Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
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Paul Smith-Leonard

Los Angeles,CA

Summary

Dynamic communications professional specializing in strategic media campaigns and effective storytelling. Proven track record in enhancing audience engagement while mentoring teams to achieve high performance. Skilled in speech writing and media relations, adept at crafting impactful narratives that resonate with diverse readers.

Overview

12
12
years of professional experience

Work History

Communications Consultant

Encanto Strategies
Phoenix, AZ
01.2024 - 07.2025
  • Led a communications firm serving candidates running for elected office, nonprofits looking to increase donor reach, and groups advocating for public school funding.
  • Created targeted print and digital media campaigns to increase voter share and drive donations; tracked the effectiveness of campaigns, and made necessary changes based on insights gathered from multiple digital platforms.
  • Tailored speeches, talking points, and op-eds to successfully meet the strategic goals of elected officials, nonprofit boards, and other clients.

Director of Communications

Arizona Secretary of State
Phoenix, AZ
01.2023 - 12.2023
  • Managed daily press operations while creating several strategic communications initiatives for a government agency overseeing elections in a battleground state.
  • Utilized storytelling techniques to successfully pitch reporters about the plight of election officials, in an effort to increase trust and confidence in the people behind our voting system.
  • Created and led presentations on crisis communications techniques for election offices across rural and tribal areas of Arizona.

Communications Advisor

Tempe City Council
Tempe, AZ
01.2022 - 01.2023
  • Crafted a public and business outreach campaign that led to the passage of a city ordinance to limit the sale of tobacco and e-cigarettes to buyers 18 years or older.
  • Researched and developed stories for digital and print publications to highlight the issues, priorities, and achievements of the mayor and city council members.
  • Wrote and distributed newsletters to increase transparency and engagement with constituents, stakeholders, and community leaders.

Chief of Staff/Communications Director

New York City Council
New York, NY
06.2015 - 05.2021
  • Expanded media outreach to Chinese and Spanish-language publications by creating a team of bilingual communications staff members.
  • Promoted to Chief of Staff after successfully guiding official messaging on controversial votes to approve affordable housing developments.
  • Mentored paid staff, interns, and volunteers by providing guidance and maintaining performance standards that balanced rewards with accountability.

Press Secretary

Nassau County District Attorney
Mineola, New York
01.2014 - 06.2015
  • Pitched stories to reporters and editors about lesser-known functions of the office, including the prosecution of animal crimes, and anti-human trafficking efforts.
  • Learned the dos and don'ts of being an official spokesperson, including balancing media relationships with office priorities.
  • Used theater background to stage press conferences and other high-profile media events to disseminate critical information.

Education

Master of Science - Journalism

Columbia University
New York, NY
05-2007

Bachelor of Arts - Dramatic Writing

New York University
New York, NY
05-2004

Skills

  • Media relations
  • News writing
  • News editing
  • Speech writing
  • Content creation
  • Effective storytelling
  • Strategic communications
  • Mentoring team members

Timeline

Communications Consultant

Encanto Strategies
01.2024 - 07.2025

Director of Communications

Arizona Secretary of State
01.2023 - 12.2023

Communications Advisor

Tempe City Council
01.2022 - 01.2023

Chief of Staff/Communications Director

New York City Council
06.2015 - 05.2021

Press Secretary

Nassau County District Attorney
01.2014 - 06.2015

Master of Science - Journalism

Columbia University

Bachelor of Arts - Dramatic Writing

New York University

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