Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Websites
Awards
Timeline
Generic

Michele Kessel

Framingham,MA

Summary

Strategic communicator with 12+ years of experience in public relations, media engagement, and content development. Skilled in managing high-impact messaging, guiding senior leaders, and delivering clear, consistent communications.

Overview

17
17
years of professional experience

Work History

Editorial Consultant

Consultant
03.2023 - Current
  • Collaborated with independent authors and publishers on more than 15 books to improve content structure and clarity, resulting in increased reader engagement.
  • Developed individual style guides and editorial processes to maintain a consistent voice across all materials.
  • Managed multiple projects, ensuring timely delivery of high-quality products.

Kitchen Assistant

Pasta Fresca & Piadina
09.2024 - 03.2025
  • Prepare foods for 50-75 customers daily in compliance with safe handling procedures while providing excellent customer service.
  • Trained 2 of 9 employees in front desk operations, enhancing team efficiency and consistency.
  • Developed and edited comprehensive front desk standard operating procedures and scripts, improving workflow.

Acquisitions/Publishing Intern (Remote)

Future House Publishing
09.2023 - 12.2023
  • Evaluated and recommended 2-3 manuscripts weekly for publication following the publisher's evaluation guide.
  • Collaborated with fellow interns to provide editorial comments for authors and mentors.
  • Balanced dynamic schedule while delivering thoughtful feedback and completing weekly tasks using tools like Asana and Google Docs.

Family and Education Sabbatical

Sabbatical
10.2019 - 03.2023
  • Voluntarily separated from military service to become full-time caregiver, demonstrating adaptability and resilience.
  • Completed graduate certificate in Technical Communication to improve currency and strengthen communication skills

Operations Officer/Assistant Professor

U.S. Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps
10.2017 - 10.2019
  • Trained and educated 92 prospective Air Force officers to become military leaders.
  • Developed and instructed 45-hour course in national security and policy for 24 cadets.
  • Implemented a 500-item office assessment program; hand-selected to inspect detachments across the nation.

Operations Chief, Public Affairs

Air Force Global Strike Command
12.2014 - 10.2017
  • Led team in response to more than 60 events and 50 media queries on the Air Force's nuclear mission each year.
  • Prepared two General officers for five Congressional testimonies by editing speeches and conducting media training.
  • Created communications on more than 10 major events, including a B-52 accident investigation.

Deputy Media Operations Chief

U.S. Central Command
04.2016 - 10.2016
  • Responded to more than 200 media queries on U.S. military actions in the Middle East.
  • Authored over 20 releases on topics including counterterrorism strikes in Yemen and civilian casualties.
  • Built and maintained a 300-page book to prepare commanders for media engagements.

Future Operations Chief, Public Affairs

U.S. Strategic Command
10.2011 - 12.2014
  • Created weekly strategic messages and gave input to more than 80 operational plans.
  • Provided substantive edits to the first-ever communication synchronization Joint Doctrine Note.
  • Reviewed over 100 scientific papers and opinion pieces for security and policy adherence.

Chief of Public Affairs (Deputy Jan 2009-Aug 2010)

Holloman Air Force Base
01.2009 - 10.2011
  • Researched and formulated long- and short-term communication plans, including 5 for crisis communication.
  • Led communications of aircraft basing team, informing 25 communities of potential impacts and receiving feedback.
  • Responded to more than 100 media queries regarding high-profile events and base operations.

Information Operations Officer

Provincial Reconstruction Team Kapisa
03.2010 - 11.2010
  • Guided communications for an 80-member team, producing over 1,000 products for 150 missions.
  • Collaborated with the French military, training 35 local leaders in community and media outreach.
  • Developed monthly information operations, public affairs, and counterinsurgency training.

Education

Graduate Certificate - Technical Communication

Arizona State University
Tempe, AZ
05.2023

Master of Arts - Communication and Leadership

Gonzaga University
Spokane, WA
05.2014

Certificate - Tactical Information Operations

Fires Center of Excellence
Fort Sill, OK
11.2009

Certificate - Public Affairs Qualification

Defense Information School
Fort George G Meade, MD
09.2009

Bachelor of Arts - German Language and Literature

Mansfield University of Pennsylvania
Mansfield, PA
05.2004

Skills

  • Communications management
  • Crisis management
  • Reputation management
  • Media relations
  • Community engagement
  • Social media strategy

Awards

  • Meritorious Service Medal (2019, 2017, 2011)
  • Joint Service Commendation (2016)
  • Company Grade Officer of the Quarter (2013, 2012, 2010)
  • Company Grade Officer of the Year (2009)

Timeline

Kitchen Assistant

Pasta Fresca & Piadina
09.2024 - 03.2025

Acquisitions/Publishing Intern (Remote)

Future House Publishing
09.2023 - 12.2023

Editorial Consultant

Consultant
03.2023 - Current

Family and Education Sabbatical

Sabbatical
10.2019 - 03.2023

Operations Officer/Assistant Professor

U.S. Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps
10.2017 - 10.2019

Deputy Media Operations Chief

U.S. Central Command
04.2016 - 10.2016

Operations Chief, Public Affairs

Air Force Global Strike Command
12.2014 - 10.2017

Future Operations Chief, Public Affairs

U.S. Strategic Command
10.2011 - 12.2014

Information Operations Officer

Provincial Reconstruction Team Kapisa
03.2010 - 11.2010

Chief of Public Affairs (Deputy Jan 2009-Aug 2010)

Holloman Air Force Base
01.2009 - 10.2011

Graduate Certificate - Technical Communication

Arizona State University

Master of Arts - Communication and Leadership

Gonzaga University

Certificate - Tactical Information Operations

Fires Center of Excellence

Certificate - Public Affairs Qualification

Defense Information School

Bachelor of Arts - German Language and Literature

Mansfield University of Pennsylvania

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