New Team Members Focus on Media Training, Crisis Communications and Strategic Communications
By Jennifer Miller and Gil Rudawsky
DENVER – Building on Rockford Gray’s growing media training and strategic communications practice areas, the Denver-based communications agency is adding communications experts Alton P. Dillard II, Katie Trexler McLean and Serena Woods to its team of senior consultants.
Dillard, Trexler McLean and Woods will strengthen Rockford Gray’s media training, crisis response and strategic communications practice areas, as well as grow its public relations service.
With more than 30 years’ experience, Alton P. Dillard II, CERA, advises Rockford Gray clients on effective and creative ways to build communication strategies to engage with the media and communities. Dillard served as a Press Secretary and Senior Aide to U.S. Senator Ben Nighthorse Campbell and as Denver’s Communications Manager and Public Information Officer for the Clerk and Recorder Office. As a semi-retired spokesperson and media personality Dillard shares his real-world experience and community connections with Rockford Gray’s clients.
Katie Trexler McLean is an experienced communications strategist and coach. She specializes in helping clients land positive news coverage and speak with clarity and confidence, whether they are in a high-stakes media interview or presenting in front of an audience. Trexler McLean brings her real-world experience as an Emmy award-winning television journalist and public relations specialist to Rockford Gray, coaching clients as they navigate the spotlight, manage media interactions and engage with key stakeholders.
Serena Woods brings 20 years’ experience directing communications for campaigns, governments, corporate clients and nonprofit organizations to Rockford Gray clients. As Senior Advisor to Colorado Gov. Jared Polis, Woods led communications for Colorado’s COVID-19 response, ensuring transparency, message consistency and accuracy in public information. Woods turns complex issues into compelling, accessible messages and effective communications plans.
“For more than 20 years, Rockford Gray has worked with clients to help them tell their stories,” said Jennifer Miller, Rockford Gray managing partner. “By adding these experienced communicators to our team, we will continue to provide every client with the highest level of customized, real-world communication solutions.”
Alton P. Dillard II, Katie Trexler McLean and Serena Woods join the team of Miller; Gil Rudawsky, Partner; and Senior Directors Paul David, Anna Duggan, Bryan Hughes, Gwen Hennessy, and Karen Mason.
ABOUT: Rockford Gray is a Denver-based communications firm, serving clients nationally. The firm provides communication services to a multitude of industries, including entertainment, construction, technology, health care and government. The company’s core values are excellence, integrity and teamwork – striving for excellence in customer satisfaction, while acting with integrity and the belief that the firm is stronger as a team and when serving as a member of its clients’ teams. Rockford Gray provides the following services:
- Media training
- Crisis communication training
- Crisis and issues management
- Public speaking and presentation skills coaching
- Presenting with executive presence
- Strategic communication and public relations
- Message development
- Storytelling
About the author: Jennifer Miller is a seasoned media trainer and public speaking coach with over 15 years of journalism experience, including seven at CBS News. Known for her disarming style and tough questions, she reported on major events like the Olympics, 9/11, and Hurricane Katrina. Her firsthand understanding of how reporters think makes her an exceptional crisis management counselor. At Rockford Gray, she coaches clients on media, presentation, and crisis response. Jennifer holds a master’s in Organizational Leadership from the University of Denver and a journalism degree from the University of Minnesota. She is certified in crisis communication and DEI in the Workplace and is a sought-after speaker.
About the author: Gil Rudawsky specializes in issues and reputation management, and crisis communication. He began his career as a reporter in Aspen, Colo., and journalism took him across the country and then back to his native Denver, Colorado, where he worked for the Rocky Mountain News. His journalistic skills – source development, research, credibility, storytelling, and curiosity – remain the foundation of his work with clients. He has experience working on a range of issues across sectors, including federal investigations, corporate and workplace issues, DEI and public advocacy campaigns. He provides expert-level strategic counsel, including on-the-ground support. He is a graduate of the University of Southern California, with a degree in philosophy.