Professional Experience
Thirty-plus years writing experience specializing in health and medical topics targeting consumer and B2B audiences. Includes:
* Lifestyle, nutrition, vitamins/supplements
* Womens' and childrens' health
* Nonprofit charity event marketing
* Personal finance, health insurance, and affordable housing
My background includes numerous features and interview articles for the Fresno Bee, Vitamin Retailer Magazine, and blogs (now-defunct AskMissA,com). I currently write freelance news and feature pieces for https://vadogwood.com on business and health topics. I have developed, written and edited newsletter brochure and web copy for the Parkinson's Foundation, Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, Kaiser Permanente, the Visiting Nurse Association and Housing and Community Services of Northern Virginia.
My media relations experience spans two decades. I am accredited by the Public Relations Society of America and hold an MA in public communications from American University (AU). I have taught a masters' le
Expertise
Copy Editor
10 Years
Writer
15 Years
Reporter
2 Years
Specialty
Health
20 Years
Lifestyle
3 Years
Personal Finance
3 Years
Industries
PR (in-house) - Fortune 1000 corp. clients
15 Years
Magazine - Trade magazines/publications (B2B)
5 Years
Nonprofit
20 Years
Total Media Industry Experience
30 Years
Media Client List (# assignments last 2 yrs)
News Generation (10+), Fresno Bee (3-5), Vitamin Retailer (6-10)
Corporate Client List (# assignments last 2 yrs)
Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association (10+), Parkinson's Association (1-2), Housing & Community Services of Northern Virginia (1-2), Suburban Hospital (10+)
Other Work History
1. Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, Washington, D.C.
Media Relations Manager/Senior Communications Manager
Created and executed media strategy for key issues and programs
Developed news /feature ideas and talking points
Prepared executive staff for interview.
Wrote communications vehicles including releases, op-eds, scripts, brochures
Planned and executed web site copy
2. Kaiser Permanente Mid-Atlantic States, Rockville, Md.
Marketing Communications Project Manager
Provided account executive communication services for member retention and health education efforts for mid-Atlantic region. Created and executed two quarterly four-color newsletters and managed distribution to a half million members.
3. Suburban Hospital, Bethesda, Md.
Public Relations Manager
Created and executed all communications programs for community hospital.
Technical Skills
3/20-Catapult.co personal essay writing class
9/2017-12/2019-Docent for Newseum, Washington, D.C.
1/2017- Mediabistro Travel writing course
Foreign Language Skills
some French and Spanish
Computer Skills
Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, Vocus, Content management systems, all Google Plus platforms, Wordpress, Joomla
Equipment
SLR camera- experienced photographer
Awards
Accredited Public Relations (APR)
Associations
Public Relations Society of America (PRSA)