Heather Choate J.

About Heather Choate J.

Passionate about the intersection of public affairs, digital marketing, and social media, I thrive in dynamic environments where communication meets strategy head-on. As a seasoned public affairs specialist, I bring a wealth of experience in crafting compelling narratives that resonate with diverse audiences.With a knack for leveraging digital platforms, I\'ve honed my skills in social media management to amplify voices and drive meaningful engagement. Whether it\'s shaping public perception, advocating for causes, or building brand presence, I\'m dedicated to harnessing the power of online communities to make a positive impact.Transitioning to the United States Space Force, I bring my expertise in creating compelling content and managing digital platforms to a new realm. Our team is committed to informing and educating a diverse audience, aligning with strategic goals to enhance brand awareness and effectively communicate the pioneering spirit of our organization.

Experience

1. Community Engagement Divison Chief

   United States Space Force

   Dec 2025 — Present · Colorado Springs, CO, US

   Leads community engagement and outreach efforts to strengthen relationships with local civic leaders, industry partners, educational institutions, and nonprofit organizations in support of organizational priorities• Plans and executes community relations initiatives, public events, and leader engagements to increase public awareness, trust, and understanding of the mission• Advises senior leaders on community sentiment, stakeholder interests, and engagement opportunities, ensuring messaging and interactions align with strategic communication objectives• Coordinates cross-functionally with internal teams and external partners to support outreach events, speaking engagements, and partnership activities• Manages and mentors team members responsible for outreach planning, execution, and engagement tracking, ensuring consistent standards and professional execution• Tracks and assesses engagement outcomes to inform future outreach strategy and improve effectiveness of community relations efforts

Education

• Honolulu Community College

  Associate of Arts (AA), Communication and Media Studies

  2015 — 2015

• Hawaii Pacific University

  Bachelor’s Degree, Communications

  2015 — 2017

• Palomar College

  Communication and Media Studies

  2013 — 2014

• Defense Information School

  Basic Public Affairs Certificate, Basic Public Affairs Specialist Course

  2009 — 2010

• University of Colorado Denver

  Master of Science - MS, Marketing

• Digital Marketing Institute

  DMI + AMA Certificate in Digital Marketing, Digital Marketing

Skills

• Adobe Creative Suite
• Public Affairs
• Customer Service
• Animal Welfare
• Microsoft Word
• Team Leadership
• Telephone Skills
• Teamwork
• Newsletters
• Motivated Self-Starter
• Non-Profit Volunteering
• Family Services
• Open Minded
• Operational Planning
• Newsletter Production
• News Writing
• Crisis Management
• Photojournalism
• Web Design
• Security Clearance
• Friendly Personality
• Public Relations
• Digital Media
• Dod
• National Security
• Microsoft Office
• Media Relations
• Editing
• Information Assurance
• Email Marketing Software
• Marketing
• Copy Editing
• Team Building
• Typing
• Microsoft Excel
• Force Protection
• Feature Articles
• Social Media
• Writing
• Leadership