Dennis Miller
Philadelphia,PA
Summary
Dynamic leader with extensive experience in external communication within both for-profit and non-profit sectors. Proven expertise in developing and executing governmental affairs policies, along with crafting advocacy strategies that effectively influence legislation. Exceptional at training executive leadership in company culture and organizational management, enhancing overall strategic capabilities. Dedicated to driving impactful policy change through collaboration and clear communication.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
External Affairs Specialist
Dept of Homeland Security
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
01.2024 - Current
- Assigned to FEMA, Region III, Mitigation Division
- Coordinate all communication with Congress, public and media about mitigation programs
- Facilitated development of legislative communication processes in the new Mitigation Outreach Branch
- Ensure seamless transfer of information and products through liaison with External Affairs
- Coordinate and execute mitigation outreach campaigns through diverse media platforms
- Craft engaging materials highlighting resilience for distribution through multiple newsletter channels
- Develop presentations and talking points for mitigation teams and senior executives
Principal
Wheel Dog Industries, LLC
02.2017 - Current
- Defined mission to guide company's strategic direction after formal incorporation
- Perform systems analysis of client’s organizational structure
- Develop organizational design plan to rehabilitate client’s operational platform
- Execute organizational management plan as it evolves through the analysis and design phases
- Streamline processes of governmental agencies, non-profits, and private firms serving military and Veterans
- Provide insights to senior leadership on policies shaping outcomes for Veterans and military personnel
Congressional / Intergovernmental Affairs Liaison
U.S. Department of Justice
10.2021 - 01.2024
- Executed legislative and media activities to advance communication goals of the Office of Justice Programs (OJP)
- Formulated solutions and implemented updated procedures for congressional and intergovernmental affairs
- Led outreach activities to core constituents, reinforcing robust communication channels within congressional frameworks
- Acted as Office of Communications liaison for OJP discussions and conferences
- Facilitated strategic decisions by analyzing and tailoring intergovernmental affairs policies to meet organizational needs
Wounded Warrior Fellow
Office of Congressman Brendan Boyle
11.2015 - 02.2017
- Served as team lead, office supervisor and senior staffer of the Norristown district office
- Oversaw the efforts of 3-5 junior employees through strategic leadership in focused outreach projects, casework responsibilities, and event coordination
- Joined forces with lawmakers to formulate policies concerning Veterans issues, defense protocols, and foreign interactions
- Provided impetus to, research for and development of H.R. 1998, introduced during the 115th Congress
- Certified by Vocational Rehabilitation section of Philadelphia VA Regional Office to oversee non-paid work experience (NPWE) personnel
Infantry Unit Leader
United States Marine Corps
09.1996 - 09.2009
- Served as Platoon Sergeant, the most senior enlisted leader of a 30-member basic military unit trained to deploy in defense of the United States, assumed Platoon Commander’s duties in his absence
- Served as the Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge, lead Combat Marksmanship Trainer of the unit charged with the annual qualification training of all battalion Marines
- Served as Operations Chief and for Marine units during weapons training
- Served as Substance Abuse Control Officer, supervising all facets of substance abuse program for unit
Education
MBA - Business Administration
Villanova University
12-2027
B.S. - Clinical / Counseling Psychology
Lincoln University
05.2015
Skills
- Proficient in Legislative Engagement
- Strategic communications
- Coalition building
- Lobbying techniques
- Employee development
- Staff management
- Partnership building
- Policy analysis
Affiliations
- Founder / President, Greater Philadelphia Area Veteran Chamber of Commerce
- Founder / President, Philadelphia Veterans Fund
- Member, Veterans Advisory Panel, 4th Congressional District (PA)
- Community Outreach Partner, Suicide Prevention Program, Cpl. Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center
Certification
- Certified Verification Counselor, Department of Veterans Affairs
- Certifying Official, Vocational Rehabilitation and Education Program, Department of Veterans Affairs
- Law Enforcement Coordinator, United States Capitol Police, United States House of Representatives
- Curriculum Development Coordinator, United States Marine Corps
Accomplishments
- Became a Stand-To-Scholar at the George W. Bush Presidential Institute in the summer of 2021
- Advocated for award of the Congressional Gold Medal for The Six Triple Eight from 2020 until 2022
- Launched the Greater Philadelphia Area Veteran Chamber of Commerce on Veterans Day 2020
- Established the Vet Chamber PHL and Philadelphia Veterans Fund in January 2019
- Certified WDI as Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business by VA in May 2018
- Certified WDI as a verified vendor by Defense Logistics Agency in February 2018
- Established WDI as an LLC in November 2017
- Coordinated military academy nomination process for 2nd and 13th congressional districts (PA) in 2016
- Established the 13th Congressional District Veteran Advisory Board, assumed duties as Vice Chairman in 2016
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
External Affairs Specialist
Dept of Homeland Security
01.2024 - Current
Congressional / Intergovernmental Affairs Liaison
U.S. Department of Justice
10.2021 - 01.2024
Principal
Wheel Dog Industries, LLC
02.2017 - Current
Wounded Warrior Fellow
Office of Congressman Brendan Boyle
11.2015 - 02.2017
Infantry Unit Leader
United States Marine Corps
09.1996 - 09.2009
MBA - Business Administration
Villanova University
B.S. - Clinical / Counseling Psychology
Lincoln University
Similar Profiles
Chandra RathnakarChandra Rathnakar
Principal DBA - SME at Dept. of Homeland SecurityPrincipal DBA - SME at Dept. of Homeland Security
Tara RandallTara Randall
FEMA Reservist at US Dept. of Homeland Security/ FemaFEMA Reservist at US Dept. of Homeland Security/ Fema
LAURELA M. STEPHENSONLAURELA M. STEPHENSON
FT Paralegal Specialist 0950, GS-12 $106,759 40HRS at Dept. Of Homeland SecurityFT Paralegal Specialist 0950, GS-12 $106,759 40HRS at Dept. Of Homeland Security