Mike Frontiero, MS
Strategic communications executive shaping narratives for high-stakes government, public policy, & non-profit sectors.
Strategic communications executive shaping narratives for high-stakes government, public policy, & non-profit sectors.
A veteran public relations leader with over 20 years of experience, I specialize in navigating the intersection of complex public policy, high-stakes crisis management, and mission-driven storytelling.
My career began in the fast-paced world of broadcast journalism, where I developed a reporter's eye for storytelling. Today, I use that foundational expertise as a strategic advisor to governors, university provosts, and C-Suite executives.
Whether managing the reputation of a $55 million development project or developing a national media campaign that generated one billion earned impressions and supported a $53B state economic impact, my focus is translating institutional goals into clear narratives that drive measurable outcomes.
53B+
Economic Impact
20+
Years Experience
1B+
Earned Impressions
Challenge: Launching a complex, multi-state historical initiative in a highly polarized political climate.
Result: Secured an AP feature and global coverage through a disciplined, proactive media architecture.
Challenge: Managing unexpected public unrest and heavy media presence during a flagship event for the Governor.
Result: Safeguarded the event narrative, protecting the reputation of all participating elected officials.
Challenge: Overcome a severe shortage of frontline staff, increased service delays, and a decline in public sentiment.
Result: Eliminated critical operator vacancies via a targeted $1.1M campaign and drove a 20% increase in positive brand publicity through aggressive media relations.
Challenge: Navigating significant political and community hostility during a high-stakes land development.
Result: Shifted media tone and reduced opposition through targeted, transparent narrative control.
Virginia American Revolution 250 Commission · 2023 – 2025
Greater Richmond Transit Commission (GRTC) · 2022 – 2023
Union Presbyterian Seminary · 2015 – 2022
Virginia Commonwealth University · 2001 – 2015
"Mike brings a rare combination of journalistic instinct and strategic discipline. He never flinches in a crisis — and more importantly, neither do the narratives he builds."
Korin Taddei, Executive Administrative Assistant
JPMorganChase
"Mike is a master of media relations, strategic communications planning, leadership, and crisis management. He is particularly skillful at developing effective messaging strategies that resonate with target audiences."
Taya Jarman, APR, Communications Director
Institute for Public Health Innovation
"I was always impressed by Mike’s ability to manage a diverse coalition of stakeholders, from state agencies like ours to local community partners and national press. He knows how to execute large-scale public-facing campaigns. As a spokesperson, Mike brings the authority and vision necessary to lead high-profile brands through their most critical moments."
Juliana Thomas, Director of Communications
Virginia Tourism Corporation
"Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death" — 250th Anniversary of Patrick Henry's Speech
AP coverage of the 250th anniversary commemoration at St. John's Church, where Mike served as communications lead for the historic event.
Read coverageYoungkin Recalls Henry's Spark of Revolutionary History — and Recent History
RTD coverage of the Patrick Henry anniversary event, featuring Governor Youngkin and the programming Mike helped orchestrate at St. John's Church.
Read coverageGRTC Addresses Increased Bus Delays as Winter Approaches
Mike leads proactive media outreach for GRTC, getting ahead of service disruption concerns with transparent, rider-focused messaging during peak delay season.
Read coverage16 Oak Trees Torn Down to Make Way for Westwood Tract Development
Community and media scrutiny of the Canopy at Ginter Park project — Mike provides institutional response on behalf of Union Presbyterian Seminary.
Read coverageVirginia 250th Anniversary — Scripted Video
Mike scripted this video for Virginia's 250th anniversary commemoration initiative, translating complex historical themes into compelling public-facing content.
Watch videoYorktown Tea Party Prepares to Toast 250 Years of Defiance
News release written by Mike for Virginia's 250th anniversary commission, building anticipation for a marquee commemorative event in Yorktown.
Read releaseGRTC to Continue Free Bus Rides Through June 2024
News release written by Mike announcing GRTC's extension of fare-free service — a high-impact rider benefit requiring clear, timely public communication.
Read releaseThe ONE Campaign — $51 Million Capital Campaign
Mike led the campaign communications strategy that helped Union Presbyterian Seminary successfully complete its $51 million capital campaign.
View campaign