Brandi Smith
Liberty Lake,WA
Summary
Experienced corporate communications professional with a proven track record in strategic messaging and stakeholder engagement. Skilled in crafting captivating narratives and effectively managing both internal and external communications. Recognized for fostering collaboration and delivering tangible results, while remaining adaptable to the ever-changing demands of the business landscape. Strong expertise in stakeholder relations, crisis communication, and content development, with a relentless focus on achieving impactful outcomes.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Corporate Communications Manager
Avista Corporation
02.2017 - Current
- Company Overview: Publicly traded company with 800,000+ customers and 1,900+ employees
- Led development and implementation of integrated communications plans for a publicly traded company with 800,000+ customers and 1,900+ employees
- Successfully managed communications during high-stakes events such as Public Safety Power Shutoff, COVID-19 pandemic, and multiple emergency operations
- Served as company spokesperson since 2011, providing 24/7 on-call support through our department’s on-call rotation
- Increased employee engagement through the creation of targeted internal communications campaigns.
- Developed and managed crisis communication plans, response strategies, and messaging frameworks
- Improved overall message consistency by creating and enforcing corporate communication guidelines across all departments.
- Produced internal and external communications including news releases, reports, articles, and presentations
- Managed company events, town halls and meetings.
- Led a team of 6 professionals in communications, marketing, analytics, research, social media, and content management
- Optimized internal communication channels for seamless information flow between departments, reducing redundancies in processes.
- Delivered The Avenue homepage project on time and under budget, increasing engagement by 181%
- Enhanced brand reputation by developing and implementing strategic corporate communications plans.
- Completed Intranet Replacement Program 21.75% under budget
- Wrote executive speeches and talking points to deliver consistent message across all internal and external communication channels.
- Implemented Poppulo for enhanced content management and reporting, achieving high open rates for internal communications
- Managed social media strategy, leading a 2023 audit to enhance brand presence and customer engagement
- Provided strategic counsel to senior executives, developing messages, speeches, and presentations
- Fostered a collaborative team environment through mentoring, coaching, and engagement activities
- Led development of Internal Communications Style Guide, the annual Editorial Roadmap, and 135th anniversary celebrations
- Developed a new budget tracking system for easy and accurate reporting across 15 team members
- Prepared leadership and peer presentations, including strategy development and supporting materials
- Managed collaboration with outside agencies for strategy development, design, advertising, and media relations
- Planned and managed content across social media, email, newsletters, website, and blog
- Publicly traded company with 800,000+ customers and 1,900+ employees
Internal Communications Manager
Avista Corporation
05.2014 - 01.2017
- Led the development and execution of comprehensive communication strategies to support business objectives and enhance corporate reputation
- Developed and implemented crisis communication plans to mitigate risks and manage corporate crises effectively
- Oversaw internal communications, ensuring consistent messaging and employee engagement across the organization
- Supported executives with strategic counsel and speech-writing skills
- Oversaw the company's brand management, ensuring consistent messaging and visual identity across all communication channels
- Designed a comprehensive system for tracking metrics related to corporate communication efforts
- Coordinated with senior management to align communication efforts with overall business goals and objectives
- Developed training materials and workshops for staff on best practices in communication and public relations
- Conducted comprehensive research and data analysis supporting strategic planning and informed decision-making
- Recognized by management for providing exceptional customer service
- Sought feedback from employees through surveys and questionnaires.
- Created, wrote and revised content for high-profile programs and events.
- Supported organizational change efforts by creating clear and consistent messaging to drive understanding and adoption.
- Enhanced employee engagement by developing and implementing strategic internal communications plans.
- Served as an advocate for employees'' voices by gathering feedback through surveys or focus groups.
- Built strong relationships with stakeholders to gather feedback on communication effectiveness and identify areas for improvement.
- Promoted company vision through announcements and communications.
- Created engaging multimedia content, such as videos and infographics, to support key messages and increase employee understanding.
- Executed multi-channel campaigns to publish fresh content.
- Planned and executed effective internal communications and engagements campaigns to educate employees about companyinitiatives.
Communications Specialist
Avista Corporation
12.2010 - 04.2014
- Supported the development and implementation of communication strategies and campaigns
- Drafted and edited content for press releases, newsletters, and corporate communications
- Assisted in organizing corporate events, including press conferences, product launches, and stakeholder meetings
- Co-led the organization's adoption of social media to enhance customer relations
Human Resources/Marketing Manager
Clearwater Summit Group
05.2001 - 12.2010
- Designed and launched an annual training program that aligns staff with company goals, vision, mission, and strategies
- Developed and implemented a quality assurance program, conducting final walk-throughs of landscaping projects
- Created and implemented an employer brand, hiring framework, detailed employee handbook, and performance management system
- Transformed the corporate website to better engage customers and promote sales
- Boosted brand awareness and generated leads while managing internal and external marketing campaigns and programs
- Processed unemployment claims and acted as company representative at unemployment hearings
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Communications Studies
Eastern Washington University
Cheney, WASkills
Service-oriented; leadership and team management
Brand Strategy Development
Campaign Strategy Development
Performance and Outcome Assessment
Team Development
Communication Strategy Expertise
Content Quality Management
Stakeholder Relations Strategy
Crisis Communication Strategy Execution
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Corporate storytelling
Leadership development
Certification
· Utility Management, Willamette University, November 2020
· AI for Communications Certificate, July 2023
· User Experience, Nielsen Norman Group, Credential ID 1026417, February 2019
· IDEO University: From Ideas to Action (December 2018), Leading for Creativity (December 2018), Storytelling for Influence (August 2019), Insights for Innovation (February 2019)
· Gartner Internal Communications Black Belt Certification, 2017
· Toastmasters, April 2014 - January 2016
· Disney’s Approach to Quality Service Certificate, June 2016
· Avista’s Aspiring Leader Program Graduate, April 2015
· Intercultural Leadership Certificate, September 2015
· Interaction Associates Facilitative Leadership, June 2014
Timeline
Corporate Communications Manager
Avista Corporation
02.2017 - Current
Internal Communications Manager
Avista Corporation
05.2014 - 01.2017
Communications Specialist
Avista Corporation
12.2010 - 04.2014
Human Resources/Marketing Manager
Clearwater Summit Group
05.2001 - 12.2010
Bachelor of Arts - Communications Studies
Eastern Washington University
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