Communications

As a freelance writer, I’ve produced news articles, website content and marketing materials for business and nonprofit clients including the Alaska Conservation Foundation, Alaska Oceans Network, Alaska Geographic Society, the Alaska Tourism Marketing Council, the Council of State Governments, an international development project of the World Bank, and HomesUSA, the agency of America’s  #1-ranked Realtor.

Journalism

As national editor for Newhouse Newspapers, I directed the Washington bureau of the nation’s third-largest group of newspapers. Previously, I was a national correspondent for Newhouse Newspapers, city editor of the Anchorage Daily News, city editor of the Mobile Press-Register, and correspondent for the Associated Press. My work has been published in the New York Times, Los Angeles Times, Washington Post and literally hundreds of other newspapers and magazines.

Business

I left daily journalism in 1995 to freelance and devote more time to my love for music. I’m founder of Alaska School of Music in Anchorage and Eagle River, and Valley School of Music in Wasilla. We employ 24 instructors delivering private lessons to more than 400 students weekly. I’m very familiar with the marketing and messaging needs of other business owners. 

 

Professional Recognition

Journalism’s only national award dedicated to reporting on environmental issues, received in 1994 for an investigative report I directed for the Mobile Press-Register on pollution in Mobile Bay. This resulted in a 142-count indictment of local water utility officials, the largest environmental prosecution in Alabama history. 

National Headliner Award  

Awarded in 1994 to the Mobile Press-Register for our coverage of the nation’s worst Amtrak crash.

Alabama Press Association Awards  

Awarded for Best Local News Coverage, Best Special Section and General Excellence in 1994 to the Mobile Press-Register.

New York Times Publisher’s Award  

Received in 1981 for my investigative coverage in the Gainesville Sun of mismanagement within the Florida prison system that led to a statewide grand jury report and dismissal of the state’s Director of Corrections.

University of Florida President’s Award  

Received for my contributions to the university’s journalism program, including a Hearst Prize for student editorial writing.

 

Education

Bachelor of arts in journalism, University of Florida. Minor in history.

American Newspaper Publishers Association’s “Leadership in the Newsroom” management training program. Completed in 1991.