Portfolios – Taking a cue from business, I improved customer service and efficiency through portfolio-style account management. I restructured our team with clearly defined team roles and adopted a portfolio/account manager approach to working with partners inside the government and in the private sector. It just made sense. Find out your point person.
Grants – Big ideas can start the engine…But funding gets you on the road. Through the first-ever private sector grant supplemental, I offered clear, specific ways states, tribes and territories can use Homeland Security grant funding to support public-private collaboration. As just one example, these grants can be used to fund the salary for a dedicated liaison who acts as the primary point of contact on private sector collaboration. Funds can also be used to work in partnership on tools, resources, training, exercises, information sharing and more.
Public-Private Partnership Business Case – I developed a business case and sample position description to help jump start partnerships in every state and territory. When businesses need to connect the dots, then start close to home – that’s where the crucial connection in public-private partnerships really lies. Rather than reinvent the wheel, state and other partners can draw on a sample of what already works, using my sample position description as a basis to create their own private sector liaison.
Disaster Assistance Communications – I learned that it is not only useful to communicate with the private sector, but to also leverage their vast capabilities and networks to communicate through the private sector to survivors and communities in need during a disaster. I have seen amazing outreach through outdoor billboards, hotel welcome channel videos, aircraft supported messages, billing statements, restaurant signage and the list continues to grow.
Legal Counsel – With a lawyer on board to help get to “yes,” I was able to do more…and do it faster. I made positive waves and motivated change – so much so that I garnered a dedicated lawyer to work on private sector engagement. Working with me, FEMA’s chief counsel developed and implemented a performance standard:Solution-oriented, Articulate, Legally sufficient, and Timely (SALT) that guided service to more effective solutions.
Stoneking Strategic Communications (SSC) 