Lisa Evangelista
Medford,MA
Summary
Dynamic Public Information Officer with a proven track record at Medford School District, excelling in community engagement and strategic communications. Expert in crisis communications and media relations, successfully enhancing public awareness through targeted campaigns. Adept at crafting impactful speeches and fostering collaboration among stakeholders to drive initiatives forward.
Overview
38
38
years of professional experience
Work History
Public Information Officer
Medford School District
Medford, MA
01.2016 - 08.2023
- Enhanced community outreach by developing and implementing strategic communications for the Medford Public Schools. Developed a daily school blog for the school’s website
- Increased public awareness of school based programs and initiatives through targeted campaigns and social media.
- Developed key messages, speeches and talking points for the Superintendent of Schools to use in media interviews and presentations
- Managed routine and crisis communications with media and members of public.
Deputy Chief of Staff
Mayor's Office
Medford, MA
02.1988 - 12.2015
- Scheduled and attended meetings to help make informed decisions to benefit the community as well as provide administrative support.
- Supervised staff and participated in hiring, to establish and enforce policies and procedures for the Mayor’s administration.
- Encouraged coordination and cooperation among departments
- Cultivated strong relationships with internal stakeholders, fostering a positive working environment for all.
- Managed numerous high-priority projects, ensuring timely completion and coordination with the community on behalf of the Mayor’s administration.
- Assisted in the recruitment by conducting interviews and evaluating candidate qualifications to ensure a strong community-based fit.
- Promoted a culture of transparency by developing open lines of communication among the administration and fellow employees.
- Acted as a liaison between different departments, ensuring seamless collaboration on interdepartmental projects.
- Mentored junior staff members for professional growth and career advancement opportunities within the city.
- Organized high-level meetings involving multiple stakeholders while managing agendas, logistics, communication materials.
- Optimized staff performance through effective delegation and prioritization of tasks.
- Addressed critical issues promptly through coordination with relevant parties; consistently provided solutions that supported both the administration and the community.
- Coordinated cross-functional teams to complete proposed projects within the city often in collaboration with our state and federal partners as well as private industries.
- Hired and managed the city’s summer internship program.
- Oversaw appointment scheduling and itinerary for the Mayor.
- Delegated tasks to administrative support staff to organize and improve office efficiency.
- Monitored front areas so that questions could be promptly addressed.
- Provided backup to front desk to step in to assist with various tasks whenever employee was absent or at lunch.
- Managed the Mayor’s itinerary and appointments and streamlined scheduling procedures.
- Organized spaces, materials and catering support for internal and community meetings.
- Interceded between employees during arguments and diffused tense situations.
- Traveled to State House and Washington, D.C. to lobby legislators on important legislation for the Medford community.
- Developed talking points, speeches and proclamations for the Mayor.
- Served as press person for the Mayor.
Legislative Aide
Massachusetts State House
Boston, MA
04.1985 - 01.1988
- Answered constituent letters and assisted constituents on federal matters.
- Gathered support for bills and amendments from other members and worked with committees on legislation.
- Leveraged knowledge of parliamentary procedure rules while serving as an adviser during committee meetings or floor sessions.
- Monitored local, state, and federal government actions for potential impact on the legislator''s agenda, ensuring proactive response to emerging issues.
- Contributed to successful legislative sessions by managing schedules, preparing materials, and coordinating logistics for the legislator.
- Answered phones, greeted and directed visitors and composed for the state representative.
- Managed constituent casework, effectively addressing concerns and resolving issues in a timely manner.
- Supervised and trained interns, ensuring adherence to legislative matters.
Education
Master Of Public Administration - Public Administration
University of Massachusetts, Boston
Boston, MA06.1993
Bachelor In Criminal Justice - Criminal Justice
Northeastern University
Boston, MA06.1985
Skills
- Community engagement
- Communications strategies
- Internal communications
- Website management
- Spokesperson experience
- Story pitching
- Media relations
- Press release writing
- Crisis communications
- Speech writing
- Crisis communication
Timeline
Public Information Officer
Medford School District
01.2016 - 08.2023
Deputy Chief of Staff
Mayor's Office
02.1988 - 12.2015
Legislative Aide
Massachusetts State House
04.1985 - 01.1988
Master Of Public Administration - Public Administration
University of Massachusetts, Boston
Bachelor In Criminal Justice - Criminal Justice
Northeastern University