From: 2000 - 2022

I served more than two decades in the Marine Corps. I began as a combat photojournalist and eventually became a senior communication advisor. Early in my career, I documented operations in combat zones, learning how to communicate under pressure and tell stories within the lines of effort of multiple layers of nested communication goals. Later, as editor of a newspaper, Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort’s “The Jet Stream,” distributed to 40,000 readers, I learned to manage deadlines, coach writers, and balance transparency with operational security.

My later roles expanded into communication strategy and leadership. I served as a communication director in Spain, a marketing manager in Michigan, and eventually as the deputy for a 50-Marine public affairs unit that supported operations across five continents. Each assignment required adaptability, cultural awareness, and an understanding that clear, credible information is of the highest value during a crisis and when misinformation is highly present.

Skills learned: leadership communication, how to perform under pressure, organizational messaging, cross-cultural engagement, media engagement, environmental scanning, social media management, and crisis communication.
Key takeaway: I learned so much in the many roles I held. Above all, the Marine Corps taught me that communication is both a moral responsibility for those in power and a leadership function for any organization that wants to succeed. Credibility is earned over time, but is wrecked quickly. The measure of success is whether people understand, trust, and act on what you say.

The link below will take you to the 1st Marine Division website. This was the last unit I served with. If you review the stories on their page or explore their social media, you will see a reflection of the methods and communication practices I maintained as a military communicator.

From: 2015 - 2018, 2022 - 2023

At the Defense Information School, I served as both an instructor and curriculum developer, teaching strategic communication, media relations, and leadership to hundreds of military and civilian professionals. I later supported the school’s modernization effort as a contractor, designing updated lesson plans and scenario-based training.

Skills learned: instructional design, mentorship, and simplifying complex theory for practical application.
Key takeaway: Teaching communication clarified my own approach. I learned greater empathy for my audience.

The link below will take you to DINFOS Pavilion, a resource where we often referred students for templates and additional information about course topics.

From 2024 - 2025

As Deputy Director of Public Affairs, I was the lead communication planner for the overall regional communication plan. I managed communication for civil works, navigation, and coastal resilience projects across six New England states. I advised senior leaders, coordinated media relations, and developed outreach strategies for projects exceeding $1 billion in scope. Through this role, I strengthened my ability to translate complex technical work into clear, accessible information that built trust with stakeholders and the public.

Skills learned: strategic, regional messaging, conservation communication, crisis communication, and interagency coordination at the state and federal levels.
Key takeaway: Effective public communication at the municipal level depends on listening and understanding.

The link below will take you to the district’s Facebook, which has the best set of links to see all of the platforms they communicate with. The plan they are operating from is one built by the team during my tenure as the deputy communication director.

From: 2018 - present

My work as a consultant started with Zischke Builders, which began as a favor for a friend. For $200 a month, I ran the company’s Facebook page and started building a consistent voice for the brand. Over time, that partnership grew into a full communication and marketing retainer. When COVID restrictions lifted, our outreach helped Zischke put 52 local contractors back to work within days. That was the first time I saw how communication could directly move people and livelihoods. Since then, I’ve managed Zischke’s social media, photography, and website while advising on hiring, policy, and internal communication. I’ve also helped tile and construction contractors shape their own digital strategies. Most recently, I built a small guidebook to help Zischke professionalize his back office.

Skills learned: business communication strategy, brand development, content planning, amateur web design, and private advisory leadership.
Key takeaway: Effective communication isn’t about likes and followers in business. It’s really about the bottom line. I learned how to deliver sound communication advice that not only was good for businesses, but would be easily adopted by the owners. I continue to learn more every day.

Below is a link to Zischke Builders Facebook page, where you can see their most recent posts and find links to their other online platforms.