Atlanta, Georgia, United States
I’ve spent my career working with organizations that move the economy, power cities and care for communities – railroads, electric utilities and nuclear power, health systems and local government. These are complex, highly regulated, operationally intensive industries that exist in the public spotlight. When they succeed, communities thrive. When they don’t, it makes headlines. Success depends on maintaining the trust and goodwill of the communities they serve. Across roles leading corporate communications, government relations, marketing, community engagement and philanthropy, my responsibility has been consistent: helping organizations navigate the moments that matter and achieve their business and policy goals. Sometimes that means introducing a breakthrough new corporate strategy, positioning a CEO transition, or supporting a major acquisition. Other times it means creating an advocacy campaign to achieve a regulatory outcome, developing a new program to engage community stakeholders, or resolving a sensitive issue before it jeopardizes reputation. Because bad things sometimes happen to good organizations, I’ve led communications through significant crises, including the East Palestine train derailment, one of the most consequential corporate challenges in recent years. I take deep satisfaction that our team won the 2024 SABRE award for crisis management. Safeguarding reputation is 90% action and 10% communication. Tight collaboration with operations is the key to success, and I’ve had the good fortune to work with – and learn from – highly skilled operations executives and front-line experts. I’ve also been asked on multiple occasions to reinvigorate in-house communications teams. Building a team and structure to match the business need is satisfying work. It has introduced me to scores of talented professionals, many of whom now run their own teams. My first job was as a political speechwriter, and writing remains my passion. I get to be around smart, interesting people and help them express important ideas in memorable ways. I’ve enjoyed working with CEOs and elected officials on every kind of writing, including speeches, investor day presentations, guest columns, preparation for high-profile media interviews, and even a book on urban policy. After three decades inside Fortune 500 companies, today I work on behalf of my clients as a founding partner of CDLB Communications. It’s an exhilarating new challenge, with the same focus: helping organizations of all sizes tell their stories during the moments that matter.