Terri Dresen
Greater Minneapolis,MN
Summary
Strategic communications leader specializing in crisis management and reputational risk. Trusted advisor to C-suite executives, guiding crisis preparedness and stakeholder engagement. Directs high-performing teams to deliver impactful communications strategies that enhance organizational reputation and drive measurable business outcomes.
Overview
39
39
years of professional experience
Work History
Director, Communications
METROPOLITAN COUNCIL
01.2020 - Current
- Lead enterprise communications strategy, brand positioning, and reputational risk management for $1.3B organization as key member of executive leadership team
- Advised Council Chair and executive management on high-profile issues management and reputational risk; served as primary liaison to Governor's office for communications initiatives and crisis response
- Led communications strategy during public health emergencies and regional crises; developed and implemented crisis preparedness plans, response protocols, and executive briefing materials
- Direct department of 20+ communications professionals including creative services and digital experience teams across multiple service areas and regional initiatives
- Serve as certified Public Information Officer on state disaster response team
- Regional policy-making body and service provider for Twin Cities metropolitan region
Crisis Management & Communications Leader
ALLINA HEALTH
01.2002 - 01.2020
- Crisis Management & Media Relations Manager (2018–2020, 2002–2011) | Marketing & Communications Manager (2011–2017)
- Led enterprise reputation recovery initiative following international negative coverage, successfully restoring preferred hospital status and increasing patient volume
- Managed crisis and issues communications for privacy/cybersecurity breaches, clinical quality events, and regulatory investigations; trained executives and physicians as media spokespeople, ensuring effective communication during critical incidents
- Developed communication strategies for high-profile initiatives including Super Bowl LII, public health emergencies, and federal/state investigations, enhancing organizational visibility and stakeholder engagement
- Generated $5M+ in earned media value through strategic story placement and relationship building, establishing Allina Health as the most visible healthcare system in the Midwest
- Led Emergency Management Executive Team communications as certified Department of Homeland Security PIO
- Supervised media relations team and managed digital video production operations, reducing reliance on external agencies and achieving significant cost savings
- Served as trusted strategic advisor, primary communications strategist, and writer for executive senior leadership team
- Major non-profit health network with $4.1B annual revenue and 29,000+ employees
Senior Communications & Media Relations Manager
AMERICAN EXPRESS FINANCIAL ADVISORS (Ameriprise)
01.1999 - 01.2001
- Led external communications and media relations strategy, enhancing brand visibility for national financial services organization
- Developed and executed 135 national media campaigns, driving engagement across New York and Minneapolis divisions
- Managed relationships with 33 external PR agencies, serving as primary corporate spokesperson for media inquiries to ensure consistent messaging
- Collaborated with Fortune 500 financial services company on strategic initiatives
General Assignment Reporter
Hubbard Broadcasting
01.1996 - 01.1999
- Provided in-depth coverage of major national events, including Republican/Democratic National Conventions and Academy Awards to inform and engage audiences.
- Researched current events to provide accurate and timely reporting.
- Conducted interviews with diverse subjects for news stories and features.
- Collaborated with editors to shape narratives and enhance story impact.
News Anchor/Reporter
KSTP-AM 1500 & KSTP-FM 94.5
01.1993 - 01.1996
- Reported breaking news and covered community events live on air to provide timely updates.
- Produced engaging hourly newscasts and conducted insightful interviews to inform viewers.
- Conducted interviews with local leaders and newsmakers to highlight key issues and perspectives.
- Researched stories using various media sources for accuracy.
News Anchor/Reporter
WKBT-TV
01.1988 - 01.1993
- Produced daily lead news stories for Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Iowa markets, enhancing audience engagement and regional coverage
- Reported on breaking news and major events for local radio broadcasts.
- Conducted interviews with community leaders and experts for in-depth stories.
- Collaborated with producers to develop engaging news segments and content.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Business, Mass Communications
Saint Cloud State University
Bachelor of Arts - Speech Communications
Saint Cloud State University
Public Information Officer (PIO) Certification -
Department of Homeland Security
Skills
- Crisis communication
- Crisis preparedness
- Issue management
- Reputational Risk
- Regulatory communication
- Legal Communications
- Executive spokesperson
- Public speaking
- Executive advisory
- Stakeholder advisory
- Cross-functional leadership
- Matrix leadership
- Matrix leadership
Accomplishments
- Lead communications strategy for $1.3B+ regional government organization with 5,000+ employees as part of Governor's cabinet
- Built and manage 20+ communications professionals across creative services and digital experience teams
- Reduced external agency spending by $50,000+ annually through strategic in-house digital operations
- Served as lead communications officer in state COVID-19 command center, directing enterprise issues management and multi-agency crisis response
- Generated $5M+ in earned media value, establishing organization as most visible healthcare system in Midwest
- Led enterprise reputation recovery campaign that restored preferred hospital status and stakeholder trust after international negative coverage
Leadership And Community Engagement
- National Alliance On Mental Illness (Minnesota Chapter), Elected Board Member
- Lakeshore Players Theater, Board President
- White Bear Lake Sailing School, Executive Board Officer
- Vadnais Heights Planning Commission, Appointed Commissioner
- Saint Paul Chamber of Commerce, Leadership Program Graduate
Core Expertise
- Issues Management & Reputational Risk
- Crisis Communications & Preparedness
- Executive & Media Spokesperson
- Regulatory, Litigation & Compliance Communications
- Stakeholder & Executive Advisory
- Cross-Functional/Matrixed Leadership
Timeline
Director, Communications
METROPOLITAN COUNCIL
01.2020 - Current
Crisis Management & Communications Leader
ALLINA HEALTH
01.2002 - 01.2020
Senior Communications & Media Relations Manager
AMERICAN EXPRESS FINANCIAL ADVISORS (Ameriprise)
01.1999 - 01.2001
General Assignment Reporter
Hubbard Broadcasting
01.1996 - 01.1999
News Anchor/Reporter
KSTP-AM 1500 & KSTP-FM 94.5
01.1993 - 01.1996
News Anchor/Reporter
WKBT-TV
01.1988 - 01.1993
Bachelor of Science - Business, Mass Communications
Saint Cloud State University
Bachelor of Arts - Speech Communications
Saint Cloud State University
Public Information Officer (PIO) Certification -
Department of Homeland Security