Public Affairs Media Relations

Victor L. Gardner Jr.

******.********@*****.*** linkedin.com/in/victor-gardner-174b2440

Senior Public Affairs & Communications Leader

Senior Public Affairs & Communications Leader with 20+ years’ experience in strategic media relations, crisis communication, stakeholder engagement, and digital outreach. Proven track record leading enterprise-level campaigns, advising executive leaders, and managing public perception in high-stakes, mission-critical environments. Adept at cross- agency coordination, narrative development, and multimedia storytelling. Skilled in reputation management, internal communication strategy, and government-to-citizen engagement. Current GS-12 Public Affairs Specialist for the Bureau of Reclamation; adjunct professor of Communications at Grand Canyon University; U.S. Army veteran with a master’s in Human Relations and Lean Six Sigma Black Belt certification. Key Competencies

Strategic Communications · Crisis Management · Media Relations · Digital Campaigns · Stakeholder Engagement · Executive Messaging · Internal Communications · Multimedia Production · Reputation Management · Community Outreach · Cross-Agency Coordination · Government Affairs · Content Strategy · Press Briefing · Public Speaking · Team Leadership Professional Experience

Public Affairs Specialist, Bureau of Reclamation, Phoenix Regional Office (GS-12 Equivalent)

December 2024 – Present

- Lead strategic communication initiatives across Arizona and the Lower Colorado Basin, promoting water conservation and environmental stewardship.

- Serve as primary spokesperson and media liaison for the Phoenix region, crafting press releases, talking points, and executive messaging.

- Advise senior leadership on reputational risk and community perception related to environmental and infrastructure programs.

- Collaborate with local, tribal, and federal partners to align messaging and engage public stakeholders.

- Develop integrated media plans and monitor campaign performance using digital and traditional metrics.

Adjunct Professor of Communications, Grand Canyon University – Phoenix, AZ 2024 – Present

- Teach undergraduate courses in strategic communication and public relations.

- Integrate leadership and public affairs experience into classroom instruction.

- Mentor students in communications and media career pathways. Chief, Public Affairs Operations Senior Advisor Public Affairs Manager, United States Army

June 2004 – September 2024

- Directed full-spectrum communications for I Corps, shaping messaging across print, digital, radio, and television platforms.

- Managed crisis communication during COVID-19 deployment, producing content for national DoD channels.

- Advised generals and civilian leaders on media posture, command messaging, and stakeholder relations.

- Developed outreach campaigns to strengthen public trust and soldier-family engagement across eight joint commands.

- Trained and mentored 200+ communications personnel; managed multimillion-dollar operations globally.

- Oversaw media relations, town halls, and broadcast strategy in Korea, Europe, and CONUS. Education & Certifications

M.A. in Human Relations – University of Oklahoma

B.S. in Business Administration – University of the District of Columbia Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Certification

Broadcast Journalism Certification – Defense Information School Additional Roles

Multi-Functional Area Tutor, Varsity Tutors (Remote) 2025 – Present

- Deliver personalized virtual instruction in core subjects and test prep.

- Support diverse learners using adaptive online strategies and tools.

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