CREDENTIALS & CAPABILITIES
Top Lines
A proven track record in effectively executing comprehensive communication strategies and messages across multiple, complex channels.
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Expert strategic communications practitioner, crisis communications manager, key message development.
​Expert press release, advisory, briefing, speech/talking points writer; social media practitioner.
Skilled in AP style.
​Proven record of rapport with journalists from every medium and market.
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Master of Arts in the Humanities:
The Pennsylvania State University, Middletown, PA
Bachelor of Arts in Communications:
Elizabethtown College, Elizabethtown, PA
Comms & More
Government Affairs Media Manager • American Public Works Association
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Current: https://www.linkedin.com/company/apwa/
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A not-for-profit, professional association of public works agencies, private companies, and individuals dedicated to promoting professional excellence and public awareness through education, advocacy and the exchange of knowledge. APWA is headquartered in Kansas City, Missouri, and has an office in Washington, D.C. Chartered in 1937, APWA is the largest organization of its kind in the world, supporting 63 chapters throughout North America.
Director of Communications • House Democratic Appropriations Committee
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“Mark brings … a fresh and creative perspective that energizes the chair and staff to better communicate solid policy.”
Oversaw the writing of ten budget analysts on every area of Pennsylvania’s budget.
Directed, coordinated the creation of the MyRetirementPA.com; administered and wrote the content for the website.
Spurred the creation of new branding and a new logo for the committee.
Briefed the executive director on current communications strategies and trends.
Tracked all incoming media requests and worked with program analysts, the committee chairman or the committee’s executive director for response.
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Statehouse Bureau Chief • Calkins Media
Hired to be company’s first state Capitol reporter in 5 years
Capitol bureau chief for Calkins’ family of newspapers, including the Bucks County Courier, The Intelligencer, Beaver County Times and the Uniontown Herald-Standard.
Exhibited multi-media expertise with social media.
Reported on complex issues, including municipal bankruptcy, state budgets, contract disputes, criminal cases and liquor store privatization.
Owner • Mark Shade Writes • Harrisburg, PA
Freelance reporter for Reuters, The Harrisburg Patriot-News and Calkins Media before Calkins’ hire as its full-time Capitol bureau chief.
Director of Communications • PA Department of Community and Economic Development • Harrisburg, PA
Promoted from Governor Edward G. Rendell’s Press Office to pilot state agency’s messaging.
Recognized by senior executives for improving communications throughout the agency and healing a fractured press office.
Increased awareness of the commonwealth’s international business development
program, which lead to a $71 million rise in state-assisted export sales.
Press Relations
Press Secretary • Office of Attorney General
Chief spokesperson for the Office of Attorney General.
Developed, executed proactive media strategies including op-ed placements, editorial board meetings, talking points, press releases, op-eds and remarks.
Planned and executed press conferences and other press events.
Strong media relations skills helped Attorney General get in front of journalists from all markets and mediums, including national press.
Press Secretary • Rep. Matt Bradford and Rep. Joe Markosek
Prepared elected state representatives for PA House floor remarks, press conferences, television interviews.
Guided the Democratic House Appropriations Committee chairmen in the use of op-eds, newsletters, social media.
Worked effectively with the members’ district offices to coordinate, promote local
events.
Ensured the members’ familiarity with state Capitol journalists and tracked requests for interviews, information.
Staffed press events.
Press Secretary, Writer • Pennsylvania Senate Democratic Caucus
Promoted the daily messaging of six Pennsylvania state senators with press releases, Facebook posts, Tweets, newsletters and website writing.
Managed multiple communications projects incorporating excellent written and verbal skills.
Developed, met and coordinated multiple communications projects while always meeting deadlines.
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Deputy Director of Communications/Managing Editor • Governor Edward G. Rendell’s Press Office • Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Directed 50+ press secretaries, deputy press secretaries, and information specialists in press releases, letter to the editor, newsletter writing for a state and national audience.
Partnered with agency officials to ensure delivery of key internal, external messages.
Developed communications toolkit for an emergency management evacuation plan impacting 20,000 state capitol employees.
Broadcast
Technician • MLB Network
Audio/video broadcast technician for the Major League Baseball Network, working with professional baseball players from the Washington Nationals, Baltimore Orioles, Philadelphia Phillies, Pittsburgh Pirates and Tampa Bay Rays.
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Senior Correspondent and Chief Procurement Reporter • Capitolwire Inc. • Harrisburg, PA
One of the original hires for startup online, subscription-based wire service that later became the first privately operated news organization to be acquired by the Associated Press.
Developed Capitolwire’s procurement beat from concept to respected and highly
anticipated product.
