A mission-driven marketing and communications executive with 15+ years of experience building brand authority, deepening member engagement, and advancing civic and social impact movements. I design multi-channel strategies that connect members to opportunities, strengthen community networks, and drive measurable engagement outcomes. A collaborative leader and trained project manager, I partner across functions to shape narratives, personalize member journeys, and position executives and communities as thought leaders in education, equity, and civic leadership.

Areas of Expertise

Strategic Leadership + Vision: Multi-year marketing strategy development | Executive communications + thought leadership | Cross-functional leadership in matrixed organizations | Inclusive team culture building + staff development.

Member Engagement + Growth: Member journey mapping + audience segmentation | Engagement funnel design + conversion strategies | Multi-channel marketing (email, social, web, SMS, events) | Community convenings + civic leadership pathways.

Data + Technology-Driven Marketing: Marketing automation + CRM integration (Salesforce, Salesforce Marketing Cloud, and others) | Data analytics + performance dashboards (PowerBI, Meltwater, Cision) | Personalization + targeted outreach campaigns | Emerging tech + AI tools for marketing optimization.

Brand, Communications + External Affairs: Brand building + visual identity development | Reputation + crisis communications management | Media relations + executive positioning | Content strategy + copywriting for mission-driven audiences.

Project Management + Systems Design: Certified project manager (Northwestern University, in progress) | Workflow + systems design (Asana, Airtable, Typeform) | Budget management + vendor partnerships | Large-scale event design + execution (summits, fundraisers, panels).

Notable Projects

A new brand video for TFA to recognize 25 Years of Collective Impact

TFA’s first multi-day summit to strengthen its network, amplify advocacy, and catalyze innovation for the biggest issues facing public education today.

A crisis communications plan for TFA.

A brand, thought leadership, and executive positioning strategy for TFA.

A digital marketing plan for a globally-recognized floral installation artist.

A brand strategy for United States Artists.

A rebrand for the Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum at MSU.

A digital marketing strategy for the Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum at MSU.

Recent Press

Solving a teacher shortage in Illinois: When nearly 3 out of 5 Illinois teachers are considering leaving the profession, TFA is working to fill critical gaps in schools across Illinois. 100% of TFA  teachers are placed in schools where at least 80% of the student body receives free and reduced lunch. TFA’s Executive Director, Anajah Philogene, and two inspiring incoming teachers, Haniyyah Thomas and Nigel Hooper, shared how TFA is igniting their passion for teaching in Illinois classrooms.


Welcoming students back to the classroom: This summer, more than 100 new TFA teachers trained to step into classrooms, bringing passion, commitment, and the belief that every child deserves access to an excellent education. Executive Director, Anajah Philogene, and ‘03 alumna, Fareeda Shabazz Anderson, Ed.D, , Principal of Walter Payton College Prep, shared valuable back-to-school tips for students, families, and educators.

How I Work

I believe in building strong strategic plans as roadmaps that take the guesswork out of decision-making to make space for creative thought. In a room full of different opinions and experiences, I can motivate a team to move forward with optimism. Defining success, dreaming up interesting approaches, and achieving results are at the core of the way I work.

  • “Working with Whitney is a disarming experience that allows me to be vulnerable and truly be my authentic self. Whitney is always willing to listen, reflect back, give ideas, and help brainstorm.”

    — A Director of Development

  • “In the 10 years that I have been a part of this network, I have never seen our channels communicate like they have under Whitney's leadership.”

    — An Executive Director

  • “Whitney is able to be an expert, while inviting others in.”

    — A Managing Director of Alumni Engagement

  • "Whitney is someone who takes the work seriously without taking herself too seriously"

    — A Managing Director of Equity and Belonging

  • “Whitney is a problem solver and always takes initiative. She gives great pushes to the team and to me that have made us all better.”

    — A VP of External Affairs

  • "Whitney has a a lot of strengths but she's also just a joy to work with and makes people laugh."

    — A Director of Programming