Hi, I'm Carolyn, an award-winning communications leader with more than 10 years of experience across government, nonprofit, and media sectors. I specialize in crafting clear and compelling narratives that help elevate brands, manage risks, and influence public behavior. I’m passionate about translating complex ideas into engaging content across various channels like digital, print, and video. I thrive in high-pressure environments, advising executives and leading teams to deliver integrated communications strategies that truly make an impact. Whether it’s crisis communications or stakeholder engagement, I believe effective communication is key to building trust and driving positive change.

Carolyn C

Hi, I'm Carolyn, an award-winning communications leader with more than 10 years of experience across government, nonprofit, and media sectors. I specialize in crafting clear and compelling narratives that help elevate brands, manage risks, and influence public behavior. I’m passionate about translating complex ideas into engaging content across various channels like digital, print, and video. I thrive in high-pressure environments, advising executives and leading teams to deliver integrated communications strategies that truly make an impact. Whether it’s crisis communications or stakeholder engagement, I believe effective communication is key to building trust and driving positive change.

Available to hire

Hi, I’m Carolyn, an award-winning communications leader with more than 10 years of experience across government, nonprofit, and media sectors. I specialize in crafting clear and compelling narratives that help elevate brands, manage risks, and influence public behavior. I’m passionate about translating complex ideas into engaging content across various channels like digital, print, and video.

I thrive in high-pressure environments, advising executives and leading teams to deliver integrated communications strategies that truly make an impact. Whether it’s crisis communications or stakeholder engagement, I believe effective communication is key to building trust and driving positive change.

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Work Experience

Director of Communications at High-Profile, Cabinet-Level State Agency
December 31, 2022 - Present
Built and led a centralized communications department for Colorado’s newest cabinet-level agency, managing a $500K+ budget, six FTEs, and four vendor contracts. Advised executive leadership and state legislators during high-stakes media moments, program pivots, and policy rollouts, serving as lead spokesperson on sensitive issues. Launched a statewide family platform called Raising Colorado Kids, which was named 2025 Project of the Year by the Colorado Technology Association. Increased UPK participation by 3.5%, provider enrollment by 4%, and improved Colorado’s national preschool ranking from 27th to 7th. Boosted digital reach by doubling social media followers and significantly growing subscriber base. Developed over 30 SOPs to streamline processes and reduce turnover, while overseeing nearly 1,400 deliverables with an 84% completion rate across multiple platforms and stakeholder groups.
Chief Communications Officer at Metro-Denver Local Government
January 15, 2015 - July 23, 2022
- Directed public affairs strategy, organizational communications, and change management for the state’s nationally recognized and fastest growing community . - Served as spokesperson and trusted advisor to executive leadership and elected officials. - Led emergency communications during COVID-19 and the historic national disasters, providing daily updates across audiences while improving its reputation of trust and credibility. - Achieved record-high resident satisfaction rates. - Supervised up to 15 staff members and managed a $1.8M+ budget, expanding engagement programs citywide. - Led digital transformations resulting in exponential increases in email subscribers, web traffic, and social media engagement. - Created tools aligning executive messaging, legislative tracking, and community outreach for more than 20 diverse departments and upwards of 100 campaigns each year.
Communications, Marketing, and Outreach Strategist at Public Service Provider
August 1, 2013 - January 9, 2015
- Led community education campaigns, contributing to a 9.4% increase in program success. - Directed communications and marketing strategy and execution for high-profile events, including media briefings and crisis planning.
Multimedia Journalist & Anchor at Market Leading Local News Stations
July 3, 2008 - July 20, 2012
- Covered national breaking news - Collaborated with cross-industry sources to develop, video, write scripts, edit, present on-camera, and deliver award-winning reports known for featuring high-quality storytelling and resonate messaging. - Won multiple journalism awards for investigative and community reporting, and increased newscast ratings by 400%.

Education

B.A. at Walter Cronkite School, Arizona State University
January 1, 2004 - December 31, 2008

Qualifications

Certified Change Management Practitioner & Trainer – PROSCI
January 11, 2030 - July 24, 2025
FEMA Certified Public Information Officer
January 11, 2030 - July 24, 2025
IAP2 Certified Public Participation Practitioner
January 11, 2030 - July 24, 2025
Facilitative Leadership – Interaction Associates
January 11, 2030 - July 24, 2025

Industry Experience

Government, Non-Profit Organization, Media & Entertainment, Education, Professional Services