EDUCATION

• Bachelor of Arts, English Language & Literature, Central Washington University (3.9 GPA).

• Bachelor of Arts, Humanities (Certificate in Professional Writing), Washington State University (summa cum laude, 4.0 GPA). Studies in digital technologies, international development, environmental & regional planning, culture, and anthropology.

• United States Air Force, electronics, C130 Aircraft.

ABILITIES AND HIGHLIGHTS

• Outstanding ability to work with many different people and personalities—from fashion divas to truck drivers—while juggling multiple tasks, working under pressure, and maintaining a sense of humor under fire.

• —make things happen despite overwhelming odds.

• Adept at motivating teams to get results; received awards for achieving and exceeding goals.

• Tenacious and sensitive relationship builder: Develop media, community and client relationships. Not afraid to call the president, if that’s what it takes. Sensitive and skilled interviewer who can talk to anyone, adept at gathering quotes to liven a story.

• Experienced writer with a diverse range of assignments from newsrooms to concrete:

  • Worked in the newsroom for The Daily Herald (Everett) where I wrote a weekly feature for the Faith & Spiritual Life section.

  • Wrote and published the popular Sparks for Innovation community newsletter from 2001 to 2007 which had more than 400 subscribers. Produced a printed version and published newsletter on the web at www.upsidedowntown.net.

  • Wrote articles for numerous client newsletters as well as press releases and corporate communications.

  • Worked as a free-lance writer for a business publication.

• Effective project manager: manage projects by creating systems, meeting deadlines, and fostering ideas that serve customers and clients.

• Deadlines—whether it’s turning in a story, handing off a project, or submitting office billing, meet deadlines.

• Proficient at graphic design and familiar with all aspects of print production.

• Excellent research skills; enjoy hunting down information.

• Proven leader and thinker: courageous, and able to see the vision and execute for results: helps teams and leaders stay focused, on track, and effective.

• Experienced technology nerd: Computer, Software, and Social Media - Proficient on Mac and PC operating systems using a wide range of software (design, Microsoft Office etc.) and social media for exposure, customer service and return on investment.

 

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT / CAREER EXPERIENCE

 

Upside Down, PR & Marketing (formerly VFX/Word Dynamics) Seattle, WA    1995-present, President/Owner, Writer & Creative Director

• Developed a prosperous company serving more than two dozen clients (including heavy industrial, construction, banking) ranging from $1 to $100 million in annual sales. Set up shop in a small corner office at Boeing Field, built a desk and started making cold calls. Landed projects working with company owners and top management to provide strategic planning and project management for sales, marketing, advertising, and public relations support.

• Developed systems to help businesses solve problems, embrace innovation, and seize opportunities for competitive advantage.

• Provided research, writing, design, media planning, negotiation, placement, presentations, proposals, budgeting and production of camera ready marketing materials.

• Realized steady growth by consistently renewing contracts and leading team through the incorporation process.

• Created and trademarked the “Industrial Strength Advertising™” program, which generated exposure, developed new markets and increased sales at less cost.

• Nurtured a strong and loyal vendor base, which resulted in higher quality and cost savings.

• Managed creative people, such as designers and production people to ensure successful completion of projects.

• Gained exposure for numerous clients and a local manufacturer on TV and in local and national media among others. Featured in , Seattle Daily Journal of Commerce, and American Timberman & Trucker.

 

AWARDS

• Selected by famed poet, Marge Piercy for advanced poetry workshop in Wellfleet, MA.

• Won Centrum Foundation Creative Writing Award, Washington Press Association Writing Award, Central Washington University Mass Media Writing Award.

• Awarded Nordstrom Customer Service All Star, Cash Call, Department of the Month

• Make Nordstrom Special, outstanding promotional event award - three times.

• Miss Selah (ambassador and spokesperson for Selah, Washington).
   

CLIENTS & PROJECTS

Central Washington Veterans Counseling, Wenatchee, WA. 2014-present. Contract Communications / Office Manager: Work with counselors and Department of Veterans Affairs to assist veterans and their families mitigate PTSD symptoms so they can return to civilian life.

• Run the office and front desk, greet clients, efficiently manage projects, and assist counselors.

• Organize, prepare and present paperwork to renew federal state VA contracts.

• Create and maintain forms for client intake and to meet HIPPA requirements.

• Complete all functions for monthly contract billing, invoicing, accounts payable, and budgeting.

• Prepare and submit treatment plans for approval, quarterly.

• Write and edit letters, update website, and create marketing materials.

• Maintain and order office supplies. Reorganized office administration for greater efficiency.

