M.CARSON BYRD
Washington,DC
Summary
Senior global engagement leader with over 13 years of experience in designing and scaling mission-driven initiatives in international relations, higher education, and public policy. Successfully built platforms engaging over 27,000 participants and secured partnerships with 13+ institutions and corporations. Expertise in strategic planning, team leadership, and operational efficiency, driving growth through innovative solutions. Strong problem-solving and communication skills effectively influence stakeholders and achieve organizational objectives.
Overview
2026
2026
years of professional experience
Work History
Director, Public Engagement & Strategic Communications
JS Publications Inc.
Washington, District of Columbia
03.2021 - Current
- Led public engagement and communications initiatives addressing policy, leadership, and systems change.
- Developed thought leadership and editorial strategy reaching national and international audiences.
- Translated complex institutional and policy issues into accessible narratives for decision-makers and the public.
- Developed strategic initiatives to enhance content distribution across multiple platforms.
Co-Founder & Executive Director
Black Alumni Networking Expo
Washington, District of Columbia
2017 - 2021
- Co-founded and led a multi-year national convening platform, engaging universities, corporations, nonprofits, and civic leaders.
- Directed strategy, governance, operations, and external representation for an initiative reaching over 27,000 attendees over five years.
- Built and stewarded 13+ major corporate and institutional sponsors, ensuring long-term sustainability and mission alignment.
- Served as a public-facing executive leader, convening senior stakeholders across education, business, philanthropy, and public service.
- Established networking strategies to connect Black alumni with industry professionals.
- Coordinated annual expos to showcase diverse talent and opportunities.
Energy Practice – Strategic Communications Manager
Dentons
Washington, District of Columbia
2015 - 2017
- Supported public engagement and strategic communications for a global energy and infrastructure practice.
- Contributed to thought leadership addressing the global energy transition, regulatory developments, and infrastructure investment.
- Helped translate legal and policy complexity into insights for public- and private-sector stakeholders.
- Lead teams that executed the Dentons Global Energy Summit.
International Relations Fellow
Webster University
Geneva, Switzerland
2013 - 2015
- Supported international policy convenings engaging diplomats, scholars, and practitioners across multiple regions.
- Represented the institution in global policy environments, strengthening cross-cultural collaboration and applied dialogue.
- Contributed to translating academic research into real-world global engagement platforms.
- Coordinated events that fostered community involvement and networking opportunities.
Inaugural Director, Young Alumni Affairs
Hampton University
Hampton, Virginia
2011 - 2013
- Launched and institutionalized Hampton University’s first Young Alumni Department, establishing strategy, goals, and engagement frameworks.
- Designed alumni leadership and stewardship pipelines serving thousands of early-career alumni.
- Collaborated with senior leadership, advancement, and academic units to align alumni engagement with long-term institutional priorities and philanthropy.
Education
Ph.D. - Education Leadership
Marymount University
Arlington, VA12-2027
Master of Arts - International Relations
Webster University
Geneva, SwitzerlandBachelor of Arts - History
Hampton University
Hampton, VASkills
- Strategic communications
- Event coordination
- Stakeholder engagement
- Team building
- Business strategy
- Fundraising events
Leadership Capabilities
- Global Strategy & Center Launch Leadership
- Energy Transition, Climate & Policy Engagement
- Cross-Sector Partnerships & Resource Mobilization
- Public Engagement, Thought Leadership & Communications
- International Convenings & Stakeholder Alignment
- Organizational Design & Team Leadership
Accomplishments
HBCU Top 30 Under 30
Timeline
Director, Public Engagement & Strategic Communications
JS Publications Inc.
03.2021 - Current
Co-Founder & Executive Director
Black Alumni Networking Expo
2017 - 2021
Energy Practice – Strategic Communications Manager
Dentons
2015 - 2017
International Relations Fellow
Webster University
2013 - 2015
Inaugural Director, Young Alumni Affairs
Hampton University
2011 - 2013
Ph.D. - Education Leadership
Marymount University
Master of Arts - International Relations
Webster University
Bachelor of Arts - History
Hampton University