Introducing Veterans to VA’s Digital Future
CLIENT
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Information and Technology (OIT)
CAPABLITIES
Government, Media Relations, Public Affairs, Social Media, Thought Leadership
CHALLENGE
Faced with growing negative sentiment among critical stakeholders, including Veterans, Congress and the media, Stanton was charged with moving the dial and repositioning VA as a technology leader rivaling the private sector in the delivery of world-class technology solutions to our nation’s Veterans. As VA’s partner for external communications for its Office of Information and Technology’s (OIT) IT Strategic Communications (ITSC) team, Stanton was well-positioned to meet those goals through strategic media relations, social media engagement, and the Department’s monthly newsletter.
SOLUTION
The Stanton team develops unique pitch angles, nurtures a deep and varied spokesperson bench and maintains processes for media engagement within a robust department comprised of nearly 16,000 employees and contractors. A key element of Stanton’s strategy is growing and maintaining relationships with VA’s three administrations — Veterans Health Administration, Veterans Benefits Administration, and National Cemetery Administration — and federal and industry partners to develop unique media angles and external media campaigns that highlight cross-government collaboration and innovative technology solutions across the VA ecosystem.
RESULTS
Stanton is recognized for its media counsel and strategic, results-oriented public relations campaigns. Stanton regularly secures positive media coverage in top-tier media outlets resulting in increased Veteran awareness and adoption of VA technology and greater recognition of VA’s IT modernization among key stakeholders, including Congress. Twitter and LinkedIn campaigns drive increased engagement with key federal and industry stakeholders and future business partners while enabling outreach to the next generation of federal IT leaders.
Awards
2021 PR Daily Team of the Year
