Amanda Rudolph Named Chair of WashingtonExec’s MarCom Council for 2025
As vice president of marketing and communications at Ultra Intelligence & Communications, Amanda Rudolph built a career on driving brand strategy, crisis management and high-impact messaging. Now, as the new chair of WashingtonExec’s MarCom Council for 2025, she’s bringing that expertise to the forefront.
Her mission: help communications leaders tackle the challenges of an evolving industry — where traditional strategies are losing ground, government relations are more critical than ever and messaging must cut through the noise of constant change.
From shaping best practices during major industry shifts to strengthening collaboration between government and business, Rudolph is focused on fostering real conversations that lead to action.
Here, she shares her vision for the council, the biggest topics on her radar and what she hopes members will gain from her leadership.
Key Focus Areas for the Council
Based on your extensive experience, what are some of the focus areas/hot topics you want to discuss with the council this year?
I see several critical focus areas for our council this year. Top of mind, best practices for navigating a time of extreme change for the defense community, including how we maintain clear messaging during transformational periods and strategic realignments. Second, reexamining how we define successful communications in an environment where the benchmark is moving and traditional communications methods are being left behind. Finally, the intersection of government relations and strategic communications, particularly in highly regulated industries.
Leadership and Expertise
How will your personal and career experience and expertise within the MarCom community help lead the council in discussions on trending MarCom-related topics?
Throughout my career, I’ve intentionally sought experiences to develop a holistic perspective that I believe will benefit our council discussions. This multidisciplinary approach has provided unique insights into how integrated communications strategies can amplify business impact, and I understand the distinct pressures our community faces. I’m eager to facilitate discussions that break down silos and encourage innovative, cross-functional approaches to today’s complex communications challenges.
The Role of Chairperson
What does it mean for you to be chairperson or co-chairperson of this council?
I’m looking forward to helping to nurture the open exchange of ideas, challenges, and best practices. I see my role as that of a convener and catalyst—bringing together diverse perspectives and facilitating meaningful conversations that advance our collective expertise. Above all, it’s about building a collaborative community that strengthens our profession as a whole.
Connecting Industry and Government
Do you feel there is great value in connecting industry executives with government officials or other industry experts to discuss topics facing the MarCom community? If so, why?
The intersection of industry and government is particularly vital in our Capital Region ecosystem, where policy decisions directly impact communication strategies and vice versa. These connections enable us to anticipate regulatory changes, align messaging with policy developments, and better serve as strategic advisors to our organizations. By facilitating these relationships, our council can help members navigate the unique dynamics of communicating in and around Washington while underscoring the strategic importance of our function.
Plans for the Council
Do you have any unique plans yet for the council?
This council group is collaborative by nature, and by sharing experiences and best practices I believe we can work through real-world communications challenges together. One of my core visions for this council is to foster a collaborative community where we actively support each other’s professional growth and team development. I believe strongly in the power of peer mentorship and knowledge exchange among communications leaders. By leveraging our collective expertise, we can strengthen not just our individual teams but our broader communications community. I’m committed to facilitating these connections and creating a council culture where supporting each other’s growth is considered as valuable as advancing our own professional development.
Goals and Outcomes
What do you hope to accomplish as chair of this council, and what do you hope councilmembers get out of your leadership?
I hope to continue fostering an environment where members can candidly discuss their most pressing issues and leave with actionable strategies and insight. Specifically, I hope to increase member engagement, expand our network, and help to deepen relationships among council members. I hope that members will find inspiration and practical insights they can immediately apply, and build connections that enhance their professional growth. Success, for me, will be measured by how effectively the council helps our members navigate change and drive value for their organizations.