 

The Wenatchee World, Wenatchee, WA. 2013-2014

Writer, Project Coordinator, Community Connections & Annual Veterans Suppleme. Worked with publisher and editors to launch Community Matters Column.

• Wrote a regular column for the Writer Profile Series featuring local authors.

• Presented an initial project plan to editors and coordinated with editor on publication.

• Served as editor of the annual Veterans Supplement: worked with students from area high schools through The United Way to collect and edit stories.

• Created an efficient system for collecting, editing and submitting stories to the designer for page creation.

 

Initiative for Rural Innovation and Stewardship (IRIS), Wenatchee, WA 2013

Editor, Project Coordinator, Community Success Summit Supplement                                                                        

• Edited the 2012 success supplement, distributed widely for the regional success summit.

• Worked with IRIS team members and area businesses to assemble stories and photos.

• Edited and submitted stories to the designer for page creation and publication.

 

Write On The River, Wenatchee, WA 2012-2013

Project Coordinator, Co-chair Promotions Committee

• Board member. Served on the promotions committee; assisted in planning and promoting North Central Washington’s annual writers conference.

• Created and managed marketing execution plans in alignment with overall marketing plan.

• Scheduled ads, press releases and marketing materials, negotiated contracts, wrote press releases and ads.

• Leveraged billboard placement featuring famed author JA Jance prominently at key locations to gain widespread exposure.

• Coordinated ads, press releases, billboards and more, which resulted in the first-ever sold out conference and keynote.

 

The Daily Herald, Everett, WA 2008-2009

Writer-Reporter in the newsroom at this regional, award-winning newspaper.

• Wrote the Saturday column for the Faith & Spiritual Life section as well as briefs for the school, community, and other sections.

• Used initiative, creativity and news judgment to develop stories and sources.

• Learned the Saxo-Press content management platform for submitting completed stories on tight deadlines.

• Wrote a page 1A story; interviewed the Chaplain of the USS Abraham Lincoln.

 

Upside Downtown (membership group), Everett, WA, 2000-2008

Executive Director/Founder

• During the $350 million renovation of downtown Everett’s core, launched this vibrant membership organization to augment and support the revitalization efforts.

• Organized and hosted lively monthly meetings that consisted of an engaging speaker and a popular “Around-the-room” session where participants introduced their businesses.

• Wrote and published a weekly newsletter distributed via e-mail to more than 400 community leaders and business people including the Mayor’s office and Snohomish County Executive.

• Developed co-op advertising programs, brought horse and carriage rides for Christmas.

• Wrote and published a website to provide information about the local community. Served as Brenda Stonecipher’s campaign spokesperson.

 

WaveLink (software developer), Kirkland, WA, 1998

Director of Marketing

• Launched marketing/communications department to market WaveLink software to the wireless automated data capture industry worldwide.

• Established overall creative strategy - including look and feel of marketing materials.

• Developed budgets and roll-out schedules for advertising, direct mail, PR and trade shows.

• Wrote, designed and produced numerous ads and marketing pieces, including a “WaveLink Knowledge Series” which garnered a 13% response.

• Negotiated contracts and placement for ads and trade show involvement.

• Wrote marketing plan, created program to develop channel business with strategic partners.

• Developed Microsoft ISV involvement. Assisted sales people with sales letters and plans.

• Wrote image strategy for company/conducted a “Jamtown” motivational employee meeting.

 

 

PUBLISHING

• Upsidedowntown’s Sparks for Innovation newsletter, published weekly from 2001 to 2007.

• Battered Women’s Justice Project educational series on domestic violence for civilians.

• “The Farm is Quiet Now,” Somewhere Down The Road. Port Townsend, WA.: Centrum. Award winner. Judge Tom Robbins.

 

ACTIVITIES & MEMBERSHIPS

• Media relations and PR: IRIS, Write On The River, Wenatchee Valley Tourism, Imagine South Wenatchee, Fresh Paint Arts Festival, Downtown Everett Action Committee, Everett 4th of July Committee, Hewitt Streetscape Opening.

• Spokesperson/ Communications for Brenda Stonecipher’s City Council Campaign.

• Board Member, Write on The River, Arts Council of Snohomish County Board of Directors.

• , Everett Events Center Grand Opening Committee.

• , Children’s Hospital “Light Up A Child’s Life” Auction newsletter.

 

PLATFORMS AND PROGRAMS

Proficient on Mac and PC operating systems using a wide range of software and social media for exposure, customer service and return on investment. Windows & Macintosh  Microsoft Office  PhotoShop  InDesign  Quark  Power Point  HTML  Facebook  Blogging  Google+  Twitter  LinkedIn  WordPress  Wix  Evernote  Saxopress  Lexis Nexus