Communications Manager Municipal Utilities

Catherine Elvert

La Honda, California ***** *********.******@*****.*** 650-***-****

linkedin.com/in/catherine-elvert-0b961bb

Communications Leader / Public & Private Sectors / Utility & Environmental Expertise Dynamic communications manager and public information officer (PIO) with 17+ years of experience driving successful outcomes for local government, full-service municipal utilities, non-profit, and private sector operations. Highly skilled in developing and directing strategic marketing and communication plans, public relations, community outreach, and customer relationship with full-circle analytics for programmatic success. Deep experience in utilities, environmental services, climate action initiatives, infrastructure, operations and maintenance, resource supply procurement processes, contract administration, financial management, and program analysis. In-depth understanding of policy, laws, and regulations governing public and private agencies and utilities. Strategic leader with a proven track record of building and leading effective cross-functional and multi-business teams, championing change initiatives, and implementing strategies for operational efficiency. Proven expertise in:

● Strategic Planning/Implementation

● Marketing/Public Relations

● Public Speaking/Strategic Communications

● Web Content Management, Graphic Design

● Contract Administration

● Program Management

● Public, Non-Profit, Private Sectors

● Sustainability and Climate Action

● Natural Resources Management

● Environmental Regulations

● Infrastructure, O & M

● Cross-Functional Team Leadership

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Communications Manager, Utilities Administration, City of Palo Alto, California - May 2014 to Present Direct communications strategy for full-service municipal utility, including research, analytics, promotions, media, and public relations; oversee website, digital, print, website, social media, dynamic content, and video execution. Formulate effective internal and external communications for telecommunications (fiber optics, SCADA), electric, natural gas, water, wastewater, refuse and storm drain utiltiies. Sustainability and climate action, infrastructure, crisis and emergency issues, regulatory compliance, utility rates, maintenance, emerging technologies, and more. Media spokesperson, skilled in PR, web content management, and graphic design. Successful delivery on marketing and communication goals on time and within budget. Key Contributions:

● PIO lead for City of Palo Alto's Emergency Operations Center in times of crisis, Bay Area Joint Information System and Joint Information Center emergency response coordination during the COVID-19 pandemic, Super Bowl (SB) 50, Bay Area storm events. Chair Valley Water Retailers Communications subcommittee.

● Leading successful coordination of city interdepartmental committees on sustainability and climate action, communications and community engagement, drought task force, and green building development.

● Core Team Project Leader for the Utilities Strategic Plan and Lead Ambassador for “Collaboration,” one of the four priorities identified through the Strategic Plan Update. Continuing as lead today for an interdepartmental group of staff who are tracking and reporting on this initiative.

● Developed a new employee newsletter to provide important internal updates on significant community activities, capital improvement, program development, department highlights, and employee recognition.

● Established diverse and innovative communication practices to inform the public about important issues including utility outages, programs, events, and news of interest.

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Catherine Elvert Page 2

Utility Account Representative, City of Palo Alto, California - August 2009 to May 2014 Developed and implemented marketing plans and administered customer programs aligned with long-term policy objectives, sustainability goals, and legislative compliance. Managed key residential and business utility programs, accounts, and client relationships. Oversaw contract administration, contractor activities, and database management. Monitored and reported on demand-side management program accomplishments and performance metrics for city management, city council, regulatory agencies, and other external stakeholders. Submitted proposals for marketing programs/initiatives and staffing levels needed to carry out operating responsibilities for inclusion in the annual strategic plan and budget. Key Contributions:

● Authored City’s long-term urban water management plan, introducing groundbreaking water reuse and energy efficiency initiatives for the City’s green building requirements.

● Awarded by the Silicon Valley Water Conservation Awards group for water conservation efforts.

● Since 2013, created, led, and grew the City of Palo Alto’s Earth Day Festival and Fun Run event to promote environmental and conservation awareness, leading an entire team of volunteers from the community.

● Personally awarded Water Champion Award from local non-profit, Tuolumne River Trust, for groundbreaking work in water resources for Palo Alto and Bay Area. Programs Director, WaterWise Consulting, Inc. – Santa Clara, California, April 2008 to July 2009 Directed programs, contracts, audits, and other activities for the Northern California office of a statewide environmental consulting firm specializing in water and environmental sustainability resources program management.

Supervised 20 direct reports. Developed and executed program work plans, operational budgets, contract proposals, administered contracts, and managed human resources.

● Successful delivery of performance objectives in alignment with the company’s strategic plan.

● Saved the local office from technical insolvency. Personally hired and trained staff in an expeditious, yet strategic, manner to meet contractual obligations and bring the company from the “red to black.” EDUCATION AND CERTIFICATION

Bachelor of Science, Environmental Studies, Biology San Jose State University, California

RELATED VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE

Secretary, Board of Directors, Utilities Management and Professional Association of Palo Alto (UMPAPA) Vice President, Strategic Planning Chair, Board of Directors, Acterra Executive Committee, Board Secretary, Volunteer Coordinator, Finance and Membership Committees, Sierra Club Loma Prieta Board of Advisors, Wholly H20

Environmental Team Coordinator, Steve Westly 2005-2006 State of California Gubernatorial Campaign PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Santa Clara County Leadership Academy, Santa Clara County Mindfulness and Resiliency Training, City of Palo Alto PERSONAL: Backpacker, mountaineer (Mt. Everest Base Camp, Continental Divide Trail GPS waypoint mapping), runner, cyclist, scuba diver, yoga enthusiast

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