A Woman of Many Hats: A Stephanie Mudgett Profile
Published on Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2024 at 9:06 p.m.
By Jane Blissett.
While many public relations professionals have worked in multiple sectors of the industry, Stephanie Mudgett does it all. In her career spanning approximately 40 years, Mudgett has made an impact on multiple organizations and a wide variety of people and employees.
Where it all began
Mudgett realized that the communications field was a career path she wanted to pursue when she was in elementary school. “I really liked the news and to write,” Mudgett explained. “Then throughout junior high and high school, I loved creative writing and journalism.”
Mudgett went on to study broadcast journalism at Western Washington University in Washington state. Through her studies in college, Mudgett was able to get an internship at ABC affiliate KOMO News in Seattle.
Career taking flight
Mudgett worked at KOMO News post graduation, but was given a huge opportunity when she was offered a job at The Boeing Company.
Mudgett believes that working for The Boeing Company was a pivotal moment in her career. “Everyone needs that person who believes in you and takes a chance on you. Donna Mikov, one of the PR leaders at Boeing, was that person,” said Mudgett.
With this job change, Mudgett was able to work on the internal and external communications side on the all-new jetliner, the Boeing 777. “I had such wonderful times working at Boeing,” Mudgett said. “Working with new technology, watching airplanes fly off the ground for the first time, and flying around the world — there are just too many good memories.” Mudgett held a huge role in delivering key messaging regarding the innovation of the new airplane.
In her late 20s, Mudgett was promoted to lead communications for the Boeing Next-Generation 737 programs and continued to work on public relations inside and outside of the company for 34 years.
Wilson Chow, the current senior director of communications at Boeing, worked with Mudgett during most of her time at the company.
“Stephanie is a thoughtful leader,” said Chow. “She taught many people how to hone their craft and become better communicators.”
Chow attributes several of Boeing’s major achievements in recent years to Mudgett’s contributions. “Some of Boeing’s most important moments were possible because of her leadership, planning and support,” said Chow. “Stephanie’s creativity and ideas were important contributions to projects. It was always a pleasure working with and learning from Stephanie.”
From The Boeing Company’s Centennial celebration, working with Boeing leaders, and making ideas come to life, Chow admires her creativity in the workspace.
Exploring different industries
While Mudgett did enjoy her time at The Boeing Company, she wanted to try something new within the PR field.
Mudgett switched over to the venture capital space, where she collaborated with wealth management and portfolio companies at WestRiver Group, including Topgolf. She mainly contributed to executive communications and public relations internally, as well as working directly with clients.
She continues to work directly with the founder and CEO of WestRiver Group and recently helped take four decarbonization companies public through her communication and PR strategies.
One of these clients was Hyzon — a company that was thoroughly impressed with Mudgett’s career.
“Hyzon approached me asking to help them with crisis communications after they went public. However, a short-term job turned into a long term position.”
In February 2024, Mudgett was named Hyzon’s head of global communications and branding. While holding one large title is an accomplishment, Mudgett has found herself in a position where she plays many roles in the public relations industry.
Finding balance
Today, Mudgett works for Hyzon, is a senior consultant for Fearey Group, plays a role at WestRiver Group with its clients and started her own firm named Easton Communications in the midst of it all.
When it comes to staying organized and on top of deadlines, Mudgett has worked out a system.
“My philosophy is always planning ahead. I have a really good calendar, and I am surrounded by strong, smart people and a great support system,” Mudgett said.
Exceptional leadership
With being a leader of multiple organizations all at once, Mudgett has experience on what it is like to lead a company of PR professionals.
“You need to ensure that your company is aware of your goals and figure out the outcomes you want to accomplish together,” Mudgett explained. “Ultimately, we are people. Jobs and clients get tough, but if we respect, listen and appreciate each other, the team will come together.”
In this ever-changing industry, Mudgett looks for certain traits in the members of her teams. She wants employees to have a strategic mindset and have effective integration planning skills.
“It is crucial that professionals can anticipate what will happen next,” Mudgett said.
She especially keeps an eye out for engaging storytellers.
“I look for someone fun and creative because in communications, we are storytellers and need to deliver key messages,” Mudgett emphasized. “There are so many different elements in communications, but you need to be able to convey your message well.”
Looking into the future
Mudgett continues to grow in her positions and to help her companies thrive in their PR and communication departments.
There is no stopping Mudgett when it comes to taking on tasks, pushing boundaries in the PR industry and moving out of her comfort zone.
