Profile
Olivia Watkins Hwang is a public affairs executive specializing in strategic leadership, public policy, communications, government relations, and media relations. With more than 15 years of experience, including more than 10 years in increasing leadership roles, Olivia has led statewide initiatives, developed complex programs, and built cross-agency and interdisciplinary teams.
Experience
Vice Chancellor for Marketing, Communications & University Relations, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM)
December 2022 – Present
Spearhead the university’s internal and external communication strategies to support enrollment, brand recognition, and institutional priorities.
Oversee a diverse team of nearly 50 professionals managing marketing, communications, web, government relations, and print operations.
Lead UWM’s first rebranding initiative in 25 years to refine its value proposition, increase employee pride, increase enrollment, and support capital campaigns.
Develop cross-functional collaboration frameworks through initiatives such as the Student Lifecycle Workgroup, enhancing data sharing and message consistency across departments.
Manage internal communication platforms to align employees with institutional priorities and support engagement goals.
Supervise a $4.9 million budget, driving efficiency and revenue generation through strategic planning and service center operations.
Provide strategic counsel on crisis communications, branding, and employee engagement to executive leadership, including the Chancellor.
Utilize data analytics to measure the impact of campaigns and refine communication strategies to improve outcomes.
Assistant Deputy Secretary, Wisconsin Department of Administration
Aug. 2020 - Present
Leads complex interagency initiatives on behalf of the Evers Administration, including American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) grant messaging and data transparency for consumer education and regulatory purposes, which recently won two international awards.
Develops and provides leadership on executive budget initiatives, including Wisconsin for All Initiative and Innovate Wisconsin Initiative for the Governor’s FY23 budget.
Executive sponsor for Wisconsin’s first Clean Energy Plan, the Welcoming Wisconsin Home Statewide Homelessness Action Plan, and the Department’s Equity, Inclusion, and Access Committee.
Leads internal and external communications of statewide COVID-19 policies in partnership with the Governor’s Office for Wisconsin’s 35,000 state employees and statewide real estate portfolio.
Leads efforts to support diverse Wisconsin businesses and communities as the lead for the Office of Business Development, including providing leadership for more than $85 million in grants to more than 100 community organizations, and more than $100 million in grants to diverse chambers of commerce and Community Development Financial Institutions.
Provides leadership to statewide programs that provide rental, shelter, mortgage, energy, and internet assistance to individuals and low-income families.
Built the Department’s first external affairs team that manages all legislative, government, and external relations; internal and external communications; and stakeholder outreach. Provides day-to-day management, skills development, and coaching to team members.
Director of Public Affairs, Wisconsin Office of the Commissioner of Insurance
Jan. 2019 - Aug. 2020
Led Wisconsin’s efforts to establish a public-private partnership to encourage Wisconsinites to enroll in health insurance on the federal health insurance marketplace: www.WisCovered.com.
Provided policy and strategic leadership for the Agency’s key initiatives, including the Wisconsin Healthcare Stability Plan and the development and implementation of the Governor’s Task Force on Reducing Prescription Drug Prices.
Built the Agency’s first public and external affairs team to manage communications, legislative affairs, and lobbyist relations. Provided day-to-day management and coaching for team members.
Co-Founder, Concept Blue Media
Jun. 2018 - Present
Developed campaign plans, messaging, and digital assets for statewide down-ballot, Congressional, and local campaigns in Wisconsin, including Josh Kaul for Attorney General. Developed a progressive health care policy blueprint for statewide advocates. Managed operations, a paid internship program, all company projects, and contracts.
Director of Communications, Wachs for Wisconsin
Nov. 2017 - June 2018
Led and executed messaging with statewide and national press, debates, and digital outreach. Created campaign messaging plan, graphic design materials, and social media content. Trained the candidate for interviews and debate prep. Coordinated messaging with the Wisconsin Democratic Party and key stakeholders.
Director of Communications, Assembly Democratic Leader, Wisconsin Legislature
April 2017 - Sept. 2017
Led strategic messaging for 35 elected officials in coordination with Democratic allies.
Vice President of Communications and Policy, Choices Coordinated Care Solutions
Dec. 2015 – March 2017
Built critical communications, advocacy, and business development capacity for a national non-profit organization as it redefined its place in the health care marketplace. Developed comprehensive advocacy, marketing, communications, and legislative affairs plans.
Director of Media and Communications, Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals
May 2014 – November 2015
Press Secretary, April 2013 – May 2014
Advised agency leadership on sensitive health care policy, client issues, and public health emergencies. Led a team to provide direct oversight of all communications, marketing, public relations, and outreach.
Tax Reform Project Manager, Louisiana Department of Revenue
Jan. 2013 – April 2013
Led a team of more than 10 tax policy experts, economists, researchers, and attorneys on a tax reform package for the governor’s 2014 agenda. Advised the agency head on feasibility, challenges, and growth models.
Communications Director, Louisiana Office of the Governor – Coastal Activities
Dec. 2011 – Jan. 2013
Statewide communications director for the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill. Managed a network of communications officers across the State of Louisiana executive branch to ensure statewide goals.
Special Advisor to the Secretary, Policy and Strategic Communications, Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries
Sept. 2010 – Dec. 2011
Public Information Officer, Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals
Dec. 2009 – Sept. 2010
StartUp Editor and Daily Report Editor, Baton Rouge Business Report
July 2008 – Dec. 2009
Copywriter and Project Coordinator, Covalent Logic
March 2007 – July 2008
Board & Council Leadership
Board Member, Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority, Aug. 2020 - Dec. 2022
Member, Governor’s Interagency Network on Lead, 2021 - Aug. 2020
Member, Governor’s Interagency Council on Mental Health, 2020 - 2021
Commissioner’s Designee, Governor’s Council on Financial Literacy and Capabilities, 2019- 2020
Commissioner’s Designee, Governor’s PFAS Action Council, 2019 - 2020
Commissioner’s Designee, OCI-DHS Health Care Coverage Partnership, 2019 - 2020
Board Member, New Leaders Council - Wisconsin Chapter, 2018 - 2019
Fellow, New Leaders Council - Louisiana Chapter, 2014
Board Member, Associates Board, Tulane University, July 2013 - Oct. 2018
Past Board Member, Newcomb College Alumnae Association, 2008 - 2012
Education
2015 CORe: Credential of Readiness - HBX / Harvard Business School
2005 Visiting Semester - Duke University
2002-2006 BA Political Science & English - Tulane University
