Dynamic, result driven Public and Congressional Affairs leader with extensive experience at the United States Army Aviation Center of Excellence and Fort Rucker. Expert in crisis management and strategic planning, fostering strong relationships with the community, government and media. Proven track record in enhancing communication strategies and team development, ensuring effective information dissemination and community engagement.
Served as the principal staff advisor to the Commanding General, Garrison Commander and senior staff principals on all matters involving public issues and the creation of communication policy. Identified and analyzed communication needs, concerns and attitudes of various publics as they relate to programs, policies and activities of the community and its higher headquarters. Planned, initiated and directed a positive internal and external information program to meet the various information needs in consonance with the overall mission and policies of the United States Army Aviation Center of Excellence and TRADOC, Garrison, the Installation Management Agency and the Department of the Army and the Department of Defense.
Planned a total coordinated information program. Conducted appropriate research and participated in the formulation of plans and policies to assure direct consideration of public information and public affairs implications of planned actions. Evaluated trends in public opinion to determine public attitudes and perceptions and to identify and relate garrison policies with community interest. Initiates programs of action to earn community respect and confidence, taking into consideration differing needs and goals of various publics. Advises the commander/deputy, and other staff principals as required on choice, timing and relative importance of information for dissemination to the garrison and the general public using knowledge of general and specialized media. Advised the Commander of important developments in community relations and media interaction. Developed and implements crisis communication plans. Traveled, when requested, to evaluate other Public Affairs team's crisis communication plans. FEMA trained
Promoted and maintained effective working relationships with representatives of government, members of Congress, civic organizations and other agencies, and with representatives of the media and special interest groups.
Served as official spokesperson and primary contact for local and national media that require immediate responsiveness. Responded to media queries, to include issues of a sensitive nature or that may be subject to misunderstanding if not properly explained, or that may draw adverse public attention.
Assisted media representatives in assuring technical accuracy through coordination of reviews by appropriate staff sections or technical experts. Prepared and reviewed information material for dissemination to various publics for security, propriety and conformance to Army policy. Assisted representatives in obtaining technical and non-technical information relating to the garrison. Prepares, reviews or coordinates speeches, presentations, and written and electronic information materials for general and targeted audiences.
Planned, implemented and oversaw effective internal information programs through garrison command information products and tools to include the garrison newspaper, website, commander's television channel, Social Media and other internal communication media and forums. Developed and implemented communication plans to inform affected publics of ongoing initiatives.
Developed contingency communication plans to provide continuous, timely and accurate internal information during emergencies. Worked with commanders, staff principals, focus groups and other forums to ensure that audiences are receiving the information they need.
Developed feedback mechanisms to ensure that garrison information is two-way. Advises the garrison commander/deputy and staff as to internal information needs and appropriate means of dissemination.
Supervised the public affairs civilian personnel staff of approximately 8-20 civilian personnel, to include contractors. Planned and coordinated what is to be accomplished by subordinate staff. Developed performance plans, evaluated work performance and counseled staff as appropriate. Assigned work based on relative priorities, in consideration of difficulty, requirements of assignments and capabilities of employees.
Reviewed end product of functions supervised for completion, adequacy and quality. Interviewed and selects candidates for appointment within the public affairs office, Furthered equal employment opportunity by demonstrating fair selection and treatment of all employees. Worked to identity and eliminate unsafe and unhealthy environmental conditions in the workplace and to achieve compliance with the intent of safety and occupational health legislation. Developed and implemented management controls to protect government property from waste, theft, or misuse
Performed other duties as assigned.
Order of Saint Michael-Silver
Superior Civil Service Award- X2
Keith L Ware-multiple awards