Darla Christiansen’s background encompasses communications, public education campaigns, public involvement planning and facilitation, marketing and media relations. She is known for her exceptional organizational and project management skills, and is adept at building productive relationships among project participants and diverse stakeholders. She has broad experience in creating and managing all aspects of campaigns, from media relations and stakeholder involvement to special event management and online communications. Darla is skilled at crafting strategic messages and public information materials, designing and facilitating all facets of public involvement activities, and managing committees. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism from the University of Oregon.
PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT/OUTREACH U.S. 20-26 Chinden Boulevard Widening, Phases 2 & 3: Boise/Garden City, Idaho (2006 – Current) Chinden Boulevard, a major commuter route connecting the east and west ends of the Treasure Valley, has reached its traffic capacity between Cloverdale Road and Garden City, requiring a road widening from three lanes to five. The Langdon Group has been hired to handle public information during the final two phases of construction of this heavily traveled roadway. Efforts include coordinating the construction schedule with area businesses, providing information to the media and extensive outreach to residents in the area and the traveling public. I-84B Blaine and Cleveland, Curb and Gutter Replacement, Pavement Rehabilitation: Caldwell, Idaho (Current) The two-phase project runs through Caldwell’s historic district, an area that is largely residential. The district also includes Albertson College of Idaho, small businesses and rodeo/fairground facilities. Blaine and Cleveland have become two of the primary east-west routes through the city. Outreach to residents and businesses, as well as coordination between the Idaho Transportation Department and the City of Caldwell, have been hallmarks of the project. Southfork Payette River Bridge Replacement: Boise County, Idaho (Current) While the bridge needs to be replaced for structural reasons, the prospect of its replacement has focused local attention on growth and development. The bridge has become a symbol of controversy, and is viewed by some as part of the nearby development rather than a safety improvement to the area’s transportation infrastructure. Addressing these major issues in an open, constructive manner has been central to this project. One-on-one stakeholder meetings with area residents, business owners and community leaders, public meetings and emphasis on a transparent, open process has been the key to this project.
I-84 Locust Grove Grade Separation: Meridian, Idaho (Current) Anew overpass over Interstate 84 will connect two sections of Locust Grove Road, providing a critical transportation link in rapidly-growing Meridian. The Langdon Group has focused on extensive involvement with area residents acutely impacted by construction. Central to the project have been right-of-way issues, construction information and ongoing flow of information between residents, state, county and city officials. I-84 Cloverdale Road Overpass: Boise, Idaho (2007) The Cloverdale Overpass was damaged in July 2006 when it was struck by an over-height vehicle traveling eastbound on I-84. The impact damaged several bridge girders, requiring replacement of two girders. To expedite repairs, the bridge was closed to all traffic for a month. The Langdon Group conducted door-to-door visits and outreach to homeowners and schools on the corridor. I-184 Curtis Road Overpass Rehabilitation: Boise, Idaho (2006) For the bridge deck rehabilitation project, the Idaho Transportation Department hired the Langdon Group for construction information and outreach activities. Darla worked with the ITD project engineer and public affairs staff to execute an information campaign that would help the traveling public know what to expect during construction, make informed decisions about alternate routes and adjust commute times. The project took on special significance because of its proximity to a major medical center and two of the area’s leading news organizations. Nearby oil businesses use Curtis Road as a main trucking route, as do delivery and shipping lines. This section of Curtis is also home to schools, medical offices and several business complexes. The project was marked by an aggressive media relations campaign, along with targeted outreach to special stakeholders. Wastewater Treatment Facility Improvement Bond Elections: Wendell & Filer, Idaho (2006) Faced with serious environmental and public health threats, potential regulatory fines and sanctions, these communities enlisted The Langdon Group to lead public education and awareness campaigns. The Langdon team conducted informational presentations and question/answer sessions with civic groups, a media outreach campaign, distributed print materials to the voting