Colton Whitworth
Reno
Summary
Results-driven Public Affairs Director specializing in nonprofit strategy and community outreach. Led impactful events that enhanced public engagement and developed strategic partnerships to boost organizational visibility. Expertise in crisis communication and stakeholder relationship management to drive collaboration and meet community objectives.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Builder
MG Builders
Reno
01.2025 - Current
- Supported family-owned business as large-scale renovator and general builder, completing residential and commercial construction projects for local businesses and homeowners, enhancing project delivery and client satisfaction.
- Coordinated subcontractors and suppliers, minimizing project delays and increasing customer satisfaction through effective communication and scheduling.
- Implemented rigorous quality checks, ensuring adherence to standards and contributing to overall project success.
- Enforced OSHA safety standards, achieving zero workplace accidents over 12 consecutive months.
Public Affairs Program Director
US Navy
Everett
07.2021 - 01.2025
- Spearheaded planning and execution of public-facing events such as base tours, community forums, and open house activities to foster public trust and awareness of Navy operations.
- Led the planning and execution of high-profile community outreach events, which significantly enhanced awareness of Navy programs and initiatives.
- Provided strategic event planning support to Command leadership, ensuring that all initiatives aligned with mission objectives and improved public perception of the Navy.
- Coordinated logistics, communications, and stakeholder involvement for both on-base and off-base events, effectively engaging government agencies, civic organizations, and the public.
- Developed and managed timelines, staffing plans, and communication materials for diverse events, enhancing organizational effectiveness and ensuring timely execution.
- Represented the Navy at planning meetings with local officials, nonprofit leaders, and military partners, fostering smooth coordination and mutual support for community projects.
- Drafted event scripts, speaking points, and media kits; facilitated rehearsals and briefings for senior leaders, ensuring they were well-prepared and confident for public engagements.
- Cultivated and maintained media partnerships to ensure broad, accurate coverage of Navy-hosted events and programs.
- Led coordination efforts with tenant commands and external partners to ensure seamless event logistics, scheduling, and messaging consistency.
- Played a central role on the Emergency Operations Team, managing crisis communication plans and executing timely public messaging during critical incidents.
- Directed cross-functional teams of military and civilian personnel, overseeing event planning, media coordination, and strategic communications.
- Mentored collateral-duty public affairs representatives, providing guidance on event messaging, crisis readiness, and community engagement strategies.
Public Affairs Officer
US Forest Service
Everett
06.2016 - 07.2021
- Acted as the primary liaison for congressional staff, providing updates on policies and projects, coordinating official correspondence, and leading congressional field tours.
- Planned and executed public affairs campaigns, ensuring transparency and public involvement in Forest Service decision-making, including controversial projects like the Grizzly Bear Reintroduction EIS and Mountain Goat Relocation EIS.
- Provided public affairs support for conservation education, recreation, engineering, and natural resource programs while advising leadership on public perception and engagement strategies.
- Represented the Forest Service in media engagements, including national and local news interviews, podcasts, and live broadcasts in the Seattle market.
- Coordinated major public outreach events, including Seattle Public Lands Recruitment Day and Snoqualmie Public Lands Day, to strengthen community engagement and promote awareness of public land initiatives.
- Fostered relationships with tribal leaders to enhance communication and collaboration by securing a Tribal Affairs Liaison internship, engaging Point Elliot Treaty Tribes, leading interpretive river wayfinding signage efforts, and organizing annual tribal youth engagement programs.
- Developed and launched an interactive augmented reality education program for children through Agents of Discovery, serving as a panelist in national webinars to share program successes.
- Managed website, SharePoint, and social media platforms, leading digital outreach and engagement initiatives.
- Designed and produced publications, fact sheets, and multimedia content to effectively communicate USDA and Forest Service initiatives and enhance stakeholder understanding.
- Delivered training on media engagement, digital communication, bystander awareness, and social de-escalation, serving as a speaker at various regional and nonprofit events.
