Relevant Experience & Accomplishments

Resume (Microsoft Word or Adobe Acrobat)

Clients: List of current and past clients

Summary of Qualifications

• Ability to identify good stories, interesting angles and able to clarify writing and copy to achieve a high level of reader satisfaction.  
• Proven track record of coordinating editorial needs with strengths in reporting and editing. 
• Demonstrated ability to produce copy for marketing collateral.

Writing and Editorial Background

• Writing: Professional writer for 13 years, with experience in magazine, newspaper and business writing.  Stringer for 4 years at a local daily newspaper.  Author of over 900 articles.

• Editing: Editor of two online newsletters, various corporate and business materials (including reports, profiles and brochures) and one organizational newsletter. Experienced in copyediting, content editing and proofreading.  Served as Interim Editor for The Lawyers Journal - assigned stories, assisted reporters, determined depth and layout of stories.

• Business and Corporate Writing: Developer, writer, editor and designer of a wide range of business materials, including brochures, newsletters and annual reports.

• Internet, HTML, and Desktop Publishing: Past Editor and Content Manager for Merginet.com. Familiar with several desktop publishing programs for both electronic and print publishing, including Adobe InDesign and GoLive and Macromedia Contribute.  Developed content for www.acba.org, www.acbf.org, www.acbaservices.com, www.homeevolutions.com, www.mariani-richards.com, www.mtlfd.org,  www.pittsburghcares.org, www.pittsburghsportsleague.net, www.pittsburghpolicefop.com, www.rapidintervention.com, www.rivercityflats.com, www.shrdc.org, www.strictlybulldogs.com, www.thinkthroughtools.com.

Employment History

Freelance Writer, Pittsburgh, PA                                       

September 1994 to present

• 1,000+ articles published covering: breaking news, commercial real estate, emergency medical services, entertainment, finance, general interest, health, law and politics.
• Produced photographs to enhance stories and draw the reader’s attention.
• Planned and developed stories and angles that were most targeted to readership demographics by selecting subjects, sources, anecdotes that personalize the story for the reader.
• Edited copy to clarify writing, accommodate articles to space layout, created headlines, coordinated interviews and substantiated sources.
• Writer and editor of various newsletters, point-of-sale materials, public relations copy, business plans and proposals, speeches, direct mail pieces, presentations, brochures and grant applications.

Marketing Manager, Carnegie Science Center's SciTech Initiative                        Nov. 2003 to Aug. 2007

• Raised public awareness for the SciTech Festival – the only science festival of its kind in the U.S. - an average of 20% through the development and implementation of a strategic communications plan.  Duties also included revamping the Web site, producing promotional materials and delivering presentations.

• Developed and initiated public relations campaigns for the Pittsburgh Regional Science & Engineering Fair – the 3rd longest running science fair in the country - and the Bayer Corporation High School Film Festival Competition. Communication work included special event planning, media relations, publicity, layout design and program evaluation.
• Generated over 125 placements in regional print, broadcast and online media services.
• Recruited, trained and supervised five employees to execute various programs and events.

PR Coordinator, Allegheny County Bar Association              

Aug. 1999 to Jan. 2003

• Increased media coverage by 35% through the institution of a media relations program, which included serving as media contact, pitching stories to local and national media, writing press releases and developing media materials such as fact sheets and press kits.
• Developed Speaker’s Bureau and secured over 100 speaking engagements for members.Responsible for the revamp, content, layout/navigation and functionality of Web site.Increased participation in the Inside Your Courts program by 60% through the development and implementation of a program outreach plan. Duties included site selection, marketing, promotions, on-site program coordination, and program evaluation.
• Coordinated the longest-running legal call-in program in the country, KDKA-TV's annual “KD & You and the Law.” Viewer calls increased 30% in three years.  Volunteer participation increased 25%.

Communications Specialist, American Heart Association

Sept. 1997 to Aug. 1999

• Directed the activities of a 10-member communications and public advocacy committee to assist in the implementation of communications goals.
• Managed external and internal communications by conducting media relations, selecting and supervising outside consultants, generating and conducting evaluation studies, writing and editing copy for ads, annual report, press releases and PSA’s.
• Secured $26,000 through a grant I wrote for Wyeth-Ayerst for the African-American Women Health Conference.

Education

• Masters of Business Administration, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, PA, May 1997
• Graduate work in Journalism, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, PA, September 1994-May 1997
• Bachelor of Arts, Psychology, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, PA, May 1994

Leadership

• Co-founder, Pittsburgh Sports League, a 9,000 member co-ed adult intramural sports league.  Member participation increased 600% in three years; 2000-present
• Member, Pittsburgh Technology Council, 2006-present
• Chair, Events Task Force, Pittsburgh Urban Magnet Project (PUMP); 1999-2001
• Vice-President, 1992-95; MBA Representative, 1995-97; American Marketing Association
• Entertainment Editor, The Duquesne Duke;1993-95                        
• Member, Alpha Phi Omega National Service Fraternity; 1993-97