Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Websites
Timeline
Community Service
Generic

RHONDA L. SEATON

San Jose

Summary

Strategic, high-impact Corporate Communications Executive with 20+ years leading comprehensive communication strategies for Fortune 500, media, nonprofit, and healthcare organizations. Proven success in elevating brand visibility, protecting reputation during crises, and driving executive thought leadership. Adept at aligning communication strategies with business goals, overseeing agency partnerships, and leading global teams. Trusted advisor to CEOs and executive leadership.

Overview

36
36
years of professional experience

Work History

Vice President, Corporate Communications

AccuWeather
10.2024 - Current
  • Led corporate communications for the world's largest private weather and media company, impacting millions across the U.S. and globally.
  • Served as strategic advisor to CEO and full C-suite; elevated trust and visibility during COVID-19 and company-wide transformations.
  • Directed crisis response initiatives protecting corporate reputation through geopolitical, weather-related, and operational incidents.
  • Aligned communication strategy with business objectives across internal, external, investor, and media channels.
  • Introduced KPIs for communication effectiveness, resulting in 20% improvement in executive visibility across media platforms.

Director, Public Relations

AccuWeather
08.2017 - 09.2021
  • Grew Tier 1 media placements by over 20% YoY; ensured 96% of coverage appeared in top outlets (e.g., NYT, Bloomberg, CNN).
  • Developed voice-of-leadership op-eds and thought pieces published in national and international outlets.
  • Directed global PR agency (Top 10 firm) to execute high-profile campaigns, media tours, and brand initiatives.

Executive Communicator / Speechwriter

AccuWeather
03.2017 - 08.2017
  • Authored over 100 executive speeches and strategic content for global communications across North America, EU, and Asia.
  • Managed internal communication for a 500-person global workforce, improving engagement and alignment.
  • Oversaw CEO’s full communications portfolio: media interviews, company announcements, and keynote presentations.

Senior Director, Marketing Communications & Special Events

The Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles
07.2005 - 06.2015
  • Led full-scale marketing and PR operations, including branding, media, and donor communications.
  • Produced high-profile events that raised millions in annual fundraising and improved public visibility.
  • Built multi-channel campaigns that increased community engagement by 30% over three years.

Director, Provider Communications

WellPoint Health Networks / Blue Cross of California
06.1999 - 06.2000
  • Managed enterprise-wide communications supporting provider networks and regulatory changes.

Manager, Corporate Communications

WellPoint Health Networks / Blue Cross of California
02.1997 - 05.1999
  • Developed internal messaging strategy during major corporate transitions and integrations.

Senior Account Supervisor (last position held)

GCI Spindler (GCI Group, West Coast Office)
02.1990 - 02.1997
  • Led national accounts and PR teams for Fortune 500 clients.
  • Directed messaging strategies that resulted in consistent top-tier media placement.

Education

B.A. - Journalism

San Diego State University
01.1988

Skills

  • Corporate Communications Strategy
  • Crisis & Reputation Management
  • Media Relations & Tier 1 Placements
  • Executive Thought Leadership
  • AI Skills for Enhanced Communications, Speed, Efficiency & Storytelling
  • Stakeholder Communications
  • Change Management & Internal Communications
  • Public Relations Campaigns
  • ESG & DEI Communications
  • Global Communications Management
  • Agency & Team Leadership
  • Strategic Messaging & Brand Voice
  • Content Strategy: Speeches, Op-eds, Press Materials
  • Analytics & Communications ROI

Timeline

Vice President, Corporate Communications

AccuWeather
10.2024 - Current

Director, Public Relations

AccuWeather
08.2017 - 09.2021

Executive Communicator / Speechwriter

AccuWeather
03.2017 - 08.2017

Senior Director, Marketing Communications & Special Events

The Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles
07.2005 - 06.2015

Director, Provider Communications

WellPoint Health Networks / Blue Cross of California
06.1999 - 06.2000

Manager, Corporate Communications

WellPoint Health Networks / Blue Cross of California
02.1997 - 05.1999

Senior Account Supervisor (last position held)

GCI Spindler (GCI Group, West Coast Office)
02.1990 - 02.1997

B.A. - Journalism

San Diego State University

Community Service

WPSU (PBS/NPR Affiliate), Advisory Board Member
RHONDA L. SEATON