Sharon Scheidhauer
Celebration
Summary
Experienced, dynamic, and trusted communications professional with demonstrated messaging results reaching targeted media, public, and congressional audiences while working in top levels of DOJ and DHS. Proven ability to communicate complex issues, successfully place news pieces, and ensure organization's voice is represented fairly in the press. Provide counsel to senior leadership on public affairs implications.
Overview
34
34
years of professional experience
Work History
Public Affairs Officer
U.S. Department of Homeland Security
03.2009 - Current
- Agency spokesperson for seven Southeast/mid-Atlantic states and DC; Conduct on-the-record interviews with journalists to promote agency's programs and priorities and respond to sensitive immigration topics; Initiate and lead use of data and media analytics to better target media that has resulted in increased positive coverage in certain markets; Staff agency VIPs at press events and press conferences; Write and distribute media advisories, news releases, and press statements; Awarded agency 'Employee of the Year' for handling complex national media issue.
Chief, Executive Communications
Drug Enforcement Administration
09.1998 - 03.2009
- Independently composed 100 speeches per year for DEA Chief and the U.S
- Attorney General to deliver at national news conferences and before Congress and law enforcement events; Penned editorials published in NY Times, Washington Post, and USA Today; Designed and implemented crisis communications plan for emerging painkiller abuse crisis; Served as Editor in Chief of employee web-based publication; Taught writing courses at agency training facility in Quantico; Praise from DEA Chiefs: 'You captured my voice exactly.' 'Thank you for bringing eloquence to me and passion to the audience.' 'You are truly gifted.'
Supervisory Writer Editor
U.S. Department of Agriculture
06.1990 - 09.1998
- Wrote and edited Congressional testimony, briefing papers, fact sheets, press statements, and reports to ensure clear and persuasive agency messages and use of plain English in a science-based agency; Supervised staff of seven writer-editors to review and edit all external written products and coordinated with other agency components and front office to ensure consistent style; Hired and trained staff, conducted performance reviews, and participated in budget requests and strategic planning of public affairs office.
Education
Certificate in Data Driven Decisionmaking
Georgetown University
Washington, DC03.2024
Master of Arts (M.A.), Mass Communication/Media Studies -
Southern New Hampshire University
05.2021
B.A. History, Minor in English -
University of Maryland
05.1990
Skills
- Media Relations
- Speechwriting
- Social Media Content & Management
- Crisis Communications
- Strategic Communications
- Press Release Writing
- Editing
- Internal Communications
- Public Speaking
- Reputation Management
Timeline
Public Affairs Officer
U.S. Department of Homeland Security
03.2009 - Current
Chief, Executive Communications
Drug Enforcement Administration
09.1998 - 03.2009
Supervisory Writer Editor
U.S. Department of Agriculture
06.1990 - 09.1998
Certificate in Data Driven Decisionmaking
Georgetown University
Master of Arts (M.A.), Mass Communication/Media Studies -
Southern New Hampshire University
B.A. History, Minor in English -
University of Maryland
Similar Profiles
Scott WigginsScott Wiggins
Branch Chief, Emergency Communications Division at Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), U.S. Department of Homeland SecurityBranch Chief, Emergency Communications Division at Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), U.S. Department of Homeland Security
Onika RichardsonOnika Richardson
Management and Program Analyst, GS-13 at U.S. Department Of Homeland Security, U.S. Immigration And Customs EnforcementManagement and Program Analyst, GS-13 at U.S. Department Of Homeland Security, U.S. Immigration And Customs Enforcement
Kodi JimenezKodi Jimenez
Transportation Security Inspector-Surface at U.S Department of Homeland SecurityTransportation Security Inspector-Surface at U.S Department of Homeland Security
Melissa WilliamsMelissa Williams
Administrative Support Specialist GS-301 at U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Office of the Chief Human Capital OfficerAdministrative Support Specialist GS-301 at U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Office of the Chief Human Capital Officer
Megan BarnesMegan Barnes
Attractions Cast Member at Walt Disney Parks and ResortsAttractions Cast Member at Walt Disney Parks and Resorts