As a Senior Public Affairs Specialist, I coordinate special projects for political appointees and department heads, build relationships with the external stakeholders, and manage media relations across New York, New Jersey, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. My responsibilities include:

• Advise the Regional Administrator, Deputy Regional Administrator, and Chief of Staff on a weekly basis about priority events and communication strategies for engaging the public

• Act as the right hand of the Media Relations Branch Chief and manages a team of 8 press officers coordinating media responses for stories across NY, NJ, PR and USVI

• Served as a spokesperson or public affairs outreach technical authority liaising between the Public Affairs Office and internal and external stakeholders regarding the Agency's policies and activities

• Advise 24 division heads on communication strategies for addressing the public

• Develop new methods, strategies, events, and communication plans for amplifying the Agency's policies and activities

• Negotiate on behalf of the Agency with private and public entities to ensure proper execution of events, appearances, and media highlights

As a Public Affairs Specialist, I oversaw community involvement at hazardous waste sites including Superfund Sites and Corrective Action Sites (RCRA) across New York, New Jersey, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. My responsibilities included:

• Translated complex technical language into a clear narrative about EPA's plans and policies for addressing environmental concerns in NY, NJ, PR, and USVI

• Planned 20+ events including virtual and in-person public meetings, workshops, and listening sessions on proposed plans, policies, and cleanup records

• Engaged 426 local and state legislators to build relationships and serve as a dependable point of contact to raise awareness about how EPA policies and plans are addressing environment concerns

• Developed ~4 communications plans per month for informing targeted communities of 1,000 - 10,000 individuals about EPA plans and policies

• Developed communication strategies for public engagement regarding the Agency's programs, policies, and activities including public affairs campaigns, communication plans, and materials for events

As a Special Assistant, I worked closely with the Regional Administrator, Deputy Regional Administrator, and Chief of Staff to manage projects, stay ahead of deadlines, and prioritize conflicting needs. My responsibilities included:

• Served as a leading point of contact for coordinating internal and external communication efforts with the executive team

• Coordinated with 47 regional counterparts and more than 12 offices to develop the weekly Administrator’s report and Regional Administrator’s report for communicating high-priority environmental concerns, communications plans, and agency updates with the White House and Cabinet

• Revised talking points for 20+ events, and organize event briefing materials for the executive leaders

• EPA Bronze Medal for exemplary media outreach, 2024

• EPA Bronze Medal for negotiating business relocations, 2024

• EPA National Honor Award for meaningful engagement, 2023

• EPA Bronze Medal for exemplary communications, 2022

• EPA Bronze Medal for serving the public interest, 2021

• Regional Administrator Award for exceptional collaboration, 2021