Michael Williams
Lansing,MI
Summary
Experienced communication strategist focused on transforming complex ideas into compelling, actionable narratives. Skilled in leadership development, strategic messaging, and crisis communication. Proficient in facilitating workshops to enhance team dynamics, decision-making, and drive organizational change. Demonstrated ability to craft high-impact content, develop trust-based engagement strategies, and lead cross-functional teams to deliver creative solutions. Passionate about leveraging storytelling, design, and strategic messaging to inspire action and shape impactful narratives at scale.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Director, Communication Services
Michigan Public Health Institute
01.2022 - Current
- Provide strategic counsel to senior leadership on internal and external communication strategies
- Design and lead workshops on team development, feedback, and relationship-building
- Oversee a team of video and graphic designers to create compelling health narratives
- Manage website and intranet updates to improve collaboration and information sharing
- Lead crisis communication and risk management strategies
- Directly supervise a 13-person team, mentoring staff and managing 75+ projects annually
- Partner with finance to oversee budgets, funding, and quality assurance
- Enhanced media reach and partner engagement through PR firm collaboration
- Impact: Facilitated workshops for 300+ participants and developed 60+ high-impact presentations
Associate Director, Creative Design Services
Michigan Public Health Institute
01.2020 - 01.2022
- Led a high-performing creative team in client management, branding, and strategic messaging
- Designed MPHI’s annual report, highlighting key achievements and enhancing stakeholder engagement
- Co-led branding and helped establish the corporate communications office
- Designed and facilitated ADA compliance training to improve accessibility
- Built partnerships with nonprofits, health departments, and government agencies
- Provided customized coaching on presentation design, facilitation, and storytelling
- Impact: Managed a 70+ project portfolio and led strategic planning efforts with senior leadership
Creative Manager, Communications Team
Michigan Public Health Institute
01.2018 - 01.2020
- Directed a multidisciplinary creative team, driving collaboration and innovation
- Managed creative project timelines, budgets, and client relationships
- Oversaw quality assurance for all visual and written communications
- Researched and integrated emerging design trends and technologies
- Impact: Expanded the creative portfolio by 50% and managed 40+ external projects
Senior Design Analyst
Michigan Public Health Institute
01.2015 - 01.2018
- Led the design and development of infographics, reports, and outreach videos
- Translated complex concepts into clear, human-centered narratives
- Conducted research to refine design strategies and implement best practices
- Facilitated client consultations to optimize messaging and accessibility
- Applied UX principles to enhance information retention
- Impact: Produced 20+ videos, 30+ graphic projects, and 30+ presentations annually; launched the institute’s first digital annual report
Trainer & eLearning Developer, Innovation Solutions Group
Michigan Public Health Institute
01.2013 - 01.2015
- Developed and led statewide training on the Electronic Death Registry System (EDRS)
- Managed training logistics and coordination across Michigan
- Developed a digital resource hub, increasing EDRS adoption and reducing support requests by 40%
- Simplified complex technical materials and user manuals
- Designed interactive eLearning modules for industry professionals
- Hosted webcasts featuring public health experts
- Impact: Trained 150+ professionals, increasing system adoption by 60%
Public Speaking & Performance Coach
01.2011 - 01.2012
- Provided personalized coaching to individuals aged 7-60, building confidence in public speaking
Assistant Director, Summer Orientation Program
University of Michigan
01.2008 - 01.2011
- Co-led student orientation, using performance-based learning to ease the transition to college
Performer, Center for Research, Learning, and Teaching
University of Michigan
01.2008 - 01.2010
- Developed and performed educational vignettes for faculty and students to navigate challenges
Education
M.A. - Strategic Communication
Michigan State University
01.2021
Graduate Certificate - Organizational Leadership
Michigan State University
01.2020
B.S. - Communication & Theatre Arts
Eastern Michigan University
01.2008
Skills
- Adobe Creative Suite
- Project Management
- Group Facilitation & Workshop Lead
- Executive Leadership Coaching
- Strategic Storytelling
- Conflict Resolution & Relationship Building
- Graphic Design & Video Development
- Presentation Design & Public Speaking
- Crisis management
- Corporate communications
- Client relations
- Strategic planning
Personal Information
Willing To Relocate: True
Timeline
Director, Communication Services
Michigan Public Health Institute
01.2022 - Current
Associate Director, Creative Design Services
Michigan Public Health Institute
01.2020 - 01.2022
Creative Manager, Communications Team
Michigan Public Health Institute
01.2018 - 01.2020
Senior Design Analyst
Michigan Public Health Institute
01.2015 - 01.2018
Trainer & eLearning Developer, Innovation Solutions Group
Michigan Public Health Institute
01.2013 - 01.2015
Public Speaking & Performance Coach
01.2011 - 01.2012
Assistant Director, Summer Orientation Program
University of Michigan
01.2008 - 01.2011
Performer, Center for Research, Learning, and Teaching
University of Michigan
01.2008 - 01.2010
Graduate Certificate - Organizational Leadership
Michigan State University
B.S. - Communication & Theatre Arts
Eastern Michigan University
M.A. - Strategic Communication
Michigan State University
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