Molly Shepherd is a widely experienced strategic communications specialist, skilled in planning, crafting, and implementing effective communication strategies that help leaders and organizations advance impact, awareness, and reputation. She brings extensive experience in strategic communications, public policy, political campaigns and community engagement, with a background in state government and public affairs. Most recently, Molly served in the Office of the Governor of Virginia as Project Manager for First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin’s It Only Takes One fentanyl awareness initiative, a highly successful campaign that has contributed to Virginia leading the nation in reducing fentanyl-related deaths. Earlier in her career, Molly served in the Office of Governor James S. Gilmore as Assistant Press Secretary and Special Assistant for Legislative and Governmental Affairs, advising on media, legislative, and strategic initiatives. She also directed communications for two U.S. Senate campaigns. Molly served as Communications Director for a national grassroots and public policy organization, where she managed media relations and advanced public policy initiatives in Washington, D.C. and throughout the country. In that role, she served as spokesperson and developed media strategies to advance the organization’s goals, pitching and placing stories with producers at nationally syndicated programs including 60 Minutes, Good Morning America, and This Week. Molly holds a Master of Arts in Journalism from Regent University and a Bachelor of Arts in Communication and Political Science from the University of Delaware. She is active in her faith community, supporting youth, education, and mental health initiatives, and serves on the board of her local YMCA. She is deeply passionate about the underserved community of the city of Richmond. Molly lives in Richmond, Virginia with her husband, Wes, their three children, and their golden retriever, Harry. She enjoys spending time with family and friends and is happiest outdoors - running, tinkering in the garden, or on the best days, out on the water.