Heather Saucier

Heather Saucier

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Heather Saucier is a communications professional with over 16 years of experience in journalism and public relations as a former reporter for the Houston Chronicle, The Houston Post, Newsday, the Tulsa World, the Agence France-Presse and national magazines. During her career as a journalist, she received regional, state and national writing awards. She has covered news, features and business in addition to writing editorials and columns. She continues her writing career as a freelance writer and copy editor and has received numerous awards for her work in the corporate communications sector. Currently, she works in corporate communications for a large oil and gas company.Ms. Saucier gained seven years of media relations and public relations experience as Assistant Division Manager of the Harris County Flood Control District's Communications Division. Her roles included overseeing Project Communications, Public Outreach, Internal Communications and Media. As Media Manager and Spokeswoman for the District, she achieved more than a million dollars in publicity each year in Internet, newspaper, radio and television coverage. Other duties included: developing media and public outreach strategies; creating PowerPoint presentations for public education; copywriting newsletters, brochures, fact sheets and talking points; community outreach and photography.In 2012, she won a Silver Excalibur award from the Public Relations Society of America (Houston) for her agency's Media Guide that she developed. In 2011, she won Gold Excalibur awards from the PRSA (Houston) in the Feature Article and Op-ed Piece categories. In 2010, she was selected as one of three finalists for Media Relations Professional of the Year by PRSA (Houston) and earned a Gold Excalibur award in the Feature News Release category. In addition, she earned a second place award from the National Association of Government Communicators in the News release category. In 2009, she earned the President's Award from the National Association of Flood and Stormwater Management Agencies for educating the public through the media.

Corporate Communications Advisor at Oil and Gas Company

September 2012 - Present | Houston, TX

As Corporate Communications Advisor for a local affiliate of an international oil and gas company, I advise management on matters such as media relations, crisis communications and public outreach strategies, in addition to writing for several of its internal and external publications.

Assistant Division Manager/Media Manager/Spokeswoman at Harris County Flood Control District

July 2005 - August 2012 | Houston, TX

As Assistant Division Manager of the District’s Communications Department, I oversaw four sections: Project Communications, Public Outreach, Internal Communications and Media. I worked with my team to develop strategies to promote the District using the media, websites, interactive application tools, public meetings and events, and collateral and promotional materials. I ensured that all communication with the public and media was clear, consistent and effective. As Media Manager, I proactively pitched positive stories to the media, earning approximately $2.5 million in coverage each year. I also served as the District's spokeswoman for print, radio and television media.

Reporter/Writer at Houston Chronicle

February 1998 - June 2005 | Houston, TX

I served as a reporter and writer (with the exception of 2000-2001 to attend graduate school) covering education, medical, general assignment and police beats.

Reporter/Writer at Newsday

May 2001 - September 2001 | Melville, NY

I served as a reporter and writer for a summer fellowship following my May 2001 graduation from Columbia University. I covered religion for the newspaper's features section.

Reporter/Writer at Tulsa World

July 1995 - February 1998 | Tulsa, OK

I served as a reporter and writer for this daily, mid-sized newspaper covering education and working as a feature writer.

Columbia University

2000 – 2001

MS

Concentration: Journalism

Activities: Top 5 percent of class * Winner, Jacqueline Radin Fellowship at Newsday * Contributor to The New York Times wire service * Winner, Richard T. Baker Reporting and Writing Award

University of St. Thomas

1990 – 1995

BA (cum laude)

Concentration: Communications and Philosophy (double major)

Activities: Honor Societies: Communications, English, Philosophy, Aquinas

Running, yoga and animal rescue work