Expertise

• Issue advocacy and management
• Coalition building
• Political/governmental relations
• Internal and external communications
• Community relations
• Media relations
• Strategic planning and issue analysis
• Industry research and writing
• New business development
• Editorial writing
• Special events planning

Industries/Organizations Served

• Health care
• Government
• Environment
• Nonprofit
• Education
• Agriculture

Prior Professional Experience

• West Michigan Director, U.S. Senator Spencer Abraham, Lansing, MI
• Legislative Assistant and Policy Liaison, State Senate Majority Leader Dick Posthumus, Lansing, MI
• Campaign experience in local/state/ national races
• Fundraising Director for nonprofit organization
• Editorial Aide, Detroit Free Press

Professional Affiliations

• West Michigan Public Relations Society of America

Education

• West Chester University, PA, Bachelor of Arts in French
• Universite de Montpellier, France
• Regent University, Virginia Beach, VA, Master of Arts in Public Policy

What do you consider your greatest PR or business accomplishment?
I've been a part of many successful political campaigns that helped good people get elected to office. I also had the opportunity to work with them as legislators. This provided me with the opportunity to be a part of the strategy and the legislative process that resulted in laws that changed the way Michigan does business and funds its schools.

What do you see as your primary area of expertise?
Issue advocacy and analysis, knowledge of the legislative process and government affairs, writing and research, political and networking skills. I like getting the right people together to solve problems or create awareness. I also enjoy doing the research and writing that is needed to frame an issue to make it relevant to a client's needs or goals to help them succeed.

What do you love most about S&A?
The people and the teamwork approach to serving a client…OK, the snacks that are always around and the great coffee shops that are very close by.

Who is your most admired leader and why?
Robert E. Lee. He embodied all the virtues of a great leader. He was bold, courageous, smart, secure, humble, compassionate and one of the most admired men of his time (by people on both sides of the Civil War).

What is the company you most admire and why?
Pampered Chef. I like to cook and I actually still use all the items I bought from Pampered Chef eight years ago. The company found a niche and hasn't succumbed to spending huge dollars for mass marketing to grow; although, the company has continued to grow and its products are still high quality.

How do you define success?
To walk humbly, love mercy and act justly in all that you put your hand to during this short period of time that God has given you to live on earth.

What is your general philosophy on life and work?
There is always something more to learn. Be humble, ask questions, work hard to be the best you can be and remember that people, in general, love to talk about themselves-and you'll never worry about conversation with a roomful of strangers.

What are your favorite sports or recreational activities?
Volleyball and biking (especially discovering new rails to trails).

What is your favorite movie?
Rear Window and Casablanca (tough call - I have many favorite movies!)

What is your favorite food?
Pesto and seafood.

What is your greatest vice?
I drink too much coffee.

What is an interesting "factoid" about yourself?
I once herded cows in the mountains of Norway for a long weekend.