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Justin Kmitch New Lenox, IL 708-***-****

Communications Director adyfys@r.postjobfree.com LinkedIn Summary

An award-winning senior communications professional offering over 20 years of experience projecting positive company images by leveraging multi-channel marketing and communication strategies, managing media relations, and serving as a liaison. Expert in storytelling, crisis communications, and engaging with diverse audiences who thrives in high-pressure, deadline-driven environments. Possess a refined ability to address public concerns, transform data and facts into informative articles and press releases, and respond to questions from media outlets. Areas of Expertise

Public Affairs & Relations

Digital Communication

Content Creation

Business Journalism

Social Media Marketing

Research & Analysis

Team Leader & Motivator

Networking & Partnerships

Copywriting & Editing

Professional Experience

DuPage County Sheriff’s Office, Wheaton, IL 08.2019 – 11.2022 Director of Communications

Promoted transparency by heading Communications Office in Illinois’ second largest sheriff’s office, including overseeing media relations; coordinated office media communications and addressed inquiries in timely manner. Represented office during emergency situations, from organizing media pools at live incidents to advising Sheriff on political issues at county board level. Engaged directly with Sheriff and Command Staff, scheduling media appearances (local/national). Upheld brand integrity, while streamlining exchange of factual information by updating official website, posting on social media platforms, and managing applications.

Strengthened public perception of Sheriff’s Office through creation of digital communications; crafted search engine optimized content available to the public and media.

Established contacts, partnerships, and external relationships with main constituencies, including members of the media and funders; pitched angles and story ideas to newsrooms.

Liaised with professional app developers during design of customized app, ensuring app aligned with Office’s and community needs.

App highlighted career opportunities, enabled family members to schedule inmate visitations/add money to books, and digitalized tracking of local sex offenders. Daily Herald Media Group, Arlington Heights, IL 06.2000 – 08.2019 Senior Legal Affairs Journalist

Wrote fair, unbiased articles and stories on regional crime-related issues based on investigation of lawsuits and indictments filed within DuPage County Court system (Sheriff’s Department/Coroner’s and State’s Attorneys Offices). Created a following within the community by curating content and leveraging social media to engage, update, and inform diverse audiences. 2

Selected as 18th Judicial Circuit Court media liaison during execution of Cameras in the Courtroom Initiative, coordinating video and photography coverage of high-profile cases between Chicago media and DuPage County Chief Judge’s Office.

Represented paper during appearances on ABC 7 News and WBBM 780 AM, discussing and deliberating matters featured in Friday’s paper.

Prompted positive legal and operational outcomes by deploying strategies to cover local, state, and federal civil/felony cases, steering responses to identify compliance questions and investigations.

Won two prestigious Peter Lisagor Awards; awards recognize exemplary journalism. Education & Credentials

Master of Arts in Public Affairs Reporting

The University of Illinois, Springfield Public Affairs Reporting Program, Springfield, IL Bachelor of Arts in Journalism

Eastern Illinois University, Charleston, IL

Associate of Arts in General Education

Moraine Valley Community College, Palos Hills, IL

Professional Development

The Tactical PIO Course, The Strategic PIO Course, Strategic Communications Plan Development Course, & Crisis Communications Plan Development Course, The Communications Practitioner’s Academy Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) & Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) PIO Courses Community Service

New Lenox Girls’ Softball Association, Volunteer Coach, 08.2022 – Present New Lenox Park District, Volunteer Flag-Football Coach, 08.2021 – Present Love Smiles, Volunteer (Prep Media Kits), 11.2020 - Present