Janelle Smith

Dynamic Public Affairs Specialist, adept at strategic communications, media relations and customer experience analytics. Successfully led initiatives that enhanced brand reputation and audience engagement, while effectively managing crisis communications. Proven ability in project management and stakeholder engagement, delivering impactful results through innovative and integrated digital content strategies.

• Tommy Drake, 952-250-7568, thomasbdrake@gmail.com, Former supervisor, R1S program manager, National Park Service
• Ellen Shaw, 202-422-1948, shawellenm@gmail.com, Former US Forest Service Assistant Director of Recreation, Heritage, and Volunteer Resources
• Brian Davis, 203-218-5292, bdavis@bah.com, Senior Associate, Marketing Team at Booz Allen Hamilton

• Accreditation in Public Relations (APR), Public Relations Society of America (PRSA), 02/01/20
• Vice President, Idaho Chapter of PRSA
• Certification Program Completion, 09/01/24, Navigating Reputation Risk Management

• US Forest Service, Boise, Idaho, Public Affairs Specialist/Strategic Communications Team Lead, 01/01/13, 05/01/25, Provided strategic public affairs guidance to the Recreation One Stop (R1S) team, collaborating with participating federal agency national communication staff members., Managed R1S compliance and participation as a High Impact Service Provider (HISP), acting as the liaison between the program and USDA., Developed briefing papers, facilitated meetings, hosted focus groups, served as program spokesperson, developed and delivered presentations, coordinated media requests, conducted media and podcast interviews, and responded to information requests to support effective communication., Shifted media coverage from negative to mostly neutral by developing and executing a strategic communications campaign in response to misleading national media coverage., Maintained visitor trust and satisfaction during the December 2018–January 2019 government shutdown by leading consistent, factual communication through social media, emails, newsletters, and media interviews., Strengthened brand consistency and market presence by developing contract-based integrated outreach strategies with contractor Booz Allen Hamilton., Enhanced decision-making and operational alignment by providing strategic communication guidance for Recreation.gov operations and interagency coordination., Align communication and outreach efforts among all participating agencies on Recreation.gov., Directed and participated in multiple teams responsible for implementing key elements of the Recreation.gov service platform., Ensured compliance with strict government messaging protocols.
• US Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Regional Office, Lakewood, Colorado, External Affairs Issues Manager | Media Coordinator | Public Affairs Specialist, Facilitated responses to media inquiries by arranging interviews, preparing leadership for press engagements, and securing approval for national-level inquiries., Organized major press conferences to announce regional and national initiatives., Monitored media channels for program-related issues and cultivated relationships with media representatives., Established sensing processes to detect and resolve issues before escalating., Developed a regional issue management plan to address emerging issues.
• US Forest Service, Boise, Idaho, Public Affairs Officer | Specialist, Managed and supervised all honor guard members and operations in support of the National Fire and Aviation program for the BLM., Coordinated and facilitated training sessions while serving as a liaison for the training cadre., Coordinated with interagency working teams to deliver website projects from concept to implementation., Designed and launched the first website for the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC)., Collaborated on the introduction of the Taking Care of Our Own, Line of Duty Death training for the wildland fire community., Supported high-profile media interviews by preparing leadership and conducting interviews.

• Serve as vice president on the board of the Public Relations Society of America Idaho Chapter