David Finleyson

Senior Public Affairs Officer Crisis Comms Strategist Fema Apio Military & Gov\'t Relations @South Carolina State Guard

Columbia, SC, US

Strategic Leadership & Team Building* Built and led a hand-selected team of officers and enlisted personnel, transforming the Public Affairs Office into a premier unit for public education and mission visibility.* Served as Commanding Officer of Public Affairs and Recruiting, overseeing all messaging and outreach efforts across the State Guard.* Directed unit training schedules to ensure full proficiency in public affairs and recruiting operations.Communications & Branding Excellence* Lead Project Manager for a comprehensive rebranding initiative over a one-year period, integrating public relations, marketing, and recruiting strategies.* Doubled social media following within one year through targeted content and engagement campaigns.* Oversaw all public messaging from the South Carolina State Guard, ensuring alignment with leadership priorities and public expectations.Interagency & Media Relations* Negotiated strategic partnerships with state agencies to showcase the Guard’s operational and educational capabilities.* Developed operational partnerships with federal military units, state agencies, and private sector stakeholders to foster trust and cooperation during crises.* Acted as SCSG representative on the South Carolina Hurricane Planning Response Task Force, collaborating with military and emergency management agencies.* Coordinated with Federal and State PAO units, ensuring unified messaging and response during joint operations.* Maintained strong relationships with state and local media, promoting transparency and public confidence in Guard activities.Executive Advisory & Crisis Response* Advised General and Command Staff on public affairs strategy and crisis communications.* Delivered media training and crisis protocol briefings to senior leadership, enhancing readiness and message discipline.* FEMA-certified Advanced Public Information Officer, qualified to lead public messaging during emergencies and disasters.

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)

Crisis/Emergency/Disaster Management and Communicatiions

Wingate University

B.S.

NewsLab Media Training

Broadcast Journalism

Poynter Institute for Advanced Journalism Studies

Broadcast Journalism