Lynda Halligan is a seasoned television journalist who broadened her expertise in communications and public affairs during her more than eight years with the Association of Orange County Deputy Sheriffs (AOCDS), where she most recently served as Chief Communications Officer (CCO). As the organization’s Public Information Officer (PIO), she represented a range of sworn peace officers – deputy sheriffs, district attorney investigators, probation officers and park rangers.

In her role, she wore many virtual hats: editor-in-chief, head writer and photographer of AOCDS’ magazine and annual member survey, lead administrator on all social media accounts, website manager, crisis communications point person, community relations contact, press tour manager, video producer, partnership creator, graphic designer, fundraiser and overall media master. While she’s a successful one-woman band, she’s grateful to have a close-knit team to support her on larger projects.

Born and raised in Los Angeles with a lifelong passion for entertainment, Lynda got her first taste of life on set as a child, spending an unforgettable summer as a background actor in a John Hughes movie. Just as committed to civic engagement as she is to broadcast media, Lynda has been community-minded from a young age – a value that continues to shape her work today. She attended her first city council meeting in 1999 as a rookie TV reporter in Fairbanks, Alaska. When her news director sent her to North Pole (not the North Pole), she thought Santa and his reindeer might show up. They did not; however, she couldn’t help but smile driving through the streets lined with candy cane–striped light poles… in April!

This experience helped inspire her to write the feature film Santa Claus LANE, which went on to earn her a finalist spot in the ScreenCraft Family Screenplay Competition. She’s even been called the “Huell Howser of screenwriting” for her ability to bring locations to life, turning settings into characters of their own. Having visited 49 states in the U.S. (many of which on road trips), she possesses a unique perspective on our country’s vast landscape, along with the vibrant cities and small towns that make it so remarkable. (You already know she lived in Alaska, so we’ll let you guess which state she hasn’t been to… yet!)

As a news anchor and host of Hollywood’s Top Ten on Reelz, she’s interviewed everyone from Hurricane Katrina survivors to Senator Bob Dole to rapper and actor Chris “Ludacris” Bridges, but her all-time favorite interview came when she was flown to Florida for a rare, one-on-one conversation with silver screen legend, Burt Reynolds – inside his own home. At one point during the lengthy conversation, he stopped everything and told Lynda, “I’ve been interviewed by thousands of reporters over the years… literally thousands… and girl, you really know your stuff!” After the interview, Reynolds took her on a stroll through his makeshift museum of memorabilia pointing out pictures and mementos, and sharing the special stories behind them. It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience she’ll never forget.

Lynda is highly skilled in sponsored-content as well. As a QVC host and producer, consumer reporter on Best Deals and spokesperson for global brands, including Disney and Melaleuca, she knows how to promote, pitch and sell – whether it be a product, service or big idea. One of her most enjoyable paid-programming positions was as a co-host and writer on the lifestyle show, The Morning Blend, on Fox.

Through her work as a journalist and CCO for the deputy sheriffs’ association, Lynda has covered some of the most heartbreaking and high-profile tragedies in recent history, including the Las Vegas massacre, Cook’s Corner mass shooting and aftermath of the Men’s Central Jail escape. As a news contributor, she lent her expertise to the Forensic Files II episode, “True Bugs,” providing commentary on the chilling case of Vincent Brothers, a Bakersfield school vice-principal convicted of murdering his three young children, estranged wife and mother-in-law.

Lynda’s Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Screenwriting from Cal State Fullerton has equipped her with a strong foundation in the art and craft of impactful storytelling, enabling her to create narratives that resonate deeply with diverse audiences. Lynda received her Bachelor of Arts (BA) from UC Irvine, where she majored in Social Ecology and focused her studies on Psychology and Social Behavior, and Criminal Justice. She also studied Broadcast Journalism at UCLA Extension, further enhancing her ability to communicate with clarity and compassion.

