Eileen Cassidy Rivera
Vice President of Public Relations and Communications, Maximus
Since joining Maximus in 2021, Eileen Cassidy Rivera has reimagined and repositioned the company’s approach to public relations, shifting Maximus to be more strategic and proactive when it comes to external communications.
“During the past two years, I have learned about the company, our people and how we help our government customers achieve their missions,” she explained. “Building on our strong foundation and network, we’ve assembled an outstanding team of talented communicators who are helping develop and expand relationships with journalists and news organizations improving stakeholder understanding of how Maximus truly moves people forward.”
Maximus has garnered many headlines during the past year, from the company securing its biggest federal government contract in September 2022 with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, to producing its highest revenue in company history and winning new industry awards, including jumping more than 200 spots to #13 on the annual Forbes list of Best Employers for Diversity.
Executing on the company’s new strategic vision announced in May 2022, Maximus is focused on supporting states with Medicaid redeterminations and large-scale federal technology modernization projects at the IRS, the Education Department as well as expanding its footprint at the Defense Department and the Department of Veterans Affairs.
“We’re taking a strategic approach to PR and communications that drives broader and deeper awareness among our stakeholders, including Congress, policymakers and government leaders, to help them better understand the unique way Maximus helps government agencies implement policies, improving customer service and program operations,” Rivera said. “We’ve also taken a more aggressive stance to correct inaccurate media narratives and stories to ensure fair and balanced reporting.”
Why Watch
As Maximus continues to execute its strategic plan, Rivera aims to take a “bottoms up” approach to storytelling to strengthen its engagement in communities across the country where Maximus has locations, sites, and employees.
“It may sound cliché, but the Maximus difference comes from our people, and want to ensure our story is getting through, especially in key regions where we serve multiple customers at the Federal, state and local levels of government,” she said.
An established communications and marketing leader, Rivera’s first book, “Hard Talk: Confessions of an Accidental Marketing and Communications Professional,” will be published in September. WashingtonExec Founder and CEO JD Kathuria provided the foreword.
David Casey, the senior vice president of government/public relations and marketing at Maximus, commends Rivera’s role in improving the company’s reputation and increasing its brand recognition by positioning Maximus as a thought leader. He highlights that Rivera has been crucial in effectively communicating the company’s value to the market and enhancing its relationships with clients.
“Eileen also demonstrates a deep commitment to fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation within her team and others within the company,” he said. “Her inclusive leadership style and ability to inspire others has created a positive and productive work environment. In summary, Eileen’s achievements as Vice President of Public Relations and Communications at Maximus make her a standout marketing and communications executive to watch in 2023.”