Communications Leader | Change Agent | Engagement Strategist

An accomplished communications professional with demonstrated experience in corporate communications, strategy, and change management across diverse industries. Adept at collaborating with cross-functional teams to gather information, ensure accuracy, and drive user adoption. Recognized for blending technical knowledge with strategic communication to support operational objectives and enhance user experience. Skilled in developing comprehensive communications plans, writing, design, video, and employee engagement programs that cater to various learning styles and skill levels.

Skills and Competencies

Professional Experience

Owner and Principal Advisor
Breakout Travel Company (March 2024 – Present)
Specializes in creating tailored, enriching vacations for successful professionals and their families. Our clients, who have thrived in upper management roles, seek a full-service approach to travel planning that saves them time and aligns with their unique travel styles. Whether it’s a family adventure, a special celebration, or a solo journey, we handle all the details to ensure a seamless and memorable experience. Our clients appreciate the value, relaxation, and personalized attention they receive, building trust in us for their future adventures.

Director, Strategy, Communications and Operations / Chief of Staff
Charles Schwab & Co. (January 2022 – January 2024)
Served on Digital Retail executive leadership team, contributing to the oversight of business management, culture, and engagement for the 450-member organization. Collaborated closely with executive leadership to shape and lead communication strategy, messaging, strategic business initiatives, create operational efficiencies, manage budgets, and enhance employee development programs.

Managing Director
Re:form Communications (August 2019 – December 2021)
Owned and operated a full-service communications agency. Provided executives and senior leaders counsel on a range of communications and change management issues including employee satisfaction and retention, hybrid workforce engagement, crisis management, brand identity, leadership transitions, HR issues, and technology deployment.

Associate Director, Communications & Change Management Consultant
Willis Towers Watson (July 2015 – August 2019)
Provided business transformation, benefit and total reward positioning, mission/values implementation, and change management initiatives for more than 120 clients across 13 offices. Worked as part of a nationwide team to serve domestic and international clients, growing practice awareness annually.

Corporate Communications Manager
SP Plus Corporation (November 2009 – July 2015)
Created internal communications department and strategic communications for a 36,000-employee organization; oversaw marketing, PR, and IR communication efforts; hired and developed staff; partnered with M&A workstreams during large-scale, multi-year merger with HR alignment, technology and new corporate brand.

Early Career

Marketing Specialist, Private Wealth Management Practice
Merrill Lynch
Business Communication Specialist
University of Pittsburgh Medical Center
Conference Planner
Western Psychiatric Institute & Clinic

Military Experience

U.S. Navy, USS Mobile Bay (CG-53), Yokosuka, Japan – Electronic Weapons Technician and Distinguished Military Graduate

Education and Additional Credentials

Bachelor of Arts in Media and Professional Communication, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA

Recent Volunteer History

• Co-Chair, Schwab PRIDE Employee Resource Group (2022-2023)
• Volunteer, Boys and Girls Club of Austin (2022)
• Chair, Digital Retail Employee Engagement Council, Charles Schwab (2022-2023)
• Member, HR Southwest (SHRM), (2019-2021)
• Board Member, Oak Lawn Tennis Association (2018-2020)
• President, International Association of Business Communicators, IABC/Chicago (2015)
• Bronze Quill Director, IABC Chicago (2010-2014)