My Career

SKILLS SUMMARY

Award-winning digital editor who works in cross-functional teams to create popular news, feature and analysis packages. Strategic thinker and team builder with excellent news judgment. Superior communicator; develops the right voice to deliver the chosen message. Adept at using social media, SEO and content management systems to improve search rankings and traffic. High-energy, motivational manager.


PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Freelance, 1997-Present
Create and edit popular content packages for a diverse client base. Articles routinely rise to the top of traffic rankings. Assist firms in fine-tuning their message for rapidly changing markets. Clients include:
Web Managing Editor
The Mount Sinai Medical Center, 2008-2009
Created comprehensive plan to put strategic information about Mount Sinai’s core medical practices within two clicks of site entry. Re-launched multiple departmental sites with more-detailed information, cleaner navigation and more art. Managed six-person content-management team.
  • Launched “Heart” microsite about Sinai’s global cardio-pulmonary superiority.
  • Teamed with Information Technology staff to update site-management tools.
  • Liaised with renowned hospital and academic heads on site improvements.

Site Editor, SyFy Channel
NBC Universal, 2006-2008
Managed significant expansion of SyFy.com as a promotional vehicle when the cable channel doubled its original programming. Created a new voice that attracted younger, more diverse audiences. Eliminated dead-end pages with linking strategy that encouraged visitors to recirculate on the site.
  • Launched revenue-generating DVICE, a Technorati Top 100 science/tech blog.
  • Supported highly successful show-specific social networks and games.
  • Opened quiz-making feature to the public, extending visit times.

Site Editor, ThisOldHouse.com
Time Inc., 2005-2006
Implemented new content strategy based on traffic analysis. Improved navigation by identifying popular terms and spotlighting our best related content in search results. Developed lead-generation strategy to link consumers with retailers and vendors.
  • Added This Old House reality-TV show clips and interactive features.
  • Created meta-tagging system.
  • Interfaced extensively with print and show staff to develop site’s voice.

Managing Editor, Interactive, InformationWeek
United Business Media, 2000-2005
Integrated print and online operations. Improved search results through new taxonomy and content management system. Launched Optimizemag.com, a strategy journal for chief information officers. Won numerous awards for editorial quality and site navigation.
  • Boosted traffic with targeted e-newsletters.
  • Created content packages with quizzes, galleries, timelines and polls.
  • Participated in the decision-making process of the print magazine.

Editor, KnowledgeSpace.com
Arthur Andersen, 1998-2000
Joined the launch of KnowledgeSpace, a proto-social network for CEOs. Created, managed and marketed portals. Developed workflow and copy-management system. KnowledgeSpace saw a profit in its first year.
  • Managed news coverage for Finance, Technology and Entertainment portals.
  • Interfaced with top partners to get unique context for day’s news stories.
  • Spoke before industry groups about KnowledgeSpace.

Assistant Metro Editor
Chicago Tribune, 1997-1998
Edited Metro and Business sections as part of one-year Residency Program. Participated in the daily process of deciding Page 1 story line-ups. Decided section story and photo placement under strict deadlines. Interfaced extensively with the Photo and Copy Desks to ensure highest quality.
  • Collaborated on major redesign of the Midwest’s largest newspaper.
  • Managed weekend page-designer teams.
  • Oversaw the paste-up team through deadline.

Editor-in-Chief, Dallas Business Journal, (1995-1997)
Associate Editor, Silicon Valley Business Journal, (1993-1995)
American Cities Business Journals
Regularly broke major news against larger dailies while at these award-winning weeklies. Edited and reported on the dramatic rise of venture funds and Internet companies in California and Texas. Sounded alarm early about Y2K problem in columns and speaking engagements.
  • Spearheaded production-cycle efficiencies.
  • Rolled out desktop publishing at SVBJ and DBJ.
  • Led news staff of 7 reporters and editors at DBJ.
  • Created numerous revenue-generating special sections.
  • Wrote weekly business column for DBJ and car reviews for SVBJ.

Editorial Consultant,Corporate Computing magazine
Ziff-Davis Publishing, 1993-1993
Guided business leaders toward smart network purchase decisions. Crafted robust product reviews from raw test-lab data. Made articles authoritative by focusing on technology’s business return on investment.
  • Infused articles with the magazine’s straight-shooting, hip attitude.
  • Wrote features on the evolving corporate role of chief information officers.
  • Traveled as editor and brand evangelist.

Networking Editor, Computerworld magazine
International Data Group, 1990-1993
Led award-winning coverage of networking for this international tech authority. Developed reputation for breaking news on early giants Microsoft, Novell and 3com. Profiled numerous Internet pioneers.
  • Earned awards for investigation into federal project to track air traffic.
  • Created “Dream Team” feature of tech innovators.
  • Met regularly with industry and user groups to stay abreast of market trends.

Fundraiser, Board Secretary
California Peace Action, 1989-1994
Combined passions for journalism and multilateral nuclear disarmament for this grassroots nonprofit and political action committee. Increased volunteer and financial contributions through media outreach. Launched newspaper and direct-marketing campaigns. Set up the non-profit’s first computer network.
  • Spoke at rallies about Peace Action’s mission.
  • Created large-donor gifting program.
  • Organized drives to help the homeless and raise awareness for the group.

Reporter, Northbrook (IL) Life and Glenview (IL) Life
Lerner-Life Newspapers, 1986-1989
Spotlighted healthcare and education news for the 380,000-circulation weekly chain. Managed freelance writing and photographic coverage of Chicago’s trend-setting, affluent North Shore. Wrote weekly column about life on Chicago’s North Shore.
  • Co-developed the company’s first computerized content management system.
  • Moderated televised election debates.
  • Oversaw paste-up and production teams through deadline.

Investigative Reporter and Photographer
Northwest Herald, 1983-1986
Rose quickly from cub to top beat reporter at this 60,000-circulation daily. Covered all aspects of life in Chicago’s Northwest Suburbs, from crime and politics to education and business. Earned state and national awards for investigation into Kane County’s deteriorating infrastructure.
  • Chronicled the final months of a teen cancer patient in award-winning series.
  • Wrote opinion column on local matters including healthcare and education.
  • Photographed spot news, sports and features.


AWARDS



EDUCATION

B.A., Photojournalism, Northern Illinois University, 1983.


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