Kurt Riggs
Communications Executive
Silver Spring,MD
Summary
Dynamic communications executive with military background and extensive experience leading diverse, award-winning teams and advising senior leadership. Broad government and national security knowledge and network, including experience working with Capitol Hill to achieve communication and legislative objectives. Extensive travel experience around the world, currently based just outside of Washington D.C. Veteran of Kosovo, Afghanistan and various other global crisis events.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Strategic Communication Director
DISA PEO Cyber
5 2024 - Current
- Leader of a team providing strategic communication guidance and counsel to raise awareness and increase understanding of PEO Cyber communication objectives
- Leads development and analysis of communications efforts relating to PEO Cyber and other Cyber Defense issues
- Works with leadership in development of public affairs policies, plans and strategies across the directorate and throughout the agency
- Develops key communication initiatives related to PEO Cyber and national defense.
Corporate Trainer and Instructor
Defense Information School
02.2023 - 05.2024
- Collaborated on a team of five instructors teaching junior DoD executives and civilians various aspects of public affairs and strategic communications.
- Designed, evaluated and implemented curriculum in accordance with best practices and current industry communication standards.
- Created and delivered visually appealing and professionally stimulating presentations to deliver lessons in accordance with the demanding class schedule.
Director of Communications
Defense Media Activity
11.2017 - 01.2023
- Collaborated with senior executive communication directors across the DoD to achieve institutional objectives at enterprise level, leading a 50-member team of military and civilians in planning, development, production and execution of strategic communication plans and products for all media types and platforms in support of DoD and Navy Executive leadership strategic communication objectives
- Oversaw the production of and edited content for clarity and conciseness in meeting various executive communication goals, ensuring accuracy and compliance with applicable communication objectives, style guides, regulations and policies
- Regularly briefed clients on project progression, providing updates in various forms based on preference, including slides, face to face and digital meetings
- Planned and coordinated global support for media coverage with various DoD services and civilian entities in support of media coverage for DoD events and ceremonies and dissemination to a world-wide audience.
DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS/PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICER
Senior Navy Executive
05.2016 - 11.2017
- Responsible for all communication aspects of the office of the Navy’s Senior Enlisted Executive(MCPON) to a global audience and the external public and media at large
- Supervised all capitol hill engagement, coordinating with congressional staff and other representatives as needed. Also led the efforts in crafting testimony, executive briefings, congressional inquiries and all other aspects of communications with various capitol hill entities
- Led seven people in daily operations in this fast-paced, dynamic environment
- Created, edited and distributed multi-media products promulgating strategic communication objectives from Navy and DoD executive leadership, ensuring message alignment with various directorates
- Chief digital and traditional media content producer/approver for the office of the MCPON, and all related products providing analysis and strategic guidance to ensure maximum distribution to core audience, including evaluating impact effectiveness, conducting research, and maintaining relationships with stakeholders internal and external and online communities
- Established and maintained relationships with relevant media, ensuring all facets of communication were addressed
- Coordinated with external organizations maintaining existing community alliances in support of political and communication objectives while forging new relationships with military support organizations.
Education
Master of Professional Science - Public Relations and Corporate Communications
Bachelor of Arts - History
Public Affairs Qualification Course - undefined
Skills
Public Affairs
Languages
French
Limited Working
Italian
Limited Working
Interests
News and Politics
International News and Politics
History
Film
Timeline
Corporate Trainer and Instructor - Defense Information School
02.2023 - 05.2024
Director of Communications - Defense Media Activity
11.2017 - 01.2023
DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS/PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICER - Senior Navy Executive
05.2016 - 11.2017
Georgetown University - Master of Professional Science, Public Relations and Corporate Communications
Ashford University - Bachelor of Arts, History
Defense Information School - Public Affairs Qualification Course,
Strategic Communication Director - DISA PEO Cyber
5 2024 - Current
Additional Information
Retired Navy Public Affairs and Communication professional of 26 years. Experience working in Television, Radio, Multimedia production and graphic design, social media and strategic communications. More than half my career was spent overseas supporting international communication campaigns on behalf of the United States military or other government interests. I'm a veteran of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan and hold several individual military decorations. My distinguished military career has prepared me well for a leadership position working with citizens all over the globe.
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