Expertise in Program and Materials Development, Communication, and Operations

Steff Hedenkamp serves on the Steering Committee of The Big Push for Midwives Campaign.

She has more than 16 years of experience in communications, public relations and marketing, as well as with campaigns and stakeholder involvement efforts. Her clientele has included domestic and international nonprofit organizations, government entities, engineering and architectural firms, national security strategists and corporations, market research and management consulting firms, and accounting and legal firms.

She specializes in the design, development, and implementation of communications functions critical to the success of complex organizational programs. She uses authentic communications strategies and tactics to increase awareness, promote understanding, extend and enhance internal and external dialogue, as well as foster consensus and forward motion.

As an extension of her love of the spoken word, Steff is also an information architect and communications designer, clearly communicating complex ideas using written and visual strategies. From compelling plans, presentations, proposals, reports, training materials, and internal and external project deliverables, she has the uncommon ability to swiftly and precisely craft both the words and design of today's most creative and effective communication tools.

Steff formed Red Quill Communications, Inc. in 2000 as a way to extend to government, nonprofit and commercial clients the benefits of having their messages spoken with a clear, authentic and imaginative voice. Prior to founding Red Quill Communications, Steff worked with Kansas City advertising and PR firm, Barkley, one of the top ten independent agencies in the United States, where she managed national client accounts involving public relations, crisis communications, cause marketing, community relations, strategic planning, and business development.

Steff attended Kansas State University's School of Journalism, and she has received special recognition for her work in communications:

• The Capital Improvements Management Office (CIMO), of the City of Kansas City, MO was among 18 semifinalists for the Innovations in American Government Awards, Ash Institute for Democratic Governance and Innovation at Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Government—Communications Consultant to CIMO (2007)


• Regional American Public Works Association (APWA) Project of the Year—Communications Consultant to the Project Team (2006)


• PRISM Best in Show Award—Crisis Communications (2000)


• PRISM Silver Award—Special Events in Business (1999)


• One of 70 participants selected internationally to attend The Fund for American Studies, Institute on Political Journalism at Georgetown University. Concurrent internship at the White House in the Office of Presidential Correspondence for the White House Chief of Staff (1993)


• Ninth in the nation in the editorials/signed columns division— Awarded by the William Randolph Hearst Foundation (1992)