Alison Vai

About Alison Vai

Hi, I’m Alison. I’m a Senior Communications Manager who thrives in high stakes, high complexity environments - especially when the pressure is on and clarity matters most. I’ve built my career around helping organizations communicate through uncertainty, managing issues with confidence, and strengthening trust with the communities they serve.Right now, I lead communications for 7 states at Liberty Utilities, where I support executive leadership, guide crisis and issues response, and shape the strategies that keep employees, customers, and stakeholders informed and engaged. I’m known for bringing calm to chaotic moments and building the frameworks that help teams communicate with purpose - not panic.Before this role, I worked across public and private sectors in positions that sharpened my crisis, corporate, and community communications toolkit. My background includes leading emergency/crisis communications, managing media relations, supporting large scale change initiatives, and partnering with cross functional teams to deliver clear, consistent messaging across multiple platforms.Across every role, a few themes follow me:• I build communication systems that work under pressure.• I translate complex issues into messages people can actually understand.• I help leaders show up with confidence, credibility, and empathy.• And I care deeply about the communities and customers impacted by the work we do.Whether I’m developing strategy, managing a crisis, coaching executives, or rolling up my sleeves to get the work done, I’m driven by one goal: helping organizations communicate in ways that build trust, reduce confusion, and move people forward.Specialties: Internal & External Communications | Multi-channel Marketing | Team Leadership | Digital Marketing | Lead Generation | Stakeholder Engagement | Change Management | Campaign Performance | Budget Management | Strategic Communications | Crisis Communications | Emergency Response Communications | Integrated Communications Planning | Multi Channel Campaigns | Community Relations | Media Relations | Project Management | Social Media Strategy

Experience

1. Sr Manager, Marketing and Communications

   Liberty

   Nov 2019 — Present · Downey, CA, US

   Lead integrated communications strategy across electric, gas, and water operations in 7 states, ensuring alignment between corporate brand, regulatory requirements, and local utility priorities.• Direct high stakes crisis communications for PSPS events, water quality issues, gas incidents, and storm response, delivering timely, accurate messaging that protects customer trust and mitigates reputational risk.• Advise executive leadership with data informed insights and high impact presentations that connect communications strategy to operational and business outcomes.• Oversee multi channel campaigns (email, web, social, video, print) using performance metrics and industry trends to strengthen customer education and engagement.• Build and maintain strong relationships with community partners, elected officials, and government agencies to support utility initiatives and improve stakeholder alignment.• Lead cross functional teams and vendor partners to manage a high volume communications pipeline, ensuring consistent quality and on time delivery across jurisdictions. Industry Leadership:• Serve on the Utility Communicators International (UCI) Board of Directors.• Co-chair of the Public Information Officer (PIO) committee at the California Water Association (CWA).

Education

• Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU)

  Bachelor of Science (BS), Business

  1997 — 2003

• Belmont University

  Master of Education (M.Ed.), Non-Profit/Public/Organizational Management

  2010 — 2012