Amanda Lochridge
Marietta,GA
Summary
With a proven track record at the Navy International Programs Office, I excel in event management and strategic development, showcasing exceptional audience engagement and public communication skills. In Fiscal Year 2024, I orchestrated over 185 high-profile engagements, demonstrating leadership and project oversight, while fostering significant stakeholder relationships. Recognized for outstanding professional writing and ghostwriting abilities, ensuring impactful, confident presentations and materials.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
3
3
Certifications
Work History
Deputy Branch Chief, Strategic Communications and Engagements Specialist
Navy International Programs Office
Marietta, GA
08.2022 - Current
- In FY24, I assisted in implementing approximately 185 engagements that include 64 executive-level meetings, 102 directorate-level meetings, 19 front office speaking engagements, and one attaché engagement at the Visiting Flag Quarters.
- Facilitated discussions to identify and review prospective external engagements, ensuring monthly evaluations with cross-directorate representatives.
- Presented key leadership engagement proposals quarterly to Executive Leadership for concurrence.
- Key leader in orchestrating high-profile external events, overseeing, managing, and providing support for scheduling, coordinating, and conducting events related to Security Cooperation and NIPO’s goals and objectives.
- Facilitated large-scale multi-agency conferences and attaché engagements involving high-level external stakeholders.
- Industry discussions in support of the industrial base, trade shows, and the annual Sea-Air-Space exposition (entailing the planning and execution of the NIPO Director moderating the heads of Navy panel discussion, and as many as 25 bilateral meetings with international and industry senior officials).
- Key leader in the planning and execution of the NIPO-hosted Barge Events, each inviting 15-20 senior international representatives to an evening social boat cruise. Each engagement entails a significant investment of time and resources, dedicating 4 to 6 months to plan, to ensure flawless execution.
- Provided expert guidance in outreach strategies, protocol management, and conference procedures.
- Led public communications, guaranteeing effective dissemination of NIPO's vision.
- Organized interviews for executives while ensuring alignment with organizational messaging.
- Served as NIPO's sole action officer for public affairs coordination with Navy agencies.
- Verified all NIPO-relevant information in documents and presentations to meet public release guidelines.
- Guided newcomers through the company's operational standards during training.
- Identified areas for improvement, narrowing focus for decision-makers in making necessary changes.
- Reviewed documents for accuracy prior to submission or publication.
- Delivered industry insights through reports, prompting managerial action in developing new business strategies.
- Conducted regular meetings with staff to review progress and address any concerns.
- Utilized document management system to organize company files, keeping up-to-date and easily accessible data.
- Demonstrated strong problem-solving skills, resolving issues efficiently and effectively.
- Maintained updated knowledge through continuing education and advanced training.
- Recognized by management for providing exceptional customer service.
Outreach Associate
Zenetex
Marietta, GA
09.2020 - 08.2022
- Provides public affairs and outreach support to the Navy International Programs Office (NIPO).
- Planned and executed events, trade shows, public relations campaigns, and content strategies.
- Established meaningful collaborations with defense stakeholders aiding outreach initiatives.
- Strengthened ties with key stakeholders via consistent attendance at professional events.
- Responded to requests for information from media or designated spokesperson or information source.
- Maintained professionality and efficiency while working closely with leadership.
- Collaborated with team to promote, plan and organize communication materials.
- Arranged public appearances for executive leadership to increase public awareness of NIPO.
- Managed website content updates including text copywriting and graphic design elements.
- Posted and updated content on NIPO's website.
- Produced press releases, fact sheets, brochures, and articles for internal and external communications.
- Completed day-to-day duties accurately and efficiently.
- Worked with cross-functional teams to achieve goals.
Principal Analyst
General Dynamics Information Technology (GDIT)
Marietta, GA
11.2017 - 09.2020
- Provides public affairs and outreach support to the Navy International Programs Office (NIPO).
- Organized and coordinated all aspects of events, including venue selection, catering, decorations, entertainment and promotional activities.
- Applied industry knowledge and personal expertise to customize meetings, conferences and conventions to specific standards.
- Coordinated and executed over four large-scale events annually, including logistics, vendor management, and attendee experience.
- Monitored event progress by tracking details such as RSVPs, attendance records and post-event evaluations.
- Collaborated with other departments within the organization to maximize success of events.
- Prepared reports analyzing attendance figures from past events.
- Coordinated and managed event-planning logistics, budget administration and team oversight.
- Supported executives with strategic counsel and speech writing skills.
Public Affairs and Outreach Coordinator
Navy International Programs Office
Washington, DC
06.2010 - 08.2017
- Researched various data sources to determine risks impacting partner capacity, incorporating findings into executive briefing materials.
- Directed design, collaboration efforts, and release of NIPO exhibition content for international events.
- Developed tools for collecting insights to boost engagement with domestic and international audiences.
- Facilitated meetings where the industry showcased their portfolio of global initiatives to top executives.
- Developed, edited, and distributed outreach material that included e-newsletters, articles, brochures, invitations, data research, and surveys for public and private events. These materials directly dictate stakeholder engagements that ultimately result in the Navy's IPO mission accomplishment.
- Coordinated with multiple Navy offices to provide shared practices that allowed the offices to communicate unified messages to stakeholders.
Marketing Assistant
The Deette Holden Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens
Jacksonville, FL
05.2008 - 05.2010
- Assisted in the development, editing, and distribution of marketing material that included newsletters, press releases, media advisories, articles, bulletin board ideas, brochures, coupons, invitations, museum guides, email blasts, and material for public and private events.
- Developed graphics to produce promotional event flyers, coupons, and invitations for numerous events and exhibitions.
- Assisted in the design and concluding assessment of museum guides and brochures.
- Gathered data and developed a filing system for media clippings that included past and present exhibitions, programs, and events.
- Assisted with the interview and hiring of new marketing interns.
- Drafted and implemented policies and procedures, including a code of conduct, training guidelines, and Visitor Services procedures.
- Executed day-to-day management of the Visitor Services program, including customer service, training, scheduling, and daily cash accountability.
Skills
- Event Management
- Event Coordination
- Event Coordination for Trade Shows
- Audience Engagement Strategies
- Public Communication
- Project Oversight
- Strategic Development
- Professional Writing
- Professional Ghostwriting
References
Available upon request
Certification
- Level II certified in Program Management
- Darden School - University of Virginia: U.S. Navy Insights into Industry Management Executive Course
- Defense Information School: Certification in Public Affairs, Public Affairs Officer
Timeline
Deputy Branch Chief, Strategic Communications and Engagements Specialist
Navy International Programs Office
08.2022 - Current
Outreach Associate
Zenetex
09.2020 - 08.2022
Principal Analyst
General Dynamics Information Technology (GDIT)
11.2017 - 09.2020
Public Affairs and Outreach Coordinator
Navy International Programs Office
06.2010 - 08.2017
Marketing Assistant
The Deette Holden Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens
05.2008 - 05.2010
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