Strategic public relations executive with over 20 years of experience orchestrating communications campaigns, directing teams, and acting as a trusted spokesperson for mission-driven organizations.
Overview
33
33
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Vice President
AKCG - Public Relations Counselors
Gaithersburg, MD
07.2020 - Current
Managed Washington, D.C. office operations while serving on four-person executive leadership team.
Supervised client teams generating over $1M in annual revenue.
Secured largest association client by leading proposal team.
Advised regional and national associations on communications strategies and member engagement.
Directed crisis response for professional society amid DEI initiative backlash, preserving trust.
Provided strategic counsel and media training to trade associations in regulated industries.
Oversaw award-winning campaign for Atlantic City Electric, receiving PRSA Philadelphia’s 2022 Pepperpot Award.
Founded consultancy to enhance visibility and member value for 501(c) organizations.
Partner
Potomac Communications Group, Inc.
Washington, DC
07.1992 - 05.2019
Contributed to vision, growth, and talent development as executive team member.
Managed budget exceeding $4M and oversaw 20+ professional staff.
Achieved over 50% revenue growth over a decade.
Founded and expanded association communications practice, generating nearly one-third of annual revenue.
Rebranded Steel Shipping Container Institute to align with growth goals as Industrial Steel Drum Institute.
Spearheaded repositioning of Construction Specifications Institute to CSI: Knowledge for the Built Environment, broadening audience reach.
Developed branding for UniStar Nuclear, aligning stakeholder communication with strategic objectives.
Directed campaigns enhancing member engagement and public visibility for various associations.
Education
Master of Science - Journalism
Northwestern University
Evanston, IL
01-1990
Bachelor of Arts - Communications And Political Science
University of Michigan
Ann Arbor, MI
05-1984
Accomplishments
Executive Trainer: Conducted communications training for association boards, staff, and members.
Author:What to Say When Things Get Tough, McGraw Hill (2013) — A trusted guide for communicating during high-concern, low-trust situations.
Podcast Host:What to Say When Things Get Tough — Focused on helping professionals manage difficult conversations.
Journalist: Covered energy and policy issues in Washington, D.C., including the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990 and the Energy Policy Act of 1992.
Certification
PRSA Accreditation in Public Relations (APR), 2023
Timeline
Vice President
AKCG - Public Relations Counselors
07.2020 - Current
Partner
Potomac Communications Group, Inc.
07.1992 - 05.2019
Master of Science - Journalism
Northwestern University
Bachelor of Arts - Communications And Political Science
Special Assistant / Elections Supervisor at New York State Public Employment Relations Board (PERB)Special Assistant / Elections Supervisor at New York State Public Employment Relations Board (PERB)