Celina D. Montoya
San Antonio,TX
Summary
Dynamic leader with extensive experience in government and community relations. Expertise in strategic planning and media relations, effectively advocating for business interests and enhancing community engagement. Proficient in executive management and policy development, driving initiatives that improve organizational visibility and compliance.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Director
Government Affairs Professionals of Texas
01.2025 - Current
- Connecting communities and their interest with elected officials and the policies that govern them; specializing in advocacy, community engagement strategies, and building networks to move projects and policies forward.
- Promotional Events and Presentations, Panels and Public Speaking Engagements
- Writing White Papers & Policy Briefs
- Provide Group Communications and Media Training
- Monitoring of Key Policies and Public Meetings, Assist in Preparing Notices and Testimony
- Coordinating Community and Constituent-facing Meetings with Elected Officials
President & Owner
CDM ADR DBA Calm Mediation Group
10.2021 - Current
- Offering consultation through creative problem solving, alternative dispute resolution through mediation and arbitration for privately secured parties; specializing in advanced mediation and relationship building.
- Parent Coordination and Facilitation
- Workplace Conflict Resolution
- Commercial Mediation
- Personal disputes.
- Coalition and Community Building.
- Strategic Frameworks.
Director of Government & Community Relations
Alamo Fireworks, Inc.
06.2014 - Current
- Lead the development of internal/external public relations, marketing, and campaigns organizing to solidify our competitive positioning as the oldest and largest family-owned fireworks company in Texas with a focus on community & safety.
- Tactically organized all public relations events (e.g., press conferences, safety demonstrations) and serving as the company’s spokesperson.
- Aggressively advocating for business interests and community outreach, such as seeking opportunities for sponsorships and underwriting
- Main point of contact for the press and government offices and agencies including tracking, establishing, and maintaining relationships and enterprising opportunities for promoting safety & compliance on local and state level
- Representing interests of business and industry at local, state and national levels, particularly in regard to safety, regulations and code
Establishing Partner
AXR Strategies
12.2018 - 03.2020
- In this position, I grew and maintained a client list and contracts for strategic communications and media relations. I also served as lead consultant and manager for several local campaigns. Primary results:
- Established daily operations, supervised hiring and contracts, and managed training and recruitment for campaigns and contracts.
- Managed special election campaign for Texas House District 125, consulted for city council and school board elections, fundraising and compliance manager
- Lead consultant for 2 largest clients, managing Public Relations and Government Affairs, and overhauled Crisis Management Process for Nationally-affiliated Non-profit
Co-founder & Program Manager
Literacy San Antonio & SAReads
06.2009 - 12.2013
- Co-Founded nonprofit status and operations as well as signature programs and partnerships for County-wide literacy effort.
- Duties included:
- After filing incorporation documents and founding elements, I established daily operations, hiring, metrics/evaluations, and training program for volunteers
- Managed a county-wide coalition of more than 100 organizations and stakeholders, developing county- and statewide strategies, partnerships, and programs and conducting monthly and eventually quarterly meetings and partnership connections.
- Lead team of experts to conceptualize, develop and deliver direct programming in Bexar County school districts
- Lead advocacy and legislative efforts, statewide lead for Literacy Day at the Capitol with more than 500 participants
- Other duties: oversee mid-level staff and manage consultants for areas of technology, compliance and media outreach
Anchor & Reporter
Texas Public Radio
06.2007 - 06.2009
- Operated and edited daily news broadcasts for award-winning national team.
- Excelled in technical skills, including recording, editing, and main board operations.
- Served as daily live anchor for midday news programming, also filling in for morning drive-time anchor.
- Produced comprehensive programming during both midday and morning shifts from 10am-3pm and 5am-10am.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Journalism
Northwestern University
Evanston, IL06-2006
Skills
- Communication and public speaking
- Media relations expertise
- Financial compliance and budgeting
- Executive management and training
- Government and public relations
- Strategic planning and communications
- Administrative governance
- Policy development
- Community engagement
Awards
SA 100, Leadership San Antonio, Class 48, San Antonio Business Journal 40 Under 40 | 2018, Yale Campaign School; Campaign Award 2018
References
References available upon request.
KEY COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP
- Annie’s List; Statewide Board Chair (January 2022-present)
- San Antonio Public Library Foundation; Board Member, Advocacy Chair (2019-present)
- Women & Girls Development Fund San Antonio Area Foundation Board Chair & Member (2017-present)
- Laurel Heights UMC; Stewardship Committee, Chair (2020-present)
- Girl Scouts of Southwest Texas ; Troop Leader (2016-2021), Board Education &Training Committee (2021-2025)
- Campaign School at LBJ School of Public Affairs UT; Advisor and Mentor (2021-present)
- Leadership San Antonio Class 48 (2023-24)
- San Antonio Feminist Film Festival; Board Member & Sponsorships (2024)
- Leadership San Antonio, Class 48 (2023-24)
- SA100, Board of Directors, 1st VP Programs (2023-present)
- Democratic Nominee Texas House District 121 (2018 & 2020)
Timeline
Director
Government Affairs Professionals of Texas
01.2025 - Current
President & Owner
CDM ADR DBA Calm Mediation Group
10.2021 - Current
Establishing Partner
AXR Strategies
12.2018 - 03.2020
Director of Government & Community Relations
Alamo Fireworks, Inc.
06.2014 - Current
Co-founder & Program Manager
Literacy San Antonio & SAReads
06.2009 - 12.2013
Anchor & Reporter
Texas Public Radio
06.2007 - 06.2009
Bachelor of Science - Journalism
Northwestern University
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