Head of Social Media at Comerica Bank | Executive Media Advisor | Former TV Reporter

I am a communications leader with 15+ years of experience advising executives, brands, and institutions on how to communicate clearly, credibly, and effectively in high-stakes moments.

At Comerica Bank, I lead social media and content strategy across small business, commercial, and retail banking, as well as corporate philanthropy, financial literacy, and community engagement. I oversee a high-volume content operation, approximately 100 pieces of content per month and the production of live streaming events on LinkedIn and Facebook that bring the brand’s voice directly to audiences in real time.

Previously, I served as Vice President of Corporate Communications for Comerica’s California market, where I led media relations, executive speechwriting, crisis communications, and served as a spokesperson. 

In that role, I worked closely with senior leaders to prepare for interviews, public appearances, and moments where clarity, message discipline, and credibility mattered most.

Earlier in my career, I was a television reporter and anchor. That newsroom experience shaped how I approach executive communication today: with an understanding of how journalists think, what audiences listen for, and how quickly a message can succeed or fail under pressure.

Alongside my corporate role, I advise founders and senior leaders on executive media performance, visibility, and on-camera presence through my SmartPresence advisory practice. The focus is practical and risk-aware: helping leaders show up prepared, composed, and aligned with their organization’s goals when the stakes are high. 

This work blends traditional media preparation with modern tools, including AI-assisted video analysis, to accelerate insight and improvement.

I’m always open to thoughtful conversations with communications leaders, founders, and executives about storytelling, media readiness, and executive visibility.

Susan Siravo

University of California Office of the President

Director of Executive Communications and Engagement

University of California, Davis

Executive Communications/Speechwriter

California Department of Veterans Affairs

Communications Manager

Communications Consultant

City of Oakland, CA  |  Arlington County, VA   |  Blue Shield of California

• Media relations and strategic communications 
• Internal communications project management, with expertise In IT deployments and related change communications, HR communications including benefits, recruitment, wellness, and workplace diversity.
• Executive Communications strategy, program development, writing and events
• Crisis Communications planning, training development; experienced PIO familiar with SEMS/ NIMS
• Employee Communications strategy and program development
• Website redevelopment, including IA, content writing and migration

Strategic Communications & Media Relations

City of San Jose

• Managed communications and outreach efforts for the City of San Jose and its 20 departments. Developed and implemented strategic communications plans for a variety of needs in a large and complex organization with multiple lines of business, including economic development, public safety, capital projects and infrastructure development, garbage, recycling, libraries, parks, and recreation services.
• Managed crisis communications, including training the organization’s 25+ public information officers, developing a Council guide to emergency operations, and participating in numerous emergency response exercises and efforts.
• Managed executive communications for the City Manager, including writing internal/ external communications and coordinating meetings/ events. 
• Launched the City’s first social media efforts, including Facebook, Twitter, and Flickr. Developed policies and procedures to ensure consistency throughout the organization.
• Launched an online newsletter and weekly email for the organization’s 6,600 employees, making the transition from paper to digital communications.
• Collaborated with Human Resources to develop and implement communications for workplace diversity, employee wellness program, recognition, and an online employee idea program. 
• Extensive experience in IT deployments and related change communications.

Public Communications Manager

SMUD

Public Information Specialist

Habitat for Humanity

• Managed communications for a volunteer project to build Sacramento Habitat for Humanity's first Zero Energy Home, an effort done in partnership with SMUD.

Project Leader, Communications (Volunteer)

City of San José

Public Outreach Coordinator

Journalist

•General assignment reporter/ freelance writer with hundreds of articles in print; special focus on environment, education, government, and health reporting. Seattle Times/ Issaquah Press, Arcata Union, Northwest Asian Weekly, Northwest Runner, Seattle's Child/Eastside Parent. Awards: SPJ, WNPA.

Staff Reporter / Freelance Writer

Executive Communications Manager with 20+ years experience supporting internal and external communications for higher education and government leaders and elected officials, including executive positioning, thought leadership, strategic communications and messaging, employee engagement, media relations, social media and speechwriting. Skilled and versatile writer who can translate complex information into compelling copy with a strong call to action. 

• Strong public affairs background and experience with a wide range of public sector issues including energy, environment, economic development, public safety, capital projects, and affordable housing. 
• Public relations expertise in developing, implementing, and evaluating communications and public relations programs for diverse audiences.
• Media Relations experience includes strategy and message development, training and coaching subject matter experts, and serving as spokesperson on key issues.
• Significant Crisis Communications experience includes managing media response during emergency situations, developing strategy and messaging, and serving as company spokesperson for interviews with TV, radio, and print media; developing and training staff for Emergency PIO role; participating in numerous multi-agency emergency exercises.
• 10+ years managing employee communications includes newsletters, intranet, events, and enterprise-wide launch of special initiatives such as workplace diversity, wellness, and employee recognition. 

Specialties: Strategic communications planning, media relations, executive communications, emergency communications, public affairs

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Susan Siravo

Catherine Kenny

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