Air Force Director
Resume:
ALMARAH K. BELK, APR
***** ******* ****** ** ***********@*******.***
Chantilly, VA 20152 (M) 703-***-****
(H) 703-***-****
Senior Public Relations and Communications Executive
Accomplished executive with 22 years of proven leadership experience
building and leading communication programs. Demonstrated success at
building solid relationships with C-Level executives, building consensus on
communications priorities, creating communication programs, and raising the
performance of communication teams. Recognized expert in integrating
DoD/Interagency programs, achieving organizational objectives in a superior
manner. History of success in managing increasingly large/complex
communication programs within DoD while providing visible and ethical
leadership to all personnel and team members. Leadership experience across
the spectrum of DoD units with demonstrated proficiency in the management
of budgetary, timeline, personnel, process, project, and program
requirements. Proven track record of interfacing/coordinating between
government agencies and civilian organizations.
Specialties
Global Engagement Planning & Implementation Risk, Crisis and
Change Communications
Award-winning Media Relations/Training for Executives Team
Leadership & Leadership Messaging
Outreach Solutions & Innovative Events Management Employee
Engagement & Communications
Communications Measurement, Training & Development Customer
Relationship Management
Results- and goal-oriented leader with strong background of
Performance outstanding performance
across the spectrum of business and communication activities
Talent for managing fast-paced, high-profile communication
operations in varying situations
Senior-level strategist and team builder adept at mentoring and
motivating diverse,
cross-functional teams to achieve peak levels of performance
Operates on a foundation of trust and integrity; treating people
with respect and dignity
Builds circle of influence to support an inclusive approach to
management, decision-making, and problem solving; decisive
leader who leads by example and expects the highest standards of
personal and professional performance from all associates;
proven multi tasker who can effectively provide executive-level
direction, guidance, advice, and support
Contributes to the development and growth of organizational
Capabilities priorities and capabilities
Develops positive community and constituent partnerships through
broad and encompassing engagement plans to establish long-term,
mutually-beneficial relationships
Keen eye for detail and superior communications skills which
result in clarity of purpose, objectives and results
Fosters innovation and leverages technology to effectively
communicate with audiences, while ensuring the right balance of
all available communication platforms
C-level experience leading diverse and cross-functional teams,
Experience planning and overseeing programs & solving operational and
procedural issues that may impede effective communication
Proven track record of beginning and developing powerful
dialogues between diverse parties
Trusted advisor to senior decision makers: strategic engagement
and planning, professional and regional cultural issues,
traditional and digital engagement
Proven history of successfully managing increasingly larger and
more complex programs/projects
In all these efforts, personally responsible for ensuring the
principal's satisfaction while providing superior products and
services on time
Faculty Member, Humanities (2012-2013)
University of Phoenix, Raleigh
. Developed competence in communication, critical thinking, collaboration,
and use of information
. Provided instruction that bridges the gap between theory and practice.
. Used technology to create effective modes and means of instruction that
expand access to learning resources
. Used assessment data to improve the teaching and learning system,
curriculum, instruction, learning resources,
counseling, and student services
Communication Director, Office of the VP of Patient Care & System Chief
Nurse Executive (2012)
Duke University Health System (DUHS)
Served as the senior communication advisor; including communication research,
planning, implementation
and evaluation; speech writing; and drafting talking points on behalf of the
Chief Nurse Executive
Managed publication and design production of the DUHS Nursing annual report,
internal and external newsletters brochures, fliers, invitations; created and
managed web content and publication standards
Led promotion activities for National Nurses Week, Nursing Grand Rounds and
other nursing special events;
coordinated public displays for major observances; designed and edited
advertising campaigns and copy
Provided support for Board of Advisors events, solicitation letters, and donor
relations activities
Collaborated with nursing clients to develop and produce resources for nursing
education and professional
development, including project planning and web content development
Communication Research Analyst (2011)
The Everett Group, LLC
Designed and conducted surveys and focus groups for America's military services,
other government agencies, commercial firms and nonprofit organizations.
