United States Air ForcePublic Affairs Officer
Jan. 2004 - Dec. 2006•Directed media relations and public affairs for 2,500-person Air Force Base, including managing budgets, programs, metrics, media interviews, story pitches, press releases, and media interviews.
•Partnered with senior officers, providing counseling on effective public affairs strategies.
•Produced a monthly television program with local public access channel for 16,000 viewers.
•Developed and launched public affairs, community relations, internal communications, and base newspaper programs. •Generated positive media coverage in local, state, and national news outlets by conducting interviews and tours for 80+ news journalists. •Presented annual accident briefing at city emergency meeting. •Distributed $500,000+ in agency funds and $140,000 in travel expenditures. Special Project: Hurricane Katrina Joint Task Force (2004)
Selected for Lieutenant General Honore’s public affairs staff to facilitate media and public relations for Hurricane Katrina relief efforts; drafted and communicated DOD crisis key messaging.
Media Relations Chief
•Managed communications and logistics coordination for 40+ national and international media outlets including NBC, CBS, CNN, BBC, BET, Fox, Vanity Fair, and National Geographic.
•Oversaw selection, fielding, and scheduling of media interviews and onsite reporters.
•Provided daily climate assessments, media reviews, and key messages to Commanding General.