I am passionate about the art and science of good communication. I believe good writing in particular is the foundation for all types of communications. I have 20+ years of experience in the public relations field specializing in areas of public policy, government and public and quasi-governmental agencies. Communicating with the public and the media over the years has taught me the importance of being clear and concise. I eschew jargon whenever possible and always strive to speak the language of the average citizen. I believe in the power of communication combined with strategic use of the media to effect positive social change, create and strengthen brand awareness and raise the profile of CEOs and other thought-leaders. I have a wide range of experience in public relations, public affairs, advertising, marketing and social media. Every organization I have worked for had a better communications infrastructure and set of practices when I left than when I began. Having worked for public entities and high-profile public figures, I bring a heightened sense of the importance of choosing the right words for the right audience. Speech writing and media relations -- especially crisis communications -- are particular strengths. I understand today's time-crunched journalists and I know how to get them what they need, when they need it. I've built communications teams from scratch. I enjoy getting to know my staff and learning what they love to do. I get the most out of my teams and know how to build a sense of esprit de corps among colleagues. Managing a team is as much a thrill for me as is a well-written op-ed, a memorable speech, a killer Tweet or an eye-catching bit of ad copy. I'm comfortable in the C-suite with all kinds of personalities and know that to be an effective communicator in a corporate setting means building relationships across all sectors of an organization. My genuine interest in people and stories makes this an easy effort.

Communications Director @ Top communications officer reporting directly to the CEO. Manage annual budgets of $600,000+/- and a staff of four communications professionals. Oversee all media relations, websites, social media, advertising, publications and consultant contracts for a statewide quasi-governmental agency that finances affordable housing. From May 2000 to Present (15 years 8 months) Communications Director @ Served as chief spokesperson and as a member of the senior staff. Drafted and distributed press releases and responded to media inquiries. Wrote speeches for Director. Oversaw all publications and newsletters. Supervised two staff persons. From 1998 to 2000 (2 years) Communications Director @ Coordinated all public relations activities for state agency responsible for marketing Massachusetts as a vacation destination. Managed a $263,000 public relations agency contract. Served as liaison with business and travel media. Managed staff of six visitor services representatives and two public relations assistants. From 1996 to 1998 (2 years) Senior Government Relations Analyst @ Researched, monitored and analyzed state and federal housing programs and legislation. Briefed agency's senior staff on legislative and regulatory activity. Served as agency liaison with U.S. Congress, Massachusetts Legislature and other state and federal agencies and advocacy groups. Wrote speeches for Executive Director. From January 1995 to May 1996 (1 year 5 months) Speechwriter @ Wrote speeches for Governor William F. Weld and Lt. Governor Paul Cellucci. From 1996 to 1996 (less than a year) Press Secretary @ Communicated and promoted the legislative agenda and political positions of the House Minority Leader and other House members. Interacted daily with members of the State House press corps representing all major media outlets in Massachusetts. Served as instructor on media relations for Massachusetts Citizens’ Legislative Seminar in 1993, 1994. From 1991 to 1995 (4 years)

Bachelor of Science, Mass. Communications, Public Relations and Political Science @ Boston University From 1985 to 1989 Simsbury High School From 1981 to 1985 Eric Gedstad is skilled in: Social Media, Crisis Communications, Media Relations, Strategic Communications, Message Development, Public Relations, Press Releases, Corporate Communications, Event Planning, Spokesperson, Internal Communications, Crisis Management, Community Development, Speech Writing, Public Policy