Maura Beard

About Maura Beard

Accomplished public relations and branding professional preparing to transition to a new phase in career following three decades of civil service with national defense, intelligence, and environmental health agencies. Seeks a senior communications role with a purpose-driven organization serving the public good. Passionate about making a difference and serving causes that benefit humanity. Areas of Expertise: Brand strategy Reputation management Message development Media relations Internal and executive communication Digital communication Integrated communication campaigns Crisis communication Strategic planning Change management Career Highlights: Led complete transformation of public affairs program at defense and intelligence agency by strategically assessing the changing landscape, utilizing modern communication strategies, and proactively engaging audiences to address critical issues more effectively. Resulted in enhanced corporate reputation, risk mitigation, positive public policy impacts, and stronger relationships with key stakeholders. Recipient of the 2024 National Intelligence Professional Strategic Communicator and Team of the Year Awards. Designed and executed first-ever awareness and recruitment-focused media ad buy for space agency, achieving 31 million impressions and a 61% increase year-over-year in job applications. Recipient of eight industry awards, including Telly Award for Brand Ad as well as AIVA, AIC, and AVA awards in animation, directing, cinematography, and original music. Managed thousands of earned media placements over duration of federal career, earning a reputation for clearly articulating an organization’s message while maintaining honesty and transparency. Recipient of NCTC Director’s Award for Integrity for Media Relations. Planned, developed, and executed comprehensive brand strategy and marketing plan for the launch of a multi-million dollar initiative to improve the online experience delivering vital intelligence to combat support agency customers. Winner of Defense Meritorious Unit Award. Led corporate brand management, external outreach, and speechwriting for intelligence and defense agency. Winner of IC Media Excellence Award. Designed and directed national public relations campaign for most influential environmental brand. Generated more than 56 million media impressions, leveraged nearly $1.5 million in advertising, and achieved results 30% better than industry average. Winner of Public Relations Society of America Silver Anvil Award.

Experience

1. Director of Public Affairs

   National Reconnaissance Office (NRO)

   Sep 2020 — Present · Chantilly, VA, US

   Responsible for managing team of two-dozen public affairs specialists delivering best-in-class strategic communication program, including brand management, media relations, workforce engagement, multimedia design and production, and digital media. Led complete transformation of public affairs program at defense and intelligence agency by strategically assessing the changing landscape, utilizing modern communication strategies, and proactively engaging audiences to address critical issues more effectively. Resulted in enhanced corporate reputation, risk mitigation, positive public policy impacts, and stronger relationships with key stakeholders. Recipient of the 2024 National Intelligence Professional Strategic Communicator and Team of the Year Awards. Designed and executed first-ever awareness and recruitment-focused media ad buy for space agency, achieving 31 million impressions and a 61% increase year-over-year in job applications. Recipient of eight industry awards, including Telly Award for Brand Ad as well as AIVA, AIC, and AVA awards in animation, directing, cinematography, and original music. Established strategic messaging framework resulting in a consistent, compelling narrative that influenced positive perceptions of the organization and increased coverage. Increased media engagement by 200% across national and trade press, including on- and off-the-record requests for information and dozens of backgrounders. Created new emphasis on social media and increased content across all platforms, expanding audience by 10% and generating 27% increase in audience engagement in the past year. Redesigned external and internal corporate websites, resulting in 97% increase in new users and 25% increase in average visit duration in 2024, respectively.

Education

• Villanova University

  Master of Arts

• University of Michigan

  Bachelor of Arts

• Villanova University

  Master of Arts - MA