Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Accomplishments
Timeline
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Curtis Smith

Curtis Smith

Bethesda,MD

Summary

Accomplished corporate media professional with a reputation as a natural, highly-motivated storyteller and trusted advisor to senior and C-Suite executives. Crisis-tested team manager and spokesperson with a deep understanding of Tier 1 media landscape and proven track record of placing authentic, compelling stories that impact business-critical and reputational outcomes. Team player with a serious streak of curiosity and a penchant for quoting 80’s movies to keep things light. Former award-winning journalist.

Overview

29
29
years of professional experience

Work History

Head of Shell Americas Media Relations

Shell
01.2016 - Current
  • Senior spokesman and manager of Shell media advisors and spokespersons across the Americas
  • Accountable for outreach and response to Tier 1 national and international media with goal of amplifying Shell’s strategy and delivering business and reputation outcomes that build trust and confidence in Shell
  • Provide strategic counsel to Shell senior executives, including CEO and President of Shell USA, to place messages and stories through various channels that enrich Shell’s reputation as trusted operator, partner, employer and world-class investment
  • Frequent collaborator with Shell Investor Relations to deliver crisp, accurate quarterly results, in addition to partnering with Shell’s Government Relations team to help shape political and regulatory environment that complements Shell’s ambition to deliver more value and fewer emissions

Shell U.S. Spokesman – Alaska

Shell
06.2008 - 01.2016
  • Lead spokesman and media strategist for Shell’s Arctic drilling campaign
  • Engaged Tier 1 media on near-weekly basis in support of Shell’s controversial ambition to explore and develop oil and gas leases in Chukchi and Beaufort Seas
  • Planned and hosted multiple media tours on drill ships, spill response vessels, and at various rural outposts to provide context and color to Shell’s readiness to operate safely and responsibly in one of the most remote areas of the world

Director of Communications - Governor's Office

Sarah Palin Campaign for Governor
08.2007 - 02.2008
  • Acting Director of Communications and Spokesman for Sarah Palin for Governor Campaign, up to and through inauguration
  • Established tone and message platform for incoming administration by way of in-person press briefings, interviews and select access to Governor
  • Partnered with Chief of Staff and Legislative Director to establish communications protocols for commissioners, department heads and all associated communications staff before departing as planned once administration was firmly seated

VP of Boutique Agency

LottsfeldtSmith Communications
07.2004 - 08.2007
  • Executed full suite of communications services for variety of businesses and candidates, including PR, acting spokesman support, legislative affairs, community outreach and high-end TV commercials

Account Manager/In-house PR Director

Northwest Strategies
09.2001 - 07.2004
  • Managed several ballot initiative campaigns, including successful effort to keep Alaska’s Capital located in Juneau

Anchored Award-Winning News Programs

NBC, ABC and CBS Local News
10.1995 - 09.2001
  • Reported frequently on Alaska’s oil and gas industry in addition to mining and Alaska Native subsistence rights
  • Related 1-hour special would deliver team Edward R. Murrow Award in 2000

Education

Bachelor of Arts - Journalism/Political Science

University of Alaska Fairbanks
Fairbanks, AK
05.1995

Accomplishments

  • Rapid Response Team dedicated to messaging and response to Congressional inquiry alleging IOCs withheld science and engaged in disinformation campaigns to cover up risks posed by climate change. Placed prominent “curtain raiser” stories in advance and hearing provided no notable moments or conclusions consistent with the allegations.
  • Introduced “kind-hearted but tough-minded” CEO to the general public and investors by way of a phased media program that focused squarely on “the person” without revealing the (new) strategy to come.
  • Co-led messaging platform for the build-up and delivery of Shell Capital Markets Day 2023 – a much anticipated event considered by many to be the turning point in the company’s share price turnaround.
  • OCS – Yes! Led media portion of award-winning campaign to reintroduce Shell to Alaska after a nearly 25 year absence.
  • Led multi-week, national and international media response when the Kulluk drill ship broke loose in heavy seas and ran aground offshore Kodiak, Alaska. Transparent communication and authentic ownership of the incident is largely credited for the Administration allowing Shell another chance to prove its readiness to drill offshore Alaska.
  • Co-led Shell’s media response to the DW Horizon incident that placed a moratorium on all OCS activities. Devised and executed national media campaign to lift drilling moratorium; leveraged Shell’s Chief Scientist to educate the public and senior Administration officials about why Shell was not at risk of a similar incident.

Timeline

Head of Shell Americas Media Relations

Shell
01.2016 - Current

Shell U.S. Spokesman – Alaska

Shell
06.2008 - 01.2016

Director of Communications - Governor's Office

Sarah Palin Campaign for Governor
08.2007 - 02.2008

VP of Boutique Agency

LottsfeldtSmith Communications
07.2004 - 08.2007

Account Manager/In-house PR Director

Northwest Strategies
09.2001 - 07.2004

Anchored Award-Winning News Programs

NBC, ABC and CBS Local News
10.1995 - 09.2001

Bachelor of Arts - Journalism/Political Science

University of Alaska Fairbanks
Curtis Smith