public, and facilitated public open house meetings. In November 2006, both campaigns resulted in voter passage of revenue bonds – despite the fact that passage would significantly raise monthly user rates. King’s Corner Railway Overpass: Nampa, Idaho (2006) King’s Corner marks the convergence of Amity Road, King’s Road, Southside Boulevard, Second Street Extension, King’s Market and the Union Pacific Railroad tracks. Darla worked with the City of Nampa to keep residents informed about the project’s traffic impacts and progress through regular media updates and neighborhood outreach visits. STRATEGIC COMMUNICATION/PUBLIC AND MEDIA RELATIONS Media Events, Idaho Transportation Department: Boise, Idaho Darla was a lead staff member for ITD media events. Her event planning expertise and organizational skills were vital to the success of events that showcased Governor Dirk Kempthorne signing bills into law, including GARVEE highway legislation and the Child Booster Seat law. She also coordinated and assisted the public affairs team with other community events such as ground breaking and ribbon cutting ceremonies. Darla coordinated participant involvement, created media kits, wrote speaking points, contacted media and logistics. Public and Fundraising Events, Discovery Center of Idaho and Boise Family YMCA: Boise, Idaho Darla created and managed events designed to engage people of all ages, as well as raise funds for these non-profit organizations. The range of responsibilities included recruiting corporate participants, working with volunteers, generating media coverage, creating direct mail and advertising materials. While at the Discovery Center science museum, special events under Darla’s leadership regularly exceeded attendance and fundraising goals. Convention and Meeting Planning, Idaho Bankers Association: Boise, Idaho As the association’s member liaison, Darla was involved in coordinating an aggressive schedule of conferences, meetings and legislative trips. Often times this involved bringing business competitors together to work on a common project. It also required a high level of organization and detail management. The most demanding (and most rewarding) work centered on an annual convention that drew 500+ participants from the northwest region. ELECTRONIC/ONLINE COMMUNICATION Department Web Site Redesign: Idaho Transportation Department Boise, Idaho Darla oversaw a project to overhaul and redesign the Idaho Transportation Department’s Web site. She worked with an internal team and an outside design consultant to keep the project on schedule and within budget. The Web redesign received attention at both state and national levels and received awards from the Idaho Press Club and the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials. Media Manager Online News Tool: Idaho Transportation Department Boise, Idaho
The Media Manager was created as a solution to replace an outdated news delivery system. Darla coordinated the project, acting as a liaison between information technology staff and executive management. The end product eliminated the department’s system for disseminating transportation-related news, which for years meant cutting, pasting and photocopying daily news clips. The new Web-based application allowed staff to gather and archive news clips, which are delivered to subscribers via a daily email. The process was a huge step forward in the timely monitoring of news about the department and relevant issues. Online Newsletter, The Transporter: Idaho Transportation Department Boise, Idaho Darla was a regular contributor to the Idaho Transportation Department’s online newsletter. The newsletter features stories about industry trends, employee news and department events. It was one of the first, and remains one of thefew, online newsletters published by transportation agencies nationwide. CURRENT AND PAST PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS Capital City Communicators (Past President) Idaho Press Club Leadership Boise, Boise Area Chamber of Commerce) Idaho Society of Association Executives CERTIFICATION AND TRAINING Certified Public Participation Practitioner, International Association of Public Practitioners FHWA NEPA and Project Development Process, Boise, Idaho Risk Communication: Issues management/crisis communication/message mapping, Boise, Idaho
AWARDS
AASHTO/National Transportation Public Affairs Workshop Web site Redesign itd.idaho.gov American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AAMVA) Internal Newsletter The Transporter Idaho Press Club Media Campaign 511 Traveler Information (first place award) Wendell Wastewater Bond Election Campaign Idaho Press Club Media Kit 511: Travel Smart. Travel Safe. Idaho Press Club Web site General Excellence itd.idaho.gov Idaho Press Club News Release Writing Idaho Press Club Feature Writing “Aviation academy takes teens to new heights" ITD Transporter Newsletter Idaho Information Technology Resource Management Council Information Technology Achievement Award/Digital Government itd.idaho.gov |
