BOARD

Professional Experience

Colorado Academy
Director of Advancement and External Affairs
June 2020 – Present

Montgomery Media Solutions – Founder
Media Relations, Public Relations & Corporate Communications
January 2019 – Present but inactive

A strategic communications and advancement professional, I currently oversee the Office of Advancement at Colorado Academy and an integrated team of communications and development professionals. I develop strategic approaches to capitalize on communication and fundraising opportunities to advance the brand. Specializing in health care, independent and higher education, and nonprofit sectors, I have a breadth of experience navigating critical situations, minimizing negative impact and cultivating relationships that provide long term engagement and benefits, developing strategic messaging to ensure all content is on-target, identifying media opportunities or overseeing crisis communication and emergency management response.

State of Colorado | Governor’s Office  |  Press Secretary  |  2017 – 2019

As a senior advisor to the Governor of Colorado, I provided strategic media planning and daily issues response management. Overseeing day-to-day media related activities, I coordinated with the Communications Director regarding external communications in support of the Governor’s platforms.
Utilizing my understanding and news management experience, I orchestrated media response activities when addressing issues coming out of the state, affording transparency while maintaining a positive public image. Requiring patience and the ability to speak and write rapidly, I was a pivotal member of the Governor’s team in communicating to the state’s population and constituents.

Kaiser Permanente | Executive Communications Consultant | 2016 – 2017

Heightening the profiles of the CEO and executive leadership, I developed executive stakeholder engagement and communication plans designed to share their perspectives on public policy, broader issues and social concerns while engaging with the community. Developing external communications, including presentations, speeches and video segments, I built trust amongst the leadership by providing expert strategic counsel. Distributing content through a variety of owned, earned and paid media channels, I was instrumental in cultivating positive relationships across all levels of the company as well as with a vast network of media outlets.

Communications Manager – External Relations |2013 – 2016

Developing and implementing strategic communication plans to raise awareness and visibility of Kaiser Permanente, I nurtured and cultivated relationships with external audiences. Promoting how Kaiser Permanente was integrating and supporting the requirements of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), I hosted community forums and telephone town halls designed to address member concerns, answer questions and communicate Kaiser Permanente’s community ACA messaging.

University of Colorado Denver | Anschutz Medical Campus, Integrated Communications Department
Executive Director Media Relations and Communications | 2007 – 2013

Developing thought leadership platforms and initiatives, I was pivotal in setting the organizations narratives, strengthening the brand reputation and presence. Overseeing the development of communications materials for internal and external audiences, I delivered consistent messaging supporting the organizations’ mission and program goals. Leveraging my years as a journalist, I shared deep relationships with the media and other influencers which afforded access and opportunity to cultivate valuable and relevant media coverage. Following the Aurora Theater shooting, I managed the University’s reputation and public communications surrounding the care of both victims and the accused. Navigating the heightened emotional climate, I was the direct liaison between University leadership and the local, state and national media.

University of Colorado Denver | Anschutz Medical Campus | Interim Associate Vice Chancellor |2008 – 2009

Acting as a counselor to senior leaders in the office of media relations and communications, I served as an advisor on matters that impacted the University community and its geographic surroundings. Focused on providing strategic, tactical, and operational support, I developed strategic communications plans designed to achieve both short- and long-term goals.

Kaiser Permanente | Kaiser Foundation Health Plan

News media coordinator 2007
Media Relations
2001 – 2007

KCNC-TV
Managing Editor
1996 – 2000

Education
University of Missouri-Columbia
Bachelors – Journalism