Elizabeth McCabe Deal
Washington
Summary
Dynamic communications and public affairs leader with extensive experience in higher education, specializing in crisis management, strategic communications, and message development.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Assistant Vice President and Deputy Chief Communications Officer
American University
Washington, DC
08.2024 - Current
- Promoted to deputy, integrating all communications into a centralized system.
- Ensured compliance with established policies, procedures and regulations.
- Monitored departmental performance metrics to ensure objectives were met or exceeded.
- Coordinated activities between departments to maximize efficiency of resources.
- Facilitated communication between internal stakeholders regarding project updates and changes.
- Developed Civic Life initiative with senior leadership to enhance community collaboration.
- Collaborated with university leaders to disseminate key information through various channels.
- Managed crisis communications and emergency response activities efficiently.
- Led UCM initiatives and engaged in university committees, including Freedom of Expression Working Group.
- Provided strategic counsel to leaders, aligning departmental objectives across university.
- Directed communications for priorities such as Changemakers strategic plan and Inclusive Excellence initiatives.
- Oversaw production of AU Now newsletter and American Magazine, managing budget and engagement strategies.
Founder
Washington Channel Strategies
01.2018 - 01.2021
- Public affairs and communications practice serving public and non-profit sector, including urban higher education.
- Created, implemented, and managed public engagement and outreach plans for the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration for the inaugural Student Simulation Competition across six national sites.
- Provided strategic and integrated public engagement advocacy, external affairs, counsel, and support to VSM Productions, creator and producers of, “Like Any Other Kid” a documentary focusing on youth justice reform.
- Developed outreach and fundraising strategy for York College, City University of New York.
- Mentor young adults interested in public communication, service, and justice reform.
Education
Master's in Public Administration - Urban Affairs
John Jay College of Criminal Justice, City University of New York
New York, NY05-2010
Bachelor of Arts - Political Science
Fordham University
The Bronx, NY05-1999
Skills
- Crisis management
- Earned media
- Strategic communications
- Stakeholder engagement
- Social media strategy
- Content creation
- Advisory counsel
- Message development and execution
- Government and community relations
- Donor communications
- Media relations
- Team leadership
Certification
- Public Relations Society Association Member
- Health and Wellness Coach Certificate–specializing in neurodiversity and menopausal nutrition–Institute of Integrative Nutrition
Accomplishments
- Serve as a founding member of The Civic Life, at the direction of the President of American University working to
- Created AU Now American University’s flagship email newsletter, with three distinct versions published each week for 14,000 students, 2,700 staff, and 2,600 faculty. Produced by University Communications and Marketing, AU Now builds community, enhances AU’s reputation, supports the strategic plan, and instills pride.
- Implemented various NYS social justice campaigns, including the launch of the Stop Solitary for Kids Campaign, resulting in the ending of the practice of solitary confinement in several youth facilities across the country.
- Developed public affairs training curriculum for Georgetown University’s Center for Juvenile Justice Public Information Learning Collaborative curriculum for public information officers throughout the country.
- Directed and executed national and international government affairs initiatives on behalf of the academic community of John Jay College of Criminal Justice resulting in hundreds of millions of federal, state, and city funds.
- Engaged and managed external and internal stakeholders in developing a public affairs campaign that resulted in the successful transformation of New York State’s youth justice system.
- Managed FDNY’s inaugural recruitment and marketing campaign with a diverse staff of 25 uniform and civilian personnel.
- Media advisor and counselor to numerous elected officials within the Office of the Mayor, City of New York, and Office of the Governor, State of New York on solving policy and intergovernmental issues.
- Team leader on NYC Emergency Response Task Force, following the 9/11 WTC attacks, including coordination of site visits to Ground Zero by senior international, national, and local dignitaries.
Awards
2024 Partner of the Year Award, AU’s Office of Information Technology, Celebrating 50 Years: 50 at 50 John Jay College’s Alumni Awards, NYC Department Housing, Preservation, and Development Curriculum Development Award
Timeline
Assistant Vice President and Deputy Chief Communications Officer
American University
08.2024 - Current
Founder
Washington Channel Strategies
01.2018 - 01.2021
Master's in Public Administration - Urban Affairs
John Jay College of Criminal Justice, City University of New York
Bachelor of Arts - Political Science
Fordham University
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