Sam Shortland is an experienced communications professional currently serving as a Community Relations Advisor at Contact Energy Ltd since August 2021. Previously, Sam held the position of Communications Advisor at Taupo District Council, developing communication plans tailored to diverse teams and projects. Prior roles include PR and Content Specialist at Legend, where Sam engaged in copywriting, public relations, project management, and digital marketing for various businesses, as well as Account Manager positions at Wright Communications and Boyd PR, managing consumer PR for beauty and baby products and overseeing technology, health, and food & beverage accounts, respectively. Early career experiences include internships at Auckland Council, Convergence Communications & Marketing Ltd, and the Sustainable Business Network. Sam holds a Bachelor's degree in Communications from Auckland University of Technology, completed in 2013.