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Work Experience

Freelance Writer and Editor (2021–present)

North Carolina State University (1989–2021)
College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

Media Specialist/Communication Specialist (2010–21)

  • Developed news and feature stories for print and electronic periodicals and websites.

  • Managed the college’s news website and social media accounts (2011–15).

  • Wrote and edited annual impact reports, brochures, newsletters, fact sheets, and web pages.

  • Produced a podcast on North Carolina food and farming, developing topics for the first 29 episodes, selecting and interviewing guests, writing the script, editing the audio, serving as host and managing distribution (2020–21).

Department Head (2004–10)

  • Led full-service communications department offering writing, video and television production, technical editing, graphic design, printing, photography, web and multimedia services for a college with academic, research and extension operations throughout North Carolina.

  • Collaborated with staff to plan, conduct and evaluate efforts to meet client’s needs and achieve strategic goals.

  • Oversaw personnel management and a $2.2 million budget.

  • Trained faculty, staff and extension volunteers in news writing, media relations, speaking, communications planning, social media and more.

  • Launched Twitter, Facebook and Pinterest accounts that were among the college’s first forays into social media.

Department Extension Coordinator (2000–04)
and Writing Team Coordinator (1998–2004)

  • Managed a five-member team providing writing, editing, publications management and media relations services.

  • Coordinated campaigns to deliver research-based information on issues of broad concern and to convey the economic, environmental and social impact of research and outreach programs.

News Editor and Extension Specialist (1995–2004)

  • Served as founding editor of an award-winning Web newsletter for extension faculty and staff.

  • As co-editor of the college’s first full-color magazine, folded several one- and two-color newsletters into a quarterly print and online publication that shared news of the college and its impact with key stakeholders.

  • Wrote news releases and helped news reporters from general and specialized media outlets connect with subject-matter experts in agriculture and natural resources, life sciences, economics, youth development and family and consumer sciences. 

Temporary News Writer and Publications Editor (1989–91)

  • Wrote news releases on agriculture and life sciences and edited educational publications for 4-H children and teens.

University News Services

Newsletter Editor and Information Specialist (1994–95)

  • Edited university’s weekly newsletter, coordinating all stages from conception to distribution and supervising an assistant editor.

  • Led an award-winning redesign effort.

  • Handled media relations and wrote research stories for two colleges.

University Alumni Relations

Magazine Assistant Editor (1992–94) and Editorial Assistant (1991–92)

  • Worked closely with the editor to produce an alumni magazine rated as one of the nation's best.

  • Wrote in-depth features and news briefs.

  • Prepared news releases and produced brochures, fliers and booklets for events.

Wilmington, NC, Star-News (1988–89)

Staff Writer (county government and religion beats)

Jacksonville, NC, Daily News (1986–88)

Reporter (city government and lifestyles beats)

Education

North Carolina State University (1991–96)
Master of Technology for International Development

Language: Spanish; Specialty: Technical Communications; Internship: Association of Free Zones, Dominican Republic (English-language technical editor)

Queens University of Charlotte (1982–86)
Bachelor of Arts in English

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