MEDIA ADVOCACY

Dedicated, decisive, and detail-oriented professional with proven skills, accomp

lishments, and experience in managing national media and image campaigns for cor
porations, political organizations and non-profit groups. Motivational leader a
nd hands-on team participant that develops trusting relationships through integr
ity, professional character, and public relations expertise. Effective communica
tor, who handles multiple responsibilities simultaneously in a fast-paced enviro
nment.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
CONSULTING
TOTAL SECURITY SERVICES INTERNATIONAL (TSSI) Silver Spring, MD March 2008-Pres
ent
Developed and manage a nationwide public relations and advertising campaign for
a U.S. Department of Homeland Security anti-terrorism training program.
Organized press events in media markets all over the United States and served a
s the programs primary media spokesperson. Wrote press releases, op-eds, letter
s to the editor, fact sheets, and communications pieces.
Served as the companys primary media spokesperson
M+R STRATEGIC SERVICES, Washington, DC August 2007-Present
Provide strategic advice on legislative and local initiatives
* Developed and implemented various media and public relations plans for a varie
ty of clients including the Susan G. Komen Foundation, the Environmental Defense
Fund, Visa and others.
* Organized press events, wrote press releases, op-eds, letters to the editor, f
act sheets, and communications pieces.
AB COMMUNICATIONS, Washington, DC November 2007-Present
Serve as contract public relations consultant for clients on an as-needed basis
Organized press events, wrote press releases and assisted with crafting media p
lans for a variety of corporate and non-profit entities
TIM SHURR ENTERPRISES, Chicago, IL May 2010-Present
Developed and implemented a targeted public relations and marketing campaign to
help client quickly and effectively reach holistic medicine audience.
Wrote radio pitches, fact sheets, talking points and media releases to highligh
t company profile
Successfully pitched media across the United States on companys product and gen
erated multiple stories.
CAW INDUSTRIES, INC. Rapid City, SD May 2009-Present
Developed and implemented a targeted public relations and marketing campaign to
help client quickly and effectively reach primary audience.
Wrote radio advertisements, placed media buy, and booked client radio interview
s.
Successfully pitched media across the United States on companys product and gen
erated multiple stories.
Served as the companys primary media spokesperson.