Evaluated program impact on target audiences or populations.
Developed objectives and goals; preliminary qualitative research; study design
and sampling; questionnaire
development and construction; data collection; and briefing reports and
templates
Translated communication research data for internal and external audiences.
Promoted the value of communication research to a myriad of stakeholders from
across many industries. Produced research information and executive-level
presentations for CEOs and military leaders
Strategic Communications and Global Outreach for the Department of Defense
and United States Air Force (1991-2011)
Spokesperson and Public Affairs Press Operations Officer (2007-2011)
U.S. Department of Defense (DOD)
. Spokesperson on behalf of the Department of Defense (DOD) on worldwide
military operations and DOD policy
working with national and international print, wire, and broadcast
journalists every day.
. Lead Counsel and Principal Advisor for:
-- Deputy Assistant Secretaries for African Affairs, Europe/NATO, and
Russia/Ukraine/Eurasia
-- Briefed the Assistant Secretaries (4-star equivalents) and their
staffs regularly on policy recommendations and engagement strategy and
implementations
-- Authored DoD communication guidance for the White House, State
Department, Department of Defense and other federal departments and
subordinate units
. Coordinated and synchronized communication plans with other government
branches and departments for
Department of Defense support to high-profile events, such as the
Republican and Democratic National conventions;
the H1N1 outbreak; severe wild fires in California; earthquake in Haiti;
and National Air Defense Operations.
. Authored and edited DoD public information documents for weekly press
briefings, press releases and website
. Articulated DoD policy to Pentagon Press Corps, national and
international media - over 800 National Security correspondents
worldwide
. Authored press releases, leader messages, and briefing/speech material
for the Secretary of Defense and his senior defense leaders
. Shared crisis/disaster communication best practices and communication
procedures across the federal government
and with ally nations
. Maintained mastery of oral and written communication skills through
continuous professional development with involvement in the National
Capital Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America and
maintaining communication with the National Press Corps
Senior Communication Plans Officer (2004-2007)
Office of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff
. Provided communication-planning guidance to the Chairman and senior
members of the Joint Staff on all aspects of
internal and public communication.
. Updated Public Affairs policy in operational directives, instructions,
manuals, and doctrine.
. Authored communication plans for military strategy and force
adjustments.
. Provided operational communication guidance and fostered capabilities-
based public affairs planning.
. Sole DOD communication member of the Iraq Interagency Strategic
Communication Working Group.
Director of Communication (2003-2004)
15th Airlift Wing, Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii
. Communication advisor to base commander and senior military leaders at
Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii, including
Johnston Atoll Airfield, Bellows Air Force Station, and other units on
base.
. Led team of 10 communication professionals for day-to-day communication
functions; actively engaged with local
media, community, and Congressional delegation; produced weekly 40-page
newspaper, commanders' TV channel
facilitating flow of information.
. Developed, managed and grew the organizational communication plan to
bring first-ever overseas squadron of
C-17 cargo aircraft to Hawaii - demonstrated value of having a mobility
hub and strategic airlift available to military
forces in the Pacific, as well as the Pacific region for response to
crises.
. Deployed to the Coalition Provisional Authority, Baghdad, Iraq as a
Public Affairs Strategic Communication
Planner (Dec 2003 - Apr 2004) Led and managed massive campaign for
Iraq's transition to democracy; spearheaded
intense, time-compressed contracting process to the final award of a
$5.8M multi-national contract; built foundation for
reaching millions across the Middle East, specifically 25 million Iraqi
people -- urged participation in a legitimate
electoral process.
Senior Communication Planner (2001-2003)
Headquarters, U.S. Air Force Pacific Air Forces, Hickam Air Force Base,
Hawaii
. Advised director and nine subordinate offices on communication strategy,
policy, and plans.
. Tracked plans and personnel resources for Air Force communication
requirements worldwide.
