Stephanie Baer

About Stephanie Baer

Results-driven strategic leader with over a decade of experience in communications…

Experience

1. Director of Strategic Communications

   United States Marine Corps

   Jul 2024 — Present · Washington, DC, US

   Hand-selected for a high-visibility role directly supporting a 3-Star General, the U.S. Marines\' Deputy Commandant for Information. Serves as the sole external communications lead, driving strategy, speechwriting, policy development, stakeholder engagement, and congressional lobbying for senior military leadership.Designed and implemented a synchronized communication strategy to enhance credibility, trust, and relationships with domestic and foreign stakeholders, including congressional leaders, media outlets, and industry partners. Spearheaded the development of enterprise-level vision and strategy that aligned communication efforts with broader organizational goals.Led procurement testing and implementation efforts to ensure communication tools and technologies effectively supported strategic objectives. Managed cross-functional teams to vet, test, and integrate new communication solutions, ensuring smooth adoption and operational alignment.Crafted over 100 speeches and key messaging materials for the Deputy Commandant, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives in intelligence, cyber, and influence operations, while also addressing procurement and policy considerations.Planned and coordinated 100+ high-visibility events, including congressional briefings, testimony support, media engagements, and global strategic exercises. Regularly engaged with Congress to secure buy-in on key defense and national security initiatives, contributing to successful lobbying efforts.Provided direct counsel to senior leadership on media relations, public messaging, strategic outreach, and policy development, ensuring alignment across intelligence, space, and information domains.Proactively identified and leveraged communication opportunities while mitigating challenges, ensuring messaging remained consistent, impactful, and aligned with national security priorities, legislative goals, and operational needs.

Education

• Capella University

  Bachelor of Science - BS, Business Administration, Management and Operations

• University of Montana

  Wilderness Medicine, Crisis/Emergency/Disaster Management

• Defense Information School

  Public Affairs Officer