SDI’s Nick Roeder is a seasoned communications consultant with more than 13 years of experience providing clients with internal communications, web content, media and analytics support.
SDI has a 12 person team supporting the Department of Defense’s Defense Health Agency (DHA). DHA was established in 2013 to support the delivery of healthcare to 9.4 million beneficiaries. Currently, Nick’s position on the team is Senior Communications Consultant.
SDI, in collaboration with its business partner Deloitte, has developed and is executing a strategy to manage multiple elements of TRICARE communications, and in effect, the TRICARE brand. Our efforts on behalf of DHA are aimed at internal audiences (e.g., DHA staff), partners (e.g., Congress and non-profit organizations), customers (e.g., current or former military families), and the general public.
Here is more about Nick:
What drove your interest in communications?
My love of sports! As a kid, I used to take the Sports section of the newspaper and read it every morning before school at breakfast. I gradually moved to the whole newspaper by the time I reached high school. I also loved watching ESPN and other sports networks broadcasts and found that all I wanted to do is talk and read about sports all day.
What is your favorite thing about Washington, D.C.?
I like the fact that you really get to be around people from all parts of the world and all walks of life. I’m also a big museum buff so having all of these amazing museums is a plus as well!
Who inspires you (and why)?
My wife inspires me daily. She’s an extremely hard worker and watching her juggle a demanding career in federal cybersecurity sales as well as being a mom and wife really inspire me to work harder and not worry about the little things.
What was your major in college, and why did you choose that?
I majored in Communications, with a concentration in Journalism, because I wanted to be a sports journalist/broadcaster/etc. I also majored in Art History, because I had a strong interest in fine art and different artistic movements and the individuals/groups who drove them over time. I’m as at home in an art museum or gallery as I am behind a microphone, computer, or pad of paper discussing the latest sports news.
What’s the best piece of advice that you’ve ever received?
“Don’t sweat the small stuff.” I try to stay as stress-free as possible and only worry about what I can control. It really helps me stay grounded.
How do you get your news and stay informed?
I get my news mainly through social media such as Twitter and Facebook. I also still read the newspaper regularly, whether it be digitally or a hard copy. I also watch various broadcasts on TV, both world news and sports/entertainment-related.
What is your favorite part of working for SDI at DHA?
I really enjoy the different people I’ve worked alongside and the relationships I’ve formed in my twelve years working in the DHA/TMA space. I enjoy being on the frontlines of communication efforts for the Military Health System and Defense Health Agency.