. Following the tragic events on 9/11, deployed to Prince Sultan Air Base,
Saudi Arabia to support pre-war
communication planning (Sep - Dec 2002). Recognized as the Pacific Air
Forces Senior Air Force Communication
Executive of the Year for 2002. Authored communication annexes to very
complex Pacific theater contingency plans
that required Air Force support.
News Media Spokesperson (2000-2001)
Secretary of the Air Force, Office of Public Affairs, Media Operations
Division
. Responded to national and international media inquiries and arranged
news media interviews with officials of the Secretariat and Air Staff
. Recommended media relations policy to senior Air Force leadership on
critical issues involving worldwide operational activities
. Air Staff liaison for Plans and Programs, Financial Management,
International Affairs, USAFE and EUCOM
. Developed and provided PA guidance to Major Commands and developed
appropriate Public Affairs programs to further public understanding of
Air Force roles, missions and requirements
. Planned, coordinated and evaluated media relations policy and activities
pertaining to the Air Force and MAJCOMs
. Served as a senior trainer for Air Force leadership media training
programs.
Executive Officer (1999-2000)
Office of the Secretary of the Air Force, Director of Public Affairs
. Supervised all administration policies of the Public Affairs
directorate, Office of the Secretary of the Air Force
. Assisted the Director and Deputy Director in the formulation of public
affairs advice and counsel to senior Air Force leadership
. Composed, directed and reviewed preparation of personal correspondence
for the Director and Deputy Director
. Ensured all directorate staff work met quality standards of substance,
format and coordination with appropriate agencies
. Worked directly with the offices of the Secretary and Under Secretary of
the Air Force and Chief, Vice and Assistant Vice Chief of Staff
. Interacted with other Secretariat and Air Staff offices, Department of
Defense agencies and industry sources
Chief, Research and Evaluation Branch (1998-1999)
Strategic Communication Division, Office of the Secretary of the Air Force,
Director of Public Affairs
. Conducted original communication research and reviewed secondary sources
of information in support of strategic and tactical communication
initiatives for the Secretary and Chief of Staff of the Air Force, other
senior leaders and the Air Force Communication Council
. Measured and evaluated communication effectiveness through quantitative
and qualitative research methods, such as Public Affairs products
surveys and internal audience surveys
. Conducted specialized research on significant issues and events
affecting Air Force operations
. Developed effective and forthright communication messages and strategies
Mass Communication Graduate Student (1996-1998)
Air Force Institute of Technology Civilian Institution Program, University
of Colorado at Colorado Springs
. Perfect academic performance; earned 4.0 GPA and earned highest
distinction honors
. Selected as Outstanding Master's Graduate in Communication
. Member of the Chancellor's speech-writing and presentation team
. Liaison officer for 30 junior officers; provided guidance on change of
assignment, leave requests and administrative support
Director of Communication (1994-1996)
425th Air Base Squadron, Izmir Air Station, Turkey
. Planned and implemented policy and procedures for commander's
information programs in support of the U.S. military presence in western
Turkey
. Maintained close, harmonious relationships with external media in Izmir
and internal media in central European and northern Mediterranean
regions
. Established rapport with multiservice, multinational community and
political leaders from five Izmir municipalities and Turkish Air Force
senior leadership
. Published weekly newspaper and annual base guide
. Handled security and policy review
. Advised the commander on matters affecting Izmir Air Station
. Spokesperson for critical issues and incidents
Chief of Operations and Deputy Director, Communication (1991-1994)
50th Space Wing, Schriever AFB, Colorado
. Responsible for day-to-day operations of public affairs activities
. Led the Unit Public Affairs Representative Program; advised 26
commanders on their public affairs programs
. Assistant Editor of the base newspaper, the Falcon FEEDBACK
Department Sales Business Manager, Home Fashions
Sears Roebuck & Co (1986-1991)
. Recognized and promoted for leadership and business acumen as a new
college graduate.
