COVID-19 pandemic based on her crisis and issues management expertise, her strong media management as well as her strategic positioning and execution. A natural leader, she has repeated success with organization transformation, leading through times of ambiguity. From the immediate positioning of a new Mayor minutes after the passing of the former, or building and retaining confidence during an unprecedented pandemic, Deirdre not only manages the strategy for these times flawlessly, but inspires those around her to focus on providing their best work.
Deployed to lead communications and strategy during COVID-19 pandemic. Chosen by city leaders for this role based on crisis and issues management experience, media management, as well as strategic positioning and execution. • Drove clarity, consistency, and discipline in strategic messaging, enhancing reputation with local. national and international stakeholders and constituencies. • Provided strategic direction and guidance to senior management and executive leader by collaborating with cross-functional teams on internal and external policies, procedures, issues, communication, stakeholder and community engagement. • Monitored external environment for important regulatory, legislative, and other policy issues.
Leading 360-degree public affairs strategies - including executive, public policy, stakeholder engagement, media, internal and digital - designed to enhance the Port’s reputation. • Manage the evolution of Port’s narrative and messaging that resonates with public, stakeholders and customers, and reflects our business objectives, values, and culture. • Proactively identifies, maps and pre-empts issues and protects and advances Port’s reputation • Develops plans to build constituent and influencer support in service of policy debates and decision making on topics of interest to the Port. • Coordinate communications strategy for all initiatives, anchoring messaging to the Port's mission and strategic narrative, while working closely with key internal stakeholders drive forward key objectives. • Oversee the development and implementation the Port's first equity strategy.
Director of Public Policy & Affairs Developed and oversee implementation of comprehensive public affairs strategies and campaigns to further the department’s mission, reform strategy and policy interests. Translated department vision and goals into digestible narrative to advocate lawmakers, stakeholders, community, management team and employees. ● Analyze critical issues, drive the creation and refinement of strategic positions, prioritize policy interests against department objectives, and work to advance interests with stakeholders at all levels. ● Guide the executive team in developing and implementing effective legislative, administrative and political strategies and advocacy campaigns, particularly policy reform. ● Assess and anticipate public-policy matters, oversee and coordinate external advocacy efforts, outreach programs, and key initiatives.
Developed and oversaw strategic policy communication planning for Mayor’s Office, including the more than 60 departments reporting to Mayor. Navigated complex campaigns and crisis communications situations to deliver impactful messages, whether explicit or nuanced. Transitioned two Mayors (Mayor London N. Breed and Mayor Mark Farrell) into the position, following the sudden passing of Mayor Edwin M. Lee. Drove public approval and trust of local government and individual Mayors through effective and consistent communications.