News Release
December 23, 2009Carnes brings her strategy prowess to JayRay
The architect behind communications for Governor Chris Gregoire’s successful re-election bid, Debra Carnes, recently joined JayRay as senior advisor.
Carnes also penned speeches for the governor as her interim speechwriter. She most recently served as the communications manager for the nine-person Seattle City Council.
“Debra is not one to shirk from a challenge. She’s a pro who thrived in the most hotly contested statewide races in memory,” said Kathleen Deakins, vice president and co-owner of JayRay. “Debra is a quick study whose thoughtfulness and clarity is a good match for JayRay’s focus on strategic communications.”
Carnes also spent nearly a decade as the communications director for the Washington Education Association (WEA). At WEA, Carnes led the successful effort to improve involvement and engagement with members through the use of online advocacy and web-based communications tools.
Additionally, Carnes spearheaded the development and implementation of a strategic communication plan for WEA’s long-term Take the Lead campaign aimed at achieving sustainable funding for public schools. In its first year, awareness and action among the organization’s 78,000 members rose 16 percent.
Early in her career, she held communications and pr responsibilities for multiple Washington state hospitals.
Carnes earned her bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of Idaho and an MBA from City University.