Strategic and results-oriented Communications Engagement Leader with 15+ years of experience in public transit, government, and community relations. Proven ability to develop and execute comprehensive communication and engagement strategies, fostering strong relationships with diverse stakeholders. Expertise in leading teams, managing complex projects, and driving organizational goals through impactful communication initiatives and seeking to leverage expertise in enhancing communications engagement for Houston METRO.
Hi, I’m
Harriet Ramona Crayton
Houston,TX
Summary
Overview
24
years of professional experience
Work History
Metropolitan Transit Authority
Transit Safety Education Manager
01.2019 - Current
Job overview
- Leads the strategic development and implementation of comprehensive safety education and outreach programs, significantly enhancing community engagement and demonstrably improving safety outcomes
- Orchestrates the creation and execution of impactful multi-channel communication campaigns, substantially elevating public awareness of critical safety protocols
- Facilitates seamless interdepartmental collaboration with Corporate Communications, Marketing, and Press Office, ensuring cohesive messaging and unwavering alignment with organizational goals
- Oversees the development and production of targeted educational materials and curates a robust community engagement activity calendar, cultivating strong and productive stakeholder relationships
- Spearheads the planning and executing of numerous successful community events, forging and strengthening strategic partnerships with key community organizations
Metropolitan Transit Authority
Senior Public Affairs Representative
01.2011 - 01.2019
Job overview
- Established and nurtured strong relationships with diverse stakeholders, including community organizations, elected officials, and business leaders, significantly enhancing METRO's public image and forging lasting, positive partnerships
- Designed and implemented innovative communication strategies that improved community engagement and fostered a more inclusive public dialogue
- Expertly planned and facilitated numerous high-impact community meetings and public hearings, ensuring transparency and fostering constructive dialogue on critical transit issues
- Delivered compelling and informative presentations to various community groups, effectively communicating METRO's initiatives and fostering public understanding
- Curated engaging social media content and effectively led the street team, enhancing METRO's community presence and outreach
Metropolitan Transit Authority
Ambassador Program Manager
01.2011 - 01.2018
Job overview
- Pioneered establishing and strategically implementing a comprehensive employee volunteer program, seamlessly aligning program goals with the Authority's core mission and significantly expanding volunteer participation
- Engineered and meticulously refined program policies and procedures and developed robust volunteer documentation, ensuring efficient and effective program operations
Kellogg Brown and Root
Liaison Officer/Senior Operations Coordinator
01.2007 - 01.2010
Job overview
- Served as a proactive and responsive liaison for U.S
- Military clients, effectively addressing inquiries and concerns to ensure seamless communication and foster strong, positive relationships
- Delivered critical strategic and administrative support to U.S
- Army and coalition forces, demonstrating exceptional organizational and problem-solving capabilities in a demanding, high-pressure operational setting
- Provided decisive leadership to teams, ensuring meticulous compliance with stringent regulations for high-value government property
- Designed and delivered comprehensive training programs, empowering personnel with essential skills and knowledge to enhance operational effectiveness
Greater Houston Convention and Visitor Bureau
Convention Services Manager
01.2001 - 01.2007
Job overview
- Spearheaded strategic sales and marketing initiatives, providing critical administrative oversight for the Convention Services Department on behalf of the City of Houston
- Developed and executed integrated communication strategies, cultivating key relationships with organizers, meeting planners, government agencies, tourism partners, and media outlets to elevate Houston's event profile
- Represented Houston at prominent local and national tradeshows, effectively promoting the city as a premier destination and generating significant interest
- Directed seamless event operations, proactively resolving complex issues and delivering exceptional service
- Cultivated strategic partnerships with meeting planners and local representatives, driving tourism and business growth through meticulously planned travel and itinerary arrangements and impactful visual content development
Education
Jones International UniversityCentennial, CO
Master of Arts from Business Communications
University Overview
GPA: Summa Cum Laude
University of Houston-DowntownHouston, TX
Bachelor of Science from Interdisciplinary Studies
University Overview
Skills
- Strategic Communications Planning & Implementation
- Stakeholder Engagement & Relationship Management
- Team Leadership & Talent Development
- Public & Community Advocacy
- Crisis Communications & Media Strategy
- Content Strategy & Multi-Platform Development
- Digital & Social Media Strategy & Community Building
- Meeting and Event Strategy & Execution
- Financial & Vendor Relationship Management
- Organizational Change & Training Facilitation
Affiliations
Affiliations
- American Public Transit Association (APTA), National Member
- Association of Change Management Professionals (ACMP), National Member
- City of Houston T.I.R.Z. #24, Board of Directors
- Conference of Minority Transportation Officials (COMTO), National and Local member; 2024 Conference Planning Co-chair
- Public Relations Society of America (PRSA), National and Local member
Timeline
Transit Safety Education Manager
Metropolitan Transit Authority
01.2019 - Current
Senior Public Affairs Representative
Metropolitan Transit Authority
01.2011 - 01.2019
Ambassador Program Manager
Metropolitan Transit Authority
01.2011 - 01.2018
Liaison Officer/Senior Operations Coordinator
Kellogg Brown and Root
01.2007 - 01.2010
Convention Services Manager
Greater Houston Convention and Visitor Bureau
01.2001 - 01.2007
University of Houston-Downtown
Bachelor of Science from Interdisciplinary Studies
Jones International University
Master of Arts from Business Communications
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