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Work and education

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"There are no secrets to success. It's the result of preparation, hard work, and learning from failure." - Colin Powell 

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A purpose-and-values-driven, people-focused communications leader, I got my start in advertising agencies and PR firms, switched to local government, and then to larger companies. Over that span, I covered the gamut: public relations, media relations, community outreach, executive comms... I also worked in marketing and for non-profits. It all adds up to an extensive toolkit. 

 

My work history is an example of my love for learning; beyond adding to my skill set, I've fulfilled this in part by exploring different industries: travel, tourism, hospitality, maritime, health and wellness, food and agriculture, arts and culture, retail, and technology. I continue to look for new ways to learn and grow. 

 

A savvy writer and storyteller, my writing encompasses web content, leadership messaging, social media and blog posts, short stories, newsletter articles, reports, op-eds, fact sheets, direct mail, e-books, non-fiction manuscripts, and more. I write for different people in different 'voices', making complex information relevant to various audiences. 

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I attribute my success to what I consider my superpowers: Curiosity, building relationships, and collaboration.  

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WORK SUMMARY

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Please see my LinkedIn profile for more detail.
 

Happy to talk with you about your communications needs! 

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McKinstry, Inc., 2022 - present 

Manager, Internal Communications

  • HR Communications

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Washington Permanente Medical Group (Kaiser Permanente), 2017 - 2022

Senior Manager, Internal Communications (Sr. Internal Communications Consultant)

  • Hired to build and amplify the CEO brand voice after an acquisition. Also included CEO transition communications and consulting for executives, HR / People, DE&I, Wellness, and more during ongoing organizational change and a pandemic.  

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Growing Things Coaching & Consulting, 2014 - 2019

Coaching and Communications Consulting

  • Develop and implement communications and content strategy, story crafting for brands, and coaching individuals.  

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Premera Blue Cross / LifeWise Health Plan, 2009 - 2016

​Manager, Internal Communications; Content Manager (Corporate Communications)

  • Oversaw enterprise communications, conducted a communications audit, and built the internal communications discipline.

  • Coached executives on effective communications and communicating with their audience.

  • Advanced employee engagement through internal content development, new collaboration tools, and proactive strategies for enterprise-wide clients over three states. Key clients included executive office, customer experience, strategic development, marketing, IT, eCommerce, legal, finance, human resources, and corporate citizenship (social responsibility).

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Ballard News Tribune, 2010 - 2012

Columnist, "Green My Ballard"

  • Wrote educational stories highlighting environmental links between our global and local communities.​

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Snohomish County, 2006 - 2008

Communications Consultant / Public Information Officer

  • Broadened awareness and gained support for County Executive's economic and land-use programs: agriculture, tourism, surface water, and growth management. Extended the Focus on Farming brand, from design projects to community outreach. 

  • Worked directly with the County Executive and his leadership team. 

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Seattle Center / Seattle Center Foundation, 2001 - 2006

Marketing & Public Relations Consultant, Special Projects

  • Built awareness and support for Seattle Center's signature program, Festal, a year-long series of events and festivals, and other key programs. Worked to position Seattle Center as an advocate for diversity and community through compelling marketing and communication strategies, working with global cultural communities. 

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Prior work:  ​

  • Northwest Folklife, Marketing & PR Director; DDB Seattle and Vancouver, BC, Account Coordinator/Executive

  • Agency and freelance clients cover the gamut, including agriculture, hospitality/restaurant/beer, arts & culture, travel, tourism, environment, retail, associations, trade organizations, technology, music & entertainment, among others. ​

  • A presentation I created for some internal communications freelance work will tell you more about me here.   

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EDUCATION

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Invite Change / International Coach Federation (ICF), ICF Certification

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Evergreen State College, Bachelor of Arts, Liberal Studies

  • Management for Contemporary Organizations: organizational development, change management, triple bottom line/ corporate social responsibility, and diversity (cultural and generational) at work

  • Marketing

  • Community building and engagement

  • Social, economic, and environmental policies and practices (triple bottom line)

  • Strong writing and research component

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ADDITIONAL PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

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As a lifelong learner, I continually work to build knowledge, experience, and skill. In recent years, I've taken numerous employee engagement, leadership development, and wellness workshops. In pursuit of generating new ideas and new thinking, I've undergone training in Synectics methodology, meeting facilitation, and Appreciative Inquiry facilitation. Management training includes managing people for performance. And I've taken more writing, editing, and other communications-specific courses than I can list here (including communications measurement, social media, engagement, and Toastmasters). 

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AFFILIATIONS and VOLUNTEER WORK

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I believe in giving back, so over the years, I've volunteered for countless organizations and causes. Currently, I'm a Big Sister through Puget Sound Big Brothers Big Sisters, and I serve as treasurer on the board of a small non-profit in my neighborhood. I'm also a member of the Seattle Chapters of the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) and the International Coaching Federation (ICF).

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Return to Communications or see my LinkedIn profile.

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