Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Denise Gee

Summary

Knowledgeable Senior Communications Advisor with 20+ years experience. I possess excellent critical thinking, writing and interpersonal skills. Successful at relationship management while working in different areas of communications, including executive support for strategic plans, issues management and management assistance advancing business programs. Passionate and dedicated to focusing on relationships first. I am a values based leader with a positive reputation working collaboratively across the City of Edmonton corporation and with its many industry and public stakeholders.

Overview

10
10
years of professional experience

Work History

Senior Communications Advisor

City Of Edmonton
04.2017 - Current
  • Provided executive leadership with communications expertise to help develop strategic communications plans and issues management.
  • Built and maintained trusted relationships with internal and external stakeholders at all levels to identify and implement opportunities and solutions for integrated communications advancing City Council's priorities.
  • Trusted advisor on writing and editing complex and confidential documents for senior leadership and Council.
  • Supervisor, coach and mentor while leading and building capacity for my team to advance business goals.
  • Communications Lead on multiple corporate wide and cross functional teams on sensitive projects including: Corporate Strategy Project, Annexation of land in Leduc County, Program and Service Review and Permit and Licensing Improvement Initiative for Red Tape Reduction.
  • Assumed Acting Integration and Acting Director roles to cover during management turnover, acting temporary positions and vacation coverage.
  • Strong interpersonal skills, diplomacy and political acumen
  • Adaptable with skill set to pivot while working in ambiguous and fast changing environments
  • Lead staff on communications development for Growth Management Framework, Zoning Bylaw Renewal, Curbside Management Plan, Infill Roadmap, Red Tape Reduction Initiative - regularly identified content and opportunities to support/advance relationships with city building partners such as business improvement areas, Urban Development Institute, Canadian Homebuilders Association, Edmonton Federation of Community Leagues, Infill Development in Edmonton Association and business partners.


Senior Communications Advisor - Corporate Services

City Of Edmonton
04.2013 - 03.2017
  • Senior Advisor to multiple departments including Corporate Services, Urban Planning and Environment, Corporate Strategic Development.
  • Continuously scan best practices and environments around topics and issues related to City department areas, their stakeholders and Council interests.
  • Analyze and identify themes, emerging trends and offer proactive solutions to mitigate threats to corporation.
  • Provided leadership and coordination while collaboratively working with other departments to help strategic alignment for desired City outcomes.
  • Provide strategic advice to internal partners
    based on knowledge of external partners in
    sectors and their relationships.
  • Manage and develop media relations with key influential reporters to increase City's opportunity to be represented fairly and positioned positively in media stories.
  • Worked with partners and suppliers in Engagement, Intergovernmental and Creative Services to provide value in targeted engagement and communications.
  • Strategic review/editing/writing of issues briefings, Council reports and political correspondence on behalf of Deputy City Managers' Offices.


Communications Advisor

City Of Edmonton
  • Progressively advanced to work independently and with other department teams in a variety of roles: Special Events, Media Buyer, Council Services, Executive Communications.
  • Utilized strategic communications and relationship management skills working with internal, external public, government and industry stakeholders.
  • Highlight projects include: First Place Homebuyers Program, Station Pointe, Surplus Schools Program, Affordable Housing issues management and writer for the City’s Alberta Affordable Housing Task Force submission, Lead on implementing and advancing City's reputation for its Cornerstones Affordable Housing program, Waste Management 10 year strategic plan, launch of Waste Management Centre of Excellence, Eco Stations, Co-Composter and Blue Bin programs.

Education

Bachelor of Professional Arts in Communication Studies -

Athabasca University
Athabasca, AB

Diploma - Advertising And Public Relations

MacEwan University
Edmonton, AB

Certificate - Basic Reputation Management

Reputation Institute
Online

Additional Coursework
Edmonton, AB

Skills

  • Critical Thinking, Writing, Active Listening, Political Acumen
  • Strategic Communication, Complex Problem-Solving
  • Connect and develop stakeholder communications and relations
  • Strategic Corporate Guidance
  • Analysis, research and media relations
  • Adaptable to changing conditions and ambiguous environments
  • Environmental and industry scanning and External Communications
  • Public and Media Relations
  • Leading and management of resources and teams
  • Historic City of Edmonton corporate knowledge and experience
  • Customer Needs Assessments and Project Oversight
  • Corporate Communications and Change Management
  • Reputation Management and event coordination

Timeline

Senior Communications Advisor

City Of Edmonton
04.2017 - Current

Senior Communications Advisor - Corporate Services

City Of Edmonton
04.2013 - 03.2017

Communications Advisor

City Of Edmonton

Bachelor of Professional Arts in Communication Studies -

Athabasca University

Diploma - Advertising And Public Relations

MacEwan University

Certificate - Basic Reputation Management

Reputation Institute

Additional Coursework

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Denise Gee