COLORADO AMBULATORY SURGERY CENTER ASSOCIATION (CASCA), Denver, Colorado

July 2006-February 2009
Developed and implemented a statewide media campaign to promote a variety of he
alth care issues affecting ambulatory surgery centers in Colorado.
Wrote press releases, op-eds, feature articles, fact sheets, and position paper
s for the media and CASCA members.
Served as primary spokesperson to media outlets across Colorado.
 Worked with Colorado legislative leaders to help develop legislation affecting
ambulatory surgery centers in Colorado.
AMERICAN TRUCKING ASSOCIATIONS (ATA), Alexandria, Virginia March 2006-March 200
8
Managed and implemented a nationwide public relations and advertising campaign
for a $20 million annual U.S. Department of Homeland Security anti-terrorism tra
ining program.
Advertising efforts included print, television and radio spots that targeted po
tential Highway Watch trainees including school bus drivers, truck drivers, mass
transit workers, emergency first responders, law enforcement personnel and othe
r surface transportation professionals.
Organized press events and served as the programs primary media spokesperson.
Wrote press releases, op-eds, letters to the editor, fact sheets, and communicat
ions pieces.
Conducted interviews with media outlets in markets all across the United States
including USA Today, the Washington Post, Fox News, CNN, the New York Times, an
d many others.
COLORADO MOTOR CARRIERS ASSOCIATION (CMCA), Denver, Colorado April 2008-June 20
08
Develop, prioritize and execute statewide communications strategy to advance CM
CAs legislative agenda
Craft clear messaging that reflects CMCAs key goals and objectives
Manage and coordinate press operations including writing and placing op-eds, pi
tching stories and media events, and managing media inquiries and strategic resp
onse
CITIZENS FOR RESPONSIBILITY AND ETHICS IN WASHINGTON (CREW), Denver, Colorado
February 2007-December 2007
Developed and implemented a statewide media campaign to promote the activities
of CREWs Colorado office, Colorado Citizens for Ethics in Government.
Wrote press releases, op-eds, letters to the editor, and media fact sheets that
promoted CREWs message in Colorado.
Organized media events, pitched calls to reporters, and scheduled interviews wi
th members of the Colorado media.
CLEAR PEAK COLORADO, Denver, Colorado March 2006-November 2006
Developed a strategic statewide media campaign for a Democratic 527 organizatio
n that targeted races all across Colorado including State House, State Senate, G
overnor, and Congressional contests.
Wrote press releases, op-eds, letters to the editor, and media fact sheets that
promoted the general Democratic message in Colorado.
Served as primary spokesperson to media outlets across Colorado.
Conducted extensive research on Republican activities in Colorado and worked wi
th other Democratic organizations to highlight Republican missteps or failures f
or members of the media.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
POLITICAL
COLORADO DEMOCRATIC PARTY, Denver, Colorado 2000 - 2001
Communications Director
Developed a strategic statewide media campaign for the Colorado Democratic Part
y.
Served as the primary media contact for the Gore 2000 campaign, which included
fielding calls from reporters, speaking on-the-record on behalf of Gore 2000, an
d pitching stories to reporters.
Organized weekly press conferences in Colorados three TV markets to advance the
Gore 2000 message.
Wrote press releases, letters to the editor, and floor speeches; created talkin
g points on prominent issues; and participated in the development of print, radi
o and television advertisements.
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, Washington, DC 1999 - 2000
Assistant Press Secretary
Worked with the Press Secretary to develop a plan for media events to advance t
he Clinton Administration priorities.
Served as primary domestic advance staffer for the Secretary.
Organized media events and press conferences nationally; wrote press releases;
created talking points on hot issues; and participated in the formulation and wr
iting of public policy speeches.
Initiated national media coverage of Clinton Administration initiatives.
Served as primary media contact for radio stations nationwide.
SOUTH DAKOTA DEMOCRATIC PARTY, Sioux Falls, South Dakota 1997 - 1999
Political Director
Developed and implemented a successful press plan and public affairs agenda for
the Democratic Caucus in the South Dakota State Legislature.
Directed a $200,000 legislative project, which included direct mail campaigns,
and radio and newspaper advertisements.
Managed the Democratic Partys recruitment effort to field House and Senate cand
idates in 35 districts throughout the state.
U.S. SENATOR TIM JOHNSON, Sioux Falls, South Dakota 1996 - 1997
Outreach Coordinator and Office Management
Oversaw the spending priorities of a $2.5 Million U.S. Senate campaign, which i
ncluded placing radio and television advertisements, and ensuring the campaigns
compliance with all Federal Election Commission regulations.
Worked with community leaders on federal issues affecting their community, and
acted as the Senators representative at several official events.
Served as the primary contact person for the Senator in twelve counties.

JIM ABBOTT FOR CONGRESS 1995 - 1996

Deputy Campaign Manager
Coordinated several direct mail, telemarketing, and fundraising programs.
Served as primary scheduler for the candidate, which included scheduling media
interviews, speaking engagements, campaign rallies, and press conferences.

ADVOCACY
AMERICAN TRUCKING ASSOCIATIONS, Alexandria, Virginia 2001 - 2006
Public Relations Director, (2004-2006)
Director of Image Programs, (2003-2004)
Public Relations Manager, (2001-2003)
Managed three nationwide image programs for one of the largest advocacy organiz
ations.
- Produced promotional videos to highlight accomplishments, provided driving ins
tructional videos to educate the motoring public, and helped develop a nationwid
e advertising campaign to advance the trucking industrys positive message.
- Organized media conferences in over 40 states including major media markets su
ch as New York City, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Miami, Phoenix, Seattle, Little
Rock, and Dallas; and served as primary media spokesperson.
- Planned press conferences, speaking engagements, and state advocacy projects.
- Wrote and edited copy for communications pieces, press releases, op-eds, broch
ures, web pages, training manuals, and handbooks.
- Secured article placement in major publications: The New York Times, Philadelp
hia Inquirer, New Jersey Star Ledger, Los Angeles Times, Sacramento Bee, Arkansa
s Democrat Gazette, and the Kansas City Star among many others.
Developed and implemented a national media and advertising campaign to promote
the Highway Watch program, a $40 Million federally funded anti-terrorism trainin
g program.
- Developed a $3 Million advertising and public relations campaign to inspire me
mbers of the transportation industry to volunteer for Highway Watch training, wh
ich included radio and print advertisements, promotional video, press packet, an
d a comprehensive public relations campaign.
- Launched a national radio and print advertising campaign that increased Highwa
y Watch inquiries by over 400 percent in two weeks; and featured in numerous med
ia outlets as the national spokesperson.
EDUCATION
SOUTH DAKOTA STATE UNIVERSITY, Brookings, South Dakota
Bachelor of Arts: Political Science
Minor in History and English