Career Profile

Blake Stilwell is a highly skilled communicator and seasoned media professional with more than twenty years of rich experience across government, military, and private sectors. A master of multimedia storytelling and strategic communications, Blake has a track record of managing high-impact projects on a global scale.

Experience

Freelance Writer & Reporter
LOS ANGELES, CA | Jan 2019 - Present

Staff Writer & Reporter, Military.com
LOS ANGELES, CA | Dec 2019 - Present

Managing Editor, The Mighty Networks
LOS ANGELES, CA | Aug 2015 to Jan 2019

• Senior-most content creator responsible for day-to-day newsroom operations.

• Led a team of writers, editors, and content producers.

• Developed strategic communications plans for stakeholders and clients.

• Collaborated with management and C-suite to enhance inter-departmental communication, focusing on digital and social media.

Media Officer, Near East Foundation
NABLUS, PALESTINE | Nov 2012 - Aug 2015

• Revitalized the office of communications and creative services.

• Contracted communication services for NEF headquarters and field offices.

• Led negotiations and supported operations across eight countries.

• Provided editorial, strategic, and operational support as a liaison between NEF and USAID West Bank-Gaza Mission.

• Researched and partially implemented communications strategies for the centennial of America's oldest international development organization.
  

Communications & Media Staff, The White House
WASHINGTON, DC | Feb 2009 - Jun 2011

• Supported communications for the Executive Office of the President, Vice-President, and other executive officers.

• Coordinated a national team of communications personnel and maintained key relationships with journalists.
  

Communications Strategist, Revolution Messaging
WASHINGTON, DC | Jun 2011 - JUN 2012

• Created content and developed strategies focused on mobile, new media, and emerging technologies.

• Generated copy for social media, web content, video products, and microsites.

Program Director, Shoot Off Video Workshops
WASHINGTON, DC | Jan 2010 - Oct 2019

• Directed a three-day multimedia production workshop for defense, contracting, and media industries.

• Led fundraising efforts and managed relationships with major donors like Adobe, GoPro, and Canon.

• Developed workshop curriculum and managed instructor outreach.
  

Combat Photojournalist, United States Air Force
CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, SC | Sept 2001 - Jul 2007

• Served as a member of the USAF’s only combat documentation and production unit.

• Documented U.S. military operations worldwide, including the Iraq War and humanitarian relief efforts.

• Awarded Documentarian of the Year 2005 by the Pentagon for coverage of Hurricane Katrina Relief.

Education