Rachel Hansen
Leavenworth
Summary
Experienced public relations professional ready to lead an effective communications team while serving as trusted advisor for leadership. Proven ability to develop strategic communication plans that align with organizational goals. Known for collaborative approach and adaptability in dynamic environments. Skilled in strategic planning, media relations and crisis management.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Sr. Communications Strategist
Chelan PUD
06.2020 - Current
- Lead public information officer. Developed crisis management plans to deliver timely and accurate information during critical events. Managed on-call schedule.
- Managed an average of 120 media inquiries a year as lead spokesperson. Counseled staff at all levels on key messages, interview strategies. Advised executive leadership on communication strategies.
- Developed and executed strategic internal, external communication plans to increase awareness and engagement with a variety of audiences.
- Worked with cross-departmental teams to develop communications policies and procedures for key initiatives, including wildfire mitigation and innovation.
- Supported strategic communication and issues management on local, regional and national levels by engaging external energy associations.
- Managed shared advertising contracts and coordinates scheduling with other business units.
Public Relations Coordinator
Cascade Medical
01.2015 - Current
- Developed and implemented strategic communication plans to recruit patients and engage community, including media relations, marketing and budgeting. Grew social media presence and online reputation. Developed strategic partnerships with local businesses and organizations. Lead PIO during pandemic, served on state, regional committees to develop coordinated communications strategies.
News Editor
World Publishing Company
01.2014 - 01.2015
- Supervised a three-person production team, responsible for final editing and delivery of all newspaper sections to press on deadline. Built page templates to create efficiency and define brand style during two content management system launches.
Arts Editor
World Publishing Company
01.2011 - 01.2014
- Produced all content, page design for regional arts section. Trained news staff on best practices for videography. Curated website content. Managed social media marketing with Hootsuite to maximize audience engagement.
Education Reporter
World Publishing Company
01.2006 - 01.2011
- Balanced daily news stories and in-depth reporting projects. Analyzed data trends, local and national issues to inform reporting. Conducted interviews at all levels to gather diverse perspectives.
Education
Accreditation of Public Relations -
Public Relations Society of America
01-2026
Advanced Public Information Officer -
FEMA National Disaster And Emergency Management University
07-2026
Bachelor's Degree - Journalism, Public Affairs, Political Science
Evergreen State College
05-2004
Skills
- Strategic communications
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Crisis communications
- Partnership development
Affiliations
- National Hydropower Association: Served on the Public Affairs Committee 2021-2026, led as chairperson 2024-2026.
- NCW Public Information Officers: Currently leading a regional group of PIOs that represent a variety of public service agencies, including healthcare, fire, education, law enforcement. Involved since 2019.
- Western Energy Institute: Planned two communications conferences as part of a regional committee of utility communicators.
Timeline
Sr. Communications Strategist
Chelan PUD
06.2020 - Current
Public Relations Coordinator
Cascade Medical
01.2015 - Current
News Editor
World Publishing Company
01.2014 - 01.2015
Arts Editor
World Publishing Company
01.2011 - 01.2014
Education Reporter
World Publishing Company
01.2006 - 01.2011
Accreditation of Public Relations -
Public Relations Society of America
Advanced Public Information Officer -
FEMA National Disaster And Emergency Management University
Bachelor's Degree - Journalism, Public Affairs, Political Science
Evergreen State College
AWARDS
Chelan PUD Above and Beyond Award, Dec. 2025. APPA Excellence in Communications, Annual Report 2024. Society of Professional Journalists: Eight Excellence in Journalism awards in education, arts, features and sports writing, 2007-2013.