Katie Mitzner
Orlando,FL
Summary
Public relations expert with 28 years in transportation, rail, construction, healthcare, and television news. Spearheaded PR for Brightline, the first privately funded passenger rail project in the US, leading media strategies for its multi-billion-dollar expansion. Led PR initiatives for public and private companies including the Florida Department of Transportation, Orlando Health an Kaiser Permanente. Skilled in media relations, crisis communications, stakeholder engagement and driving company advancement by translating C-level directives into actionable initiatives to strategically impact operations.
Overview
31
31
years of professional experience
Work History
VICE PRESIDENT
Tucker/Hall
Orlando, FL
01.2024 - Current
- Execute crisis communications plans, delivering essential strategies to mitigate client risks.
- Secure extensive media coverage to enhance corporate branding and support expansion efforts.
- Manage sensitive issues, offering discretion in internal and external messaging.
- Collaborate with legal, risk management, and communication teams to ensure aligned messaging.
- Conduct media training sessions for clients and executives to improve engagement skills.
- Oversee project teams, providing strategic direction and constructive feedback.
- Represent company publicly, engaging with local officials and agencies to foster relationships.
- Monitor public engagement and governmental activities to assess client impact.
DIRECTOR, PUBLIC AFFAIRS
Brightline
Orlando, FL
01.2019 - 01.2024
- Directed communications for $2.7B Orlando extension project, connecting South Florida to Central Florida.
- Managed public involvement across six counties and over 20 municipalities, engaging over three million residents.
- Served as primary contact for external communications, overseeing media relations and community engagement during project phases.
- Developed and executed communication strategies with federal and state agencies, stakeholders, and community partners.
- Led media relations efforts, coordinating corporate responses, news content, and training for executive media interactions.
- Facilitated collaboration between construction management teams, safety personnel, regulatory agencies, and public entities.
- Implemented innovative PR tactics to engage diverse populations through alerts, weekly updates, social media, and web content.
PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER / GENERAL CONSULTANT
WSP USA, Florida Department of Transportation
Orlando, FL
01.2018 - 01.2019
- Administered communication initiatives and public relations for Florida's Turnpike Enterprise construction projects, issues management, and media relations engaging closely with engineering consultants, media, elected officials, and statewide tolling agencies.
MANAGER, MEDIA RELATIONS and PUBLIC AFFAIRS
Orlando Health
Orlando, FL
01.2008 - 01.2016
- Executed PR strategies and media relations for multiple adult and pediatric service lines.
- Collaborated with marketing, internal communications, community, government, and physician relations teams to align messaging with corporate objectives.
- Managed corporate crisis communications for incidents including 2016 Pulse nightclub shooting and 2012 MERS outbreak.
- Directed events for community health and facility openings.
SPECIALIST, SENIOR COMMUNICATIONS
Kaiser Permanente
Los Angeles, CA
01.2006 - 01.2008
- Managed public relations (media/internal/government/community relations) for Los Angeles Medical Center, largest tertiary hospital in Southern California hospital system.
DIRECTOR, COMMUNICATIONS
Better Business Bureau
Los Angeles , CA
01.2005 - 01.2006
- Directed consumer and media relations for regional offices, including largest BBB office in nation.
- Hosted weekly consumer television program, The BBB Eye, enhancing community engagement.
DIRECTOR, COMMUNICATIONS
Better Business Bureau
Colorado Springs, CO
01.2004 - 01.2005
TELEVISION NEWS REPORTER
WJRT ABC Affiliate
Flint, MI
01.2000 - 01.2004
- Broadcast journalist, reporting on-air in multiple media markets.
- Fill-in anchor and weather broadcaster and host of community events and specialty programming.
TELEVISION NEWS REPORTER
WLNS CBS Affiliate
Lansing, MI
01.1995 - 01.2000
TELEVISION NEWS REPORTER
KARK NBC Affiliate
Little Rock, AR
01.2000
Education
MASTER'S DEGREE - Communication Management
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA01.2007
BACHELOR'S DEGREE - Mass Communication
Alma College
Alma, MI01.1998
Skills
- Media spokesperson and public speaker
- Crisis communications and issues management
- Team leadership
- Writing and presentation skills
- Problem solving and decision making
- Media monitoring
- Railway workplace protection certification
- Bilingual in French
- American Sign Language proficiency
Hobbies and Interests
- Running
- Yoga
- Classical Piano
- International Travel
Activities Boards
- East Orlando Chamber of Commerce - Board of Directors
- Space Coast Florida Public Relations Association
- Women in Transportation Seminar (WTS)
- Piano Instructor
Languages
French
Professional
American Sign Language
Professional
Spanish
Limited
Accomplishments
2023 Innovative Transportation Solutions Award – Orlando Expansion Public Communications, WTS (Women in Transportation) Central Florida Chapter
Timeline
VICE PRESIDENT
Tucker/Hall
01.2024 - Current
DIRECTOR, PUBLIC AFFAIRS
Brightline
01.2019 - 01.2024
PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER / GENERAL CONSULTANT
WSP USA, Florida Department of Transportation
01.2018 - 01.2019
MANAGER, MEDIA RELATIONS and PUBLIC AFFAIRS
Orlando Health
01.2008 - 01.2016
SPECIALIST, SENIOR COMMUNICATIONS
Kaiser Permanente
01.2006 - 01.2008
DIRECTOR, COMMUNICATIONS
Better Business Bureau
01.2005 - 01.2006
DIRECTOR, COMMUNICATIONS
Better Business Bureau
01.2004 - 01.2005
TELEVISION NEWS REPORTER
WJRT ABC Affiliate
01.2000 - 01.2004
TELEVISION NEWS REPORTER
KARK NBC Affiliate
01.2000
TELEVISION NEWS REPORTER
WLNS CBS Affiliate
01.1995 - 01.2000
MASTER'S DEGREE - Communication Management
University of Southern California
BACHELOR'S DEGREE - Mass Communication
Alma College