- Developed and managed strategic partnerships with organizations such as Filson, the VA Puget Sound Health Care System, the Seattle Sounders, and the Seattle Mariners to support conservation, education, and outdoor recreation initiatives.
- Acted as the designated federal officer for Secure Rural Schools, ensuring compliance with FACA regulations, managing committee operations, and coordinating outreach and appointments.
Legislative Affairs Officer (Temporary Assignment)
US Forest Service
Portland
06.2020 - 12.2020
- Supported both Regional and Washington Offices in crafting legislative proposals related to forest and resource management, ensuring comprehensive policy and legal reviews across relevant units and agencies.
- Analyzed and provided strategic guidance on legislative matters impacting the Forest Service, enhancing processes for regional legislative proposal development.
- Clarified Forest Service policies and requirements for Congressional staff, enhancing legislative understanding and support.
- Collaborated with various internal and external stakeholders to prioritize regional legislative issues and drafted documentation in consultation with staff and subject matter experts to meet critical deadlines.
- Evaluated ongoing legislative initiatives to ensure alignment with agency priorities and facilitate timely coordination.
- Advised agency officials on the implications of diverse legislative measures and congressional oversight on regional operations, guiding integrated approaches to natural resource legislation.
- Developed and refined briefing materials and testimonies for congressional hearings, leveraging extensive knowledge of forest management, wildlife, and climate change adaptation strategies to inform agency and departmental witnesses.
- Served as the Regional point of contact for legislative initiatives, facilitating information requests from Congressional staff and external organizations.
- Conducted training sessions for Forest Service personnel on legislative law issues to enhance compliance and understanding. on legislative law issues, strengthening internal compliance and knowledge.
- Maintained strong relationships with senior officials, Congressional staff, and other agencies to stay informed on legislative developments affecting the Forest Service.
- Acted as Regional Coordinator for the Pacific Northwest Secure Rural Schools Resource Advisory Committees, ensuring compliance with federal requirements and overseeing project updates and status reporting.
Biological Science Technician (Temporary Position)
US Forest Service
Flagstaff
06.2016 - 09.2016
- Applied extensive knowledge of goshawk calls, physiology, behavior, and life cycles to effectively search, track, and locate goshawks during pre-and post-fledgling periods.
- Utilized handheld GPS, compass, and maps to precisely identify and locate survey points for northern goshawks, enhancing data accuracy for habitat assessments.
- Demonstrated expertise in phenotypic and behavioral wildlife knowledge to identify sensitive, threatened, and endangered species.
- Conducted field surveys to monitor wildlife populations and habitats.
- Operated video and photographic equipment to document field data, contributing to comprehensive wildlife monitoring efforts.
- Utilized ArcGIS Collector for recording and managing field data.
- Supported forest inventory and mapping using GIS technology to improve spatial analysis of habitat conditions.
Ranger Station Manager
US Forest Service
Skykomish
04.2013 - 06.2016
- Delivered educational presentations and guided tours to groups of 20-30 on local ecosystems and wildlife conservation.
- Coordinated and re-established the Stevens Pass Winter Ecology Snowshoe program, managing staffing, operations, and funding to ensure program sustainability. Developed and reviewed program content for public dissemination through press releases, website updates, and social media.
- Collaborated with the Every Kid Outdoors (EKO) Program to engage underrepresented youth from Seattle in outdoor education.
- Implemented sensitive monitoring techniques for bat species using audio recorders and conducted comprehensive salamander surveys. Performed mucosal swabbing for chytridiomycosis testing and executed floral and fungal identification during environmental assessments.
- Supervised Visitor Information Assistants, managing interpretive signage and merchandising while ensuring accurate public communication about federal and local regulations, Forest Service programs, and natural resource information.
- Localized Forest Service Vendor Program in Sky Valley, collaborating with vendors to provide tree cutting permits and recreation passes. Coordinated marketing campaigns with Sky Valley Chamber of Commerce, resulting in $40,000 increase in recreation pass sales and launching Christmas Tree Permit Vendor Program to reduce tree theft.
