HomeMy WebLinkAboutD. Campbell - Recommendation for Communication StrategistFrom:Deanna Campbell
To:Mike Maas; Carson Taylor
Subject:[EXTERNAL]Recommendation for Communication Strategist
Date:Sunday, July 27, 2025 2:20:02 PM
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Dear Commissioners,
After reviewing the proposals submitted for the communications strategist position, I stronglyrecommend Andrew R. Thomas for the role. His qualifications not only meet but clearly
exceed the requirements outlined in the RFP, the Communication Plan and the EngagementPlan, particularly in comparison to Working Ventures.
Andrew offers a rare and valuable combination: Montana-based experience, legal expertise,direct involvement in state policy, and deep skills in community-based research. These are
precisely the capabilities needed for a role that demands public trust, legal compliance, andmeaningful local engagement.
How Andrew Aligns with Key RFP Parameters, The Engagement Plan and theCommunication Plan:
1. Community Engagement & Public Participation
“Facilitate meaningful community engagement and encourage public participationthroughout the charter review process.”
Effective public engagement requires more than communication skills—it demandscultural and political fluency. Andrew understands Bozeman’s civic climate and has a
proven record of working with Montana communities. Working Ventures, based out ofstate, does not.
2. Developing Outreach That Reflects Local ValuesRFP: “Design and implement a public communication strategy that informs, educates,
and engages the community in a way that reflects the values and needs of Bozemanresidents.”
Only someone who knows Bozeman’s values, priorities, and local debates can designoutreach that resonates. Andrew’s Montana background gives him that insight. Working
Ventures lacks this local context.
3. Building Public Trust Through Transparency
“Build public trust in the process through clear, transparent, and accessiblecommunications.”
Public trust is earned through credibility—and in Bozeman today, that credibilitydepends on understanding the community. The public has repeatedly voiced frustration
with outside consultants and top-down messaging. Andrew brings a grounded, locally-informed approach that connects authentically.
4. Legal and Political Context of the Charter “Support the Study Commission in translating public input into meaningful
recommendations for the charter.”This requires both legal literacy and good judgment. Andrew holds a J.D. from Gonzaga
and is a licensed attorney. He understands the legal framework—including the MontanaConstitution and the MCA—that governs our work. Working Ventures has no legal
credentials and would likely need to outsource such review.
Comparison: Andrew Thomas vs. Working Ventures
Montana Knowledge
Andrew lives in Helena, has worked on land use policy in Lewis and Clark County,drafted legislation for the Montana Legislature, and led community engagement projects
statewide.Working Ventures is out of state with no demonstrated ties to Montana or knowledge of
our legal or cultural environment.
Public Engagement Experience
Andrew brings over 20 years of hands-on experience conducting surveys, interviews,and focus groups to assess community sentiment and guide policy.
Working Ventures offers general messaging services but lacks comparable depth inoriginal community research.
Legal and Policy ExpertiseAndrew is a practicing attorney with direct experience drafting legislation and
navigating legal frameworks.Working Ventures has no in-house legal background, which introduces added cost and
risk.
Charter and Government Structure Knowledge
Andrew holds a Ph.D. in public policy and a Doctorate in Business Administration witha focus on governance and organizational behavior.
Working Ventures demonstrates no experience with city charters or governmentrestructuring.
Data-Driven StrategyAndrew builds communication strategies based on local data—grounded in measurable
input, not generic messaging.Working Ventures emphasizes branding and storytelling, without documented capacity
for empirical research.
Public Input Matters
The community has already spoken. Forty-three public comments were submitted in support
of Andrew Thomas. None supported Working Ventures. This is not a small signal—it is aclear and overwhelming message from the public. People are tired of outside firms steering
local processes. Ignoring that input would only deepen public mistrust in the StudyCommission and compromise the legitimacy of its work.
Conclusion
This Commission has one chance to get this right. The people of Bozeman deserve acommunications process rooted in Montana values, informed by real public input, and
grounded in legal and structural understanding. Andrew Thomas offers all of that—and more.He is the most qualified candidate by every relevant measure.
Respectfully,Deanna Campbell