Mary Ann Showalter
Communications Manager, WR Wiley Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory, User Services & CommunicationCurrent Activities and Projects
As EMSL Senior Communications Specialist since March 2006, Mary Ann manages and directs the development and implementation of communications critical to EMSL's business strategy and scientific user program, particularly in the areas of EMSL science themes, EMSL Scientific Grand Challenges, and refined business practices as they apply to EMSL staff and users. These objectives are achieved by employing diverse communications strategies and processes, and through development of multiple strategic products. These accomplishments are conducted through effective partnering and teaming with EMSL staff and users, as well as with peers and staff members in the PNNL Communications and External Relations Directorate to manage and deliver services for EMSL.
Mary Ann also provides communications counsel and information to the EMSL Director and management team and serves as a member of the EMSL management team, addressing a host of directorate issues and priorities.
Past Experience
Mary Ann joined PNNL's Technical Communications Group as a Publications Assistant in 1994 and was promoted to editor within the Electronic Communications Group when it formed soon after. She became a member of PNNL's Writing Group in 2000. The following is a sampling of projects on which Mary Ann has worked:
- William R. Wiley Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory, 2002 to present.
- Radiation Portal Monitor Project, 2003 to 2006. Served as Deputy Communications Lead and Communications Specialist.
- DOE Office of Science, 2002 to 2003. Worked with the project communications lead to write a variety of articles for the Office of Science News related to science and scientists funded by the DOE Office of Science.
- DOE Tanks Focus Area, 2000 to 2002. Supported the project communications lead by writing weekly and monthly highlights of various tank-related projects and technologies related to retrieval, immobilization, characterization, safety, and closure. Researched a variety of topics to support writing of photo captions, abstracts, articles, and brochures. Provided editing and compilation support toward the publication of the High-Level Waste Melter Study Report and High-Level Waste Melter Review Report. Provided website design, maintenance, and writing support.
- Voluntary Protection Program, 1998 to 2002. Original Communications representative on the PNNL Voluntary Protection Program (VPP) Steering Committee. Developed/coordinated a variety of communications projects intended to raise staff awareness about PNNL?s quest for VPP Star Status. Items included brochures, badge cards, newsletters, surveys, and posters. PNNL was awarded Star Status in 2001. Initiated Porcelain Press concept.
- ISO 14001, 2002. Requested to develop a campaign similar to that implemented for VPP for PNNL?s efforts to achieve registration to ISO 14001. In September 2002, PNNL was recommended by the third-party audit team for registration to ISO 14001.
- Environment, Safety, Health and Quality Directorate, 1994 to 2000. Wrote and edited safety, regulatory, and quality procedures. Edited correspondence to regulatory agencies. Worked with subject matter experts to transition required ES&H processes into the Standards-Based Management System format. Responsible for editing PNNL?s radiation control manual and informing holders of the manual of new procedures and changes to existing procedures. Served as editor and principal writer of the ESH&Q Exchange and ESH&Q Eye newsletters. Provided website design, maintenance, and writing support.
Education
B.A. in Journalism, Eastern Washington University, 1986
