Credentials
About
I’m an editor, writer and collaborative creative partner.
I can seamlessly integrate with your team to give you the added support and skills you need to accomplish your strategic communications tactics and goals. I’m also an adept utility player who can take an entire special project and run with it so you can focus on your most pressing priorities.
As a former journalist, I’m naturally curious, flexible and deadline driven. I’m as comfortable working solo, behind the scenes, as I am being part of my client’s teams.
You have a story that needs to be told. I have the experience to simplify and amplify your message.
I have a passion for writing, editing and managing publications to ensure they deliver clear, compelling content. I've presented at national conferences and traveled across Michigan to help organizations become better storytellers.
As Vice President of Marketing and Communication for the Capital Region Community Foundation, I planned, reported, wrote and designed CRCF’s award-winning, magazine-style annual report. I also created a toolkit for nonprofit agency fundholders to help promote their endowment funds, and a series of brochures designed to help professional advisers advocate for philanthropy to their clients.
Prior to working with the Community Foundation, I spent 18 years with a Lansing State Journal byline, handling a variety of roles within the newspaper’s features department. I earned national recognition for my reporting, and I wrote the paper’s popular restaurant and movie reviews for more than 10 years.
Fun fact: I'm a two-time "Jeopardy!" champion — Season 36, Christmas week. Alex Trebek said he would have liked to be my parent when I was a 4-year-old bar trivia whiz.
Professional skills
Adobe InDesign
WordPress
AP style
Social media
PowerPoint
Personal skills
Building relationships
Networking
Public speaking
Voiceover/announcing
Work
Managing editor, Centralight magazine
2014–present
Develop editorial content that relates to the shared and diverse experiences and interests of Central Michigan University alumni. Ensure the successful execution of the magazine’s design, layout and production. Assign stories to freelancers and manage the writing and editing of all magazine content. Oversee and collaborate with photographers and designers to ensure the content and visual elements of the magazine advance a consistent and compelling product for the audience.
Vice President of Marketing and Communication
Capital Region Community Foundation
2010–2016
Conceive, write and design brochures, newsletters, annual reports and custom publications for the general public, donors and professional advisers. These targeted materials grow our donor base by showcasing the difference we make in our communities with grants and scholarships.
Features editor, Lansing State Journal
2006–2010
Responsible for the planning and production of the daily Life section and two weekly entertainment sections. Managed a staff of writers, designers, copy editors and freelance contributors to produce nine newspaper sections each week.
Prior to leading the department, I worked as a copy editor, reporter, assistant editor and special publications editor from 1994 through 2006.
School
Michigan State University
Bachelor of arts – journalism
My degree is in journalism with a minor in film studies. While I was at MSU, I took advantage of the eight-week Overseas Studies' Film in Britain program. Our class of 20 had private lectures with the likes of writer-director Mike Leigh, Working Title Films producer Sarah Radclyffe and legendary Indian actor Saeed Jaffrey. It was a pretty cool way to spend a semester.