Mark Shields, Vice President

Mark Shields works and plays well with others. He has a proven track record helping clients set and implement strategy, get the most out of their media relations, tell their stories better through stronger branding, and navigate crisis communications.

As a Spitfire, Mark has helped lead several successful coalitions – including a working group of environmental and economic organizations to secure passage of the RESTORE Act, which seeks to restore the ecosystem and economy of the Gulf region following the 2010 oil spill. As part of this work, Mark has overseen regional and national polling projects, the development of media outreach plans and implementation, the development and placement of targeted advertising and other collateral materials to further campaign objectives.

Mark has led rebranding efforts for clients including Smart Growth America and the Prometheus Radio Project; led messaging work in support of sustainable fishing practices in New England; and has repeatedly served as go-to for crisis communications for Spitfire clients. As a trainer, Mark has extensive experience helping clients meet their communications goals through strategic communications planning, and providing in-depth spokesperson trainings.

Mark has worked for some of the nation’s leading nonprofit organizations including the American Red Cross, the Human Rights Campaign and the National Park Foundation. He has also served as an independent consultant for clients including the Center for American Progress.

For six years, Mark was a leader in communications at the Human Rights Campaign, the largest national gay and transgender political organization. He helped lead media relations and messaging through the 2004 fight against the Federal Marriage Amendment, as well as other campaigns to help advance employment non-discrimination legislation and the Matthew Shepard Hate Crimes Act that was signed into law in 2009.  

Throughout his career, Mark has served repeatedly as an organization spokesman, including leading regional response to the September 11th attacks while working for the American Red Cross in Madison, WI; the Lighting of the White House Christmas tree on behalf of the National Park Foundation, and on a variety of key issues for the Human Rights Campaign - including on a national speaking tour that he developed and implemented for George Takei, better known as Mr. Sulu on Star Trek (ask Mark to do his George Takei imitation – seriously, it’s spot on).  

A native Midwesterner, Mark graduated from Marquette University with a B.A. in broadcasting and electronic communications. He currently lives in Washington, D.C.’s, Columbia Heights neighborhood where he is enjoying the trials and tribulations of owning his first home.