Strategic Communications, Government Affairs, and Public Relations Leader

📧 stephanie.r.baron@outlook.com | 📞 248.613.9552

Stephanie R. Baron is an award-winning strategic communications and government affairs executive with more than 20 years of leadership experience across the corporate, nonprofit, and public sectors. As an accredited public relations professional (APR), she has built a distinguished career by aligning public affairs, media relations, and stakeholder engagement to advance organizational priorities and policy objectives.
 

Baron currently serves as a public policy researcher with the Citizens Research Council of Michigan, focusing on Detroit-centric issues. Previously, she held senior leadership roles at DTE Energy, where she directed regional relations and managed complex partnerships with local governments, business leaders, and community stakeholders. Her tenure at DTE included leading strategic campaigns, serving as spokesperson during critical crises, and launching innovative communications channels, including the company’s first enterprise blog.
 

Her earlier career includes strategic media and public affairs roles at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, the Wayne County Executive's Office, and the Michigan Humane Society. Baron’s work has consistently demonstrated excellence in crisis communications, legislative advocacy, and cross-sector collaboration. Notably, she has received national recognition for her crisis management leadership, including the PRSA Silver Anvil Award of Excellence and multiple awards from IABC Detroit.
 

Baron holds three master's degrees - an MPA from Wayne State University, an MS in Communications Management from Syracuse University, and an MBA from Walsh College - and is currently pursuing a PhD in Public Policy. She is a faculty member at Michigan State University, Cleary University, and Oakland University, where she shares her expertise with the next generation of communication professionals.
 

An active civic leader, Baron serves on the Michigan Municipal League Foundation Board and volunteers in local political campaigns. Her strategic mindset, passion for public service, and deep commitment to impactful communication have made her a trusted advisor, educator, and changemaker throughout her career.

Interested in working with me? Have a question or comment? Email: srb@stephanierbaron.com