Stories with heart.
I'm Erica, a communications strategist, relationship-builder and Emmy award-winning storyteller with 10+ years of experience turning complex, technical information into content people connect with. Along with experience in media relations, content creation, executive messaging, internal communications, and crisis and emergency communications, I bring a high-energy, collaborative approach to projects and teams. I'm especially passionate about public service and supporting work that sparks positive change.
Campaigns that connect.
I help mission-driven organizations plan and execute communications strategies that meet the moment. From audience development and brand concept design to media relations and social media creation, I bring a broad and deep toolbox to the table to get results and inspire action.
Positioning public policy
For Washington's most populous County, I managed an internal and external communications campaign including earned media, social content, local events, and executive messaging to increase engagement and build trust and understanding of proposed actions in an updated climate action plan.
Highlighting partnership
Tasked with demonstrating progress on an agency's climate action goals, I developed a communications plan zeroing in on its efforts in partnership with community. We produced a series of pieces highlighting grassroots efforts amplified by local government through grants and technical support.
Proof of outcomes
To build a case for future grant opportunities, I designed a campaign centered around the outcomes and impacts of a $6 million grant awarded to King County. It highlighted both data-driven results and human impacts -- demonstrating the return on funder's investments.
Content Creator.
While I enjoy collaborating with teams to produce multimedia content, I'm also experienced as an independent creator. Here's some of my recent work.
Writing
From feature stories and news copy to event remarks and press releases, I have extensive experience making complex topics easy to understand and connecting with unique audiences in a wide range of formats.
Video
With a decade of experience producing Emmy award-winning video journalism, I'm passionate about the power of visual storytelling. I have experience producing video content independently, and working with teams of photographers, editors, and producers. Collaboration is key - and so is building trust and comfort for interview subjects so they feel safe and heard while sharing their stories.
Photography
An image really is worth a thousand words. I have experience capturing people in their element — catching the emotion and action of the emotion they’re in. Here are a few photos I’ve taken over the past few months while covering work events.
Social Media
Every organization’s social media strategy is different. When I worked at NBC’s TODAY Show, my role was to grow audiences through creating eye-catching content. In my role at King County's Executive Climate Office, we designed our accounts to ensure equitable access to knowledge of the grant, workforce, and assistance opportunities we offer. We emphasized sharing the stories of community members and staff and focused on on building a trustworthy, accessible, and approachable reputation. Our primary channel was a monthly newsletter, written with an approachable voice for ~15,000 subscribers.
DIY on Deadline.
Previously I worked as a TV reporter, photographer and producer, focusing on breaking news, public policy, and environmental stories. There, I learned to identify the "hook" to every story -- along with the interesting people, incredible visuals, and illustrative writing needed to make it memorable. I crafted stories start to finish and learned firsthand how the media ecosystem works, and how strategies shape narratives.
