Michele C.

I help executive leaders, nonprofits, public agencies, higher education institutions, and mission-driven organizations successfully execute complex strategic initiatives through research, grant development, communications, and strategic problem-solving. Clients bring me in when they need someone who can quickly understand complex issues, bring clarity to ambiguity, and move important projects from concept to execution. Whether developing a major grant proposal, leading a strategic initiative, conducting policy research, supporting executive leadership, or translating technical information into compelling communications, I help organizations move important work forward. My background combines more than 25 years of experience in journalism, public policy, strategic communications, local government, public health, and consulting. I began my career as a reporter for The Washington Post and The San Diego Union-Tribune before moving into leadership and executive roles in government, higher education, emergency management, and public affairs. I hold a Bachelor of Arts in Government from Claremont McKenna College and a Master of Public Administration from the University of Southern California, where I also earned a Graduate Certificate in City/County Management. Today, through my consulting firm, Ad Astra Public Affairs, I lead strategic initiatives for public agencies, nonprofits, healthcare organizations, and mission-driven clients. My work often involves researching unfamiliar topics, coordinating complex projects, engaging diverse stakeholders, developing funding strategies, and producing executive-level work products that help leaders make informed decisions and achieve organizational goals. **Services include:** • Strategic initiatives and executive project support • Grant research, funding strategy, and proposal development • Public policy, investigative, and academic research • Strategic communications and public affairs • Executive reports, briefing materials, and presentations • Stakeholder engagement and governance support • Research translation and thought leadership content I have experience supporting organizations in: • Public safety, emergency management, and community resilience • Public health, aging, and healthcare initiatives • Workforce development and social services • Higher education and research institutions • Local government, planning, development, and community engagement Career highlights include helping secure a $5 million CAL FIRE Fire Prevention Grant, leading development of competitive FEMA grant applications for the San Diego Fire-Rescue Foundation, supporting Alzheimer's research communications through USC's Alzheimer's Therapeutic Research Institute, conducting investigative public records research, and providing strategic consulting to nonprofit and public-sector organizations. My journalism background shapes how I approach every engagement. I quickly master unfamiliar subject matter, ask the right questions, synthesize complex information, identify compelling narratives, and translate technical issues into clear, actionable strategies and communications. Based in California, I work with nonprofit, public-sector, healthcare, higher education, and mission-driven organizations throughout the United States.