P.O. Box 2909, Indianapolis, Indiana 46206 | [email protected] | (317) 696-9443
Professional Experience
President and CEO, Veteran Strategies, Inc.; November 2010 to Present
- Veteran Strategies focuses on media relations, public outreach, writing, and crisis communications
- Certified by the federal government as a veteran business enterprise and registered as such with the
state of Indiana and the city of Indianapolis - Host of the weekly podcast “Leaders and Legends”
- Directed the successful $272 million referenda effort for Indianapolis Public Schools in 2018
- Worked as part of the team that shaped the communications strategy for the $160 million deal between the Pacers Sports and Entertainment and the Capital Improvement Board in 2014
- Current and past clients include Indianapolis Public Schools; Indy Women in Tech Initiative; Marian University; Greg Ballard, LLC; Mike Pence for Indiana Campaign; the Capital Improvement Board; Charter Schools USA; the Greater Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce; and Stand for Children
- Awarded a Sagamore of the Wabash in 2016 by Governor Mike Pence
Deputy Chief of Staff & Communications Dir.; Mayor Greg Ballard, November 2008 to November 2010
- Primary media contact and spokesman for the Ballard Administration; wrote speeches, managed personnel, participated in numerous media interviews, forums, and roundtables on behalf of Mayor Ballard
- Managed crisis communications for the mayor’s office and administration
- Crafted, implemented and supervised Ballard Administration’s comprehensive marketing/communications plan for $2 billion utility transaction between City of Indianapolis and Citizens Energy Group
- Authored the State of the City Address in 2009 and 2010
Business Development Manager; Shiel Sexton Company, October 2007 to November 2008
- Worked to secure construction business opportunities; participated in strategic business planning meetings
- Handled communications on an as-needed basis
Communications Director; Indiana Republican Party, May 2006 to October 2007
- Primary media contact for State Republican Party; conducted policy and media briefings; crafted talking points; did television and radio interviews as needed
- Authored articles for political and non-political publications and media web sites; speechwriter for Party Chairman; wrote numerous news releases and statements
Education
Indiana University-Purdue University, Indianapolis, August 1990 to May 1998
- Master of Arts in Medieval History
- Bachelor of Arts with a double-major in History and Political Science
Georgetown University, Washington D.C., Summer 1993
- Intercollegiate Studies Institute Summer School Program in Journalism
Military Experience
United States Army, January 1987 to January 1990; White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico
- Military Occupation: Broadcast Journalist; hosted weekly television program; regularly contributed articles to post newspaper; 1987 graduate of Defense Information School
- Awarded: Meritorious Service Medal; Army Achievement Medal; Good Conduct Medal; and Honorable Discharge