Résumé

PROFILE

Demonstrated leadership in creating and implementing significant outreach projects. Excellent track record in building relationships with key stakeholders including elected officials, public affairs, and industry partners to create special events promoting major Federal agency. Comprehensive knowledge of legislative affairs. Comfortable working in groups and independently. Extensive experience working in international and culturally diverse settings. Other skills include:

Strategic communications
Research and analysis
Public affairs
Networking and liaising
Project management
Legislative Affairs
Exhibits and special event planning
Writing, editing, and public speaking

EXPERIENCE

NASA Headquarters, Washington, DC
Public Affairs Officer, Office of Communications — April 2010 – Present
Public Affairs Specialist, Office of Public Affairs — October 2009 – April 2010
Legislative Affairs Specialist, Office of Legislative Affairs — December 2004 – October 2009
Program Support Specialist, NASA Headquarters — December 2002 – December 2004

One of two Guest Operations Managers in Public Services and Protocol Division, Office of Public Affairs
Coordinate all aspects of Agency-wide guest operations for Space Shuttle and Expendable Launch Vehicle launches, receptions, and other special events that require guest operations
Liaise with offices across Agency to lead and manage appropriate services and facilities for guests, including transportation, meals, lodging, tours, meeting spaces, and security clearances
Direct and manage protocol activities for NASA functions, special events, pre-launch activities, ceremonial events, receptions, and meetings
Draft agendas and letters of invitation, develop program formats, design invitations, evaluate lists of invitees, and plan and supervise overall programs for special events
Organize, plan, and execute special events, exhibits, and astronaut appearances for Agency’s legislative outreach objectives to educate elected officials and general public on NASA’s mission
Manage major Agency outreach projects involving coordination across all 10 NASA Centers, 4 Mission Directorates, Industry partners, and Government contractors
Liaise between NASA and Members of Congress and their staff through targeted meetings on Capital Hill to keep offices abreast of news, policies, and initiatives
Develop and maintain relationships with all Governors’ offices and the Mayor of Washington, DC, to keep State leaders informed of current objectives and goals
Research and write Agency’s responses to all incoming requests from Members of Congress on variety of topics including public affairs, International Space Station, and small business
Participate on Communications Material Review committee to create rules and regulations regarding branding and to project and develop NASA’s image and presence around the world
Sit on Outreach Planning Council, an intra-Agency committee that provides advice and guidance regarding the development of strategic outreach planning and objectives
Coordinate and assist with all aspects of Congressional guest operations for all Space Shuttle launches at Kennedy Space Center, FL, including logistics for six 55-passenger busses
Represent Agency at national conferences and public exhibits by speaking to convention attendees and public about Agency’s mission, vision, and goals

University of Maryland, College Park, College Park, Maryland
Graduate Assistant, Office of the Dean for Graduate Studies — September 2000 – December 2002

Advised high-potential undergraduate students on competing for national fellowships including the Rhodes, Marshall, and Fulbright Scholarships
Created outreach plan to promote office by developing workshops, website, brochures, direct emails, and listserv that disseminated information to campus community
Represented office at Freshmen orientation and spoke to new students and parents to promote office

Living Classrooms Foundation, Baltimore, Maryland
Crew Chief, USS Constellation Museum — March – September 2000

Coordinated with Curator, Director, and Chief Shipwright to ensure historical accuracy of maritime technology and naval and Civil War history information presented to visitors
Trained and supervised 10 docents and volunteers to conduct tours of ship, perform demonstrations, and answer questions about the ship, the Civil War, and life as a Civil War-era sailor

Club Industry Magazine, Fort Washington, Pennsylvania
Freelance Writer — October – November 1999

Researched and wrote cover article for health club trade magazine with subscription base of over 30,000 to highlight developments of gymnasiums and health clubs throughout the twentieth century

University of Maryland, College Park, College Park, Maryland
Graduate Teaching Assistant, Department of Theatre — August 1997 – May 1998

Taught “Introduction to Theatre” course to approximately 60 undergraduate students per semester
Researched and wrote materials for exams, created lectures, and designed lesson plans

Jean Ann Ryan Productions, Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Audio Engineer, Norwegian Cruise Line’s S/S Norway — May – August 1996

Provided audio-visual support for 6 multimedia shows per week
Lived and worked in internationally and culturally diverse community

EDUCATION

University of Maryland, College Park
MA, Theatre History
College Park, Maryland
May 1999

University of Maryland, Baltimore County
BA, magna cum laude, Theatre Design
Baltimore, Maryland
May 1995

PUBLICATIONS

“Review of Remembering Muscle Beach,” Hardgainer 65 (March/April 2000)
“The Evolution of Health Clubs,” Club Industry 15, no. 13 (December 1999)
“Louis Cyr and Charles Sampson: Archetypes of Vaudevillian Strongmen,” Iron Game History 5, no. 3 (December 1998)
“Sandow: No Folly with Ziegfeld’s First Glorification,” Iron Game History 5, no. 1 (May 1998)
The Development of the Performances of Strongmen in American Vaudeville between 1881 and 1932, MA Thesis, 1999

AWARDS