SVP of Global Communications
Resume:
STEPHEN WAKEFIELD
Senior Vice President at Discovery Education
202-***-**** **************@*****.*** Linkedin Profile Silver Spring, MD
EXPERIENCE
Senior Vice President of Global Communications 04/2018 - Present Discovery Education Remote
Develops, directs, and strategically manages global communications and public affairs activities for edtech leader serving 4.5 million teachers and 45 million students. Maintains 25+ key media relationships, enhancing brand visibility as the official spokesperson across print, radio, and TV outlets.
Manages Discovery Education's crisis communications efforts. Leads communications activities for corporate acquisitions, including customer messaging, stakeholder engagement, and media relations. Provides strategic communications support and advice to CEO and executive leadership, ensuring alignment with organizational goals.
Leads and collaborates within national industry coalitions to enhance the promotion of edtech resources.
Collaborates with governmental affairs and marketing teams to align strategic communications initiatives supporting six state partnerships. Oversees global internal communications efforts reaching 600+ employees worldwide. Vice President Public Affairs, Discovery Education 05/2013 - 04/2018 Discovery Communications Silver Spring, MD
Developed and directed Discovery Education's strategic communications function, enhancing brand image and media exposure in North America. Initiated and maintained 15 strategic media relationships and served as the organizational spokesperson for print, radio, and television.
Provided strategic communications advice to the CEO and executive leadership, ensuring cohesive messaging and brand strategy alignment.
Supervised the development and dissemination of communications collateral, coordinating closely with marketing for brand alignment. Led coalitions with like-minded organizations to promote digital education at both the state and national level.
Director of Communications 04/2011 - 05/2013
ASCD Alexandria, VA
Developed and directed ASCD’s strategic communications, media relations, and public relations functions, enhancing brand visibility.
Advised CEO and executive leadership on communications while supporting public policy and marketing teams.
Oversaw social media strategy, press events, and the creation of the Annual Report to further organizational goals.
Served as association spokesperson, managing external media exposure, and reinforcing ASCD's public image.
Director of Communications 07/2007 - 04/2011
Discovery Communications Silver Spring, MD
Improved brand visibility by leading strategic PR and communications for Discovery Education.
Wrote and edited press releases, managed media relations, and served as spokesperson across print, radio, and television platforms.
Organized high-impact press events and seminars, communicating new product and service announcements.
Managed internal communications to foster awareness of division strategies and policies, enhancing employee engagement and knowledge sharing. SUMMARY
Proven, success-oriented
communications and public affairs
executive with more than 20 years of
solid experience. Focused, innovative,
and dynamic, with a keen ability to
visualize success, develop solutions, and
execute a plan. Esteemed by colleagues
and clients as an exceptional
communicator and a consistent top
performer with a consultative style.
KEY ACHIEVEMENTS
Expanded Media Presence
Grew total number of media
mentions from 3,997 in 2021 to
more than 10,000 in 2025, a 150%
increase.
Established Dominant Voice
in Edtech Media
Averaged 65% share of voice
annually among competitors in
edtech media.
Generated Outstanding
Advertising Value
Equivalency
Public relations campaigns garnered
approximately $300M AVE annually,
leading industry competitors.
Grew Strategic Media
Exposure
Increased media exposure of annual
Education Insights Report by 300%
YoY.
Recognized as a Seasoned
Acquisition Communicator
Directed successful strategic
communications efforts supporting
five corporate acquisitions.
Oversaw PR for Two Private
Equity Transactions
Successfully managed
communications and stakeholder
engagement throughout transaction
process.
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EXPERIENCE
Manager of Learning Adds UP 01/2006 - 07/2007
Discovery Communications Silver Spring, MD
Partnered with internal stakeholders to develop an overarching vision for Learning Adds UP Regional Partner marketing strategy.
Created and implemented various strategies and tactics to position Discovery Home Services brands in the consumer marketplace through regional partners. Created and managed online community supporting and promoting Learning Adds UP. Implementation Representative 01/2005 - 12/2006
Discovery Communications Silver Spring, MD
Served as primary liaison to over 2000 customers, including 11 key contacts at state educational service centers and associations.
Created and implemented a customer contact strategy plan supporting team goals. Wrote and distributed to team bi-monthly e-communications for distribution to customers.
Manager of State Government Relations and Outreach 01/2003 - 12/2005 Association of Marina Industries Washington, DC
Identified and addressed legislative and regulatory issues of interest to stakeholders at the federal, state, and local levels of government. Communicated government relations issues to membership of over 1600 marinas. Planned and executed National Marina Day celebrations nationwide. Manager of Communications 01/2001 - 12/2003
Association of Marina Industries Washington, DC
Developed and implemented strategic communications activities. Served as spokesperson for AMI external communications in print, radio, and television media.
Managed the AMI website.
Manager of Marketing and Member Services 01/1999 - 12/2001 Assocation of Marina Industries Washington, DC
Developed marketing activities related to membership recruitment, retention, and member service programs.
Created and managed corporate sponsorship program. Served as association liaison to both the Membership Committee and the Associate Member Council.
Membership Manager 01/1997 - 12/1999
Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries, Inc. (ISRI) Washington, DC Served as staff liaison and ombudsman to membership of more than 1,400 companies. Assisted in the development and implementation of marketing activities related to membership recruitment, retention, and member service programs. Represented the association at various industry trade shows and functions. Communications & Membership Services, Staff
Assistant
01/1996 - 12/1997
American Public Power Association Washington, DC
Provided design, writing, and editing support to communications department, including marketing brochures and advertisements for the annual conference. Wrote quarterly newsletters and managed mass mailings to members and press. EDUCATION
MA 2000
Georgetown University
BA 1995
Alvernia University
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