Resume
Strategic communications and reputation leader with 16+ years of experience advising C-suite executives and driving brand, crisis, and public affairs strategies. Known for aligning messaging with business goals, navigating complexity with clarity, and leading high-impact teams across sectors. Trusted by executives, boards, and cross-sector partners to lead through transformation, risk, and opportunity.
Key Achievements
Executive Influence
Advised C-suite and executive leadership across sectors—crafting high-stakes messaging, shaping internal and external strategy, and strengthening leadership visibility and trust with key stakeholders.
Revenue Growth
Drove a 3% increase in main campus revenue through streamlined, audience-focused marketing—outpacing sector trends during industry-wide enrollment declines.
Sustained Brand Transformation
Directed five institutional rebrands that elevated visibility, improved brand cohesion, and solidified market position—anchoring long-term stakeholder engagement and growth.
Crisis Leadership
Led executive communications and public response during crises including COVID-19, major hurricanes, public safety threats, and the BP oil spill—ensuring continuity and protecting public trust.
Market Expansion
Orchestrated cross-sector partnerships, driving a 60k+ customer acquisition surge in three weeks via targeted digital and community outreach.
National Media Strategy
Cultivated national media and directed public relations strategy supporting Louisiana’s $8.8B BP oil spill settlement—building public pressure, sustaining visibility, and bolstering stakeholder confidence.
Operational Excellence & Strategic Planning
Managed a $6M budget with zero variance, co-led a $2B+ federal investment dashboard for transparency, and developed strategic plans that continue to guide agencies and partners.
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Crisis Leadership & Reputation Management
Executive Communications & Influence
Brand Strategy & Market Positioning
Stakeholder & Partnership Development
Change Management & Scalability
Data-Driven Marketing & Analytics
P&L Oversight & Budget Optimization
Regulatory Affairs & Governance
Professional Experience
Vice Chancellor, Marketing, Communications & University Relations
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee | Milwaukee, WI | Dec 2022 – Apr 2025
Oversaw 40+ staff and a $6M budget across marketing, web, comms, government relations, and events.
Led UWM’s first institutional rebrand in 25+ years.
Advised executive leadership on crisis response and reputation strategy.
Assistant Deputy Secretary
Wisconsin Department of Administration | Madison, WI | Aug 2020 – Dec 202
Built the agency’s first external affairs team and led communications for 35,000+ employees.
Developed a $2B+ federal investment dashboard and $170M in economic recovery grants.
Executive responsible for the state’s Clean Energy and Homelessness Action plans, both successfully launched with public-private partnerships and implementation strategies.
Director of Public Affairs
Wisconsin Office of the Commissioner of Insurance | Madison, WI | Jan 2019 – Aug 202
Directed public affairs and strategic comms during health insurance market stabilization.
Launched WisCovered.com and enrollment campaign alongside industry and grassroots partners, drove 60K+ marketplace enrollments in under a month.
Led a customer-focused agency rebrand and web overhaul.
Additional Leadership Roles
Wisconsin Political Work | 2017-2019
Co-Founder, Concept Blue Media
Director of Communications, Wachs for Wisconsin (Gubernatorial Campaign)
Director of Communications, Wisconsin Assembly Minority Leader’s Office
Non-Profit Service | 2015-2017
Vice President, Communications & Policy, Choices Coordinated Care Solutions
State of Louisiana Appointments | 2009-2015
Director of Media and Communications, Louisiana Department of Health
Tax Reform Project Manager, Louisiana Department of Revenue
Director of Communications, Louisiana Governor’s Office of Coastal Activities
Special Advisor, Policy & Strategic Comms, Louisiana Department of Wildlife & Fisheries
Public Information Officer, Louisiana Department of Health
Private Sector Roles | 2007-2009
Startup Editor & Reporter, Baton Rouge Business Report
Copywriter & Project Coordinator, Covalent Logic
Education
Harvard Business School (HBX/CORe): Credential of Readiness, Financial & Business Analytics
Tulane University: BA, English & Political Science
Board & Advisory Roles
Board Member, Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA) - 2020-2022
Member, Governor’s Interagency Network on Lead - 2021-2022
Member, Governor’s Interagency Council on Mental Health, 2020-2021
Commissioner’s Designee, Governor’s Council on Financial Literacy - 2019-2020
Commissioner’s Designee, Wisconsin PFAS Action Council - 2019-2020
Commissioner’s Designee, OCI-DHS Health Care Coverage Partnership, 2019-2020
Executive Board Member, New Leader’s Council, Wisconsin - 2017-2020
Fellow, New Leaders Council, Louisiana Chapter - 2014
Board Member, Associates Board, Tulane University - 2013-2018
Board Member, Newcomb College Alumnae Association, 2008-2012