Darren Cinatl
Southern Pines,NC
Summary
Dynamic servant leader with a strong passion for serving others and delivering results in both office settings and high-pressure environments. Sixteen years of experience as a military leader, planner, and public affairs officer, with expertise in effective communication, team building, and fostering cohesiveness to ensure mission success. Proven ability to craft compelling narratives that empower organizations to leverage diverse media channels for brand marketing. Committed to achieving objectives through strategic planning and collaborative teamwork, consistently driving results with minimal oversight.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
Work History
Digital Media Manager and Public Affairs Officer
Department of War, United States Army-Fort Hood, TX
10.2023 - Current
- Serves as the Digital Media Manager for U.S. Army Garrison, Fort Hood, overseeing all digital media production, website management and command information initiatives on behalf of the Installation and Garrison commanders.
- Advises both chief executives on command messaging, nesting strategy with both the Departments of the Army and War.
- Manages all social media content creation and publication for the base, spanning five platforms. Increased social media reach and viewership by more than 195% over the course of two years.
- Boosted social media followers by over 250,000 across multiple platforms.
- Oversaw production and editing of over 32 podcast episodes to ensure effective communication.
- Influences decisions of the Director of Public Affairs and the Command Information Chief on crisis communications and critical base events.
- Led a Media Operations Cell during three critical real-world incidents, two major training events and three severe weather incidents.
Public Affairs Officer and Planner
Department of War, United States Army Fort Bragg, NC
01.2012 - 10.2023
- Led and commanded teams of 40-450 personnel at platoon through company level.
- Served three combat tours overseas in both Afghanistan and Iraq as well as two operational deployments to Europe.
- Served seven years as a Public Affairs Officer, managing communications and social media strategy at Company all the way through Division level.
- Managed three social media platforms, engaging 19,000 personnel within the division and millions worldwide.
- Most recently served as the Deputy Public Affairs Officer for the 82nd Airborne Division while deployed forward to Europe during Operation Assure, Deter and Reinforce.
- Formulated social media and digital media strategy for Division through collaboration with Departments of War and State.
- Specialized in analytics and countering misinformation in Public Affairs operations. Sold the 82nd Airborne Division brand to millions in both domestic and international information environments.
Police Cadet/Reserve Officer
Santa Monica Police Department-Santa Monica, CA
10.2007 - 12.2012
- Served as a Police Cadet and Reserve Police Officer for the City of Santa Monica Police Department. I served in the Patrol, Special Operations Section and Administrative Offices assisting sworn and non-sworn personnel in various law enforcement functions. Served the local community and developed key operational standard operating procedures for the Department, to include personnel management for Overtime, Fleet Management, Public Information initiatives and coordination with other city agencies and departments.
Background Investigator
United States Department of Justice-Washington, DC
06.2009 - 08.2009
- Served as a Background Investigator in the State and Local Liaison Division (SLLD).
- Performed over 100 background checks through National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and INTERPOL offices around the world on prospective law enforcement officer applicants.
- Served with the United States Marshals Capital Area Regional Fugitive Task Force (CARTF). enabling the arrest of 8 high-risk suspects.
Police Explorer
Indio Police Department-Indio, CA
10.2003 - 08.2007
- Volunteered as a Police Explorer with the City of Indio Police Department and obtained over 5,000 hours of community service.
- Enhanced community relations by participating in various outreach programs and events.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - International Studies
Pepperdine University
Malibu, CA05.2011
Certificate - Military Science
University of California-Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA05.2011
Skills
- Team Building and Collaboration (20 years)
- Social Media Management (10 years)
- Operational Risk Management (10 years)
- External and Digital Marketing (10 years)
- Historical Studies, Research and Veterans Outreach (10 Years)
- Video and Photo Editing (8 years)
- Website Management and SEO Optimization (5 years)
Languages
Spanish - Intermediate
French - Beginner
Timeline
Digital Media Manager and Public Affairs Officer
Department of War, United States Army-Fort Hood, TX
10.2023 - Current
Public Affairs Officer and Planner
Department of War, United States Army Fort Bragg, NC
01.2012 - 10.2023
Background Investigator
United States Department of Justice-Washington, DC
06.2009 - 08.2009
Police Cadet/Reserve Officer
Santa Monica Police Department-Santa Monica, CA
10.2007 - 12.2012
Police Explorer
Indio Police Department-Indio, CA
10.2003 - 08.2007
Bachelor of Arts - International Studies
Pepperdine University
Certificate - Military Science
University of California-Los Angeles