chris santarelli

Launched, edited and coordinated all publishing of content for TheBlaze.com’s Contributors Page for op-eds and editorials. Researched, engaged and developed editorial relationships for the Contributors Page. Procured commentary from independent best-selling authors, experts at top think tanks, executives at large corporations and national politicians. Aggressively promoted contributions with multiple social platforms and partners. Served as a reliable political reporter, aggregate news editor and editorial team member for a start-up online publication.

Have led day-to-day management of public relations and government affairs accounts for a wide-range of real estate, finance and corporate clients, including Knotel, Cushman & Wakefield, McDonald's and The Carlton Group.

Acted as the lead day-to-day public relations contact on behalf of Savills Studley’s Midwest and Southwest offices, providing appropriate communications direction, preparation, coaching and guidance to branch managers and staff as needed. Proactively sought out and streamlined story ideas and byline drafts on market trends and transactions from brokers and research staff within assigned offices, securing placements in leading business and commercial real estate publications including Bloomberg, Crain’s Chicago, Chicago Tribune, Houston Chronicle, Dallas Morning News, Austin American Statesman, Bisnow, Globe St, as well as multiple business journals, Inno and Built In outlets. Created and presented media reports to office branch managers and the public relations department during month meetings; coordinate on creation of PR department’s quarterly PR reports; produce and distribute digital content and press releases for assigned offices.

Produced high quality journalism in the form of 15 to 17 stories and briefs a week from the News-Press city desk. Wrote detailed, thought-provoking and responsible work to meet short deadlines in reaction to breaking events. Worked as a correspondent for a predetermined 4-month assignment through the Young America’s Foundation while also assisting in development efforts at the Reagan Ranch and YAF Center in Santa Barbara County.

Excelled in an exclusive professional development program for young political journalists and media professionals. Tested in training seminars on investigative journalism, media law, effective interviewing, rapid response, assignment reporting, digital journalism and AP style. Placed as an editorial intern for 32 hours per week at Campaigns & Elections, the industry-standard publication for political consultants and campaign professionals. Wrote C & E’s September 2010 cover issue.

Assisted staff budget analysts, counsel, and economists with research information on legislative and budget statistics to conduct oversight during the 2010 budget reconciliation and attempted budget resolution processes. Gathered required materials and assembled hearing briefings for Ranking Member Rep. Paul Ryan and other committee members. Supported communications and administrative staff with editing and writing of press releases, statements for floor remarks and media analysis.

Managed media relations and served as an on-the-record spokesperson for the Christie Administration on Treasury Department issues that include New Jersey’s budget and taxes, public employee pensions and benefits, revenue collection, investments, property management and other key functions of State government. Wrote and edited critical public remarks, press releases, media statements and talking points to facilitate the Administration’s ongoing communications strategy. In coordination with the Director of Communications, oversaw communications and served as an adviser to Division directors and the State Treasurer responsible for New Jersey’s approximately $33 billion budget, 11,000 department employees, and $79 billion pension fund that serves more than 800,000 beneficiaries.

Graduate as of January 25th, 2010 with a degree in Political Science. Activities and Societies: Kappa Sigma Fraternity, Daily Free Press, BUCR