Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Awards
Generic

Lisa Eichhorn

Summary

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.

Overview

24
24
years of professional experience

Work History

Director of Public and Congressional Affairs

United States Army Aviation Center of Excellence and Fort Rucker
05.2005 - 05.2018

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.



Community/Media Information Officer

United States Army Garrison 235 BSB
05.2000 - 05.2005
  • Developed informational documents such as news articles, information papers and fact sheets.
  • Played a pivotal role in crisis communication planning, mitigating potential risks during emergency situations through effective messaging strategies.
  • Assisted with developing and managing advertising campaigns.
  • Improved information dissemination by streamlining internal communication processes.
  • Provided timely, accurate, and relevant information to support executive decision-making processes.
  • Established strong relationships with external partners through effective communication and information exchange strategies.
  • Wrote speeches and press releases targeting different groups and topics.
  • Authored fresh and engaging press releases and prepared complete press kits.
  • Created and implemented systems and processes for monitoring media coverage.
  • Conducted media training for leaders, Soldiers and Family Members.

Special Projects Manager

City of Enterpris
05.1998 - 05.2000


  • Reviewed grant literature from various levels to determine availability of resources.
  • Collaborated with stakeholders to identify project requirements, ensuring alignment with business goals.
  • Organized and prepared community meetings while building positive working relationships with members of city management, staff and community organizations.
  • Led team meetings to provide updates on progress, address challenges, and maintain open communication channels.
  • Assisted non-profit and for-profit organizations in enhancing economic development.
  • Coordinated efforts between departments involved in the projects ensuring seamless collaboration towards achieving common goals.
  • Organized and prepared community meetings while building positive working relationships with various members of city management, staff and community organizations.
  • Achieved project objectives by developing and implementing strategic plans and managing cross-functional teams.

Managing Editor

Southeast Sun Newspaper
04.1997 - 04.1998
  • Maintained editorial standards by enforcing adherence to style guides, grammar rules, and ethical journalism principles.
  • Managed a diverse team of writers, editors, and designers to produce high-quality content consistently.
  • Championed innovative storytelling formats that captured audience attention and enhanced user experience.
  • Established clear expectations for staff members, setting achievable goals that motivated them towards success.
  • Handled final proofreading, copy editing and revision functions for deliverables.
  • Handled final approval of content deliverables.
  • Oversaw publication of digital and print products, aligning multi-media content strategies to maintain cohesive brand identity.
  • Managed freelance editorial writers remote workers to achieve prescribed deliverable milestones.

Community Section Editor

Fort Campbell Courier Newspaper
04.1994 - 04.1997


  • Wrote and created content for various topics and mediums.
  • Researched topics to create accurate and engaging content.
  • Edited and revised wide array of content for accuracy, clarity and consistency.
  • Edited and reviewed content for grammar, spelling and punctuation.
  • Proofread, edited and evaluated final copy to verify content aligned with established guidelines.
  • Acquired in-depth knowledge of content areas to provide effective edits.
  • Generated and maintained style guides to encourage consistent quality of content.
  • Collaborated with design, editorial and marketing departments to meet desired content goals.

Education

Marketing/Journalism

Troy University
Troy, AL

Masters Course - Congressional Affairs

Georgetown University
Washington, DC
04-2012

Masters Course - Strategic Communication

Rutgers University
New Brunswick, NJ
01-2012

Public Affairs Qualification Course - Public Affairs

Defense Information School
Fort Meade, Maryland
03-2007

Skills

  • Relationship building
  • Strategic planning
  • Verbal and written communication
  • Decision-making
  • People management
  • Project management
  • Strategies and goals
  • Employee development
  • Goal setting
  • Crisis management
  • Government relations
  • Social media content strategy
  • Time management
  • Team building

Timeline

Director of Public and Congressional Affairs

United States Army Aviation Center of Excellence and Fort Rucker
05.2005 - 05.2018

Community/Media Information Officer

United States Army Garrison 235 BSB
05.2000 - 05.2005

Special Projects Manager

City of Enterpris
05.1998 - 05.2000

Managing Editor

Southeast Sun Newspaper
04.1997 - 04.1998

Community Section Editor

Fort Campbell Courier Newspaper
04.1994 - 04.1997

Marketing/Journalism

Troy University

Masters Course - Congressional Affairs

Georgetown University

Masters Course - Strategic Communication

Rutgers University

Public Affairs Qualification Course - Public Affairs

Defense Information School

Awards

Order of Saint Michael-Silver

Superior Civil Service Award- X2

Keith L Ware-multiple awards

Lisa Eichhorn