Cari O'Malley
Jacksonville
Summary
Dynamic leader in strategic communications, government affairs and stakeholder engagement with over 15 years of experience in driving legislative initiatives, internal and external communications, organizational culture transformation, and change management. Expertise lies in stakeholder engagement, as well as collaborating with C-suite executives and HR leaders to create impactful storytelling that activates culture and enhances employee engagement. Demonstrated success in managing multi-channel campaigns, overseeing executive messaging, and leading internal communications during pivotal organizational changes. Recognized for crafting clear, compelling narratives that inspire teams, strengthen culture, and drive measurable business outcomes.
Overview
30
30
years of professional experience
Work History
Communications & Stakeholder Engagement Director
Patriot Rail
01.2025 - Current
- Lead corporate communications, stakeholder engagement, and government relations for a national short line and regional railroad company.
- Oversee internal communications, executive messaging, and employee engagement programs across multiple properties.
- Manage comprehensive corporate rebrand, ensuring consistent identity across all platforms.
- Direct communications and branding for the launch of a new excursion railroad, including marketing campaigns and media relations.
- Partner daily with C-suite executives as a trusted advisor on strategic messaging and change communication.
- Lead government relations initiatives, engaging elected officials at local, state, and federal levels.
Strategic Communications Consultant
Wounded Warrior Project
01.2022 - 01.2023
- Developed and executed audience-specific communications strategies in alignment with government relations and community partnership goals.
- Partnered with leadership to create outreach strategies to the federal government, VSO/MSO, and the military community.
- Drafted speeches, press releases, and congressional communications; coordinated with the Washington, D.C. office on high-level messaging.
Public Liaison
U.S. Department of Transportation
01.2019 - 01.2020
- Managed stakeholder outreach during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Collaborated with the Secretary, Administrators, and the White House on national initiatives.
- Built partnerships with industry, labor, and consumer groups to support legislative and regulatory rollouts.
INDEPENDENT CONSULTANT
01.2008 - 01.2017
- Provided strategic advice, developed communications, and completed special projects for private companies and non-profit organizations.
- Created grassroots alerts, legislative updates, and newsletters on behalf of clients, including The Doctors Company/DOCPAC.
- Planned events and formulated communications on behalf of the Political Leadership Innovation Institute to introduce fellows to Florida government officials and business leaders.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR / DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS & FIELD OPERATIONS
Americans Tired of Lawsuit Abuse Fund (ATLAF) & America Tort Reform Association
01.2004 - 01.2007
- Created a nationwide, nonpartisan political program dedicated to electing candidates and enacting meaningful legal reforms at the state level.
- Acted as chief media spokesman and developed overall communications strategy for the organization.
- Developed a website to highlight, support, and raise funds for pro-reform candidates.
- Managed program budget over $1.3 million and executed independent expenditures and campaign contributions exceeding $1 million.
- Oversaw fundraising and compliance for a 527 political organization and multiple state PACs.
- Created educational programs to inform public officials, media, and contributors about the impact of civil justice reform.
REGIONAL POLITICAL DIRECTOR
American Medical Association
01.1999 - 01.2004
- Directed political field activities in designated states for one of the nation’s largest PACs.
- Devised grassroots strategies and communications on issues important to physicians.
- Managed legislative targeting, candidate support, PAC contributions, and media activities.
- Prepared briefings for the AMPAC Board of Directors and made recommendations for contributions and political activities.
- Enhanced AMA legislative and political relationships with state medical societies.
DEPUTY DIRECTOR
Office of the Illinois Governor
01.1999 - 01.1999
- Advised the governor on federal aspects of commerce, trade, and education issues.
- Lobbied Congress on behalf of the state’s interests.
- Worked with Illinois-based corporations, media outlets, trade associations, and advocacy groups to advance the state’s federal priorities.
DEPUTY CHIEF OF STAFF
Republican National Committee, Office of the Co-Chairman
01.1998 - 01.1999
- Supervised and promoted political education, veterans, coalition, and minority outreach programs.
- Developed and coordinated RNC women's outreach and education programs nationwide.
- Managed a staff of eight and represented the Co-Chairman in the media and at events.
- Acted as liaison between the RNC and all national allied Republican organizations.
DIRECTOR OF CORPORATE AFFAIRS / COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR
House Republican Campaign Committee / Office of the Illinois House Republican Leader
01.1997 - 01.1998
- Created 'Business Leaders for a Republican Majority' and coordinated external communications.
- Developed a platform of accomplishments and goals to boost corporate community support.
- Organized fundraising and awareness events and planned retreats for party leaders.
- Authored and designed newsletters, press releases, and issue briefs.
STATE CONVENTION COORDINATOR
Illinois Republican Party
01.1996 - 01.1997
- Planned and administered all events for the two-day state party convention with thousands of attendees.
- Managed budget and negotiated vendor contracts.
- Secured corporate sponsorships and recruited volunteers.
Education
B.A. - Political Science
University of Illinois At Urbana-Champaign
Champaign, ILSkills
- Internal Communications Strategy & Execution
- Culture Transformation & Change Management
- Employee Engagement Programs
- Executive Messaging & Storytelling
- Multi-Channel Campaign Development
- Stakeholder & Government Relations
- Media & Public Relations
- Measurement, Analytics & Continuous Improvement
- Digital Communication Platforms & Tools
- Relationship management
- Strategic thinking
- Best practices optimization
Timeline
Communications & Stakeholder Engagement Director
Patriot Rail
01.2025 - Current
Strategic Communications Consultant
Wounded Warrior Project
01.2022 - 01.2023
Public Liaison
U.S. Department of Transportation
01.2019 - 01.2020
INDEPENDENT CONSULTANT
01.2008 - 01.2017
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR / DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS & FIELD OPERATIONS
Americans Tired of Lawsuit Abuse Fund (ATLAF) & America Tort Reform Association
01.2004 - 01.2007
REGIONAL POLITICAL DIRECTOR
American Medical Association
01.1999 - 01.2004
DEPUTY DIRECTOR
Office of the Illinois Governor
01.1999 - 01.1999
DEPUTY CHIEF OF STAFF
Republican National Committee, Office of the Co-Chairman
01.1998 - 01.1999
DIRECTOR OF CORPORATE AFFAIRS / COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR
House Republican Campaign Committee / Office of the Illinois House Republican Leader
01.1997 - 01.1998
STATE CONVENTION COORDINATOR
Illinois Republican Party
01.1996 - 01.1997
B.A. - Political Science
University of Illinois At Urbana-Champaign
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