Public Relations Sector

SUMMARY

Dynamic communications leader with more than 20 years’ experience in enterprise communications, public relations, media strategy, and crisis management across healthcare, government, commercial, and nonprofit sectors. Proven ability to shape organizational messaging, lead integrated campaigns, and manage high-performing teams to enhance brand reputation and align communications strategies with overarching organizational goals. Adept at leveraging data-driven insights to optimize efforts and ensure impactful messaging.

AREAS OF EXPERTISE

Strategic Communications and Brand Management

Public Relations and Media Strategy

Crisis Communications and Issue Management

Executive Messaging and Thought Leadership

Integrated Campaign Development

Team Leadership and Development

Data-Driven Communication Insights

Advocacy Messaging and Stakeholder Engagement

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Communications Leader

Orlando Health, Orlando, FL

2018 – Present

Direct communications for IT, Clinical Engineering, Supply Chain, and Corporate Security departments within a 10-hospital healthcare system, serving 30,000+ employees.

Develop and execute integrated communication strategies for multibillion-dollar initiatives, including the implementation of the Epic electronic health record system.

Partner with C-suite leaders to craft executive messaging, speeches, and presentations targeting diverse audiences.

Lead crisis communication efforts, ensuring timely and accurate responses to organizational challenges.

Oversee cross-platform communication channels, including intranet, newsletters, and digital media.

Operational Excellence Communications Manager

Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, Orlando, FL

2017 – 2018

Directed enterprise-wide communication strategies to support operational excellence initiatives, fostering alignment with organizational goals.

Collaborated with executive leadership to develop internal messaging frameworks for process improvement programs.

Associate Course Director

Full Sail University, Winter Park, FL

2015-2017

Advised/directed professionals and students in determining marketing strategies for maximizing their professional and personal brands. Focused on availing social, broadcast and print media options; public speaking; and designing creative online presentations.

Conducted virtual meetings and workshops to instruct on speaking and presentation skill development

Vice President, Communications

Department of Commerce, Orlando, FL

2006 – 2013

Led all external communications, including public relations, media strategy, and advocacy messaging for Florida’s economic development corporation.

Directed award-winning publications targeting key stakeholders such as legislators, investors, and business leaders.

Managed crisis communication efforts during organizational restructures and economic downturns.

Designed and implemented integrated campaigns to promote Florida’s business recruitment and retention efforts globally.

Manager, Communications & Public Affairs

Lockheed Martin Corp., Orlando, FL

1998 – 2006

Served as a spokesperson, managing public relations, media outreach, and executive messaging.

Developed comprehensive communication plans for major defense programs, ensuring alignment with corporate and governmental objectives.

Established strategic messaging frameworks to support advocacy and community relations initiatives.

Adjunct Instructor

Florida Southern University, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Full Sail University, Sanford Brown College and Valencia College

1997 – 2017

Taught undergraduate and graduate level courses including English composition, interpersonal communication, professional communication and branding, mass media survey, newswriting, speech and reputation management

EDUCATION

Ph.D. (in progress) Strategic Communications, Liberty University

Post Graduate Fellowship, Media Management, The Poynter Institute for Media Studies

M.S., Journalism/Mass Communications, Temple University

B.A., English Language & Literature, University of Virginia

ACCREDITATIONS & TRAINING

Accredited Business Communicator (ABC) – International Association of Business Communicators

Accredited Public Relations Professional (APR) – Universal Accreditation Board

Six Sigma Green Belt and Lean Management Certificate – Lockheed Martin Corporation

Florida Public Records Management Certification – Florida State University

AWARDS

Southern Economic Development Council: Superior Award for Annual Reports

Florida Public Relations Association: Golden Image Excellence Awards (Newsletters)

International Association of Business Communicators: Communicator of the Year; Gold Quill Merit Awards

PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS

Public Relations Society of America

National Association of Black Journalists

Central Florida Association of Black Journalists

Past Board Member, Martin Federal Credit Union

Past Board President, Orange Technical College Foundation

Leadership Orlando Graduate, Class 51, Greater Orlando Chamber of Commerce

The 100 Black Men of Greater Orlando, Inc.

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