Tara Havenga Spiess, Cae
About Tara Havenga Spiess, Cae
Tara Havenga Spiess is the Director of Executive Communication at Feeding America, where she has worked since 2022. She holds a BS in Public Policy from Indiana University Bloomington and has extensive experience in communications and marketing within various organizations.
Current Role at Feeding America
Tara Havenga Spiess serves as the Director of Executive Communication at Feeding America, a position she has held since 2022. Based in Chicago, Illinois, she focuses on enhancing the organization's communication strategies. Her role involves fostering a positive team environment and promoting authentic storytelling. She emphasizes innovative approaches to content and message delivery, aligning with Feeding America's mission to alleviate hunger.
Education and Expertise
Tara Havenga Spiess earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Public Policy from Indiana University Bloomington, where she studied from 2002 to 2006. Additionally, she attended DePaul University College of Law, furthering her educational background. Her academic experiences contribute to her expertise in communication and public policy, which she applies in her professional roles.
Previous Experience in Communications
Before joining Feeding America, Tara held several positions at the American Society for Surgery of the Hand. She served as the Chief Communications Officer from 2017 to 2021, where she led communication initiatives. Prior to that, she was the Director of Marketing and Communications from 2009 to 2021 and worked as the Governance Coordinator for one year in 2008. Her extensive experience in communications has shaped her approach to effective messaging.
Leadership in Membership and Marketing
Tara worked as the Director of Membership, Marketing and Communications at the Society for Vascular Surgery from 2021 to 2022. In this role, she was responsible for developing strategies to enhance membership engagement and marketing efforts. Her leadership in these areas reflects her commitment to using creativity for the betterment of larger causes.
Professional Values and Skills
Tara Havenga Spiess values honesty, kindness, and compassion in her professional interactions. She believes that listening is a critical skill for achieving high performance. Her approach to work includes setting and achieving ambitious goals, which she finds enhances her job satisfaction and effectiveness in her roles.