Throughout my 20 years of experience in public relations, I have had the privilege of serving as an enlisted public affairs Marine for 12.5 years and as an internal communications manager at USDA for 3.5 years. Since joining the Lab in 2019, I have served as the Air and Missile Defense Sector Communication Strategist, the first official position for the Lab. My wide-ranging skills include strategic planning, speechwriting, public speaking, interviewing, photography, and writing in various styles. Additionally, I have been entrusted with leading teams of all sizes - from small groups of direct and indirect reports to larger sections of up to 30 individuals. My background also encompasses media relations, events specialist skills, and communication budget management. My education is rooted in a BA in Communications from the University of Maryland-Global Campus and a Master of Professional Studies in Public Relations & Corporate Communications from Georgetown University. I also completed a yearlong intensive course in photojournalism at Syracuse University. I’m a storyteller at heart and fascinated with new media and technology. Taking technical topics and making them relatable to a larger audience is a great joy. In addition, I have a deep appreciation for employee engagement as I have developed several inward-facing events and teams at the Lab and the USDA. My philosophy is always grounded in the business case (e.g., VSE) and the KPI (keeping people informed).