I cut my professional teeth as a reporter and editor at newsrooms, covering everything from county fairs to presidential visits in award-winning work spanning written, visual and multimedia platforms.
As an academic communicator, I've led a policy think tank's digital media efforts and publicized the work of a research center studying local news. Through every role, I've found one constant: When you find the story, you find connection. When you make people care, you create advocates — for your cause, your mission, your purpose.
Along the way, as a freelancer, I've had a personal essay included in a book published by Garden & Gun magazine and placed as a finalist in the Doris Betts short story contest.
Technology has amplified today's communications tools, but whatever the medium — social media, audio-visual, the written word or websites — the goal remains the same of finding the story that makes people care.
Freelance Communications - Raleigh-Durham, NC; Nov. 2008 — present
During my time as a freelancer, I have:
• Served as an editor for a book focusing on psychotherapy theory.
• Produced and edited stories and taken photographs about numerous subjects including academics, business and travel for publications such as the Carolina Alumni Review and Wexford House Books.
• Produced marketing materials for businesses and nonprofits, including pieces written for Signal Hill public relations firm and a ghostwriting project with PFB Connect.
• Had a personal essay included in Garden & Gun magazine's "Good Dog" essay book published by HarperCollins in October 2014.
• Placed as a finalist in the 2012 Doris Betts Short Story contest.
Communications Project Manager, UNC Hussman School of Journalism and Media - Chapel Hill, NC; Jan. 2019 — August 2023
• Maintained website and social media channels, including content curation and design.
• Created content — written, visual and multimedia — for digital and print platforms.
• Co-led website redesign for the school's Center for Innovation and Sustainability in Local Media.
• Worked with stakeholders in developing strategies to communicate the school's research and programs to external audiences.
• Increased a Twitter audience by 300% in a year.
• Worked on development materials, including a grant proposal that helped net a $2.23 million grant renewal.
• Worked with media relations for the school's programs, faculty and research. UNC Hussman work is regularly mentioned in major national outlets such as The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal and more.
• Aided in the recruitment, promotion and facilitation of workshops, such as a series of trainings for media professionals.
Communications Specialist, Institute for Emerging Issues - NC State, Raleigh, NC; Dec. 2017 — Jan. 2019
• Managed social media platforms and website.
• Created written, visual and multimedia communications for state-funded think tank focused on North Carolina's development.
• Managed media relations to promote the Institute's research and programs.
• Managed interns and staff.
• Aided in management of department budget.
• Led publicity and communications efforts of a civic engagement-focused forum attended by over 400 people.
• Co-produced a weekly podcast and public television interview series with thought leaders from throughout North Carolina.
News Writer, Duke University HR Communications and Duke Health Giving - Durham, NC; March 2017 — Nov. 2017
• Contract position in which I wrote stories, took photographs and recorded video for print and online publications.
• Created social media posts.
Contract Social/ Digital Media Editor, Raleigh Magazine - Raleigh-Durham, NC; Aug. 2015—Oct. 2015
• Contract position in which I spearheaded the launch of this new city magazine's social and digital platforms.
• Used Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube to publicize magazine and grow readership, advising on the use of social media to grow magazine's brand.
• Responsible for uploading magazine's monthly content to WordPress website.
• Responsible for editing and conceiving Web-only content.
Reporter, The News & Observer's The Cary News - Raleigh-Durham, NC; April 2005 — Nov. 2008
• Part of 10-person team that produced and edited The Cary News section of newspaper.
• Covered business and local government as well as produced feature and profile stories.
• Produced and edited multimedia features as well as photos.
• Blogged weekly on topics relevant to story coverage.
Reporter, Athens Banner-Herald - Athens, Ga.; Sept. 2003 — Nov. 2004
• Covered three-county beat for mid-sized daily.
• Wrote daily stories as well as a weekly enterprise stories.
• Covered government, schools, crime, environment and breaking news.
• Produced profile stories as well as features.
Editor, The Angier Independent - Angier, NC; Oct. 2002 — July 2003
• Edited and produced approximately six stories weekly.
• Oversaw production of weekly paper and management of office, including staff and interns.
• Took photographs in conjunction with stories.