Chai
can be
your guy.
Who am I?
Writer and executive communications strategist with experience in Lansing (the DC of Michigan) and DC (the Lansing of America). I’ve written 1,500+ speeches including five State of the State addresses, several commencements, and hundreds of keynotes, remarks, and scripts. After five years working for Governor Gretchen Whitmer, I’ve developed an appreciation and intuitive understanding of all things Midwest, manufacturing, and mom jokes. I’ve written about civil rights and permitting reform; semiconductors and infrastructure; literacy and trade; and many things in between.
As a leader in the Executive Office of the Governor, I crafted winning messages, rolled out big initiatives, and planned major events. At the 2024 Democratic National Convention, I collaborated with some of the nation’s top speechwriters, digital strategists, researchers, and speaker coaches to research, write, practice, and edit more than 15 speeches for high-level leaders. Back in DC, I worked in the House of Representatives, at the firm West Wing Writers, and in the campaign world for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee and American Bridge 21st Century.
If you enjoy edits in margins, joyful review sessions, and the unbeatable feeling of landing a great line, let’s get to work.
Photo credits belong to Julia Pickett and various people holding my phone.
What can I do for you?
Words
Speaking soon to make an argument, define your mission, or move people to act? Whether it’s five minutes of comments next month or a 5,000 word keynote address next week, we can get it done. I’ve worked on everything from statewide addresses to short, punchy press conference remarks and video scripts.
Prefer the written word? If you want to start a dialogue with an op-ed, reach stakeholders in a trade magazine, or speak directly to your audience on social platforms, I can help too. My words have appeared in major outlets and driven national news coverage.
Ideas
Rolling out something new, defining your mission, or changing course? I’ve held the pen on budget releases, bill signings, and big announcements. Let’s work together on the “why, how, and where” of your “what.” Delivering real change requires connecting your story to your goals. I can help.
I’ve also been behind the scenes and crafted effective responses to a wide range of crises. When things hit the fan, you need someone who’s been there.
Advice
Even the best written speech falls flat without effective delivery. I’ve helped speakers prepare for TV audiences of 20 million, divided legislative chambers, and medium-sized weddings. We can practice and perfect your speech so you can be confident about what you’re saying and how you’ll say it too.
Also, if your team wants to sharpen or refresh their skills with some professional development, we can set up an in-house workshop catered to their needs.
Why me?
Effective executive communication is about good judgment and good taste. You need an expert who can be in the room with you, building your story weeks in advance of your big event; who can hone your delivery in the days leading up to it; who can be ready backstage minutes before for final checks; and who is eager to debrief and improve for next time after you leave the stage. You need someone who knows how to fix something that “just doesn’t sound right” or figure out what something really means. I’ve been there and done that.
My five years in the Midwest collaborating closely with a plainspoken leader and background in national politics have prepared me well to communicate to a broad set of audiences. My style is straightforward and my process is rooted in a love for simple questions that yield smart answers. To get things done, you need a great story. What’s yours?
How can I help?
No matter what argument you need to make or audience you need to sway, it all starts with clear thinking and good writing. On a good day, I offer both.
Reach out about work we can do together, a fun article you read, or a cool video you just watched. Always looking to collaborate or learn something new.