Having worked as a manager of
communications for three local governments, I understand the complexity of
communications needs and challenges that are unique to governments.
This experience includes working as a
reporter, as well as collaborating with numerous government agencies as a
communications manager and consultant.
I understand (and have experienced) the pressures facing government staff in communicating to the public and partners clearly and effectively. Often negative public or internal feedback comes from poorly drafted communications materials or strategies. Through my work, and drawing upon the user experience, I can help get your message across while minimizing the risk of having it not understood or misinterpreted.
The services I offer governments includes:
- Crisis communications plan development, training and support
- Corporate training
- Communications planning and support
- Strategic planning
- Media training
- Issues management support
- Communications coaching
- Community engagement plan
- Meeting facilitation
- …and more
Working with government agencies and departments, I offer a fresh perspective, drawing upon my government, community engagement, crisis communications, strategic planning and journalism experience.
This experience includes:
- Communications manager for two
large municipalities in Ontario and British Columbia
- Strategic planning manager for
a regional district in British Columbia
- Senior Stakeholder Engagement
Advisor for a large corporation
- Communications lead on a number
of government and inter-government announcements and projects (including the
Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics)
- Public information officer for
three local governments. This includes being the emergency communications lead
for a municipal government leading up to the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics
(Exercise Gold, emergency exercises, Tier One member of a multi-government
public affairs committee)
- Indigenous engagement – supporting First Nations in crisis communications, government relations, community engagement and communicating with members
- Writing complex as well as
localized strategic plans, communications strategies, reports, technical
writing and editing as well as other communications materials
- Providing strategic advice on
project management, working with multiple stakeholders and conflict resolution
- Corporate trainer on media relations, presentation skills, interview skills and other communications topics
- Coaching leadership and managers on how to improve their communications skills
I am also a strong believer in continuous
development, having completed the following training:
- IAP2 Foundations for Public
Participation
- ICS Levels 100, 200, 300, 400
- ICS Public Information Officer
and Liaison Officer
- Insights Personality Trainer
- Multiple EOC courses in Ontario
and British Columbia
