Clear Stories for a Complex World
This portfolio highlights my work supporting government agencies through strategic content development, public communication, and media coordination.
With a background as a combat correspondent in Iraq and over a decade of experience as a federal civilian public affairs professional, I specialize in helping agencies translate complex missions—spanning policy, science, engineering, and law enforcement—into content the public can understand and trust.
I’ve worked alongside:
- Policy and legal experts to explain regulatory changes
- Wildlife officers and federal investigators to raise awareness of environmental crime
- Science and infrastructure teams to communicate risk, resilience, and public benefit
- Leadership and media staff to manage high-visibility campaigns and press outreach
Each piece in this portfolio is built around the same goal:
To make government work visible, credible, and human.
Whether you’re looking to expand public understanding, increase stakeholder engagement, or coordinate content across bureaus or disciplines: I can help get the story right.
- Case Study: Ranch for At-Risk Youth Converts Farmland Back to Desert Wetland, Hosts the West’s First Versatile Hunting Dog Association Competition
I produced this text, photo, and video product at an event to showcase a unique partnership across several organizations. Running down the center from north to south of the fifth largest U.S. state — New Mexico — flows its largest and most… Read more: Case Study: Ranch for At-Risk Youth Converts Farmland Back to Desert Wetland, Hosts the West’s First Versatile Hunting Dog Association Competition - Case Study: Bolson Tortoise Re-Wilding
Produced as part of a campaign in my role with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Prior to this feature story, I coordinated an event with several partners including congressional staff, state and federal government, academia, the Turner Organization and media. Coverage… Read more: Case Study: Bolson Tortoise Re-Wilding - Case Study: Catching Cactus Crooks
I produced this feature to showcase federal law enforcement catching a border-land plant smugger. This story spawned national and world-wide media coverage, including The Guardian. Produced as part of my role with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. All content is public… Read more: Case Study: Catching Cactus Crooks
Al Barrus 