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Kentucky Department of Education, Frankfort, KY 1994 - 2006
Director of Publications and Web Services

Managed the department’s media relations, web site, publications, graphic design and constituent involvement initiatives. Supervised as many as 16 employees.

• Collaboratively planned and implemented two web site redesigns, with the most recent named among the nation’s top six state education department web sites
• Established and maintained strong working relationships with key communication partners, including the Kentucky Press Association and Kentucky School Public Relations Association
• Directed the production of a variety of award-winning promotional, marketing and instructional materials, including a monthly tabloid with a circulation of 55,000 education stakeholders
• Successfully trained more than 100 employees in the use of Microsoft Content Management Server
• Conceived and implemented e-newsletters for internal and external audiences
• Established new sources of revenue for the division, including an e-commerce site

New Jersey Transit Corporation, Newark, NJ 1992 - 1994
Director of Public Information/Chief Spokesman

Chief corporate spokesman and leader of all media relations and crisis communication activities for the nation’s third largest public transportation agency. Advised the CEO and board regarding policy, communications strategy and crisis management issues. Supervised five.

• Dramatically increased positive news, feature and editorial coverage of the organization
• Realized an 8 percent increase in "good" or "excellent" ratings of NJ Transit rail service, and 4 percent increase in the same ratings for bus service, from 1992 to 1993
• Favorable impressions of NJ Transit rose 8 percent from 1990 to 1993
• Saw a 14 percent rise in percent of state residents saying NJ Transit was making "real improvements"
• Expanded staffing and effectiveness of the media relations function and led its integration with marketing
• Directed all media relations activities during bus and rail accidents and other service disruptions
• Developed excellent and productive relationships with print and broadcast journalists locally, nationally and in the trade press

The Port Authority of NY & NJ, New York, NY 1983 - 1992
Public Information Officer - Office of Media Relations 1986 - 1992
Spokesman for the owner/operator of the World Trade Center, John F. Kennedy International (J.F.K.), Newark International and LaGuardia airports, the PATH railroad and other major transportation and commerce facilities.

• Lead spokesperson for the nation’s largest airport complex and the 1,400-member Port Authority Police Department
• Handled media relations after several aircraft accidents and during numerous service disruptions
• Planned and coordinated promotional events, media briefings and editorial board meetings, resulting in extensive and positive media coverage
• Advised senior executives on policy and crisis management issues
• Developed outstanding working relationships with print and broadcast journalists and representatives of related organizations

The Port Authority of NY & NJ, New York, NY
Operations Manager - the World Trade Institute 1985-1986
Managed and marketed the World Trade Center’s conference center and supported the training programs of the World Trade Institute. Supervised its $4.5 million, 8,000-person registration system. Supervised seven.

• Increased revenue by 19 percent through increased business-to-business marketing
• Improved quality of food, beverage and audio-visual services, resulting in higher client satisfaction

The Port Authority of NY & NJ, New York, NY
Security Analyst - Office for Special Planning   1984-1985
Served on a civilian/law enforcement task force that conducted anti-terrorism assessments of the World Trade Center, J.F.K., LaGuardia and Newark airports and other facilities.

• Conducted security surveys and contributed to reports recommending security enhancements
• Established and maintained working relationships with various intelligence, law enforcement and research organizations nationwide

The Port Authority of NY & NJ, New York, NY
Management Trainee  1983-1984
One of nine participants in a one-year, rotational management training program for Master’s degree recipients considered to have “fast-track” potential.

MA, Public Policy Analysis and Administration
Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ
Attended on a full graduate fellowship to the Eagleton Institute of Politics.

BA, Majors in Government and Journalism
Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green, KY

• In 2006 named "the individual... who has demonstrated exceptional leadership and dedication to public education" by the Kentucky School Public Relations Association
• Board member and past chair, Kentucky Press Association public relations division
• Board member, Kentucky School Public Relations Association
• Western Kentucky University’s P.R. Practitioner of the Year, 2002
• Distinguished Achievement Award, New Jersey Transit, 1994
• Various other school, church and civic activities

Armando Arrastia

502-545-1588