Educating young people is one of Lynda’s greatest passions. Among her most unique teaching experiences was leading a broadcasting class for nearly a hundred Mandarin-speaking college students visiting from China at Relativity School in Los Angeles. Important tidbit to note: Lynda doesn’t speak Mandarin! Despite the language barrier, she communicated with the students through a translator but connected to the students through body language, the universal language of storytelling and humor.

Because Lynda believes in always continuing to grow and challenge herself, she once took the stage at the Irvine Improv, performing stand-up comedy in front of an audience of nearly 300 people – and lived to tell the tale!

Lynda’s left-brain/right-brain balance is backed by science – she once took a cognitive test at the Frank N. Magid Institute with mind-blowing results (pardon the pun!). She scored exactly the same on both sides, showcasing her rare blend of analytical thinking and creative insight.

Based in Newport Beach, Lynda primarily splits her professional time between Orange County and Los Angeles – though her work has taken her as far as Bogotá, Colombia.

Known for her ability to build new relationships and foster meaningful connections, Lynda thrives on bringing people together. At the heart of it all? Humans helping humans – because really, isn’t that how life should be? If you’re interested in collaborating and making a positive impact together, she’d love to hear from you.

Lynda@HalliganEntertainment.com

323-687-4465 Cell

In what little spare time Lynda has, she still manages to pack in a variety of passion projects and personal pursuits. Here’s a peek:

• Mentors the next generation of communicators through the Orange County PRSA YoPro program, Vanguard University in Costa Mesa and Concordia University Irvine.
• Presented with the Above and Beyond Award by Crime Survivors, a nonprofit providing hope and healing to victims and survivors of crime through advocacy, resources and empowerment.
• Tapped to serve as Community Advisory Board (CAB) member for Falck, supporting public health education, safety services and emergency assistance.
• Served on the Board of the Laguna Beach Chamber of Commerce, driving growth in membership and engagement among local businesses and community members.
• Appointed to the Emergency/Disaster Preparedness Committee by the City of Laguna Beach.
• Forged strategic partnerships with the UC Irvine Paul Merage School of Business and University of San Diego Law Enforcement & Public Safety Leadership program.
• Brought a 14-year vision to life, providing a home to the Orange County Sheriff’s Museum & Education Center and acting as the AOCDS Museum Program Liaison.
• Launched the One Classroom at a Time program, awarding one Kern County public school teacher per month $1,000 to implement a specific project benefiting their students. Initiated in 2006, One Classroom is still going strong today.
• Lent her voice to KXFM, a nonprofit radio station serving Laguna Beach, as on-air contributor, guest DJ and voiceover artist.
• Reviewed films and volunteered for the Newport Beach Film Festival.
• Moderated and acted as panelist for the Albuquerque Film Festival and Atlanta Film Festival.
  

BROADCASTING – Halligan Entertainment & Media offers consulting services to news anchors, reporters, producers, writers and hosts needing assistance getting a promotion or moving up to a larger market. We also work with college students looking to lock in a career before graduation, recent college and trade school graduates and business men and women hoping to change industries. We cater each service specifically to the needs of each individual client. This can include detailed notes on improving your reel, composing or rewriting resumes and cover letters, offering advice about various markets and the business in general, contacting news directors on your behalf and providing guidance on hair, make-up, wardrobe, voice technique and contract negotiations. We also work with t.v. stations and production companies providing feedback on prospective employees and improving the performance of current staff members, both on camera and off. We can work with individuals and corporations in person or online.

MEDIA TRAINING – Whether you’re a business owner, someone starting a nonprofit or a political hopeful running for office, Halligan Entertainment & Media gives you not only the guidance and tips you need to shine on t.v., radio, the internet and in print but also a detailed, itemized breakdown of what YOU specifically need to work on to excel in the spotlight. We record mock on-camera interviews with clients and watch them back with you pointing out specific pros and cons in a constructive way.

PRICING – Each individual, business or organization has different goals, so we tailor our services to each client’s needs and budget. Call or email us and let us know what you have in mind, and we’ll be happy to quote you a price. No matter how big or small your project is, we give you the experience, expertise and excellence you deserve.