EMPOWERING IDEAS, INSPIRING CHANGE
At Brown∙Miller Communications, great work happens at the intersection of strategy, creativity, and purpose. The elevation of Nicole Shorter and Hayley Miller as partners celebrates two professionals whose vision and leadership have strengthened that foundation—helping clients create campaigns that inform, inspire and create lasting change.
NICOLE SHORTER
Nicole is an award-winning communications strategist with more than 20 years of experience helping organizations inform, inspire and create lasting change. She leads campaigns that raise awareness, shift perceptions and move people to action in public health, health care, government, education and agriculture.
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In addition to overseeing new business development and account management for the firm, Nicole guides high-profile initiatives for clients such as the California Department of Food and Agriculture, where she directs grower outreach on pest and disease control. Her portfolio includes statewide and regional campaigns ranging from countywide COVID-19 response and Dairy Council of California rebranding, to a groundbreaking voter education effort that earned the profession’s highest national honor.
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Since joining Brown∙Miller Communications in 2006, Nicole has advanced steadily thanks to her strategic insight, calm leadership and commitment to measurable results. Known for her collaborative style and ability to turn complex challenges into clear, achievable plans, she is a trusted partner to clients and colleagues alike.
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Nicole’s work has earned three national Silver Anvil Awards from the Public Relations Society of America. She graduated summa cum laude from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, with a bachelor’s degree in journalism and a concentration in public relations, along with a minor in women’s studies.
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Her steady leadership and focus on meaningful outcomes continue to shape the firm’s legacy of trusted public service communications.
HAYLEY MILLER
Hayley combines an artist’s eye with a communicator’s mindset, blending creativity and precision in equal measure. With a background in art and design and professional experience that spans multiple countries, she brings a global sensibility to every campaign—seeing and telling stories that resonate across audiences and cultures.
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Hayley leads work for healthcare organizations, cultural institutions and programs supporting older adults, translating complex issues into communications that connect. Her collaboration with Kaiser Permanente on an innovative, award-winning affordable housing campaign exemplifies her ability to pair data-driven strategy with human-centered design to spark meaningful change.
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A Contra Costa County native, Hayley joined Brown∙Miller Communications during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, contributing to rapid-response efforts that informed and reassured communities. Today, she directs campaigns addressing senior protections and healthcare literacy, leading multi-funder collaborations with creativity, empathy and strategic clarity.
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Hayley earned bachelor’s degrees in communication studies and art history from the University of California, Los Angeles, graduating summa cum laude.
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Her creative leadership reflects Brown∙Miller Communications’ belief that powerful ideas are both art and strategy — and at their best, a force for community good.