Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Eight Associated Press Awards for excellence in writing
Timeline
Generic

Rhonda Donaldson

Lufkin

Summary

Dynamic Public Information Officer with the Texas Department of Transportation, skilled in media relations and crisis communications. Proven track record in enhancing community engagement through strategic communication plans and compelling storytelling. Adept at managing reputational risks and training spokespersons, ensuring effective representation of organizational goals.

Overview

35
35
years of professional experience

Work History

Public Information Officer

Texas Department of Transportation
01.2015 - 04.2025
  • Enhanced community outreach by developing and implementing strategic communication plans.
  • Developed compelling content for social media channels, driving increased engagement from followers.
  • Spearheaded community engagement efforts by organizing town hall meetings and informational sessions with stakeholders.
  • Provided guidance to junior staff members on best practices in public relations and communications strategies.
  • Trained spokespersons within the organization to effectively communicate organizational goals and values to external audiences.
  • Pitched stories to media organizations to promote company interests.
  • Managed routine and crisis communications with media and members of public.
  • Managed websites and social media accounts applying communication strategies and branding to maintain consistent voice and presence.
  • Streamlined workflows for communication projects, ensuring timely completion within budget constraints.
  • Created informative press releases that garnered positive media attention, promoting the organization''s achievements and initiatives.
  • Coordinated press conferences and media events, maximizing organizational exposure in the news cycle.
  • Wrote press releases, talking points and and responses to requests for information.
  • Successfully managed reputational risks by addressing unfavorable narratives in a timely manner.
  • Built strong connections with government officials and policymakers in support of legislative advocacy efforts.
  • Wrote press releases for routine use and crisis management.

Freelance Writer

Writer Access
02.2009 - 01.2015
  • Wrote and edited high-quality content and visually impactful programs under deadline pressure with exciting, captivating, and authentic approach.
  • Adapted writing styles based on different platforms such as social media, blog posts, and print materials.

Staff Writer

Lufkin Daily News
05.1990 - 01.2015
  • Wrote and submitted accurate, engaging, and fact-checked stories.
  • Managed multiple assignments simultaneously while maintaining consistent quality in writing and editing tasks.
  • Collaborated with editors to refine content, ensuring clarity, accuracy, and cohesiveness for publication.
  • Consistently met tight deadlines under pressure while maintaining high levels of accuracy in writing style.

Education

Associate of Arts - Journalism

Angelina College
Lufkin, TX
05-1990

Skills

  • Public engagement
  • Community engagement
  • Marketing strategies
  • Website management
  • Storytelling
  • Spokesperson experience
  • Media relations
  • Press release writing
  • Crisis communications
  • Speech writing
  • Media spokesperson
  • Public relations
  • Creative direction
  • Branding
  • Fact-checking
  • Reputation management

Eight Associated Press Awards for excellence in writing

Excellence in writing, community service, excellence in journalism, investigative journalism

Timeline

Public Information Officer

Texas Department of Transportation
01.2015 - 04.2025

Freelance Writer

Writer Access
02.2009 - 01.2015

Staff Writer

Lufkin Daily News
05.1990 - 01.2015

Associate of Arts - Journalism

Angelina College

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