Summary

I am a published author, established journalist and USF graduate in communications and journalism. With previous experience in the public relations, marketing and media sectors, I offer excellent writing and proofreading skills, detail oriented storytelling, excellent social media talents and the capacity to thrive under pressure.

Experience

Contributor, Manatee County Early Learning Coalition           March 2014 – Present

• Write and edit articles for NextGen Magazine
• Cover stories of community interest
• Cover a range of education related topics

Writer, Anna Maria Islander                           Feb 2014 – Present

• Write government articles
• Cover stories of community interest
• Cover the police/fire/EMS beat on a daily basis
• Utilize social media to promote the paper

Columnist, The Bradenton Times                   May 2010 – Present

•  Write a popular weekly history column called Sunday Favorites
• Promote my individual brand through local history and social media
• Provide readers with local fishing information to accompany the Florida lifestyle present in my writing

Local Editor, America Online                       July 2013 – October 2013

• Maintain two news generated websites
•  Write 20-30 articles per week, post events and take photos
• Curate daily newsletter for both sites
• Use SEO techniques to make articles more searchable
• Promote articles and videos via social media sites
• Assist with marketing strategies and recruitment of bloggers
• Communicate with government officials and law enforcement authorities on a daily basis

Staff Writer, Suncoast Media Group LLC.                 July 2012- July 2013

• Cover the police/fire/EMS beat on a daily basis
• Cover educational topics of the Charlotte County Public Schools and Charlotte County School Board
• Write daily articles of community interest for Charlotte County

PIO, Palmetto Community Redevelopment Agency               Aug 2011- July 2012

• Produce and edit video for public service announcements
• Draft press releases for current projects including collaborative efforts with non-profits such as Habitat for Humanity
• Design flyers, brochures and posters for upcoming events
• Regularly update social media sites • Arrange special events, fundraisers and key initiatives

Published Author, Arcadia Publishing                       Feb 2011 – Feb 2013

• Employed to write “Palmetto” and “Bradenton” for the Images of America series
• Researched centuries of history and uncovered hundreds of historic photos to include in both books
• “Palmetto” was released in January of 2012 while “Bradenton” was released in January of 2013

Public Relations Manager, Finnish Line Sailing            April 2007 – Feb. 2010

• Draft media advisories and news releases
• Screen and facilitate media interview requests
• Develop content for electronic and print publications
• Create targeted media lists for news releases, media alerts and other story pitching
• Attend tradeshows to promote the Finnish Line Brand, including but not limited to, the Miami International Boat Show, the METS show in Amsterdam and Les Voiles de St. Barths.

Education

Graduate at the University of South Florida                 2008 – December 2012

• Bachelor of Arts degree in mass media

Graduate of Santé Fe Community College                                        2003-2005

• Associate of Arts degree in journalism

Skills

• Ability to work in a team environment and put out information about decisions and initiatives of the organization
• Develop marketing strategies to ensure the community is informed of outreach opportunities
• Report and prepare video features and relevant news articles showcasing projects
• Pitch story ideas that highlight the focus of your company
• Answer media inquires
• Assist reporters by setting up interviews, news conferences and participation in district activities
• Assist in broadcasting information and coordinating publicity for events
• Create marketing materials such as fliers, banners etc.
• Ability to thrive under pressure and multitask
• Knowledge of multiple computer programs such as Microsoft Office, Photoshop, iMovie.
• Social media expertise
• Trade show expertise
• Excellent research skills