Sarah Snedden, M.A
Austin,TX
Summary
Combat veteran with 15+ years of experience commanding high-stakes communications, including the Pentagon, the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad, and the Texas Military Department. Directed media operations as a USF-I spokesperson (100M+ audience), produced and edited ambassador-commissioned documentaries, responded to media queries, and authored classified situalional reports for Operation Lonestar, distributed daily to top senior officials. Drove an 84% surge in social engagement during the border crisis; built digital platforms featured on ABC’s Good Morning America. Expert in budget oversight ($1M+) and cross-sector collaboration—transforming complex policy into audience-specific narratives and stakeholder engagement—from commanding generals to Fortune 500 C-suites.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Chief Executive Officer
SnapLaLa Professional Photography
Austin, Texas
12.2023 - Current
- Managed annual budgets, P&L, and vendor contracts; curated digital assets through advanced editing workflows, aligned with client branding.
- Secured contracts via direct stakeholder consultations, driving retention through progress reviews, and tailored solutions.
- Spearheaded omni channel campaigns using social, web and email, boosting engagement, and generating new revenue.
- Directed photography and videography for the public and private sectors, overseeing all operations from client acquisition to final delivery, while maintaining brand excellence.
Public Affairs Content Creative Director
Texas Military Department
Austin, Texas
07.2022 - 01.2024
- Senior writer for an internal, sensitive, daily media brief concerning the border crisis, and distributed to top leaders, political officials, and military officials, providing critical situational updates.
- Managed all the production of content on multiple social media sites, as the headquarters for the Texas National Guard, Air National Guard, and Reserve units.
- Produced Operation Lonestar video content specific to the Governor's website, while being advised by the Governor's specific guidelines.
- Authored high-level multinational stories published in the Pentagon Press News for national public distribution.
- Directed and edited all photo shoots with senior military leaders and generals.
- Replied to media queries from national and global networks, accurately and adhering to sensitive operational security.
Media Coordinator
Congregation Agudas Achim
Austin, Texas
12.2017 - 01.2022
- Oversaw all videography operations for major synagogue and Jewish academy networks under rabbinical leadership, documenting over 200 high-profile events.
- Spearheaded the transition to multi-camera, broadcast-grade livestreams during COVID-19, enabling 24/7 access.
- Achieved global viewership of over 4,500 viewers worldwide.
Media Content Creator
Better Business Bureau of Central Texas
Austin, Texas
01.2013 - 12.2015
- Managed the creation, editing, publishing, administration, and removal of over 10,000 pieces of consumers' websites, apps, and social media content.
- Authored over 500 consumer tips every week, broadcast on 10 local radio stations, reaching an audience of 100,000 listeners.
- Dedicated efforts in combating scams through research and the provision of valuable advice have resulted in a reduction in scam reports impacting over consumers and over 5,000 businesses.
Broadcast Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge
US Army
Fort Polk, LA
03.2011 - 05.2012
- Orchestrated the inaugural City-Post Unity Festival, with joint military-city organizations with the mayor and Fort Polk commanding General for a three-day event bridging community-installation relations.
- Authorized air and land access for tactical displays (tanks, helicopters) through city council and DOT approvals, enabling the first-ever public armor and aviation showcase.
- Directed a 5K "Soldier-Citizen Run," attracting over 1,300 participants (60% civilian), enhancing public-military integration.
- Graduated #1 out of 500 soldiers in the NCO Academy, receiving the 'Commandant Award.'
Public Affairs Officer/Television Broadcaster
US Army, Operation Enduring Freedom
, Baghdad, Iraq
05.2010 - 05.2011
- Commissioned by senior U.S. diplomatic/military leadership to produce a State Department documentary showcasing Iraq reconstruction initiatives, resulting in formal recognition from the USF-I Commanding General and U.S. Ambassador to Iraq.
- Created and directed senior-level cultural awareness sessions for Senators, Representatives, dignitaries, DoD, and State Department representatives at the U.S. Embassy Headquarters.
- Served as an official spokesperson for USF-I at Embassy HQ, authoring and distributing over 2,500 press releases and media queries.
- Soley launched and scaled a Facebook page for over 40,000 still deployed through elite media placements: secured a feature segment on ABC's Good Morning America and three national morning shows, achieving 40.8K 'Likes' in 60 days.
Public Affairs Officer
US Army, Operation Iraqi Freedom
Bagdad, Iraq
05.2010 - 05.2011
- Contributed to the development of effective talking points used by Department of Defense and Department of State leaders for over 100 global press conferences and live media interviews.
- Trained a diverse group of Iraqi police officers in public affairs and TV broadcasting, contributing to an understanding of public affairs principles.
- Developed and taught 20+ cultural awareness classes to key senior and national state leaders, Senators, and U.S. Representatives, and dignitaries, cultivating respect and opening channels of communication in cross-cultural discussions.
- Coordinated with troops and the press to embed for missions, and to monitor mission sensitivity and threat levels.
Education
Masters of Arts - Media Studies, Middle Eastern Studies
University of Texas At Austin
01-2025
Defense Information School
01.2009
Bachelors of Arts - Communications
Point Loma Nazarene University
05-2008
Skills
Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Suites, AVID, Final Cut Pro, HTML, iOS Software, AI, Social Media, Teams, Meltwater, Canva, Hootsuite, Slack, Maya, Sound FX, Motion, Excel, Davinici Resolve, Soundbooth, Lightroom, Affinity, Sprout, IFTTT, Zapier, CoSchedule, Salesforce, HubSpot
Timeline
Chief Executive Officer
SnapLaLa Professional Photography
12.2023 - Current
Public Affairs Content Creative Director
Texas Military Department
07.2022 - 01.2024
Media Coordinator
Congregation Agudas Achim
12.2017 - 01.2022
Media Content Creator
Better Business Bureau of Central Texas
01.2013 - 12.2015
Broadcast Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge
US Army
03.2011 - 05.2012
Public Affairs Officer/Television Broadcaster
US Army, Operation Enduring Freedom
05.2010 - 05.2011
Public Affairs Officer
US Army, Operation Iraqi Freedom
05.2010 - 05.2011
Masters of Arts - Media Studies, Middle Eastern Studies
University of Texas At Austin
Defense Information School
Bachelors of Arts - Communications
Point Loma Nazarene University
Similar Profiles
Aimee Hughes-PisanoAimee Hughes-Pisano
Business Owner/Photographer & Graphic Design at Photography By Aimee/Team Mom Photography & Spread the Word Yard CardsBusiness Owner/Photographer & Graphic Design at Photography By Aimee/Team Mom Photography & Spread the Word Yard Cards
R’kiyah ScottR’kiyah Scott
Lead Photographer at Bowen Photography (formerly SWI Photography Talla)Lead Photographer at Bowen Photography (formerly SWI Photography Talla)
Krithika JeevaratnamKrithika Jeevaratnam
Office Manager at Clive Palmer Photography and Framing (MSP School Photography)Office Manager at Clive Palmer Photography and Framing (MSP School Photography)
Tatiana T. TorresTatiana T. Torres
Senior Enlisted Advisor at U. S. Navy, Recruit Training CommandSenior Enlisted Advisor at U. S. Navy, Recruit Training Command
JOSE MACEDOJOSE MACEDO
Trust and Safety at Accenture/WhatsappTrust and Safety at Accenture/Whatsapp