Work History
Mainstreet Daily News, Gainesville, Fla. (July 2022 – Present)
- Freelance photographer and reporter
The Los Altos Town Crier, Los Altos, Calif. (February 2015 – November 2021)
Photo Editor, Photographer, Reporter, Social Media Specialist
- Managed a team of photographers, coordinated photo coverage and prepared photos for print
- Photographed subjects for breaking news, sports, business and feature coverage
- Researched and reported on Silicon Valley politics, tech, crime, business, health and environmental issues
- Managed the newspaper’s social media accounts
- Edited and managed a biannual lifestyle magazine insert
- Helped manage the newspaper’s website
- Dispatched weekly newsletter alerts
Freelance Writer, Photographer and Blogger (October 2012 – February 2015)
- Established CompassWhistle.com, a travel blog to chronicle personal journey around the world
- Crafted essays, articles and blogs covering San Francisco Bay Area activities and events
Food For The Poor, Coconut Creek, Fla. (May 2010 — October 2012)
Web Content / Social Media Specialist
- Developed and managed social media accounts, analyzing metrics to improve supporter engagement
- Created and maintained a detailed social media editorial calendar and analyzed results to optimize future content
- Created and maintained an official social media stylebook to ensure consistency in the organization’s message
- Managed the international charity’s website using Convio content management system
- Traveled to Haiti to document devastation from the 2010 earthquake
- Researched and wrote web marketing and social media appeals for fundraising and supporter engagement
- Crafted and delivered group and one-on-one presentations to educate other departments on social media best practices
- Worked with a team to develop Food For The Poor’s iPhone app, mobile website and blog
- Cultivated relationships with supporters, celebrities and consumer brands
- Provided exemplary customer service with prompt and accurate responses to queries from the public
- Wrote, edited and posted blog entries online from the field
Freelance, Jupiter, Fla. (May 2009 — May 2010)
Communications / Multimedia Specialist
- Provided public relations support for clients including a software firm, a NASCAR team and an animal rescue organization
- Researched industry developments and interviewed professionals to compose and edit press releases
- Developed and maintained websites and social media accounts to market clients, products and events
- Composed and posted blog entries to market clients, client products and client events
- Shot and edited digital photos and HD video of events like NASCAR races for marketing purposes
Palm Beach Daily News, Palm Beach, Fla. (September 2008 — May 2009)
Business Reporter / Business Editor / Multimedia Producer
- Researched and reported on economic developments affecting Palm Beach and South Florida
- Collaborated with photography and copy-editing departments to plan and design weekend business centerpieces
- Posted breaking news online via CMS and social media accounts
- Attended and reported on Bernard Madoff’s federal court plea hearing in New York City
- Shot and edited HD video projects to accompany news articles and enhance online storytelling
- Shot and edited photos for publication in print and online
Scripps Treasure Coast Newspapers, Stuart, Fla. (May 2006 — September 2008)
Breaking News Reporter / Web Editor / Multimedia Producer
- Researched and reported on court cases, law enforcement and various general assignment subjects
- Composed and edited articles, headlines and captions for TCPalm.com, the online hub for Scripps’ newspapers
- Uncovered breaking news, assigned co-workers to stories and coordinated online and print coverage
- Composed and posted web updates, video and photos online from the field
- Covered the criminal trial of a serial killer and conducted a jailhouse interview after his conviction
- Wrote, recorded and edited radio news scripts for National Public Radio and FM and AM radio affiliates
- Produced and edited video projects to enhance storytelling and engage online readers
- Shot and edited photos for publication in print and online
The Gainesville Sun, Gainesville, Fla.(September 2005 — May 2006)
General Assignment Reporting Intern
Florida FlyIns, Seine Bight, Belize (September — December 2005)
Reporter / Photographer
- Completed University of Florida professor John Kaplan’s international journalism practicum
- Researched and interviewed the Garifuna people of Seine Bight for an in-depth article about their rapidly dying culture
- Shot and edited photographs illustrating Garifuna daily life
Scripps Treasure Coast Newspapers, Stuart, Fla. (May — August 2005)
General Assignment Reporting Intern
The Independent Florida Alligator, Gainesville, Fla. (May 2002 — May 2005)
Photo Editor / Photographer / Crime Reporter
- Managed a team of photographers and prepared digital photos for print using Adobe Photoshop
- Photo assignments include President George W. Bush’s 2004 visit and Gator football games
- Covered the court and police beats
Volunteer Work
University of Florida Field & Fork, Gainesville, Fla. (October 2022 — Present)
Gardener
Peninsula Humane Society, Burlingame, Calif. (February 2014 — April 2018)
Photographer / Videographer / Wildlife technician
Loggerhead Marinelife Center, Juno Beach, Fla. (August — December 2013)
Education Docent
Save A Pet Florida, Inc., Palm Beach, Fla. (August 2011 — December 2012)
Photographer / Adoption Coordinator / Web Content Specialist
Education
University of Florida, Gainesville, Fla. (May 2002 — May 2006)
Bachelor of Science, Journalism, Magna Cum Laude
Honors / Awards
- 2019 California News Publishers Association Sports Action Photo Third-Place Winner
- 2018 California News Publishers Association Writing First-Place Winner
- 2018 California News Publishers Association Writing Third-Place Winner
- 2017 California News Publishers Association Sports Feature Second-Place Winner
- 2017 California News Publishers Association Feature Photo Third-Place Winner
- 2016 California News Publishers Association Sports Feature Photo First-Place Winner
- 2016 California News Publishers Association Writing Honorable Mention
- 2016 California News Publishers Association Sports Feature Photo Honorable Mention
- Elmer Emig Award for Professional Promise
- Buddy Davis Memorial Scholarship and Award
- Scripps Howard Foundation Scholarship