Kennedy Williams
Springfield,IL
Summary
Strategic communications professional with experience in government relations, political communications, public relations, and media messaging. Skilled in developing strategic content, crafting press releases, preparing executive remarks, and translating complex policy issues into clear, impactful messaging. Experienced in managing communications projects, supporting public engagement initiatives, and advancing organizational priorities through effective storytelling and strategic messaging.
Overview
1
1
Certification
6
6
years of professional experience
Work History
Communications Specialist
Illinois House of Representatives
04.2024 - Current
- Developed and executed strategic communications and public relations initiatives to advance legislative priorities, increase public awareness, and strengthen organizational visibility.
- Drafted, edited, and proofread press releases, speeches, talking points, newsletters, briefing materials, and public remarks for legislative leaders, ensuring accuracy, clarity, and consistent messaging.
- Built and maintained strong, collaborative relationships with members of the Democratic Caucus of the Illinois House to coordinate communications, support shared legislative goals, and advance caucus priorities.
- Managed media relations by responding to press inquiries, preparing media statements, pitching newsworthy stories, and cultivating professional relationships with reporters, editors, and media outlets.
- Translated complex legislative issues and policy developments into clear, accessible messaging for constituents, stakeholders, media representatives, and the general public.
- Managed social media content calendars and developed digital content to promote legislative initiatives, increase audience engagement, and maintain consistent messaging across platforms.
- Monitored media coverage, public sentiment, and emerging policy issues to identify communication opportunities, assess public response, and inform messaging strategies.
- Coordinated media and blogger outreach to increase visibility, strengthen public engagement, and promote accurate coverage of legislative initiatives and organizational priorities.
- Collaborated with legislative staff and internal stakeholders to coordinate communications, prepare materials for public appearances and legislative announcements, and ensure timely, accurate information sharing.
- Streamlined internal communications by implementing effective communication tools and platforms, improving coordination, workflow efficiency, and information sharing across teams.
Content Manager
Saving Our Sons Ministries
08.2023 - 02.2024
- Utilized SEO techniques to optimize website content, improve search engine rankings, and increase traffic.
- Suggested and implemented features that enhanced brand awareness and user engagement.
- Monitored online presence to engage users and foster brand relationships.
- Coordinated logistics and activities for inaugural toy giveaway to support community outreach efforts.
- Approved, reviewed, and edited website content to ensure quality and alignment with brand voice.
- Troubleshot issues with websites and fixed scripting and use issues.
- Photography for some web and social media content.
- First Annual Toy Giveaway Organizer.
Marketing and Social Media Intern
Democrats For The Illinois House
10.2023 - 12.2023
- Created informative and entertaining posts for client's Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram pages.
- Scheduled social media postings to advertise products and generate site traffic.
- Scheduled social media postings to increase product visibility and drive site traffic.
- Contributed to mock-ups, email campaigns, and social media content to support marketing initiatives.
- Sat with marketing team members to learn new tasks and determine the best tactics for solving challenges.
- Created informative and entertaining posts for clients' Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram pages.
Marketing and Digital Media Integrator
Western Illinois University ROTC
01.2023 - 05.2023
- Social Media engagement increased by 148% after one month.
- Created website and managed Instagram content, incorporating current trends and weekly Cadet feature posts to enhance audience engagement.
- Analyzed media engagement and generated tracking reports to inform content strategy.
- Developed landing page for long and short form feature stories to attract readership. for long and short form feature stories.
Public Relations Assistant
Western Illinois University Athletics Department
08.2022 - 05.2023
- Developed social media strategy with photography/videography during games, enhancing Twitter engagement and retweet rates.
- Created press releases, blogs, and newsletters to effectively communicate key messages and updates.
- Managed website content with timely updates to ensure accurate information availability.
- Assisted with planning, development and implementation of projects.
News Director/Reporter and Anchor
NEWS3 Western Illinois University
09.2020 - 05.2023
- Led team during live newscasts to ensure seamless delivery of news.
- Reported from field locations and wrote stories under tight deadlines.
- Edited stories and videos for live newscast.
- Built relationships with community stakeholders to enhance story sourcing.
- Cultivated relationships with community stakeholders to secure sources for stories.
- Reported from field locations, producing timely stories under tight deadlines.
Corporate Communications Intern
Walgreens
06.2022 - 08.2022
- Presented an innovative healthcare idea to WBA CEO Roz Brewer during a MasterClass.
- Developed and published impactful stories for Walgreens Newsroom, enhancing brand visibility.
- Compiled and drafted article for Chain Drug Review August 2022 issue, showcasing annual performance of Retail Pharmacy.
- Compiled and drafted article for Chain Drug Review August 2022 issue on Annual Report of Retail Pharmacy.
- Reviewed and approved over 15 pieces of influencer content for Walgreens brand vitamins, ensuring alignment with brand messaging.
- Selected to pitch innovative healthcare idea to WBA CEO Roz Brewer on MasterClass.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Journalism
Western Illinois University
Macomb, IL05-2023
Skills
- Strategic Communications Planning
- Public Relations Strategy
- Media Relations and Outreach
- Policy analysis
- Message development
- Reputation Management
- Stakeholder Relationship Management
- Internal and External Communications
- Speechwriting
- Press release writing
- Internal and external communication
- Public Affairs
- Storytelling
- Project Management
- Crisis management
Affiliations
- Public Relations Society of America
Certification
- Social Media Marketing, HubSpot Academy - 2/24-3/26
Timeline
Communications Specialist
Illinois House of Representatives
04.2024 - Current
Marketing and Social Media Intern
Democrats For The Illinois House
10.2023 - 12.2023
Content Manager
Saving Our Sons Ministries
08.2023 - 02.2024
Marketing and Digital Media Integrator
Western Illinois University ROTC
01.2023 - 05.2023
Public Relations Assistant
Western Illinois University Athletics Department
08.2022 - 05.2023
Corporate Communications Intern
Walgreens
06.2022 - 08.2022
News Director/Reporter and Anchor
NEWS3 Western Illinois University
09.2020 - 05.2023
Bachelor of Arts - Journalism
Western Illinois University