LIAM BLANK
New York,NY
Summary
Advocate and PR leader (10+ years) specializing in environmental policy and climate justice. Proven success in high-impact campaigns, stakeholder engagement (DE&I focus), and digital movement-building. Committed to transformative change in climate communications. Aspiring Senior Director at Climate Nexus.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
Strategic Consultant
ReThink Studio
04.2023 - Current
- Led analytical study on urban sustainability in London, UK, focusing on transportation network design and regional governance
- Contributed to Bigger Apple Plan, integrating environmental justice and sustainability into regional development
- Pioneered Large Language Model-powered research for historical data analysis, enhancing policy proposals and strategic communications
Project Consultant
Reinvent Albany
09.2023 - 11.2023
- Enhanced MTA data dissemination through dynamic fact sheets, driving 50% efficiency gains
- Launched an online clearinghouse with interactive maps and infographics, significantly improving user engagement
Associate Director
Permanent, MTA
12.2022 - 04.2023
- Led a team of 4, ensuring 100% on-time delivery for crucial projects, highlighting leadership and project management skills
- Built a comprehensive elected official directory, boosting outreach effectiveness by 30%
- Represented the organization at major conferences, elevating brand visibility and forging strategic alliances through impactful communication and stakeholder management, demonstrating exemplary advocacy and communication expertise
Policy & Communications Manager
Tri-State Transportation Campaign
04.2018 - 12.2022
- Authored a nationally recognized regional rail report, securing Bloomberg feature and showcasing environmental policy expertise
- Increased brand visibility and press coverage by 40% through strategic media outreach and engagement with 500+ journalists, championing climate action and sustainable urban development
- Launched successful urban planning e-newsletter, attracting 1,500+ subscribers and demonstrating digital communication and audience engagement skills
- Led digital transformation, boosting web traffic 35% with engaging blog content and user-centric website redesign, aligning with strategic communication goals
- Influenced transportation legislation and policy, driving key successes like NYC congestion pricing
- MTA and NJ TRANSIT bus fleet electrification, and passage of NJ S630 and NY S1925-B bills
- Facilitated strategic coalitions, influencing MTA's bus network redesign and deployment of 25+ miles of dedicated bus lanes, enhancing urban transit efficiency
Transportation Analyst
ReThinkNYC
08.2014 - 04.2018
- Pioneered in building an influential digital presence for ReThinkNYC, collaborating with team of architects and urban designers to enhance our WordPress site and social media platforms, resulting in a 30% increase in web traffic and 15% growth in social media engagement
- Took pivotal role in planning of Penn Station and Sunnyside Yard redevelopment plan in collaboration with industry-leading partners: WXY + Grimshaw, Jacobs, and Sam Schwartz
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Planning & Public Policy
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
New Brunswick, NJSkills
- Proficient in environmental justice advocacy, aligning stakeholder interests with sustainable urban solutions
- Expertise in public relations strategies, focusing on climate action and policy change
- Skilled in crafting narratives that resonate within climate justice movement, enhancing public awareness and advocacy
- Proven ability in building and nurturing partnerships for systemic change in environmental policy
- Adept in interpreting and conveying complex climate data to diverse audiences
- Strong grasp of economic, social, and political forces shaping environmental policy in the US
- Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in environmental advocacy
- Ability to pivot strategies in response to evolving landscape and stakeholder feedback
- Skilled in integrating social media into comprehensive communication strategies for environmental campaigns
- Experienced in executing and managing transformative campaigns with a focus on climate justice and systemic change
Affiliations
- Member of Board of Trustees & Chair of Transportation Committee City Club of New York — New York, NY (June 2023 to Present)
- Community Advisory Board Member NYC Department of Transportation — New York, NY (March 2019 to December 2022)
Media Recognition
- Widely acknowledged as a subject matter expert in urban planning and sustainable transportation, with features in globally renowned publications, including The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg, and NewsNation, reaching millions of readers and viewers globally.
Timeline
Project Consultant
Reinvent Albany
09.2023 - 11.2023
Strategic Consultant
ReThink Studio
04.2023 - Current
Associate Director
Permanent, MTA
12.2022 - 04.2023
Policy & Communications Manager
Tri-State Transportation Campaign
04.2018 - 12.2022
Transportation Analyst
ReThinkNYC
08.2014 - 04.2018
Bachelor of Arts - Planning & Public Policy
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
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