Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Johnathon Orrell

Mount Vernon

Summary

Experienced Public Affairs Officer with expertise in managing public relations initiatives. Proficient in strategic communication, media relations, and crisis management. Proven track record of improving organizational reputation and supporting mission objectives through targeted communication strategies. Adept at fostering relationships with media outlets and articulating clear organizational messages.

Overview

15
15
years of professional experience

Work History

Public Affairs Officer/Partnership Coordinator

National Park Service
Saint Louis
01.2025 - Current
  • Directs Public Affairs programs as primary spokesperson for Gateway Arch National Park.
  • Cultivates relationships with community leaders, media, and government officials to enhance collaboration.
  • Communicates National Park Service policies and stewardship roles to greater St. Louis Metro community.
  • Coordinates complex operational matters and special projects across multiple divisions.
  • Assumes additional responsibilities in absence of Superintendent and Deputy Superintendent.
  • Facilitates partnerships with non-profit organizations and public agencies to support collaborative initiatives.
  • Manages agreements and financial assistance mechanisms to further shared program objectives.

Deputy, Commander's Action Group

U.S. Army's SDDC
Scott Air Force Base
07.2023 - 01.2025
  • Served as Deputy Chief and Senior Analyst in Commander's Action Group, coordinating staff directorates for strategic communications.
  • Managed and integrated SDDC strategic messaging and special projects to align with Command priorities.
  • Conducted research to ensure consistency of interpretations at senior leadership levels.
  • Analyzed work processes to identify inefficiencies and proposed actionable solutions.
  • Provided ongoing advice and support to ensure mission continuity for Commanding General and senior leadership.
  • Facilitated collaboration with SDDC elements, government agencies, and commercial industry to resolve issues.
  • Maintained key documents supporting policy and strategy decisions for Commanding General.
  • Developed and implemented administrative policies as directed by Commanding General.

Public Affairs Specialist

U.S. Army's SDDC
Scott Air Force Base
02.2016 - 07.2023
  • Developed, promoted, and implemented public affairs programs for Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command (SDDC) Headquarters.
  • Engaged diverse audiences through media releases, social media posts, audiovisual products, and community relations activities.
  • Supported Director of Public and Congressional Affairs in aligning program efforts with command objectives.
  • Transformed social media initiatives into key communication tools for internal and external stakeholders.
  • Formulated and maintained annual public affairs and communications plans for SDDC HQ and subordinate commands.
  • Managed high-visibility special programs requiring interaction with senior military officials, leaders, and media representatives.
  • Established relationships with local groups and national organizations to enhance community engagement.
  • Evaluated effectiveness of communication plans across SDDC and coordinated agency information programs in transportation industry.

Public Affairs Specialist

Veterans Affairs
Wichita
04.2015 - 02.2016
  • Coordinated all aspects of public affairs and community relations for Medical Center.
  • Served as primary spokesperson, addressing media and public inquiries effectively.
  • Prepared press releases, articles, and informational materials for diverse audiences.
  • Acted as Congressional Liaison to resolve inquiries and promote special interest programs.
  • Represented Medical Center Director in meetings with government officials at various levels.
  • Developed strategic communication plans tailored to specific audiences and topics.
  • Supervised Medical Media department, overseeing production of multimedia content.
  • Planned and executed events to enhance public awareness of Medical Center initiatives.

Public Affairs Specialist

National Archives And Records Administration
Dallas
03.2013 - 04.2015
  • Served as Public Affairs Officer and principal advisor to director of George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum, ensuring effective communication of programs and news.
  • Directed all public affairs functions, meeting communication requests promptly for organization.
  • Acted as primary spokesperson for media inquiries, governmental relations, and crisis management.
  • Oversaw public affairs, public relations, community outreach, social media, and strategic communications.
  • Authored and distributed news releases, press kits, and public service announcements to media.
  • Executed outreach programs by hosting events that enhanced community engagement.
  • Supported speaker’s bureau program throughout central and north Texas to strengthen outreach efforts.
  • Planned ceremonies and special events to promote awareness of NARA's mission.

Public Affairs Specialist

National Guard Bureau
Arlington
08.2010 - 03.2013
  • Liaised with national and international media to enhance National Guard information dissemination.
  • Advised senior National Guard Bureau leaders on media interviews and national appearances.
  • Drafted and edited strategic messaging, speeches, talking points, and social media content for senior leadership.
  • Served as liaison to film and TV industry, facilitating National Guard personnel and equipment usage requests.
  • Coordinated planning and development of news media events for effective query-driven coverage.
  • Managed assigned and non-assigned news beat, producing command information articles for publication.
  • Researched and interviewed experts under tight deadlines to create compelling news articles promoting National Guard missions.
  • Curated and positioned all forms of media on the National Guard Bureau’s public website and social platforms.

Education

Bachelor of Arts - Mass Communication and Media Studies

Arizona State University
Tempe, AZ
08-2018

Skills

  • Strategic communication
  • Crisis management
  • Manage media relations
  • Community relations
  • Public speaking
  • Speech writing
  • Project management
  • Web content management
  • Speech writing
  • Project management
  • Social media strategy
  • Event planning
  • Partnership development
  • Analytics reporting

Timeline

Public Affairs Officer/Partnership Coordinator

National Park Service
01.2025 - Current

Deputy, Commander's Action Group

U.S. Army's SDDC
07.2023 - 01.2025

Public Affairs Specialist

U.S. Army's SDDC
02.2016 - 07.2023

Public Affairs Specialist

Veterans Affairs
04.2015 - 02.2016

Public Affairs Specialist

National Archives And Records Administration
03.2013 - 04.2015

Public Affairs Specialist

National Guard Bureau
08.2010 - 03.2013

Bachelor of Arts - Mass Communication and Media Studies

Arizona State University

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Johnathon Orrell