Communications Manager Director

JENNIFER L.

MESSMER

Schaumburg, IL 215-***-****

****************@*****.***

Linkedin.com/in/Jennifer-Messmer

EXECUTIVE BIOGRAPHY

Top-performing leader with expertise in developing comprehensive communication strategies and plans. Jennifer is a Communications Executive with 20+ years of rich experience in presiding corporate communications in both private and non-profit sectors. As a creative and innovative leader with an aptitude for implementing strategic communication initiatives to accomplish company goals. She has a natural talent for translating corporate interests, including public policy, government and external affairs, and regulatory matters. Leveraging her project management acumen to integrate intellectual capital into a $500M Enterprise Transformation Project by developing and executing strategy, tactics, and processes. Since 2022, Jennifer has served as the Organizational Change Management Communications Lead for the University of Chicago. As a strategist and project lead expert, she plans, develops, and disseminates information regarding the university-wide Financial Systems Transformation program (due to go live in 2023) to employees and key audiences while collaborating with university leadership to ensure alignment in all messaging.

From 2008 to 2022, Jennifer managed her own consulting firm – Messmer Consulting Group where she provided counsel on a variety of programs, public media events, and campaigns, as well as executed strategic communication plans and business proposals for high profile-clients, including elected officials. Here, Jennifer was instrumental in managing and deploying over 100 successful media events with partners and as well as curated stories about media outlets, generating 300 positive media placements. Jennifer is known by clients and colleagues as an outstanding communicator and a compelling content creator.

Earlier in her career at IBM, Jennifer was recognized as a change leader, serving as the Organizational Change Management (OCM) Communications Lead for the Department of Interior’s Financial and Business Management System affecting 70,000 employees nationwide and for IBM-University of Pittsburgh Medical Center $500MM partnership project “On Demand Transformation and Infrastructure Services.” Jennifer understands what is needed to effect change and takes immediate action in creating strategies that eliminate resistance and roadblocks. During her nearly 5-year tenure as Senior Communications Manager for Fannie Mae Jennifer oversaw communications for the Northeast Region, supporting a network of over 40 people and working directly with partnership offices, major banking lenders, non-profits, consumer groups, and elected officials (U.S., state, city, and local) to develop press releases and coordinate events. She also served as Acting Communications Director for the Southeast Region and the Southwest Region, managing communications for over 20 states. Jennifer’s expert-level familiarity with various communication channels and ability to fold in public policy has been critical to the progress and success of the organizations she has served. She is known for her openness to hear all sides of an issue and drive unity where it is needed.

Jennifer holds a Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations with secondary degrees in Mass Communication and French from Illinois State University. She holds a Business Management Certificate from The Wharton School with concentrations in Accounting, Management, and Marketing.

“During our time together at Fannie Mae,

Jennifer was my primary media contact. She

was invaluable as I staged public events

requiring strong press coverage, assistance in

scheduling press interviews, and providing

public relations support for partnership

programs with various non-profits. She is

consistent, professional, knowledgeable, and

was real delight to have on my team.”

- Sharon G., Assistant Director, Fannie Mae

Stakeholder Engagement

Public Affairs & Policy

Executive Presentations

Communication Management

Strategic Planning & Execution

Transformation Management

Campaign Management

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