- Managed recruitment, training, and orientation of volunteers for district operations in wilderness, recreation, and interpretive roles.
- Served as the primary point of contact for Forest Service hiring initiatives from FY17-FY19, collaborating with leadership and HR to manage data, schedules, and sensitive information throughout the hiring process.
- Acted as the liaison for contractors, overseeing project execution and ensuring compliance with contract agreements.
- Developed, monitored, and planned budget allocations for district operations, administrative staff, and facilities maintenance.
- Oversaw expenditures and record-keeping as a designated unit purchaser, ensuring compliance with government procurement processes.
- Monitored safety protocols as a member of the Forest Safety Committee and proposed procedural changes to enhance safety standards.
- Managed rental agreements and maintenance for a 20-tenant bunkhouse and two Forest Service residences.
- Annually researched and authored content for the Snohomish County Tourism Bureau’s Visitor Guide, highlighting recreational opportunities in the Sky Valley.
- Fostered partnerships with various private and governmental organizations for collaborative projects and fundraising initiatives.
- Created district handouts, flyers, and advertisements using Publisher and Word, and utilized ArcGIS for mapping district road closures and recreational areas. Maintained the Forest’s social media presence through regular updates on district activities.
- Facilitated presentations on recreation and forest ecology to local organizations, managed permitting processes for forest products, and maintained proficiency in financial and operational databases to support district functions.
- Assisted in firefighting efforts through controlled burns and firebreak creation.
- Conducted wildlife surveys to monitor species populations and habitats.
- Informed visitors about safety practices and environmental conservation measures during guided tours.
- Collaborated with team members to implement land management strategies.
- Led volunteer groups in community engagement projects and restoration efforts.
- Developed educational materials to promote awareness of local ecosystems.
- Monitored weather conditions to ensure safety of visitors.
- Collaborated with law enforcement agencies to address safety concerns and enforce regulations.
- Developed interpretive materials such as brochures or maps.
- Organized special events such as concerts or festivals at the park.
- Assisted law enforcement professionals with investigations of felonies, crimes and violations of park rules.
- Patrolled campgrounds, collected camping fees and educated visitors on proper food storage protocol.
- Facilitated conflict resolution among park visitors to ensure a positive visitor experience.
Biological Science Technician
US Geological Survey
Boise
10.2013 - 05.2014
- Coordinated multi-day site visits to Bureau of Land Management (BLM) field offices, fostering inter-agency relationships crucial for effective data collection.
- Collected and analyzed large volumes of paper and digital data from BLM field offices, providing critical support for ongoing scientific studies.
- Utilized ArcGIS and ArcMap for the manipulation, creation, and digitization of BLM maps, GPS coordinates, and spatial data, directly contributing to published research articles, including: Arkle, R.S., Pilliod, D.S. (2015). 'Persistence at distributional edges—Columbia spotted frog habitat in the arid Great Basin, USA. ' Ecology and Evolution, 5(17), 3704-3724. DOI: 10.1002/ece3.1627.
- Georeferenced and digitized JPEG maps in ArcMap, manipulating new and existing SHP files for integration and use in the MS Access database.
- Entered and manipulated data within a large automated MS Access database (Land Treatment Digital Library), which contains detailed data, maps, photos, and GIS files for over 24,000 BLM treatments.
- Developed and delivered informative presentations using MS PowerPoint to BLM field office personnel, enhancing communication of project goals and findings.
- Applied knowledge of NEPA, EA, EIS, and CE documentation to identify relevant and usable land treatment data, ensuring compliance with regulatory frameworks.
- Brabec, M.A., Germino, M.J., Shinneman, D.J., Pilliod, D.S., McIlroy, S.K., Arkle, R.S. (2015). 'Challenges of establishing big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata) in rangeland restoration—Effects of herbicide, mowing, whole-community seeding, and sagebrush seed sources.' Rangeland Ecology and Management, 68(5), 432-435. DOI: 10.1016/j.rama.2015.07.001.
