Laurie Simmons

About Laurie Simmons

Helping organizations plan and execute their strategic communications, community outreach and public involvement programs with 16 years of experience in: • Transportation & infrastructure communications • Government public information • Integrated marketing • TV news reporting Connecting communities with major infrastructure improvements: As an IAP2-trained public participation expert, I’ve executed multiple award-winning engagement and outreach programs for large transportation projects that transform communities. During all phases of project delivery from scoping, design and into construction, I educate, inform and facilitate two-way communication between project teams and their target audiences. By providing engaging presentations to community groups, organizing informative open-house meetings, building relationships with important stakeholders and participating in public outreach events, I help my clients create an outstanding brand reputation in the areas they serve. My specific expertise lies in alternative delivery construction outreach for large P3 and design-build projects around the nation. A trusted client advisor & strategist: Everything I do is based on the creation of strategic communications plans that guide decisions on which tactics and tools are best to accomplish public relations and engagement goals and objectives. Internal audits and organizational research help identify areas of improvement as well as opportunity, and we come up with targeted plans to reach the organization’s most important stakeholders. An Emmy-Award winning storyteller: As a former investigative reporter, I know how to create engaging content across any medium. My press releases are written in news-style formats so media outlets can easily add the content to their websites without any additional work. Being a former reporter, I also know what journalists are interested in, which helps during both proactive and reactive media outreach.

Experience

1. Strategic Communications & Public Involvement Group Manager

   AECOM

   Aug 2020 — Present · Austin, TX, US

   Serving as Co-Lead for AECOM West Region Strategic Communications Group, managing all construction phase projects and pursuit efforts for the Transportation Business Line. Leading key stakeholder outreach, media relations, public affairs, crisis communications, public involvement and community engagement for multiple transportation clients across 33 states. Creating strategic communications plans grounded in research to assist clients in maintaining mutually beneficial relationships with their most important audiences. Managing seven direct reports in the execution of daily client deliverables to maintain profitability for public involvement contracts worth >$1 million as a Certified AECOM Project Manager. Public Involvement Manager for Colorado River Constructors on the $674 million TxDOT Oak Hill Parkway Design-Build construction project in Austin, TX, providing trusted communications counsel and strategic guidance to construction leadership team. Serving as CRC spokesperson for all media, community and elected official inquiries. Public Information Officer for the Central Texas Construction Partnership Program (CPP), an interagency effort underway to plan and prepare for the next 10 years of construction in and around Austin, as well as implement a new \"smart city\" mobility center and a 511 system for the region. Public Involvement Task Lead on the Red Line Trail Study for Capital Metro, which will focus on equitable outreach to gather input for a new 32-mile continuous hike and bike trail throughout the City of Austin.

Education

• American University

  Bachelor of Arts, Broadcast Journalism, Political Science, International Relations

  2003 — 2007