Hi, I’m
Arshon Howard
Smyrna,DE
Summary
Diligent Communications Specialist possessing strong public relations, communication and project management abilities. Excels in managing print communications and enforcing proactive media plans. Diverse credentials in both private and public industry sectors.
Overview
10
years of professional experience
1
Certification
Work History
DE Department Of Safety And Homeland Security
Chief of Community Relations
12.2020 - Current
Job overview
- Manage all communications with the Delaware Department of Safety and Homeland Security and 12 state agencies within the office of the Secretary. This includes media relations, press releases, social media channels and other internal and external communications.
- Report to Delaware’s Department of Safety and Homeland Security Secretary; draft and edit internal and external press releases and statements; handle public records requests; oversee public and facilitate local and national media interviews.
- Drafts speeches, remarks, and other written material for the Delaware Department of Safety and Homeland Security’s approval.
- Oversee Delaware’s first Marijuana Commission media strategies, which included the roll-out of a communications plan to public, press, and government stakeholders.
- Coordinates with Delaware’s Governor communications team to ensure timely release of information regarding events attended by the Secretary and statements made by administration officials at press briefings and through media interviews.
- Draft press releases detailing relevant newsworthy information and supporting brand image, and worked with news media to spread positions.
- Actively collaborate with policymakers and senior government officials to ensure message cohesion and accuracy.
- Represents agency at multiple public forums and conferences.
- Pitch stories to media organizations to promote agency interests.
Delaware Technical And Community College
Adjunct Professor (Safety and Homeland Security)
03.2022 - Current
Job overview
- Graded quizzes, tests, homework, and projects to provide students with timely academic progress information and feedback.
- Encouraged class discussions by building discussions into lessons, actively soliciting input, asking open-ended questions and using techniques to track student participation.
- Built relationships with students, mentoring on personal, professional and academic goals while providing coaching on effective study habits.
- Evaluated and revised lesson plans and course content to achieve student-centered learning.
Delaware State Housing Authority
Public Information Officer
05.2016 - 12.2020
Job overview
- Managed websites and social media accounts applying communication strategies and branding to maintain consistent voice and presence.
- Wrote press releases, talking points and and responses to requests for information.
- Pitched stories to media organizations to promote company interests.
- Managed routine and crisis communications with media and members of public.
Delaware State News
Reporter
02.2014 - 05.2016
Job overview
- Wrote and submitted accurate, engaging and fact-checked stories.
- Interviewed guests on specific topics.
- Investigated important community issues and put together well-received reports.
- Researched and produced daily news reports.
- Fact-checked breaking news headlines by performing background research, contacting experts or witnesses and conferring with lawyers to comply with legal boundaries for sensitive stories.
Education
Northwestern UniversityEvanston, IL
Master of Science from Journalism
12.2013
Morehouse CollegeAtlanta, GA
Bachelor of Arts from English
05.2012
Skills
- Media Spokesperson
- Public and Media Relations
- Crisis Communications
- Verbal and Written Communication
- Building Media Relations
- Speech Writing and Messaging
- Press Kits
- Communications Strategies
- Public and Media Relations
- Communications Strategies
- Social Media Oversight
Certification
- Delaware State Police Civilian Leadership Development Program (LDP)
- State of Delaware Continuous Improvement Practitioner Program
- FBI-LEEDA (Law Enforcement Executive Development Association)
Timeline
Adjunct Professor (Safety and Homeland Security)
Delaware Technical And Community College
03.2022 - Current
Chief of Community Relations
DE Department Of Safety And Homeland Security
12.2020 - Current
Public Information Officer
Delaware State Housing Authority
05.2016 - 12.2020
Reporter
Delaware State News
02.2014 - 05.2016
Northwestern University
Master of Science from Journalism
Morehouse College
Bachelor of Arts from English
- Delaware State Police Civilian Leadership Development Program (LDP)
- State of Delaware Continuous Improvement Practitioner Program
- FBI-LEEDA (Law Enforcement Executive Development Association)
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