Valerie Martin
Communicator. Wordsmith.Entrepreneur.
No matter what field you’re in, the smartest communicators have an advantage. I help organizations and individuals around the country communicate big, important, scary or confusing things. Whether it’s achieving a business objective, building visibility, managing media or public opinion, I can help you get results using some of the most powerful tools on the PR and strategic communications workbench.
Philosophy
What’s Different About Alpha Agency?
I only bite off what I can chew and what I’m hungry for, so clients get my full attention and senior-level experience on every aspect of the project. I regularly turn down business that isn’t a good fit for my skills or interests or that would pinch my commitments to existing clients. You only pay for work with which you are satisfied. If we have an hourly arrangement, I round down to the nearest quarter-hour, not up like many PR shops. I don’t charge for initial consultations or short coordinating calls.
EXPERIENCE
(2002 – present)
Communications Consulting Business Owner
(1999-2002)
Communications Director, Minnesota Supreme Court & Minnesota Judicial Branch
Responsible for all internal and external communications of the state’s Judicial Branch. Managed all media relations and high-profile trials; helped develop and execute legislative strategy; wrote speeches; managed award-winning community outreach programs; and served as faculty in “New Judge School” and the state’s Judicial College, training judges in effective media relations.
(1997-1998)
Aide & Press Secretary, Office of Minnesota Governor Arne H. Carlson
As member of Gov. Arne Carlson's senior staff, oversaw Executive Branch communications and acted as Governor’s spokesperson with the media. Advised Governor on communications and public policy. Wrote press releases, compiled event briefings, prepared talking points, drafted speeches and researched issues. Organized major events, including in-state and out-of-state announcements and state budget forecast announcements. Traveled with Governor and Lt. Governor to coordinate media. Tenure in Governor's office included positions of Communications Coordinator and Deputy Press Secretary.
(1996)
Communications Director, Congressional Campaign – Minneapolis, MN
Managed communications for congressional campaign in Minnesota's 5th Congressional district. Responsible for campaign’s media and public relations. Acted as spokesperson for the candidate, fielding questions from the public and press. Prepared the candidate for debates, press conferences and interviews. Wrote press releases and oversaw electronic media and print coverage; coordinated and executed media buy.
(1990-1996)
Announcer and On-Air Talent, KLTA-FM – Fargo, ND
Full-time air talent for a top-ranked Adult Contemporary commercial FM radio station. Dayparts included morning show co-host (1995-1996), middays (1993 – 1995) and evenings (1991 – 1993). Wrote and delivered newscasts. Interviewed guests, facilitated listener call-ins, hosted public events, coordinated promotional events and produced voice-over work for station’s commercial clients.
(1987-1989)
Announcer and On-Air Talent, KYYY-FM – Bismarck, ND
Part-time and swing-shift air talent at a Top 40 commercial FM radio station.
(1986-1989)
Announcer and Newscaster, KCND-FM – Bismarck, ND
Produced and engineered a weekly live folk music show (1986) and served as weekend morning news announcer (1986 – 1989) at Public Radio affiliate.
EDUCATION
(1986-1989)
B.A. — Political Science, Minor in EconomicsMinnesota State University, Moorhead
Completed final academic quarter at Oxford University as part of MSUM's Eurospring Study Abroad program. Additional concentrations of courses in Humanities. Senior paper on Social Choice Theory published in the school's Social and Behavioral Sciences Journal. Independent study in the constitutionality of anti-stalking legislation.