. Developed a high level of sales through direct supervision of 15-20
personnel.
. Effectively managed and adapted presentation standards and protection of
merchandise valued at over $1M.
. Led human resource program for interviewing, selecting, and placing of
qualified personnel,
including counseling, training, and evaluation to reinforce positive
morale.
. Established positive rapport with customers on a daily basis, building
the groundwork for continued customer
service excellence and meeting sales and organizational priorities.
EDUCATION
2009 U.S. Air Force Public Affairs Leadership Enrichment Course (Senior) -
Maxwell AFB, AL
2008 Air War College - Correspondence
2007 Accreditation in Public Relations (APR), Universal Accreditation
Board, Public Relations Society of America
2007 Joint Senior Public Affairs Course - Ft George-Meade, MD
2003 Joint Public Affairs Operations Workshop - The Pentagon,
Washington DC
2003 Air Command and Staff College - Correspondence
2002 Information Warfare Applications Course - Maxwell AFB, AL
2002 Contingency Wartime Planning Course - Maxwell AFB, AL
1998 Distinguished Graduate, Master of Arts degree in Communication,
University of Colorado
1996 Squadron Officers School - Maxwell AFB, AL
1992 Defense Information School Public Affairs Officer Course - Ft
Benjamin-Harrison, IN
1991 Officer Training School - Medina Annex, Lackland AFB, TX
1988 Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism, University of Central
Oklahoma, Edmond, OK (Cum-Laude)
MAJOR AWARDS & DECORATIONS
Defense Meritorious Service Medal, one oak leaf cluster National
Defense Service Medal, two devices
Joint Meritorious Service Medal Armed Forces
Expeditionary Medal
Meritorious Service Medal, two oak leaf clusters Southwest Asia
Service Medal, one device
Joint Service Commendation medal, one oak leaf cluster Global War on
Terrorism Expeditionary Medal
Air Force Commendation Medal, one oak leaf cluster Global War on
Terrorism Service Medal
Air Force Achievement Medal AF Expeditionary Medal,
combat border, one oak leaf cluster
Air Force Recognition Ribbon
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
. Past Vice President and Membership Chair, North Carolina Chapter,
Public Relations Society of America (NCPRSA) for 2012
. Member, Public Relations Society of America since 1998
. Member, Military Officers Association of America since 2010
. Member, Air Force Public Affairs Alumni Association since 1998
EFFECTIVE DATES OF PROMOTION WHILE SERVING ON ACTIVE DUTY:
Second Lieutenant 20 Nov 91
First Lieutenant 20 Nov 93
Captain 20 Nov 95
Major 1 Sep 02
Lieutenant Colonel 1 Dec 06
Selected for Colonel 15 Mar 11
Retired 31 Aug 11
REFERENCES
Ronald T. Rand Bryan G. Whitman
Special Assistant to Executive Chairman Principal Deputy Secretary of Defense
Lockheed Martin Corporation for Public Affairs
******.*.****@****.*** *****.*******@***.***
Jay DeFrank, Ph.D. Kristy Benton-Grover, CAE, CAA
Vice President,
Pratt & Whitney Communications Scientific Merit Review Program Manager
860-***-**** Department of Veterans Affairs
*****.*******@**.***.*** 202-***-****
******.******-******@**.***
Ian Tunnicliffe Josie Fernandez
Director of Information Operations
Strategic Communication Laboratories Superintendent
+44 (0-20-793*-**** Hot Springs National Park
***.***********@***.** National Park Service
Stephen E. Everett, Ph.D. ***************@***.***
Principal, The Everett Group
5150 N. Ocean Drive, Suite 1401 Bob Jensen
West Palm Beach, FL 33404 Principal Dep Asst Secretary for Public
Office Landline: 561-***-**** Affairs
Cell: 202-***-**** Department of Homeland Security
***@************.*** Washington D.C. 20528
******.******@**.***.***
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