Tara Vales Phalen

Tara Vales Phalen currently serves as the Senior Director of Corporate Communications at AvalonBay Communities, where responsibilities include overseeing comprehensive internal and external communications efforts. Prior experience includes serving as Senior Vice President of Media & Executive Positioning at Edelman and as Vice President of Media & Executive Positioning at CNN, focusing on public relations and media strategy. Tara also held the role of Director of Communications & Spokesperson for the United States Congress, implementing communication strategies on Capitol Hill. Earlier career highlights include positions at the Public Broadcasting Service and internships with C-SPAN and Obama for America. Tara holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of South Carolina, where studies focused on Political Science, Public Relations, and Sociology.