Expertise

With over 30 years of strategic counsel to chief executives and senior officials in banking and financial institutions, I provide business-focused leadership, credible challenge, and executive coaching that is essential for navigating complex situations. My expertise in public relations equips leaders to address challenging regulatory and political contexts while seizing critical strategic opportunities. I have a proven track record in developing and executing organizational visions and building strong reputations.

Provides public relations counsel regarding messaging, media engagement, and appearances for banking and financial institutions. Advises on media, government, regulatory, and community affairs related to strategic acquisitions and other business opportunities and challenges. Writes and edits thought leadership material, speeches, and articles, incorporating insights from executive coaching.

Deputy Comptroller for Public Affairs, 2016-2021 | Director & Special Advisor for Public Affairs, 2005-2016 - Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, Washington, DC

Led strategic communication and public relations for a regulatory agency overseeing a $15 trillion federal banking system, spanning four Presidential administrations, periods of growth, recession, and crisis. Advised eight agency heads and other senior officials on public policy and communication strategy to modernize and expand banking and financial institutions activities, promote consumer access, and enhance bank supervision. Headed engagement campaigns and coordinated stakeholder advocacy for important, but controversial, policies and rules related to banking to promote economic growth and opportunity. Shaped stakeholder discourse regarding banking policy, modernization, and consumer protection. Prepared executives for appearances and engagement with the media, Congress, and other stakeholders, including providing executive coaching.

Deputy Director, Corporate Communications, 2002-2005 - Defense Finance and Accounting Service, Arlington, VA

Directed communication operations for an 18,000-person finance and accounting operation. Planned, executed, and evaluated internal and external print, broadcast, and online initiatives serving the financial needs of millions of active duty, reserve and retiree military members and their families. Served as the national spokesman and provided media training to senior executives. Authored senior executive testimony, executive messages, and news releases raising support for policies and programs related to finance and accounting activities supporting the nation’s defense.

SVP, Executive Director of Regulatory Affairs, Flagstar 2024-2025

Served as the senior expert and official for a large bank, focusing on regulatory and government matters within the banking and financial institutions sector, while overseeing its regulatory affairs function. Established a comprehensive remediation and regulatory action management program. Advised the Chief Executive, Board, and other executives on regulatory matters, serving on the bank's senior executive team and collaborating directly with the Board, senior regulators, and other bank executives.

Director, Corporate Communication & Projects, InterImage 2001-2002

Executive Producer, MilitaryAdvantage (Military.com) 2000-2001

Directed communication strategies for a fast-growing technology company, directly impacting revenue. Led marketing and information technology projects for Fortune 500 clients and federal agencies, incorporating elements of public relations. Organized support for the grand opening of the National D-Day Museum. Planned, produced, and evaluated multimedia products for a site reaching 2.2 million monthly, while integrating executive coaching principles to enhance team collaboration.

Public Affairs Officer, U.S. Air Force (USAF), 1991-2000

Various locations including the Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs Staff, the Pentagon

Advised the USAF Chief of Staff and Secretary of the Air Force on web plans, programs, and policies, ensuring alignment with public relations strategies similar to those in banking and financial institutions. Directed award-winning web programs as Chief of Technology Integration for USAF Public Affairs while utilizing executive coaching principles to enhance team performance. Communicated key messages and coordinated editorial coverage in national and trade media. Served as White House Liaison during the 50th anniversary of D-Day (May-June 1994).

Member Board of Advisors, OASIS Center International, 2022-Present, focusing on enhancing executive coaching strategies for professionals in banking and financial institutions. Member Board of Advisors, Metallicus, 2022-2024, where I leverage public relations expertise to strengthen industry connections.

Harvard University Kennedy School’s Senior Executive Fellow, 2008, where I enhanced my skills in executive coaching; Master of Arts in Communication from Arizona State University, 1997, focusing on public relations; completed the Public Affairs Officers Course at the Department of Defense Information School in 1991; Bachelor of Science in English from the U.S. Air Force Academy, 1991, which provided a strong foundation for understanding communication within banking and financial institutions.