Strategic Communications | Media Relations | Executive Communications | Public Storytelling

Communications and public affairs leader with 10+ years of experience advising executive leadership, shaping public narratives, leading media relations, and developing strategic communications programs that engage stakeholders and strengthen institutional reputation.

Areas of Expertise

Strategic Communications • Media Relations • Executive Communications • Thought Leadership • Brand Strategy • Crisis Communications • Public Affairs • Public Relations • Content Strategy • Integrated Campaigns • Stakeholder Engagement • Team Leadership • Multimedia Storytelling • Social Media Strategy • Public Policy Communications

Experience

Public Utility Commission of Texas                                                                      

Chief Storyteller | Austin, TX | June 2023 – Present

• Developed and launched the agency’s internal and external communications platforms within two months of hire, establishing editorial strategy, content governance, audience-focused messaging, and production workflows for stakeholder engagement. (PUConnecT, an internal newsletter, is published monthly for nearly 300 employees. PUCurrenT, an external bilingual newsletter serving industry and legislative leaders and the general public, is published quarterly and reaches more than 2,000 subscribers in English and more than 200 subscribers in Spanish.)
• Led cross-functional communications efforts for legislative reports, digital content, videos, fact sheets, and stakeholder communications, ensuring consistent messaging across multiple channels and audiences.
• Developed and implemented a new agency-wide Writing Style Guide to strengthen brand voice, improve accessibility, and ensure consistency across public-facing communications. Created a training curriculum and workshop series to teach employees how to write in the agency’s voice and apply messaging standards across communications channels, with agency-wide rollout beginning in summer 2026.

Texas Lottery Commission                                                                                      

Director of Media Relations | Austin, TX | May 2019 – June 2023                                          

• Directed the agency’s media relations and strategic communications functions, leading a team of four professionals and managing a $450,000 operating budget while supporting statewide public engagement initiatives.
• Served as chief spokesperson and primary media liaison, cultivating relationships with local, statewide, and national media outlets while positioning agency leadership in high-profile news and public affairs discussions.
• Developed executive messaging, media strategies, press materials, talking points, and briefing documents that supported agency leadership during a period of record growth and heightened public visibility. Prepared agency leadership for media interviews and public appearances.
• Advised executive leadership on sensitive communications issues and media inquiries, ensuring accurate, timely, and strategic responses during high-profile and rapidly evolving situations.
• Led integrated communications campaigns supporting major agency initiatives through earned media, events, video production, stakeholder communications, and digital engagement.
• Directed multimedia storytelling initiatives across digital and traditional channels, including production of the award-winning documentary 30 Years of Winning, commemorating the agency’s 30th anniversary and strengthening public engagement with the agency’s mission.
• Oversaw social media strategy, content development, analytics, and audience engagement efforts across multiple platforms, identifying opportunities to expand reach and strengthen stakeholder engagement.
• Served as the Co-Chair of the Texas Lottery’s 30^th Anniversary Committee from Jan. 2021 – May 2022, overseeing a celebration for players and staff on social media and at statewide events, which culminated in a concert by Ghostland Observatory in Austin.
• Member of Class XL of the Governor’s Executive Development Program (2022).

Texas Education Agency                                                                                         

Media Relations and Social Media Manager; Spokesperson | Austin, TX | January 2014 – May 2019                         

• Served as spokesperson for the agency and the Commissioner of Education, managing media relations and shaping communications around statewide education policy, legislative priorities, and high-profile public issues.
• Developed and executed strategic communications plans supporting agency initiatives, public engagement efforts, and leadership priorities across earned, owned, and social media channels.
• Built and maintained relationships with local, regional, statewide, and national journalists, securing accurate and timely coverage of agency programs, policies, and initiatives.
• Advised executive leadership on media strategy, messaging, interview preparation, talking points, and public-facing communications to support effective engagement with stakeholders and the public.
• Supported statewide public education initiatives through strategic communications and stakeholder engagement efforts designed to inform educators, families, policymakers, and communities.
• Directed the agency’s social media strategy and content development, creating audience-focused campaigns that increased stakeholder engagement and expanded the reach of agency communications.
• Led production of multimedia content, including video series and podcasts, overseeing editorial planning, production, post-production, and distribution to support public education and stakeholder outreach efforts.
• Drafted and edited press releases, executive communications, speeches, talking points, and agency publications, ensuring consistency of messaging and alignment with organizational goals.
• Coordinated communications efforts across divisions, translating complex education policy issues into accessible, compelling content for diverse audiences.

Earlier Experience

LaurenCallahan.com

Freelance Journalist | Various | August 2008 – Present

• Copy-edit manuscripts, columns and blogs for various clients.
• Produce original video pieces for online publication at regional news agencies and for personal use.
• Report and write freelance articles for online publication at national and regional news agencies.

KLTV-TV (ABC) 

Video Journalist  |  Tyler, TX  |  August 2011 – December 2013

• Pitched, reported, shot, wrote and edited daily original pieces for all newscasts.
• Covered breaking news for live broadcast and specialized in political, education and feature reporting.
• Published web stories and managed social media accounts to connect with viewers and promote newscasts.

Oakland North 

Reporter   |  Oakland, CA  |  August 2009 – May 2011

• Pitched, reported, wrote and produced print, photography, video and multimedia projects for http://oaklandnorth.net, a hyperlocal website covering North Oakland.

KTVU Channel 2 News 

Political Intern  |  Oakland, CA  |  May – September 2010

• Field-produced Political Editor Randy Shandobil’s daily political coverage, including the June 2010 primaries and the September 2010 KTVU – San Francisco Chronicle U.S. Senate Debate.

Informing Change 

Publications Associate and Project Assistant  |  Berkeley, CA  |  July 2008 – July 2009

• Served as the company’s main editor and last eyes for all project deliverables.
• Created and designed charts and graphs for reports using original data compiled for each client.
• Managed all communications, including scheduling workflow, for 15 external projects simultaneously.
• Spearheaded a major redesign of the company website and wrote and distributed the company newsletter.

Education

The University of California at Berkeley  |  Master of Journalism  |  May 2011
The University of Texas at Austin  |  B.S., Communication Studies: Political Communication  |  B.A., English  |  May 2008