Natalie Laber Watts

About Natalie Laber Watts

I’m a strategic communications and public affairs professional with more than 20 years of experience driving initiatives that strengthen organizational reputation, build stakeholder trust, and advance business objectives. I thrive at the intersection of leadership, strategy, and communication—partnering with executive teams to develop plans that align with organizational goals and resonate with diverse audiences.Throughout my career, I’ve led high-impact teams, implemented communications strategies across internal and external channels, and provided counsel on governance, media relations, and crisis communications. I take pride in mentoring teams, fostering collaboration, and turning complex challenges into opportunities to enhance public engagement and organizational effectiveness.Passionate about public affairs and strategic communications, I focus on creating meaningful impact, building trust with stakeholders, and delivering results that drive long-term success.

Experience

1. Manager of Strategic Planning and Governance (Public Affairs Department)

   Colorado Springs Utilities

   Feb 2022 — Present · Colorado Springs, CO, US

   I lead the Strategic Planning and Governance Department, overseeing staffing, budgeting, and day-to-day operations. I collaborate closely with the Utilities Board and serve as a trusted advisor to the Executive Leadership Team on strategic planning initiatives. I drive the development of the organization’s Strategic Plan and Balanced Scorecard, ensuring that all initiatives are aligned with long-term goals.• Supervise a team of 12 employees spanning Records and Information Management and Customer Insights and Programs.• Serve as the primary liaison for Utilities Board members, facilitating CEO briefings, guiding Board retreats, and leading orientation for new members.• Managed the implementation of a new policy management system, streamlining access to documents and improving service delivery for customers.I also serve as the organization\'s subject matter expert for adherence to governance procedures and processes, serving as the primary liaison between the leaders at Colorado Springs Utilities, the Utilities Board, and the Colorado Springs City Council.

Education

• Ohio University

  Bachelor of Science in Communications

• University of Phoenix

  Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.)

Skills

• Human Rights
• News
• Foreign Policy
• Spanish
• Grassroots Organizing
• Crisis Communications
• Political Consulting
• Social Networking
• Brand Awareness
• Social Media Measurement
• Newsletters
• Press Conferences
• News Writing
• Public Speaking
• Constituent Communications
• Policy Analysis
• Speech Writing
• Social Media Marketing
• Political Campaigns
• Brand Management
• Political Science
• Foreign Affairs
• Non-Profit Volunteer
• Online Marketing
• Social Media
• Press Relations
• Grants
• Journalism
• Classroom
• Nonprofits
• Brand Architecture
• Politics
• Political Communication
• Non-Profits
• Online News
• Company Brochures
• Public Affairs
• Branding & Identity
• Corporate Branding
• Congress