Professional Experience
Leadership and Innovation
2021 - Present
Director, Wellness & Resilience
Director of Innovation
(full-time)
Department of Military Affairs
Wisconsin National Guard
Madison, Wisconsin
As a senior leader, I oversee five division directors and lead a dynamic team of 75 dedicated professionals. Committed to ensuring the continuity of operations while driving impactful organizational and community outreach initiatives.
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Effectively manage a diverse range of state-level initiatives, encompassing Sexual Assault Prevention & Response, Suicide and Substance Use Education and Counseling, Personal Financial Counseling, Integrated Primary Prevention, Reintegration Programs, Family & Youth Programs, and Holistic Health and Fitness.
Established a State Innovation Office, providing a platform to submit process improvement ideas to include reducing administration costs, securing $30M in innovation funds within first three years of program implementation.​
2020 - 2021
State Director, Public Affairs
(full-time)
Department of Military Affairs
Wisconsin National Guard
Madison, Wisconsin
In crafting a strategic direction, I developed a comprehensive crisis communications strategy that effectively shaped the state's external narrative, fostering positive perceptions among key stakeholders. I equipped personnel with essential media training enabling them to engage constructively with the public amidst civil unrest and protests across the state.
Additionally, I led a daily communications initiative and launched targeted social media campaigns to counter misinformation throughout the prolonged COVID-19 crisis, ensuring clear and accurate messaging was delivered to the community.
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[Reason for internal position change: Internal promotion]
2017 - 2021
Director, Human Resources, (full-time) 2019-2020
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Force Support Squadron Commander (part-time)
2017-2021
Department of Military Affairs
Wisconsin National Guard
Madison, Wisconsin
Successfully trained new talent, driving progressive organizational growth and supervised staff to ensure efforts met organizational objectives.
Led exceptional recruitment and retention initiatives, surpassing goals with a remarkable 104% achievement rate. Additionally, achieved 90% program efficiency while delivering high-quality services across family programs, food service operations, and fitness and wellness initiatives.
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[Reason for internal position change: Lead statewide communication efforts during pandemic crisis]
2017 - 2019
Chief, Public Affairs
(full-time)
Department of Military Affairs
Wisconsin National Guard
Madison, Wisconsin
Led the Wisconsin Air National Guard's communication team, serving as the primary spokesperson for all media interactions. Successfully organized and facilitated public speaking events, enhancing community engagement.
Directed communications during the F-35 fighter mission conversion, managing the Environmental Impact Statements process while addressing community concerns and opposition to the F-35 jets with diplomacy and tact.
[Reason for internal position change: Promotion to lieutenant colonel, serve as HR leader in organization.]
2013 - 2016
Director, Change Management and Communications
(full-time)
CoreLink Administrative Solutions
Fargo, North Dakota
As an Internal Communication Specialist at an IT health insurance company, I successfully managed all communication efforts and played a key role in driving transformative change. I led extensive change management initiatives that not only reshaped our organizational culture but also fostered a sense of community and collaboration among employees.
Additionally, I championed philanthropy efforts, ensuring the company made a positive impact both internally and externally.
[Reason for job change: Relocation to Wisconsin.]
2010 - 2013
Communication Specialist, My HeatheVet
(full-time)
Fargo Veteran Affairs Healthcare Facility
Fargo, North Dakota
Implemented innovative healthcare communication technology that enhanced patient engagement through secure messaging and user-friendly online tools tailored to meet diverse healthcare needs.
Additionally, I managed our website and social media platforms to ensure seamless communication and connection with patients.
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[Reason for job change: Gain corporate experience outside of federal service.}
2006 - 2010
Public Affairs Officer
(full-time)
North Dakota Air National Guard
Fargo, North Dakota
Successfully spearheaded statewide communication initiatives and change management strategies during the transition from a fighter mission to unmanned aircraft operations.
Additionally, played a pivotal role in crisis communications during multiple natural disasters the state, ensuring clear and effective messaging at critical times.
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[Reason for job change: Position elimination.]
Education
2019 - 2022
Air War College
Indepth military training focused on leadership strategy, techniques and battle contingencies to manage during times of peace and war.
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Required training for rank of Colonel.
Military Leadership and Strategy
Correspondence
2014
Prosci
Education and skills to lead organizational change using Prosci's methodology and tools.
Change Management Certification
Scottsdale, AZ
2011 -2013
University of Mary
Master's Degree
Strategic Leadership
Skills in self-awareness, change forecasting, proactive strategic leadership and the ability to lead in change management and make effective programmatic decisions.
Fargo, North Dakota
1998 - 2002
North Dakota State University
Management of business operations, people and resources. Studies focused on areas related to finance, marketing and human resources
Bachelor's Degree
Business Administration
Fargo, North Dakota