Hello!
With 25+ years as a communications and visual media professional, I bring a wealth of experience and a well-established career devoted to sharing the stories of people, places, and public policy. I have a deep belief in the power of stories to create positive social change.
My 14+ years working for newspapers and wire services as a photojournalist and editor — during which I was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for my work covering 9/11 for The New York Times — combined with my 14+ years at non-profits, museums, and universities is a unique blend of skills that are an asset to the mission, goals, and values of my clients.
PROFESSIONAL PROFILE
Communications professional with 15+ years experience developing dynamic social media content and comprehensive communications strategies for organizations with a collective 450k+ followers. Dedicated to creating human-centered storytelling that informs and inspires positive social change. Creative and innovative thinker who crafts and curates high-quality content for diverse audiences. Highly skilled writer and editor of content to support fundraising, programs, and events. Avid researcher and reader who stays informed of news and industry trends. Dedicated advocate for diverse, authentic, inclusive, and accessible media culture. Mission-driven professional who prioritizes quickly and thrives under pressure. Excellent written, spoken, and organizational skills.
EXPERIENCE
SOCIAL MEDIA & AUDIENCE MANAGER
The Chronicle of Philanthropy | Washington, DC | 2024 - present
Lead the social media strategy for established publication dedicated to serving the nonprofit industry
Support revenue generation through focused social media content highlighting the variety of professional development opportunities including subscriptions, webinars, online forums, and job listings
Elevate the visibility of writers, editors, and contributors
Invigorate primary social media platforms and add new platforms to connect with new audiences to expand reach
Build community through engagement on all platforms and support dialogue with nonprofit professionals on LinkedIn Groups
CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER / SOCIAL MEDIA & DIGITAL CONTENT MANAGER
Canandaigua National Bank & Trust | Canandaigua, NY | 2022 - 2024
Modernize and elevate social media content to reflect vibrant community-focused regional bank
Increased Instagram followers by 1.7K%, Facebook likes by 24%, and increased reach on Instagram by 125% and Facebook by 57%
Drive and manage the development of communications and social media strategy for organic, owned, and paid media that resonates with current followers and attracts new and diverse audiences
Produce compelling, trend-inspired video content to connect with wide range of demographic groups across all social platforms
Design content with keen eye to capitalize on algorithms to best position content to be served to followers
Work cross-departmentally to collaborate on communications, marketing, product campaigns, and growth goals of each line of business
Support and inform organization’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion goals
Research local influencers for potential partnerships
Conduct social listening to gain insight on brand awareness, monitor reputation, and respond to crises
Provide excellent customer service to the public, media, and stakeholders
SENIOR SOCIAL MEDIA SPECIALIST
Rochester Institute of Technology | Rochester, NY | 2020 - 2022
Supported the Director of Social Media in the design and implementation of the social media strategy
Increased engagement and followers through focused posts on all social platforms with specific emphasis on Instagram and TikTok
Brainstormed, created, and curated social media content designed to inform, inspire, and build community with college students
Wrote, designed, photographed, filmed, edited post content
Diversified social content to improve accessibility for neurodivergent, deaf, and hard of hearing students
MARKETING & CIVIC ENGAGEMENT DIRECTOR
Alice Paul Institute | Mt. Laurel, NJ | 2016 – 2021
Developed and led creative marketing strategy for feminist non-profit and teen leadership development institute
Tripled the social media following within three years
Started the weekly newsletter, ERA in the News, to track media stories about the Equal Rights Amendment and inform 4,000+ subscribers
Designed marketing campaigns that led to sold-out educational programs and events, and contributed significantly to fundraising efforts
Wrote all printed and digital materials: brochures, press releases, newsletters
Participated in strategic planning for fundraising and organizational goals
Reported to Board of Directors on efficacy of marketing and social media efforts
Founded and led organization's Advocacy Committee to advance the Equal Rights Amendment to full ratification
ANSEL ADAMS INTERN | CURATORIAL INTERN
Center for Creative Photography | University of Arizona | Tucson, AZ | 2013 – 2015
Assisted Chief Curator with organization and execution of exhibitions
Wrote concise and informative wall labels and marketing materials
Led art-education programs with students visiting the archives
Supported visiting researchers from around the world
PROGRAM DIRECTOR | PHOTOGRAPHY DIRECTOR
Voices, Inc. | Tucson, AZ | 2007 – 2013
Oversaw design, development, and implementation of award-winning after-school arts education non-profit for underserved teens
Hired, trained, and mentored over 200 teen apprentice journalists, ages 14-21; diversified curriculum for special needs students
Published 200+ youth-produced stories in print, video, and radio
Established social media presence on Facebook; wrote and edited all posts
Collaborated with community partners to leverage program success to increase youth participation by 50%
ASSISTANT PHOTO EDITOR | STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER | DIGITAL SPECIALIST | INTERN
Associated Press, The New York Times, Lincoln Journal Star, Contra Costa Times, San Antonio Express-News, Attleboro Sun-Chronicle | 1993 - 2007
Assisted Photo Editor with supervising, creating, and editing photo assignments for large staff of photographers and college interns
Photographed news, features, sports, art, and business assignments
Filed remotely on quick deadlines with accurate and succinct captions
SKILLS
Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter/X, YouTube, Threads
Sprout Social, Hootsuite
Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Premier, etc.)
Writing, Editing, Publishing
Photography, Video
Graphic Design, Layout
Analytics, Metrics, Data, KPIs
Wordpress, Squarespace
MailChimp, Constant Contact, Meltwater, Cision
Project Planning
Digital Marketing, Organic/Paid
Public & Media Relations
Customer Service
Fundraising & Grants
EDUCATION
MASTER OF ARTS - History of Art (Visual Culture)
University of Arizona, 2015
BACHELOR OF ARTS - Journalism (Photo)
San Francisco State University, 2012
CERTIFICATIONS
MUSEUM STUDIES CERTIFICATE
University of Arizona, 2015
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
PARTICIPANT - Thrive Leadership Program - 2023
PARTICIPANT - HighEdWeb Association, Analytics Summit 2020
PARTICIPANT - HighEdWeb Association, Annual Conference - 2021
AWARDS
PULITZER PRIZE
The New York Times, 2002
TEACHING
ADJUNCT INSTRUCTOR
Jefferson University (previously Philadelphia University), 2016-2019
Course: Photography as Narrative
INSTRUCTOR
Alice Paul Institute, 2017-2019
Workshop: Social Media Smarts
INSTRUCTOR
Art Partners Studio, 2016-2017
Courses: Photography, Digital Collage for Telling Your Story
INSTRUCTOR
Jewish Community Center, 2011-2013
Workshop: Photography for 3rd-5th Grades
INSTRUCTOR
VOICES, 2007-2010
Courses: Photography, Journalism, Interviewing