Cynthia Griffin
Chihuahuan Desert Research Institute
AUSTIN,TX
Summary
Strategic communicator with extensive experience collaborating with policy leaders and government officials to implement innovative health care, election, and civic engagement policies. Delivered award-winning news coverage for leading broadcast organizations across Texas, Oklahoma, and Oregon. Contributed to community service initiatives as a Board member, including recent involvement with the Austin Area League of Women Voters.
Work History
Executive Director
- Directed all aspects of 501c3 nonprofit promoting public awareness and appreciation for the natural diversity of the Desert region of Far West Texas at its 507-acre land site.
- Directed organizational strategy, aligning research, education, and conservation priorities with mission goals.
- Managed daily operations, ensuring smooth coordination across programs, staff, and administrative functions.
- Cultivated donor and community partnerships to expand support for institutional initiatives.
Communication Consultant
- Developed strategy, planning, and written communication for non-profit and government sectors during Oregon’s expansion and redesign of health reform.
- Developed communication materials for internal and external audiences.
- Drafted clear messaging for executive presentations, updates, and stakeholder briefings.
- Coordinated cross-functional input to ensure consistent brand voice and accuracy.
Executive Staff
- Gained support for Secretary’s initiatives, including implementing vote-by-mail elections, conducting nation’s first federal mail-in election, and preserving Oregon’s century-old initiative process.
- Coordinated executive calendars, meetings, and priorities to support timely decision-making.
- Prepared briefing materials, agendas, and correspondence for leadership review.
- Managed confidential records and sensitive information with accuracy and discretion.
Manager, Provider Relations
- Collaborated with local and national stakeholders to create national public relations strategy that addressed political resistance and secured Federal approval for pioneering Oregon Health Plan, enhancing access to near universal coverage and quality care for Oregonians. Led 30-person customer service team through transition of Oregon Health Plan from theoretical framework to operational implementation.
- Directed Medicaid operations to ensure accurate eligibility, coverage, and service determinations.
- Coordinated with caseworkers and stakeholders to resolve policy and client service issues.
- Monitored workflow performance to improve turnaround times and maintain compliance with regulations.
News Director, Executive Producer
- Managed television newsrooms and produced daily news broadcasts for ABC, CBS, and NBC News affiliated stations in Dallas, TX, Tulsa, OK, and Portland, OR.
- Directed daily newsroom operations, assigning coverage and coordinating breaking news workflows.
- Developed editorial standards, ensuring accurate, fair, and timely newscast content.
- Supervised reporters, anchors, and producers, providing feedback on story development and delivery.
Education
B.A. - Political Science
- Purposeful Boards/Powerful Fundraising
- Strategic Communications, Mobile Media, Investor Relations
- Project Planning & Organization
- Resolving Public Policy Conflicts in Public Meetings
- Texas Basic Mediation Certificate, Group Facilitation
Skills
Strategic Governance
Stakeholder Engagement
Confidential issue management
Storytelling communication
Strategist/Problem Solver - analyze
plan
organize
Critical Thinking
Deadline management
Stress management
Adaptability
Relationship Builder
Stakeholder engagement
Timeline
Austin Dispute Resolution Center
from Texas Basic Mediation Certificate, Group Facilitation
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University of Texas Law School
from Resolving Public Policy Conflicts in Public Meetings
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Portland State University
from Project Planning & Organization
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University of Oregon
from Strategic Communications, Mobile Media, Investor Relations
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Executive Director
Chihuahuan Desert Research Institute
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Communication Consultant
State of Oregon
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Executive Staff
Oregon Secretary of State
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Manager, Provider Relations
Oregon Medicaid
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News Director, Executive Producer
Belo Broadcasting
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Michigan State University
B.A. from Political Science
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University of Indiana
from Purposeful Boards/Powerful Fundraising
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CONTINUING COURSEWORK
- Purposeful Boards/Powerful Fundraising, University of Indiana
- Strategic Communications, Mobile Media, Investor Relations, University of Oregon
- Project Planning & Organization, Portland State University
- Resolving Public Policy Conflicts in Public Meetings, University of Texas Law School
- Texas Basic Mediation Certificate, Group Facilitation, Austin Dispute Resolution Center