MCKINLEY P. LEWIS

MY EXPERIENCE

Background & Expertise

March 2019 - Present

SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT OF ACCOUNTS, ON 3 PUBLIC RELATIONS

As Senior Vice President of Accounts for On 3 Public Relations, I manage client accounts across a wide array of industries at both the state and national level, leading communications efforts to advance the public relations and legislative goals of our clients. I deliver successful results to our clients by providing executive-level communications and public relations strategy utilizing special event coordination, coalition building, grassroots advocacy, and editorial development and placement to fit each client’s unique needs.

May 2016 - January 2019

DEPUTY COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR, EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF GOVERNOR RICK SCOTT

As deputy communications director and a member of Florida Governor Rick Scott’s senior staff, I have been responsible for crafting and executing statewide policy and communications strategies while maintaining positive relationships with members of local and national press organizations, securing earned media, and ensuring the daily success and efficiency of the Governor’s press office. Notably, I have advised, drafted speeches for, and been the lead staffer for Governor Scott, while working with the State Emergency Response Team (SERT), in the response to the Pulse Nightclub and Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shootings, as well as the preparations for, response to, and recovery from hurricanes Hermine, Matthew, Irma, Nate, and Michael. I also prepared all communications documents for the publication and rollout of Governor Scott’s FY 17-18 and FY 18-19 budgets and played a critical role in developing and implementing successful messaging strategies during several Florida legislative sessions.

January 2015 - May 2016

COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR, FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS

In my role as communications director for the Florida Department of Corrections (FDC) I led all media relations and internal and external communications operations for the largest agency in Florida state government with more than 20,000 employees. As the chief spokesman of FDC, I was responsible for building and maintaining positive relationships with local, state and national press while creating and implementing media strategies to ensure the successful public reception and messaging of the Secretary’s legislative and operational objectives and accomplishments. During my time at FDC, I supervised a team of three communications professionals and led the effort to rebrand the agency, creating a new logo, mission statement, vision, values, and goals.

September 2014 - January 2015

PRESS SECRETARY, FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS

As press secretary at the Florida Department of Corrections (FDC), I worked jointly with the communications director to prepare responses to media inquiries and coordinate the dissemination of press releases, media advisories, and newsletters. As a spokesman for the agency, I formed relationships with local, state, and national press. I also drafted and placed editorial content on behalf of the Secretary of Corrections.

November 2013 - September 2014

COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST, FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

During my time as communications specialist at the Florida Department of Health (DOH), I served at the chief speech writer for the State Surgeon General and Secretary of Health. As a member of the DOH communications team, I provided on-the-record responses to media inquiries and coordinated with the press secretary and communications director on media strategies and event coordination.