Professional Profile

• More than 15 years of professional experience writing and editing material for newspapers, magazines and in-house publications.
• Highly skilled researcher adept at retrieving cogent information via in-person, published and online resources.
• Extensive professional proficiency in grammar, spelling and AP Style.

Writing & Editing Experience

Writer, Connectbrazil.com                                                            Chicago, IL (2008-present)

• Write CD reviews and other special content for a 10-year-old web site that specializes in selling Brazilian music to non-Brazilians and is an outgrowth of the nationally syndicated "Sounds of Brazil" radio program.
  
• Responsible for generating content and writing weekly newsletter on Braziian music and related cultural developments that is emailed to 35,000 subscribers worldwide

Reporter, The Ann Arbor News                                                              Ann Arbor, MI (1999-2007)

• Responsible for generating articles for print and website on some of the highest profile beats, including the city of Ann Arbor, the University of Michigan and U-M sports.
• Shared Michigan Associated Press writing awards for Ann Arbor greenbelt coverage (2004) and Michigan football (2002)
  

Reporter, Ames Tribune                                                                                          Ames, IA (1995-1999)

• As city reporter in the hometown of Iowa State University, wrote seven stories that inspired Pulitzer Prize-winning editorials (1997) by editor Michael Gartner.
• Covered the city-owned hospital and one of the midwest's largest physician-owned medical clinics, writing about trends in medical care, new procedures and advances in patient-care technology.
  
• Developed the extensive knowledge of the city necessary to create and operate "Ask the Tribune," a weekly column answering reader questions about Ames.

Reporter/Writer, Standard News Wire Service                                        Washington, DC (1993-1995)

• Covered Maryland state government in Annapolis for the wire service, generating multiple stories each day about state politics and other issues affecting the state's residents.
  
• After the dissolution of the newspaper end of the wire service, wrote hourly newscasts used by the wire service's own radio network and other stations nationwide.
  

Staff Assistant, B'nai B'rith International                                                  Washington, DC (1991-1993)

• Wrote speeches and other forms of communication on the behalf of the president and other executive officers of the world's largest Jewish fraternal organization.
  
• Wrote and edited articles for the monthly glossy membership magazine International Jewish Monthly, covering diverse subjects such as Elie Wiesel, the bleak job market for college graduates, Jewish athletes at the 1992 Winter Olympics and the reemergence of comedian Sid Caesar.
  

Other Experience

Chart interviewer, Billboard                                                                      New York, NY (1987-1988)

• Responsible for collecting and interpreting airplay and sales data for top industry magazine.

College Radio Marketer, Vusic Express                                                   New York, NY (1986-1987)

• Successfully motivated the college-age demographic and their college stations by marketing up-and-coming acts such as They Might Be Giants and the Cocteau Twins.

Programming Assistant, WWHT-TV, U-68                                                             Newark NJ (1986)

• Developed relationships with record labels, interviewed bands, and produced shows for MTV-style broadcast channel that developed a cult following in the New York area

Arts Editor & Writer, Georgetown Voice                                                      Washington, DC (1983-86)

• Responsible for supervising coverage at student publication of Georgetown University as a film, book and music reviewer and editor.

Clerk, Tower Records                                                                                          Washington, DC (1985)

• Resident jazz geek at one of the nation’s leading record store chains, which required guiding customer purchases, tracking popular titles, and keeping an eye on inventory.

Music director and disc jockey, WGTB                                                        Washington, DC (1983-86)

• Curated eclectic free-form playlists at this college station, as well as conducted artist interviews and hosted weekly alternative, traditional and Brazilian music shows.

Education

Syracuse University—Master’s of Arts in Public Communications (1989)
Georgetown University—Bachelor’s of Science in Foreign Service (1986)
Washtenaw Community College – Currently (2007-8) enrolled in the Internet Professional program.