MICAELA G. SMITH
Lansing,IL
Summary
Goal-driven business professional with 15+ years of experience in public administration and service. Demonstrated leadership abilities with a proven track record of success. Skilled in consensus building, planning, organization, and negotiation. Valuable contributor who has made a significant impact on operational, budgetary, staffing, and resource needs within a state legislative district office.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
Consultant
Mary K. Dawson Consulting
01.2021 - Current
- Provide problem solving strategies for clients including crisis management, public relations and external communications
- Conduct situational and data analysis to identify and understand problems or issues
- Manage clients’ campaigns and fundraising needs while formulating plans to implement for paths to victory
- Provide advice or suggestions for improvement according to objectives and goal of each client
Chief of Staff
5th District Cook County Commissioner Monica Gordon
05.2023 - 05.2024
- Developed positive working relationships with external stakeholders, local, state and federal officials for increased efficiency and responsiveness to strategic request
- Served as the Commissioner’s communications liaison; developed legislative, community, operational strategies to carry out the 5th District’s objectives and goals
- Responsible for creating internal and external communications such as newsletters legislative updates, talking points, memos and fact sheets
- Advised and provided extensive professional assistance and recommendations on County issues to elected officials and County Department heads while assisting constituents with issues and quality of life concerns related to Cook County
Manager, Community Relations & External Affairs
Thornton Township
11.2020 - 02.2023
- Collaborate with community stakeholders to identify initiatives, potential partners and initiate relationships that can have a significant impact on residents and improve the Township image
- Ensure government liaisons are working to develop and maintain good working relationships with local, county, state, and federal legislators and other public officials while providing support to the effort to identify and secure program grants from federal, state or local entities
- Work with internal constituents to promote the Township and develop external relationships that facilitate private partnerships and professional opportunities while supervising and planning team objectives and goals
- Responsible for written communications, presentations, strategic planning and civic engagement among the seventeen municipalities within Thornton Township.
Assistant Director of Government Affairs & Community Relations
Chicago State University
08.2019 - 08.2020
- Advocated and lobbied the General Assembly for a 13% increase in appropriations for a larger budget for the University while assisting with monitoring and tracking state and federal legislation
- Cultivated and nurture meaningful relationships with members of the community, community stakeholders and local officials by developing multiple constant contacts; written communications, strategic plans, newsletters, off campus media and press releases
- Identified, developed, executed, and coordinated communication strategies for government, community, and university messaging, researched and drafted grant proposals while reviewing and editing legal contracts for purchasing and procurement.
- Oversaw budget management, ensuring financial resources were allocated effectively to support strategic goals.
Consultant/Outreach & Engagement Coordinator
Chicagoland Vintage Home Association
08.2018 - 08.2019
- Provided outreach and marketing strategies to improve program initiatives, results and membership while demonstrating needs through assessments, surveys, and research
- Developed detailed business plans and assisted clients in implementing business models while resolving any discrepancies
- Managed communications with client partnerships & supporters through a team-based approach to civic engagement while acting as a liaison between community members and local elected officials.
- Conducted thorough market research and analysis, providing valuable insights for client decisionmaking.
Chief of Staff
Office of State Representative Marcus C. Evans, Jr., 33rd District
04.2012 - 07.2019
- Drafted, developed, and reviewed, legal memorandums, letters of support, briefing materials and legislative reports (oral and written) including talking points
- Conducted policy and legislative research, planned & implemented programs, facilitated community meetings and State related events
- Coordinated the execution of strategic initiatives, approved strategies and tactics on legislative issues and managed office budget
- Improved office efficiency by 80% by implementing and transitioning to an electronic database utilizing SOLVE software
- Advised and provided extensive professional assistance and recommendations on State issues to elected officials and State Department Directors while assisting constituents with issues and quality of life concerns related to the State.
Education
MBA - Business Administration And Project Management
Saint Xavier University
Chicago, IL01.2010
MPH, Health Administration -
Saint Xavier University
Chicago, IL01.2009
Bachelor of Science, Community Health/Administration -
University of Illinois-Champaign-Urbana
Champaign-Urbana, IL01.2007
Skills
- Problem-Solving
- Attention to Detail
- Team Leadership & Development
- Client Relationships
Timeline
Chief of Staff
5th District Cook County Commissioner Monica Gordon
05.2023 - 05.2024
Consultant
Mary K. Dawson Consulting
01.2021 - Current
Manager, Community Relations & External Affairs
Thornton Township
11.2020 - 02.2023
Assistant Director of Government Affairs & Community Relations
Chicago State University
08.2019 - 08.2020
Consultant/Outreach & Engagement Coordinator
Chicagoland Vintage Home Association
08.2018 - 08.2019
Chief of Staff
Office of State Representative Marcus C. Evans, Jr., 33rd District
04.2012 - 07.2019
MBA - Business Administration And Project Management
Saint Xavier University
MPH, Health Administration -
Saint Xavier University
Bachelor of Science, Community Health/Administration -
University of Illinois-Champaign-Urbana
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