Hi. I'm Alison. (she/her)
I'm a seasoned communications professional driven to advance social good through effective, efficient, audience-first strategies.
I've had the privilege and responsibility of supporting some of our community's most revered organizations and causes as well as some lesser-known but equally important and impactful nonprofit organizations and entrepreneurs. Your important work is important to me.
Professional Experience
Communications Director
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Responsible for communications and brand strategy for the second largest food bank in the country. Served as media point person and internal message and crisis manager.
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Led External Relations Team and vendor partners in executing annual and seasonal plans for program (SNAP, Child Hunger, CSFP, FOODRx), volunteer engagement, advocacy and agency relations teams, serving as direct supervisor for four staff.
ICF Next (formerly Olson)
Account Director
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Collaboratively developed and managed marketing, communications and brand engagement strategies for range of nonprofit, public, philanthropic and corporate clients.
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Led integrated account teams spanning research, strategy, creative, production, digital, social, public relations and analytics.
Program Manager,
Grants and Outreach
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Co-managed $4MM outreach and education grant portfolio and supported nonprofit grantees serving highly uninsured communities.
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Created, implemented, and evaluated outreach initiatives, including assister outreach curriculum and training, large-scale community events with earned media emphasis, consumer referral processes and rapid response programs.
Public Affairs Manager,
Minnesota
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Led staff and volunteers in grassroots advocacy and organizing including in-clinic outreach and 501(c)3 and (c)4 activities.
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Managed advocacy-related communications via email, petitions, blogs and social.
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Created and launched the Obamacare Outreach Team and the Born After Roe young professionals group.
Additional experiences listed on LinkedIn
Education
University of Minnesota Twin Cities
Master of Public Affairs (MPA)
Humphrey School of Public Affairs
Drake University
Bachelor of Arts (BA)
Journalism and Mass Communications
Personal
When I'm not tackling a communications challenge, dreaming up a compelling media pitch or managing an urgent campaign, I'm doing more social good as a volunteer or part-time staffer:
Contact
I'd love to learn how I can help address your needs and advance your mission. Read about my process.
815.814.5400