Creative Communications and Legislative Director with excellent interpersonal and time management skills. Skilled in project management with proven history of delivering timely communications aligned with legislative/public policy objectives.
Hi, I’m
Gary Sherwood
Santa Rosa,CA
Summary
Overview
25
years of professional experience
Work History
National Alopecia Areata Foundation
Communications Director
03.2012 - Current
Job overview
- On-boarded 350 patient advocates
- Oversaw 10 advocacy days on Capitol Hill
- Created and implemented internal and external communication plans to establish consistent and timely messaging.
- Created and managed social media campaigns to increase brand engagement.
- Wrote content for press releases, website and social media campaigns.
- Coordinated and directed public relations activities to align with corporate strategic goals.
- Developed and implemented short- and long-term communications strategies.
- Oversaw website copy and social media platforms.
- Acted as point of contact for inbound media related calls.
- Developed and strengthened political partnerships to further agendas.
- Alerted constituents of government actions and programs by way of newsletters, personal appearances at town meetings and individual meetings.
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Identified, researched and tracked legislative issues relevant to current public issues.
- Organized and planned meetings with high-level political appointees and elected officials.
- Advanced organization's legislative and political agenda through advocacy initiatives.
State Farm Insurance Companies
Public Affairs Specialist
09.1998 - 07.2011
Job overview
- Produced and distributed internal and external communications.
- Executed social media plans to create cohesive online presence.
- Assisted with marketing strategy development to increase public awareness and customer engagement.
- Forged strong media relationships to further public relations goals.
- Developed brand media relations strategies that bolstered community awareness and knowledge.
- Wrote speeches, press releases, media responses and public service announcements.
- Wrote press releases for routine use and crisis management.
Education
Sonoma State UniversityRohnert Park, CA
Master of Arts from History
University Overview
New York UniversityNew York, NY
Bachelor of Arts from Dramatic Writing
University Overview
Skills
- Executive Reporting
- Crisis Communications
- Building Media Relations
- Media Spokesperson
- Policy and Procedure Development
- Communications Programs Management
- Verbal and Written Communication
- Policy Development
- Producing Communications
- Memoranda Preparation
- Government Policy
- Legislation Tracking
- Bill Sponsorship
- Planning and Coordination
Accomplishments
Accomplishments
Created the Legislative Liaison program empowering patients to advocate on their own behalf by meeting with elected officials both in their district and Capitol Hill. Significantly raised the legislative profile of alopecia areata from a disease few had heard of to a mention in the President's annual budget address in just four years.
Timeline
Communications Director
National Alopecia Areata Foundation
03.2012 - Current
Public Affairs Specialist
State Farm Insurance Companies
09.1998 - 07.2011
Sonoma State University
Master of Arts from History
New York University
Bachelor of Arts from Dramatic Writing
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