News Release Archive

PR trade mag names Billings man as 'one to watch'

Media Contact: Buck Feist, (406) 247-7607, bfeist@usbr.gov

For Release: October 01, 2009

Michael Odle, regional public affairs chief for the Bureau of Reclamation and public affairs officer for the Air National Guard, has been named one of the country's top "15 to Watch" in 2009. The list published annually by PR News, a leading publication for communication and public relations professionals, recognizes 15 rising public relations leaders and creative practitioners age 30 and under, for their innovative and outstanding achievements throughout the public relations industry.

"It's no surprise that Mike was chosen as a winner of this award," said Bureau of Reclamation Regional Director Mike Ryan. "Since joining Reclamation he has been a burst of energy dedicated to delivering timely and accurate information to the American public."

Odle is being recognized in part for his recent communication work with emergency flood operations in North Dakota as part of the Bureau of Reclamation; wildland fires and search and rescue operation with the U.S. Forest Service; and a United Nations Peacekeeping Support Operation in Bangladesh with the Air National Guard.

"Mike is an extraordinary talent, a true professional and one of the best and brightest public affairs practitioners," said U.S. Forest Service District Ranger Kristy Cottini.

Odle, 29, is the only federal government employee on the list. He joins fellow young public relations pros affiliated with many renowned companies and organizations nationwide including Coca-Cola, Allstate Insurance, Molson Coors Brewing, Time Warner Cable, and Del Monte Foods, among many others.

"It's a privilege to be recognized among my peers for my accomplishments, but specifically as a government communicator," said Odle. "I am honored and humbled to be part of this accomplished group of practitioners."

Odle's experience includes responding to high-profile cases such as wildland fires, helicopter and aircraft crashes, natural disasters, narco-terrorism and search and rescues. Most notably, Odle was among the first responders to Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in the Gulf region, and was the lead public affairs officer in the largest firefighter aviation disaster in U.S. history.

Odle is the son of Bob and Judy Odle of Edmonds, Wash. He is a 1999 graduate of Meadowvale High School in Lynnwood, Wash.

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The Bureau of Reclamation is a federal agency under the U.S. Department of the Interior and is the nation's largest wholesale water supplier and second largest producer of hydroelectric power. Our facilities also provide substantial flood control, recreation opportunities, and environmental benefits. Visit our website at https://www.usbr.gov and follow us on Twitter @USBR; Facebook @bureau.of.reclamation; LinkedIn @Bureau of Reclamation; Instagram @bureau_of_reclamation; and YouTube @reclamation.