Resume
EXPERIENCE
2012-present
Communications Coordinator
CITY OF OAK CREEK
Sole communications officer for municipal government organization, serving a growing community of more than 38,000 residents.
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Led the development and implementation of a comprehensive communications infrastructure, defining the vision and strategic direction for cohesive organization-wide communication
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Contributed to rebranding initiative, utilizing communications and design expertise to shape brand standards and ensure consistent brand management across the organization post-adoption
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Played a key role in multiple collaborative initiatives with elected officials, department leadership, and staff to shape the organizational vision, mission, goals, and objectives, and took the lead in designing the finalized strategic action plan documents
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Acts as a key member of the emergency operations team, handling crisis communications and media inquiries, including serving as Public Information Officer (PIO) when required
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Establishes effective communication protocols across various platforms, encompassing social media and websites, to engage both internal and external audiences
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Enhances the organization’s public image through timely information sharing to residents, businesses, and visitors through various social media and networking avenues, including social media, print and digital publications, and in-person events
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Manages and maintains all social media platforms, including Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, ensuring engaging content delivery for the intended audiences
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Skillfully engages with residents through social media, adeptly addressing questions and concerns with empathy while providing necessary information to resolve issues
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Provides comprehensive writing, editing, photography, and graphic design services to eighteen departments and divisions within the organization
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Leads editorial planning, research, and content for quarterly community magazine, the Current
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Design and produce triannual city newsletter and programming guide, the Acorn, and quarterly employee newsletter, the OC Connection
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Perform website administration, creating pages and approving content for all departments, ensuring a consistent and up-to-date online presence
2001-2012
Geographic Information Systems Coordinator
CITY OF OAK CREEK
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Developed and managed geographic data and maps encompassing land parcels, street right-of-ways, flood plains, utility easements, and various public assets
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Served as a technical specialist and staff advisor for ongoing development of spatial data across the organization
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Provided supervision to a GIS Technician and conducted training sessions for city staff, enabling them to effectively utilize GIS data and specialized applications tailored to their respective workflows
1997-2001
Geographic Information Systems Technician
CITY OF OAK CREEK
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Spearheaded the establishment of mapping standards and procedures, ensuring consistency and efficiency in data management and cartographic practices
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Developed and maintained a citywide digital base map, serving as a foundational resource for spatial data within the municipality
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Implemented the city’s first parcel and street centerline datasets, integrating maps and location-based information to provide staff with new methods of spatial data analysis
1994-1997
Draftsperson
CITY OF OAK CREEK
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Assisted in the preparation of construction plans and engineering details for public works projects
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Crafted specialized graphics for meetings and presentations, enhancing visual appeal and effectiveness of communication materials
1991-1994
Cartographer
SEEGER MAP COMPANY
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Created street maps through a combination of computer-aided design (CAD) and manual drafting techniques
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Employed desktop publishing software to generate map indexes
EDUCATION
1995-1997
Graduate Studies in Urban Planning and GIS
UW-MILWAUKEE
29 credits earned
1987-1991
UW-PARKSIDE
Graduated with Honors
Bachelor of Arts - Geography
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
2021-2022
Certified Public Communicator Program
TEXAS CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY
A 95-hour graduate-level residential program that equips individuals with essential skills in public communication, crisis management, and public relations within the context of public service. Through a focused curriculum, participants develop practical competencies to excel as effective communicators in diverse professional settings, enhancing their leadership impact in the public sector.
Completed October 2024
Emerging Leader Certification
CITIES & VILLAGES MUTUAL INSURANCE COMPANY (CVMIC)
A 12-class certification program designed for professionals seeking to transition into leadership roles within the realm of public service. This curriculum is strategically crafted to cultivate the essential tools and skills required for the success of emerging leaders in the field.
Completed to Date:
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Basic Public Information Officer Training (G290)
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Public Information Officer Awareness (IS-29.A)
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Social Media in Emergency Management (IS-42.A)
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Introduction to Incident Command System (IS-100.C)
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Social Media Engagement Strategies (PER-343)
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Social Media Tools and Techniques (PER-344)
Also completed Crisis Ready, a 10-week, 15-hour crisis communications program, through the Crisis Ready Institute in 2022.
WISCONSIN EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT & FEMA EMI DISTANCE LEARNING
Public Information Officer (PIO) &
Emergency Management Traning