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Work Background
Chicago Journalists AssociationBoard Member
Mar. 2024Greater Chicago AreaWe aim to elevate journalism in the Chicago area by recognizing excellence, promoting camaraderie and providing other support to journalists. Founded in 1939.
Envision UnlimitedMarketing & Communications Manager
Sep. 2022 - Feb. 2025Chicago, Illinois, United StatesDeveloped marketing and communications strategies and lead implementation that improved brand awareness and engagement with key audiences and enhanced the agency’s reputation. Plans included the use of media relations, special events, websites, social media, newsletters, annual report, branded merchandise, and mailings. Worked with a content writer and numerous vendors on implementation of initiatives. Last projects included brand refresh and website redesign.
Hephzibah Children's AssociationCommunications Manager
Jun. 2021 - Mar. 2022Oak Park, Illinois, United StatesHephzibah is child welfare agency helping children thrive and families flourish.
I was in charge of
• Creating and implementing external communications plans that engaged donors, media, partners and the general public • Managing the agency’s print and digital publications, website and social media platforms and supported the development department’s goals
Media Curious: Conversations with JournalistsHost/Producer
Jun. 2020Greater Chicago AreaMedia Curious features conversations with news media producers. We talk about their careers, behind the scenes in their newsrooms and their perspectives on the news industry in the 21st century. We aim to demystify "the media" while having some fun. Currently on hiatus.
GAB Radio Network / WCGO 1590 AM/95.9 FMSocial Media Coordinator
Jan. 2016 - Dec. 2020Evanston, ILWith WCGO staff, created and published engaging content on the radio station's social media platforms.
The Kring GroupChief Marketing and Media Strategist
Jan. 2008Greater Chicago AreaWe share the good. We specializes in media that help meet business' goals such as increasing awareness, engagement and loyalty. We serve a variety of business entities, including robust non-profits and municipalities.
Illinois Institute of TechnologyAssistant Director of Media Relations
Oct. 2006 - Dec. 2007Greater Chicago AreaLocated on Chicago's south side, Illinois Institute of Technology is a university teaching and conducting research relating to science, technology and business. For IIT, I used to:
• Facilitate positive media coverage of university
• Develop stories and pitch to journalists; develop and write stories for university audience
• Respond to news outlets’ and other media inquiries; provide and prepare sources
• Suggest expert sources in response to Profnet posts
• Write stories for online news outlets; post news releases and listings information online
• Supervise growth and maintenance of university image database; oversee and coordinate photo coverage of university activities and stories; participate in special projects
Community Media Workshop (now called Public Narrative)New Media Manager
May. 2003 - Sep. 2006Greater Chicago AreaCommunity Media Workshop (now called Public Narrative) is a Chicago-based, non-profit organization of media relations experts, educators, and journalists connecting other non-profit groups with the media through training, an annual conference, journalists’ tipsheet, a media guide and a website. I used to:
• Oversee creation of website content and new features for www.newstips.org
• Supervise updating and production of annual media guide
• Write copy, edit, publish near-weekly e-bulletin for nonprofits and journalists
• Copy edit and produce most print materials; design some print materials
• Collaborate with staff on marketing trainings, conference, media guide and annual benefit
• Oversee and improve effectiveness of databases
• Maintain computers and office network
• Supervise efforts of consultants, junior staff members and interns
Pioneer PressProduction Designer
Jan. 2001 - Dec. 2003Greater Chicago AreaI designed, formated and facilitated production of display advertising for more than 49 community newspapers and paginated ROP and special sections.
Panoramic ImagesAccount Executive
Jan. 1999 - Dec. 2000Greater Chicago AreaPanoramic Images is a stock photo agency specializing in wide format imagery. I used to:
• Create and facilitate marketing initiatives to expand agency’s client base
• Research and submit images for client’s advertising, editorial or retail projects
• Negotiate image licensing
Rockford Register StarAssistant Art Director/Director of Photography
Jan. 1998 - Dec. 1999Rockford, Illinois AreaRockford Register Star is Rockford, Illinois’ daily then-75,000 circ. newspaper. I used to: • Direct daily activities of five photojournalists • Conceptualize photo illustrations with section editors and photographers • Advocate for presentation of photography
General Learning CommunicationsSenior Picture Editor
Jan. 1995 - Dec. 1997Greater Chicago AreaGeneral Learning Communications is a Chicago-based educational, health, and consumer magazine publisher. We published school magazines for junior and high school students for the Weekly Reader, health newsletters for Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Eleven magazine for WTTW-TV, educational materials for Bill Kurtis' New Explorers series, among other things. My responsibilities included assigning/commissioning photographers and illustrators for 5+ publications, shoot for client publications, research and license stock photography, manage department’s staff and budgets, and expand photo resources.
Chicago TribuneFreelance Photojournalist
Jan. 1991 - Dec. 1996Greater Chicago AreaI covered assignments ranging from "Other Voices" portraits to concerts to business, real estate and feature stories.
Farkas CommunicationsAccount and Production Manager
Jan. 1988 - Dec. 1992Greater Chicago Area• Project-managed and coordinated efforts of creative directors, art directors, account executives and clients • Established budgets for creative, pre-press and print production phases; expedite billing • Designed collateral pieces for marketing kits • Hired and supervise activities of account assistants
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