Chris Bavender

Experience

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  The Star Press

  Oct 1986 - Aug 1992

  Freelance Reporter
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  Wabash Plain Dealer

  Jul 1988 - Oct 1989

  Reporter
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  WISH-TV

  Feb 1992 - Nov 1993

  Freelance Overnight Anchor
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  47 ABC - WMDT

  Nov 1993 - Feb 1994

  Anchor/Reporter
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  WALB-TV

  Sept 1994 - Mar 1997

  Anchor/Reporter
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  WVLT Volunteer TV

  Mar 1997 - Oct 1999

  Anchor/Reporter
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  WRTV

  Sept 1999 - Oct 2003

  Reporter
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  Ball State University

  Oct 2003 - Aug 2007

  Trained, mentored, and supervised student and professional staff to produce daily TV news briefs, webcast and web content for cutting-edge university/PBS affiliated convergent news immersion program. Collaborated with researchers at the BSU Center for Media Design to explore innovative ways to deliver content via hand-held devices. Managed quarter million-dollar budget. Anchored daily TV news briefs and webcast (2003-2005). 2003 Regional Emmy Award-winning program recipient. Show less

  • Director - News Research Institute

    Mar 2006 - Aug 2007

  • Managing Editor/Anchor NewsLink Indiana

    Oct 2003 - Aug 2007
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  WTHR-TV

  Aug 2004 - Jul 2007

  Freelance Reporter
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  Self Employed

  Mar 2007 - now

  Freelance

  CRB Strategies, Noblesville, IN Current Publishing, Carmel, IN Hamilton County Business Magazine, Noblesville, IN The Facing Project, Muncie, IN

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  Office of the Indiana Attorney General

  Feb 2009 - Mar 2013

  Communications Director

  Implemented internal and external strategic communications. Managed internal and public websites, including social media. Developed concepts and speech writing for the Attorney General. Provided communications counsel to the Attorney General, Chief Counsels, and administrative staff. Managed paid advertising efforts of outside entities and special projects. Coordinated and oversaw trade show participation such as Indiana State Fair and Indiana Black Expo. Supervised Public Information Officers on press releases and media events. Show less

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  Franklin College

  Aug 2013 - Jun 2014

  Broadcast Journalism Coordinator - Pulliam School of Journalism

  Taught Broadcast Journalism curriculum. Co-created and produced a weekly webcast for TheStatehouseFile.com. Supervised student staff of TheStatehouseFile.com, providing stories for the site and its media clients. Advised campus TV and radio station student staff.

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  Plews Shadley Racher & Braun LLP

  Jun 2014 - Jan 2015

  Marketing Director

  Internal consultant to Marketing Committee/individual attorneys to effectively initiate and execute client development. Directed local, state, and national media relations, including print, broadcast, and social media. Developed and managed marketing budget and plan. Created marketing materials and advertisements. Planned and hosted client development events.

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  WISH-TV

  Feb 2015 - Apr 2015

  Freelance Reporter
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  City of Indianapolis - Public Safety Department

  Jun 2015 - Jan 2016

  Communications Director

  Managed broad range of communications, marketing and public relations activities with strategic vision, planning, and implementation of activities. Designed comprehensive set of strategic communications and public relations approaches aimed at external/internal marketing and development opportunities. Ensured department’s communication, marketing, and public relations strategies were integrated and coordinated internally as well as with other city agencies. Developed approaches, strategies, and tools to communicate division challenges and accomplishments. Organized and implemented internal and external customer relations to include internal department activities, internal skills training, and special events/seminars. Supervised department agency Public Information Officers to ensure coordination of key messaging. Show less

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  Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD)

  Jan 2016 - Apr 2017

  Public Information Officer

  Coordinated media relations and public information for the department. Advised Chief of Police and command staff on current media events and issues. Worked with Mayor’s Office and other city/county departments on joint projects and issues. Prepared speeches for Chief of Police and coordinated event planning. Oversaw and maintained agency’s social media platforms. Wrote, edited, and produced brochures, newsletters, and specialized publications. Met with citizens, business groups and neighborhood associations to promote the department. Show less

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  Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

  Apr 2017 - now

  Spokesperson & Public Affairs Officer

  Member of FBI Office of Public Affairs Media Fly Team for National Critical Incident deployment.Employee Assistance Program Peer.Promote the work of the FBI utilizing traditional and progressive means of communication. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with state, national and international media. Design, recommend and execute media strategies using print, broadcast, internet, and social media platforms. Develop communications plans utilizing the most effective media for intended audiences. Evaluate the impact and effectiveness of communication plans and advise executive management if efforts should be discontinued, emphasis changed, or coverage expanded in improving intercommunication between organization and various audiences through media utilization. Produce analytical and briefing products for executive management. Prepare talking points, speeches and other material for field office Special Agent in Charge. Represent the FBI at interagency meetings, conferences, field training exercises, and operational activity that include a public affairs element. Develop meaningful content for Indianapolis Field Office social media accounts (X, Instagram, Facebook) to inform the public about the work of the field office and FBI. Show less