Shawn M. Pridgen

Innovative and versatile photographer and creative consultant with a proven track record in producing high-impact commercial imagery and authentic reportage. Skilled in crafting compelling visual narratives for products, people, events, and services across diverse industries, including fashion, sports, architecture, and food. Expert in real-time documentation of news and events, delivering accurate and engaging stories for leading publications. Recognized for creative vision, technical expertise, and the ability to elevate brand presence through strategic visual storytelling.

• Captured high-quality images for diverse clients, ensuring alignment with creative vision and project requirements.
• Developed and maintained relationships with clients to understand their photography needs and preferences.
• Edited and retouched images using industry-standard software, achieving desired aesthetic outcomes efficiently.

• Strategically lead all internal and external communications, oversee media relations and press, develop and execute digital strategies to increase outreach, and create and manage content for various platforms.
• Serve as a member of the senior leadership team, contributing to organizational strategy and managing brand identity.
• Kids Rank is a nonprofit supporting military-connected children and families through resources, programs, and advocacy.

• I led all communications efforts, developed and executed departmental communications plans, launched marketing campaigns, managed the department's online presence (social media and website), and handled media relations.
• Collaborated with senior leadership to deliver DEI-focused strategies and projects.
• Directed communications and marketing initiatives for the Office of Diversity and Inclusion, designed and implemented strategic communication plans and campaigns, managed digital presence, including website updates and social media content.

• Served as a central liaison among Human Resources, Payroll, and Benefits departments.
• I served as the primary departmental point of contact, frequently representing senior leadership on matters related to personnel policies, HR guidelines, and firm initiatives.
• Processing staffing updates, managing compensation requests, and handling confidential employment documentation such as Form I-9 and background checks, onboarding and training new employees, ensuring compliance with corporate, federal, and state requirements.

• Supported executive and senior leadership with administrative tasks, including business logistics and calendar management.
• Manage ad-hoc executive and C-suite projects, participated in special departmental initiatives, and assisted key teams such as the Investigative Unit, SMERCONISH, and K-Files.
• Served as Interim Executive Assistant to CNN's Executive Vice President of Programming and Senior Vice President of Human Resources.
• Provided administrative support to executive and senior leadership, including Directors, Producers, Editors, and Managers.

Collaborated with senior leadership to develop policies that were consistent with the Company's mission and in alignment with each department function—reorganized and streamlined efforts across internal teams and eliminated redundant operations across the following departments: finance, legal, and human resources; Managed special projects on behalf of the CFO, COO, VP Controller, SVP & General Legal Counsel, and the VP of Human Resources; Provided senior administrative and paralegal support for the Legal, HR, and Finance & Accounting business areas.

• Coordinated cross-functional teams to enhance project workflows and streamline communication processes.
• Developed comprehensive reports to analyze project status and recommend actionable improvements.
• Facilitated stakeholder meetings to gather feedback and inform project planning, fostering collaboration across teams.

Advised and proposed recommendations for organizational change and policy implementation for the Alumni Relations & Development department, leading to an increase in donations; Developed strategic partnerships with frontline fundraisers and consulted on engagement strategies for highly rated prospects with an ability to donate at least $150K; Facilitated and managed outreach strategy for multiple teams contacting potential prospects and donors

• Analyzed market trends to provide actionable insights for organizational improvement.
• Presented findings and recommendations to executive leadership, influencing strategic direction of client engagements.
• Implemented data-driven decision-making frameworks to optimize resource allocation and performance metrics.

Collaborated with several Senior Administrators to improve, create, and facilitate efficiencies for the Law Department. I supported negotiations by providing excellent client relations and collaborated with Law Firms and United States Customs and Board Protection. While supporting multiple (4) Senior Leaders and contributing to large department projects, I attended direct team meetings with Senior Leaders. I maintained Master Service Agreements, Non-Disclosure Agreements, Marketing Sponsorship Agreements, and more. I supported and kept calendars, scheduled meetings, made domestic and international travel arrangements, and processed expense reports.

• Assisted in preparing reports and presentations, contributing to project clarity and communication.
• Coordinated schedules and meetings for team members, ensuring efficient use of time.
• Led initiatives to enhance team productivity through effective resource allocation and task prioritization.

I supported the Human Resources Department by maintaining critical documentation, managing employment records, and educating applicants on employment processes. I interpreted HR policies, collaborated with senior management on employee relations, and ensured compliance with organizational standards and regulations.

• Streamlined recruitment processes to enhance candidate experience and reduce time-to-hire.
• Implemented employee onboarding programs, ensuring compliance with federal regulations and organizational policies.
• Developed training materials for new HR initiatives, improving staff knowledge on compliance and benefits administration.

During my internship with the Internal Revenue Service, I managed classified legal information and coordinated the processing of legal documents in line with U.S. Tax Court rules. I provided research and administrative support to legal divisions, supervised a team of interns, and led onboarding and orientation efforts. My role also involved streamlining administrative procedures in collaboration with various government agencies.

• Researched and analyzed tax laws to provide accurate legal support for case evaluations.
• Drafted legal documents, including memoranda and opinions, ensuring clarity and compliance with regulations.
• Conducted thorough reviews of administrative procedures, identifying opportunities for process improvement and efficiency gains.

As a Research and Policy Intern at the Chicago Housing Authority, I supported FOIA operations, conducted statistical data analyses, and contributed to policy research aimed at improving organizational practices. I prepared detailed reports for senior leadership, facilitated key meetings, and played a pivotal role in developing the employee handbook used in onboarding processes.

• Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
• Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
• Used critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions, and make decisions.

• Served as the primary liaison for HR, Payroll, and Benefits, upholding company policies and confidentiality.
• Represented senior leadership in personnel matters, processed staffing and compensation changes, managed sensitive documentation, and led onboarding and training to ensure full compliance with regulations.