Education
Wildlife Management -
Oregon State University
Corvallis, United States07-2026
Biology - Wildlife Emphasis, Chemistry Minor
University of Reno, Nevada
Reno, United States01-2013
Skills
- Leadership and strategic thinking
- Communication planning and public speaking
- Community engagement and outreach
- Event planning and management
- Crisis mitigation and emergency operations
- Interpretive programming and media engagement
- Speech writing and media interviews
- Social media marketing and public sentiment analysis
- Policy advocacy and natural resource management
- Wildlife biology expertise
Volunteer Experience
- The City of Lake Stevens, Lake Stevens, WA, United States, Board Member, 04/21, 02/25, Contributed to the Parks & Recreation Board, focusing on enhancing the functionality and accessibility of parks and outdoor spaces, while advising the City Council on park acquisition, recreation programming, and the design and operation of recreational facilities., Researched issues and evaluated pros and cons to establish evidence-based policies for decision-making., Ensured efficient, effective, legal, and ethical operations within the organization by adopting policies., Assisted in the hiring, supervision, evaluation, and support of the executive director to maintain strong leadership., Aligned decisions with the organization’s mission by evaluating guidance received from the executive director., Communicated the agency’s mission, values, and vision to the community to foster public understanding and engagement., Set strategic direction by establishing goals that reflected the organization’s mission and objectives., Secured adequate funding to support the agency’s goals, ensuring operational sustainability., Monitored operational and capital finances to maintain fiscal responsibility., Acted as a community liaison, serving as a resource and sounding board for citizens to ensure their needs were met by the agency., Developed, maintained, and periodically updated long-range plans to guide future initiatives., Uphold a code of ethics to maintain integrity within the board’s operations., Supported collective board decisions while respecting the established authority of the group, even in situations where personal views differed.
- Renown Medical Center, Reno, NV, United States, E.R. Volunteer, 10/10, 10/12, Served as a vital resource for hospital staff, specifically within the oncology unit and the Emergency Room., Maintained composure under pressure while providing support to family members, calming patients, and assisting medical personnel during routine operations and critical situations, including two of Reno, NV’s significant mass casualty events., Assisted nursing staff with EKG administration, gathering medical supplies, patient transport, patient check-in, and message relay to ensure efficient patient care., Supported doctors by relaying messages, acquiring necessary supplies, transporting patients, and performing various other tasks as requested to enhance workflow.
Supervisor References
- Sean Hughes, Supervisor for Public Affairs Officer Role, US Navy, (360) 340-5384
- Tracy O’Toole, Supervisor for Public Affairs Specialist Role, US Forest Service, (503) 307-7002
- Jon McMillan, Supervisor for Legislative Affairs Coordinator Role, US Forest Service, (503) 964-1425
- Joe Neal, Supervisor for Ranger Station Manager Role, US Forest Service, (307) 360-7619
- Mary Farnsworth, Supervisor for Executive Assistant Role, US Forest Service, (208) 765-7369
- Jeff Rebitzke, Supervisor for Wildlife Biologist Role, US Forest Service, (559) 359-8498
- Nick Day, Lead for Biological Science Technician Role, US Geological Survey, (208) 608-2267
Timeline
Builder
MG Builders
01.2025 - Current
Public Affairs Program Director
US Navy
07.2021 - 01.2025
Legislative Affairs Officer (Temporary Assignment)
US Forest Service
06.2020 - 12.2020
Public Affairs Officer
US Forest Service
06.2016 - 07.2021
Biological Science Technician (Temporary Position)
US Forest Service
06.2016 - 09.2016
Biological Science Technician
US Geological Survey
10.2013 - 05.2014
Ranger Station Manager
US Forest Service
04.2013 - 06.2016
Wildlife Management -
Oregon State University
Biology - Wildlife Emphasis, Chemistry Minor
University of Reno, Nevada