I’m the one in the middle.
Experience
Freelance Writer and Reporter
LOS ANGELES, CA • JAN 2019 – Present
This is pretty much why this entire website with my name on it exists.
Staff Writer and Reporter, Military.com
LOS ANGELES, CA • DEC 2019 – Present
Managing Editor, The Mighty Networks
LOS ANGELES, CA • AUG 2015 - JAN 2019
Senior-most content creator, led day-to-day newsroom operations, overseeing writers, editors, and content producers. Developed strategic communications plans for stakeholders and clients. Worked with management and c-suite to coordinate and communicate among other departments, focused on digital and social media.
Media Officer, Near East Foundation
NABLUS, WEST BANK • NOV 2012 - AUG 2015
Revitalized and redesigned the office of communications and creative services while contracting communications services for NEF HQ and field offices. Led negotiations between NEF and its contractors while supporting operations in eight countries, programs for refugees and the internally displaced, economic development, persecuted minorities, conflict resolution, resource management and other types of mediation.
• Provided editorial, strategic, creative and operational support in the Middle East and Africa as liaison between NEF and USAID West Bank-Gaza Mission.
• Researched and developed potential communications strategies for the centennial of US' oldest international development organization.
• Partially implemented strategy directed toward internal stakeholders and potential donors.
Communications & Media Staff, The White House
WASHINGTON, DC • FEB 2009 - JUN 2011
Provided communications support to the Executive Office of the President of the United States, Vice-President, and other executive officers. Coordinated commercial engineers and product producers, a team of communications personnel across the country while maintaining strict records and key relationships with journalists in accordance with administration policy and the laws governing White House communications staff.
Communications Strategist, Revolution Messaging
WASHINGTON, DC • JUN 2011 - JUN 2012
Member of the creative strategies division, creating content and developing plans geared toward mobile, new media and emerging technology.
• Developed strategy focused on specific calls to action and creating issue awareness
• Edited video promos for nonprofits and non-governmental organizations
• Assisted in design of logos, bumpers, teases, letterhead and other creative graphics
• Wrote blogs on emerging trends, legislation, and issues affecting media and politics
• Generated copy for social media, web and video products, and microsites
Program Director, Shoot Off Video Workshops
WASHINGTON, DC • JAN 2010 - OCT 2019
Coordinated and directed public relations for three-day multimedia production workshop, bringing together more than 100 participants from defense, contracting, and media industries.
• Led fundraising efforts for 501(c)4 nonprofit
• Solicited in-kind donations from companies like Adobe, GoPro, and Canon
• Oversaw creation of video arm of Shoot Off Media Workshops
• Prepared statements, press kits, news releases, and fact sheets for industry partners
• Designed workshop training curriculum and instructor outreach
Combat Photojournalist, United States Air Force
CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, SC • SEPT 2001 - JUL 2007
An airman in the world’s greatest Air Force and the youngest member to qualify to the USAF’s only combat documentation and production unit since the Vietnam War. Captured U.S. military operations worldwide both independently and as a coordinated member of a team, covering history as it was made, including the Iraq War, humanitarian relief efforts, and contingency operations. Awarded Documentarian of the Year 2005 by the Pentagon for my coverage of Hurricane Katrina Relief.
Education
Quantic School of Business and Technology, 2019
• MBA, Strategy & Innovation
Syracuse University, 2013
• MA, International Relations
Certificate of Advanced Study, Middle Eastern Affairs
• MS, Public Relations
Syracuse University, 2008
• MA, Television, Radio, Film
Syracuse University, 2005
• Certificate, Broadcast Journalism
American Intercontinental University, 2004
• BA, Graphic Design