Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Signature Strengths
Websites
Certification
Pronouns
Additional Professional Experience
Affiliations
References
Timeline
Generic

LEANNA R. BURTON

Chicago,IL

Summary

Communications manager with 10+ years of experience in media, public relations, and community engagement. Expertise in building relationships and delivering tailored support to diverse populations. Proven ability to drive collaboration through effective communication and strategic engagement. Recognized for maximizing program impact and navigating coalition dynamics.

Overview

12
12
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Lawmaker Communications Manager (Remote)

The States Project
05.2024 - Current
  • Develop and lead monthly communication skills workshops for Democratic caucuses and cohorts across key states, including TSP's Women's Legislative Leaders Cohort.
  • Wrote 11 data-driven model agenda policies for organization's website, with 9 recognized as top-performing messages in Blue Rose public newsletter.
  • Manage national and regional media campaigns, establishing relationships between media outlets and significant state lawmakers.
  • Supervise communications interns and volunteers, leveraging their talents to double the team's capacity for responding to and anticipating media opportunities.

Senior Manager of State Communications (Remote)

Caring Across Generations, Inc
08.2023 - 02.2024
  • Synthesized cross-state narratives into media content (billboards, talking points) for partners in MI, CA, and IL.
  • Developed and distributed national media materials and state email campaigns.
  • Facilitated in-person roundtables/panels, producing associated media materials for coalition partners and agencies.
  • Oversaw program consultants to ensure project alignment.

Press Officer - Public Health (Remote)

Planned Parenthood Federation Of America
New York, NY
08.2019 - 06.2023
  • Led media relations efforts, securing 100+ national/international placements for Planned Parenthood experts, reaching over 21 million individuals.
  • Developed and facilitated media training for 50+ affiliate spokespeople nationwide.
  • Collaborated with high-profile partners, like VP Kamala Harris and Pfizer, on public health initiatives.
  • Created engaging content for Planned Parenthood's social media and owned media channels.
  • Executed comprehensive messaging strategies to elevate awareness around reproductive health services and rights."

CX Trainer and Social Media Specialist

SeatGeek
06.2017 - 06.2019
  • Recommended improvements in training processes to enhance effectiveness.
  • Trained newly hired talent to fill critical positions and boost productivity.
  • Created engaging content for various social media platforms to increase brand visibility.
  • Utilized technical skills to troubleshoot complex issues and implement effective solutions.

Director & Instructor

Queens Guitar & Vocal Studio
Queens, NY
05.2013 - 10.2017
  • Drafted and distributed monthly student newsletters to enhance community engagement.
  • Emceed and stage-managed high-profile public events in New York City, increasing profits by 40%.
  • Cultivated relationships with students, parents, staff, and administrators to drive positive outcomes.
  • Managed facilities and acquired instruments and equipment for lessons and performances while adhering to budget constraints.

Editorial Intern

Observer Media - New York Observer
New York, NY
05.2013 - 12.2013
  • Compiled data from various sources into concise briefs and editorial calendars.
  • Proofread drafts to ensure information accuracy before publication.
  • Verified facts, dates, and statistics using established reference sources.
  • Conducted interviews with subjects and composed article copy.

Education

Bachelor of Arts - Journalism, Department Honors

Brooklyn College
Brooklyn
01.2015

Skills

  • Media and public relations
  • Crisis communication
  • Policy writing and evaluation
  • Public speaking & training
  • Data analysis
  • Coalition management

Signature Strengths

  • Writing & Journalism
  • PRSA Member
  • Public Health Policy & Research
  • Team Leadership & Training
  • Coalition & Community Engagement
  • Project Management

Certification

  • LDEI
  • Public Health Policy & Research
  • Social Media Strategy
  • Project Management

Pronouns

she/her

Additional Professional Experience

  • LB Strategy & Solutions, Owner/Operator, 10 years
  • SeatGeek, CX Trainer and Social Media Specialist, 2 years
  • Queens Guitar & Vocal Studio, Location & Program Director, Instructor, 3 years
  • Observer Media - New York Observer, Editorial Intern, 2 years

Affiliations

  • PRSA Member
  • NABJ Member

References

References available upon request.

Timeline

Lawmaker Communications Manager (Remote)

The States Project
05.2024 - Current

Senior Manager of State Communications (Remote)

Caring Across Generations, Inc
08.2023 - 02.2024

Press Officer - Public Health (Remote)

Planned Parenthood Federation Of America
08.2019 - 06.2023

CX Trainer and Social Media Specialist

SeatGeek
06.2017 - 06.2019

Director & Instructor

Queens Guitar & Vocal Studio
05.2013 - 10.2017

Editorial Intern

Observer Media - New York Observer
05.2013 - 12.2013

Bachelor of Arts - Journalism, Department Honors

Brooklyn College