Resume

References available upon request.

PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY: 

Driven communications professional with a strong background in public affairs and journalism. Exceptional communicator with experience in the development of engaging press releases, feature stories, talking points, speeches, social media content, and other forms of copy.  An eye for visual engagement through photography and video. Well organized, dedicated team player with a passion for making a positive impact in the community.  

SKILLS: 

EDUCATION:       University of Connecticut – B.A. Journalism

EXPERIENCE: 

Director of Communications & Social Media 2021-Present

Waterbury Regional Chamber

• Oversees all communications of the Waterbury Regional Chamber and its two affiliate Chambers

Public Relations Consultant 2014 – 2021

www.davidhuck.com 

• Writer and Editor for the University of Connecticut’s Engineering Department.
• Pro-bono copywriter for a social media campaign for San Francisco-based, non-profit Mission Bit, which offers classes, workshops, and career services to minority and underprivileged students in the Bay Area to help reduce the tech divide. Savings for Mission Bit: $4,212.
• Editor for the English translation of the soon-to-be published Lithuanian book “Giliogris Manor” by Saulius Kaveckas.
• Helped organizations like the non-profit Bike New Britain with pro-bono consulting work, such as the creation of press releases, designing advertising material, and establishing partnerships with area businesses and organizations to solicit sponsorship funding for a community Bike Safety Day. Assisted in the promotion and execution of several Tour of New Britain cycling events and helped produce an informational video.
• Provided consultation services such as event planning, email marketing, and donation solicitation assistance to the Cystic Fibrosis Connecticut Chapter Cycle for Life annual fundraising bike ride.
• Recorded drone footage for the creation of a fundraising campaign to make renovations to the historic Berlin Congregational church.
• Served as a social media manager for several USA Cycling-registered competitive bicycling teams, including TeamCF and RaceCF by providing race summaries and photography updates to help the organizations promote their mission of finding a cure for cystic fibrosis.
• Founding member of the BCR USA Cycling-registered competitive cycling team that participated in races across New England, including the 2017 USA Cycling National Championships. Engaged with and secured sponsorships with local and national brands including, SRAM, Zipp, Challenge, Mad Alchemy, Eliel, Body Over Bike, and Johnny’s Place Coaching. The partnerships were used to produce team cycling wear featuring the sponsors, defray the costs of race entry fees, and provide brand influencing on social media by promoting sponsored products.
  
  

Public Affairs Specialist 2015 – 2020

City of New Britain, CT: Office of Mayor Erin Stewart 

• Primary media contact for the mayor and all city departments.  Coordinate media interviews, maintain relationships with area journalists, pitch story ideas, and respond to requests for comment 24/7.
• Produce press releases, speeches, talking points, correspondences, proclamations, an internal monthly newsletter, op-ed articles, a monthly newspaper column, and other written communications.
• Oversee all facets of the city’s and mayor’s social media accounts, including creating daily, engaging content for more than 21,000 unique followers. Established and updated mayor’s wikipedia.com profile page. 
• Develop, produce, film, and edit informational videos for social media. Formulate outreach efforts such as Facebook live videos, graphic and document design, and media advertisements. Responsible for serving as the mayor’s chief photographer covering business visits, City Hall functions, municipal projects, speaking engagements, and other community events.
• Founding member of the Brand Advisory Panel for the City’s new branding logo and campaign “Experience the New,” the first marketing initiative in 30 years. Primary function included the planning, editing, and production of a 124 page visitors guide, companion website, and promotional videos. 
• Responds in a professional manner to all constituent inquiries via person, email, phone, or social media channels. Acts as liaison to the New Britain Arts Commission and Bike New Britain.
  

Campaign Communications Director

Campaigns of Mayor Erin E. Stewart: 2015 (Mayor); 2017 (Mayor); 2018 (Governor/Lt. Governor); 2019 (Mayor)

• Own all media communications for re-election of the mayor of a 73,000-resident city. 
• Oversee website management, assisted in event planning and execution, produced promotional videos for social media, primary photographer, designed marketing materials, produced speeches, press releases, managed and executed advertising and promotional strategies and budgets, managed Mailchimp email campaigns, and assisted in filing financial disclosure forms with the State Elections Enforcement Commission. 
  
  

Staff Writer 2010-2015 

Journal Inquirer, Manchester, CT  

• Self-starting writer for a daily, afternoon newspaper covering local government, education, local and state politics in a deadline driven environment. 
• Strong proficiency for clear and concise grammar, AP Style, copy editing, interviewing, and media law. 
• Winner of a 2010 Society of Professional Journalists CT Chapter Award for breaking news coverage.
  
  

Freelance Reporter 2013-2015 

New Britain City Journal, New Britain, CT — 2013-2015

• Correspondent for weekly newspaper. Beats included education, politics, and business for two Central Connecticut towns. 2015 SPJ-CT 3rd place award for coverage of President Obama’s visit to Connecticut.
  
  

Marketing Consultant 2014-2015 

Telserv, Cromwell, CT —2014-15

• Independent consultant assisted newly created marketing department for established unified communications provider. Prepared press releases promoting company initiatives and community involvement.  
  
  

Intern, Connecticut Public Broadcasting Network, Hartford, CT — 2010

• Assisted in the production of video series in which prominent state and local leaders were profiled. Experience with professional lighting, sound recording, and video editing.
  
  

Volunteer, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation of CT — 2014-2017

• Member of the Planning Committee for the 2014, 2015, 2016, and 2017 CF Cycle for Life bicycle charity ride. Involved in the planning, promotion, and execution of rides that raised over $300,000 for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.
  
  

Board of Directors, Greater New Britain Arts Alliance – 2015-2020

• Assist in the fostering of the arts community in New Britain and surrounding communities, including helping with gallery openings and other events, such as New Britain Historic Homes tour and the Bees Across New Britain public art project. 2019 GNBAA “Public Servant of the Year” award recipient.  
  
  

Volunteer, St. Paul/Sacred Heart Churches — 2021-Present

• Assist in transporting food donations from St. Paul Church to the St. Clare Food Pantry in East Berlin and set up for distribution the following day. Aid in providing food from the pantry and Mobile FoodShare delivery to those in need.