Héctor Alfredo Medrano Naira
Strategic Communications & Public Engagement Specialist
Tegucigalpa,Honduras
Summary
Bilingual communications strategist with 20 years of experience leading public affairs, outreach, and branding initiatives in complex international environments. Proven ability to navigate ambiguity, influence stakeholders, and deliver high-impact messaging aligned with U.S. foreign policy goals. Adept at managing culturally diverse teams, designing scalable campaigns, and representing organizational priorities in high-stakes settings. Committed to ethical conduct, inclusive leadership, and strategic communications that drive results and foster trust across sectors.
Dedicated professional prepared to bring extensive expertise and results-oriented approach to Specialist role. Known for effectively managing tasks and supporting organizational goals through collaborative efforts and adaptive strategies. Recognized for excellent communication and analytical skills, ensuring seamless operations and consistent outcomes.
Overview
31
31
years of professional experience
1999
1999
years of post-secondary education
4
4
Certifications
2
2
Languages
Work History
Development Outreach and Communications (DOC) Specialist
USAID Honduras
Tegucigalpa, Honduras
12.2005 - 08.2025
- Shaped and executed the United States Agency for International Development (USAID)/Honduras' public outreach strategy, positioning the Mission as a trusted partner in areas such as governance, health, education, human rights, and climate resilience.
- Led national campaigns addressing migration, anti-violence, gang prevention, and civic engagement—reaching over 7 million people and sparking public dialogue.
- Promoted cross-sector visibility of U.S. development efforts in elections, anti-corruption, agriculture, renewable energy, and infrastructure through targeted messaging and storytelling.
- Forged alliances with private companies, foundations, and media outlets to co-create outreach initiatives that amplified community impact and mobilized local participation.
- Managed messaging across U.S.-affiliated institutions and local partners to ensure alignment and cohesion across all communications channels.
- Supervised vendor contracts and branded campaigns as COR/AOR, ensuring compliance while producing high-quality, on-time multimedia deliverables.
- Organized high-profile public events and grassroots campaigns covering topics from humanitarian assistance to youth employment and reforestation, strengthening visibility and stakeholder trust across sectors.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to achieve project goals on time and within budget.
Sales Executive
American Airlines
Tegucigalpa, Honduras
04.1996 - 12.2005
- Managed key corporate accounts and travel agency relationships, driving customer engagement and increasing regional sales performance.
- Launched strategic marketing campaigns and incentives, boosting market share and elevating brand presence in Central America.
- Represented the airline at industry events, building commercial alliances and strengthening client retention through tailored engagement.
- Monitored competitor activity and customer trends, refining promotional strategies to stay agile in a dynamic travel market.
- Achieved sales goals and service targets by cultivating and securing new customer relationships.
- Boosted sales revenue by cultivating strong client relationships and implementing effective sales strategies.
- Spearheaded entry into new markets, conducting feasibility studies and developing market entry strategies.
Market Researcher
Sharp International
09.1994 - 01.1995
- Conducted field-based research to support business development strategy in Central America.
Education
Marketing And Sales
UNITEC (Universidad Tecnológica Centroamericana)
Tegucigalpa, Honduras09.1999
Skills
Communications and Strategy
- Diplomatic Communication
- Strategic Planning
- Message Development
- Campaign Management
- Digital Media Strategy
- Speechwriting
- Crisis Communication
Leadership and Capacity Building
- Team Leadership
- Mentorship and Capacity Building
Stakeholder and Cultural Competence
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Cross-Cultural Competence
Analytical Strengths
- Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills
Certification
Dale Carnegie’s Effective Communications & Human Relations
References
Available upon request
Personal Information
Nationality: Honduran
Awards
- Mission Honor Awards: 8
- Meritorious Honor Awards: 6
- On the Spot Awards: 18
- Special Awards (Eagle + Good Idea!): 2
- Cash Awards: 2
- Certificates: 2
Selected Achievements
- Irregular Migration Campaign: Directed a multi-platform awareness campaign that reached over 7 million Hondurans and informed regional dialogue on safe migration.
- Community Heroes Initiative: Conceptualized and launched a recognition program to spotlight grassroots leaders creating sustainable change.
- GBV Awareness Campaign and Strategy: Directed a 3-month mass media campaign on GBV prevention, reaching 3.8 million people (~77% of target audience) across TV, radio, podcasts, and digital platforms.
- Leadership of High-Profile Events: Planned and executed over 100 VIP events for US Congress Delegations, US Leadership, and events that earned public praise from several U.S. Ambassadors and USG leadership.
- Strategic Communications During COVID: Developed USAID/Honduras' COVID-19 strategy and led high-profile 30-60-90 day campaign addressing irregular migration across multiple platforms.
- New Media Platform Launch: Launched USAID/Honduras’ social media platforms, creating an accessible and high-quality photo repository to support outreach and partner engagement.
- Advancing USG Visibility: Negotiated broadcast of election-focused videos via national media, enhancing public awareness of US-supported peaceful election initiatives.
- Crisis Communications Management: Led adaptive communications efforts during major political transitions and organizational changes, ensuring consistent and credible USG messaging.
- Training & Capacity Building: Conducted branding and marking training for over 40 programs; reviewed and improved over 100 branding & marking plans to ensure compliance and visibility.
Timeline
Development Outreach and Communications (DOC) Specialist
USAID Honduras
12.2005 - 08.2025
Sales Executive
American Airlines
04.1996 - 12.2005
Market Researcher
Sharp International
09.1994 - 01.1995
Marketing And Sales
UNITEC (Universidad Tecnológica Centroamericana)
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