Communications Case Studies

Committee to Investigate Russia

The Challenge

Rob and Michele Reiner created the Committee to Investigate Russia to help Americans better understand the gravity of Russia’s interference in U.S. democracy. They had an idea, an esteemed advisory board of former intelligence, military, and diplomatic leaders, and a mission. They needed someone to build the publication.

My Role

As Editor-in-Chief, I authored the site's core explanatory articles, developed the editorial workflow, oversaw the website, hired a freelance researcher in Ukraine, identified the most important developments each day and wrote about them, launched a daily newsletter, and built the organization's social media presence from the ground up.

The Result

The daily newsletter grew to more than 30,000 subscribers, and the social media audience surpassed 175,000 followers. InvestigateRussia.org remains online today as a searchable archive of the organization's work.

AIDS Healthcare Foundation

Jacki Schechner at the We the People national march

The Challenge

AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) hired me to strengthen its domestic communications operation. The organization was slow to respond to breaking news, media outreach lacked clear editorial priorities, securing meaningful coverage and correcting inaccurate reporting had become increasingly difficult, social media lacked a coherent strategy, and collaboration between communications and other departments was limited.

My Role

I led all domestic media relations and social media operations, serving as a communications partner for teams across the organization. My work spanned public health, affordable housing, HIV and STI prevention and treatment, pharmaceutical policy, disaster relief, retail operations, and statewide ballot initiatives. I worked closely with legal and program leaders to translate complex policy, litigation, and healthcare issues into clear, timely communications for reporters and the public.

Results

AHF's communications operation became faster and more effective, with stronger editorial standards and media outreach. A more disciplined content strategy doubled the organization's social media following and significantly increased engagement. I also edited more than 100 op-eds, working with an outside consultant to place them in publications across California and nationwide. Media coverage increased around major campaigns and events, including Proposition 33, Florida AIDS Walk, AIDS Walk Atlanta, World AIDS Day, the We the People March, and AHF's national billboard campaigns.

Health Care for America Now (HCAN)

Health Care for America Now campaign event

The Challenge

Health Care for America Now (HCAN) launched in 2008 to build public support for comprehensive health care reform and help secure passage of the Affordable Care Act. Starting from scratch, the campaign united more than 1,100 organizations in 46 states, bringing together labor unions, advocacy organizations, community groups, and progressive leaders behind a shared set of principles.

My Role

As National Communications Director, I served as the campaign spokesperson, developed communications strategy, wrote press materials, led media outreach, advised the campaign manager, coordinated messaging across state partners and the Steering Committee, and worked closely with the online communications, legislative, and field teams to maintain a consistent message.

The Result

We helped keep a coalition of more than 1,100 organizations in 46 states aligned through the passage of the Affordable Care Act. HCAN became a leading source for pro-reform comment throughout the campaign.

Planned Parenthood Los Angeles

The Challenge

Planned Parenthood Los Angeles hired me to lead communications and marketing. Within weeks, COVID-19 upended the organization's plans and created an urgent need for clear, timely information about changing public health guidance and continued access to essential healthcare services.

My Role

I oversaw organizational messaging and content, including newsletters, annual reports, marketing materials, and executive communications. I worked across patient care, education, fundraising, and community outreach to address rapidly changing needs.

The Result

I developed communications for vaccine clinics, fundraising initiatives, education programs, and the relocation of the West Hollywood health center. When existing imagery no longer reflected the reality of providing healthcare during the pandemic, I conceived and led a COVID-safe photoshoot for the annual report and other outreach materials. I also applied lessons from extensive DEI training across newsletters, social media, and organizational messaging.

Eno Center for Transportation

Eno acquired Transportation Weekly and needed a website that reflected the organization's broader mission and growing body of work. The organization hired me as a strategic communications consultant to guide the redesign and support a range of editorial, executive, and media initiatives.

The website became the centerpiece of a broader engagement. I developed the content strategy, reviewed and reorganized hundreds of pages, coordinated with designers and developers, wrote launch materials, created executive messaging, conducted media training, and prepared an internal staff member to manage the work after my consulting engagement ended.