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Services

1

Communications and Marketing Strategy

Who are your audiences? How can you best reach them? What is your main message or call to action? Whether you are reaching out to funders, members, policymakers, or the general public, I can help you define or refine your outreach and engagement strategy and leverage the right tactics across platforms for greater reach and impact. 

2

Media Relations

It's more challenging than ever to get the attention of reporters, editors, and producers. As a former journalist and seasoned media strategist, I have vast connections and can identify the right message, pitch strategy, and media targets to get high-profile coverage among traditional and trade media, broadcast and podcast producers, as well as independent creators.

3

Content Development and
Editorial Planning

Creating compelling content starts with identifying your goals and the audiences you serve. As a seasoned journalist, I bring superior writing and editing services. As a former newsroom leader, I can help your team be intentional with their storytelling and thought leadership, align content with your mission and key messages, use data to build credibility and trust, and create an editorial plan that builds loyalty, trust, and habit.

Fractional Communications and Management Support

Need a seasoned communications strategist to take your organization to the next level, but don't have the budget or scope of work to justify a full-time role? Are you looking to launch or boost your communications strategy as you grow or to highlight an upcoming initiative or milestone? A "fractional" (part-time or contract) position can give you the high-level support and additional capacity you need, when you need it most. I offer expert planning and execution, and ongoing support, to help drive toward your ambitious objectives, all aligned with your budget and timeline. 

Ask About a Signature Communications Audit

Is your organization making the most of its compelling story and engaged audience to bring attention to your message and call to action? Sometimes you simply need a tune-up to make the most of your content, experts, and influence in your field. Or, you can better leverage your content to inform and engage current and aspirational audiences. I offer a comprehensive and objective review of your communications plan, tactics, distribution points, and assets to help you elevate your brand and increase your impact.

Experience

Seasoned Communications Strategist
and Award-Winning Journalist

Principal -
KKM Strategies

DC Metro Area

Communications Strategist/Storyteller

2024 - Present

Provide strategic communications consulting services to nonprofit and corporate clients.

  • Design and execute communications strategies and media plans

  • Conceptualize, write, and edit compelling audience-focused content

  • Provide senior counsel to high-profile organizations and executives to elevate brand, support mission, and spread messages that inspire action and change.

  • Areas of expertise include education, workforce development, ed-tech, communicating data

Executive VP -
Hager Sharp

Washington, D.C.

Education, Labor & Economy Practice

2021-2024

Led team of communications and creative professionals to support government and nonprofit clients. Set vision and strategy for practice with $7-10m in contracts annually. Clients included Lumina Foundation; National Center for Education Statistics; National Assessment of Educational Progress; Scholastic; ACT; National PTA; Joyce Foundation; Carnegie Corporation of New York.

  • Built and managed customized communications plans that employ media relations, thought leadership, social and digital strategy, media training, events, and other effective approaches.

  • Provided senior strategic counsel and media training to C-suite executives, nationally recognized subject matter experts, and federal officials.

  • Designed media plans that garner client coverage in the New York Times, The Washington Post, USA Today, Education Week, Hechinger Report, Chronicle of Higher Education, The Hill, NBC News, CNN, NPR.

  • Wrote statements, speeches, op-eds, scripts, talking points, press releases, white papers, social media content and more 

Senior Partner -
Finn Partners

Washington, D.C.

Education Practce - Global Public Affairs
2020-2021

Helped lead high-impact K-12 team for global public affairs practice, delivering communications strategies and plans for corporate, philanthropic, and nonprofit clients. Clients included The Internet Society; ExxonMobil Foundation; Vanderbilt Project on Unity and American Democracy; Learning Policy Institute; National Center on Education and the Economy; Up to Us; Hobsons Inc.; Amplify; Discovery Education

  • Provided strategic counsel, editorial and storytelling expertise, content strategy, audience insights, and campaign development for federal, nonprofit, philanthropy, and commercial clients

  • Developed media relations plans that led to coverage among major national dailies, trade media, broadcast outlets, and popular podcasts

  • Wrote white papers, blogs, scripts, op-eds, guides, and annual reports on elections and engaging young voters, American democracy, COVID-19 disruptions, global women’s empowerment initiatives, student mental health, and more

Managing Editor -
Education Week

Bethesda, Md.

2012-2020

Led award-winning national newsroom of 40+ journalists, artists, and producers to increase and fully integrate coverage across platforms. Launched EdWeek Video franchise, implemented shift to audience-focused news coverage and presentation, spearheaded newsroom reorganization, trained seasoned print journalists for video reporting formats.

  • Managed editorial calendar and daily report, guiding story planning and development for editors, reporters, and producers

  • Used audience engagement analytics to inform content strategy and story planning

  • Worked with development team to identify funders, grant prospects to support news operation

CURRENT

  • DC Postsecondary Success Collaborative 

  • National Press Club

  • Washington Women in PR

  • 826DC – Communications and Development Committee 

  • University of Maryland Merrill College of Journalism - Adjunct Lecturer                                                        

FORMER

  • Generation Hope - Volunteer Career Mentor​

  • Education Writers Association - Journalism Advisory Board Member

  • Chief Executive Women's Network

  • The Washington Post - Staff Writer

  • Diverse Issues in Higher Education - Senior Writer

  • Community College Week - Editor                     

Additional Experience
& Affiliations

Education

George Mason University

Communications / Journalism

Sports Editor for The Broadside student newspaper.

Division I athlete on inaugural women's soccer team.

B.A.

University of Virginia

Social Foundation of Education

Studied the history, sociology, philosophy, and politics of education in the U.S. and internationally.

M.Ed.

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