is a strategic communications professional with a background in journalism; she has served in communications and marketing roles for both nonprofit and government entities. Her focus on strategic research supports organizations’ goals through integration of audience, message and tactics. Alyson is a journalism graduate from Utah State University and holds a Masters in Strategic Communications from Westminster College. She worked for 15 years in print and broadcast journalism in Utah and Idaho, holding positions as a producer, reporter and news anchor. She also worked as a director of development and communication for The Nature Conservancy, both in state field offices and under the direction of the national office. From 2001-2012, Alyson served as Communications Director for Utah Congressman Jim Matheson, working with local and national news media on Congressional political coverage. She served as Communications Director for Salt Lake County Mayor Ben McAdams for 6 years and then worked for him in the same capacity when he was elected to Congress in 2018. She directed media coverage, wrote floor speeches and oversaw message outreach to his constituents regarding federal legislation and policy. As a graduate student, she completed a strategic marketing and communications plan for the Sorenson Center – a social-impact innovation lab – affiliated with the David Eccles School of Business at the University of Utah.