Overview
An award-winning writer with B2B and B2C marketing expertise who has spent over a decade crafting powerful brand stories and tailoring messages for a host of global clients
Education
• Graduate Certificate in Marketing from Southern Methodist University Cox School of Business; Feb. 2015
• Bachelor of Journalism, Cum Laude, with a focus in News Editorial from The University of Missouri; May, 2008
• Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from The University of Missouri; May, 2008
Experience
The Fifth Business, Communication Consultant; Houston; November 2018 - Present
• Develops, recommends and delivers internal communication strategy for a Fortune 500 oil and gas corporation
• Creates and implements impactful communications through websites, videos, events, newsletters, social media, presentations, surveys and conferences
• Manages SharePoint sites
• Collaborates with creative/IT colleagues on creative and technical elements of projects
• Designs and applies measurement frameworks
• Works with stakeholders at all levels to ensure communications hit the mark
Catalyst Corporate Federal Credit Union, Content Developer/Communication Coordinator; Dallas; April 2016 -November 2018
• Developed a high volume of written material to increase awareness about activities, expertise and services.
• Provided copy for news articles, testimonials, product descriptions, operational updates, event promotions and marketing copy via websites, emails and newsletters and at corporate-hosted and sponsored events.
• Assisted with ongoing website content management.
• Worked closely with team members to develop effective marketing and communication strategies.
C-SPAN; Stringer, Dallas; January 2011 - Present
• Serves as “eyes and ears” in the Southwest U.S. for Washington D.C. -based cable station
• Sifts through and submits regional events with a national or international focus to senior producers at C-SPAN
Freelance Writer and Editor; May 2006 - Present
• Edited and wrote copy for Denver-based Inflow (formerly seOverflow) and its clients
• Writes press releases and edits manuscripts for New York City-based comedian, Justin Williams
• Former blogger and content copywriter for Speakeasy in Dallas.
• Responsible for Eiseman Jewels and Mother Rucker’s Sweets accounts
• Developed and scripted a “New Renters” packet for www.HoustonApartmentInsiders.com in Houston
Provasi Capital Partners LP, Senior Financial Writer; Dallas; October 2015 - April 2016
• Wrote and researched internal marketing materials and collateral for external financial advisors
• Managed and distributed written material on behalf of Provasi executive team
• Played a critical role in supporting the marketing team through a corporate rebranding initiative that entailed creating an all-new corporate brand identity, website and value proposition for financial advisors and their clients
• Partnered with senior leadership to develop a comprehensive content calendar, white papers and social media content
• Produced copy for a nationwide advertising campaign aimed at creating awareness for the newly created brand
Michael A. Burns & Associates, Staff Writer; Dallas; September 2010- October 2015
• Wrote press releases, speeches, media pitches and various copywriting assignments at the agency
• Implemented and helped develop the use of social media tools and track media coverage
• Pitched stories and events to local and national media
The Texas Jewish Post; Staff Writer/Copy Editor, Dallas; April 2011- December 2013
• Edited weekly North Texas community paper per AP style
• Found, developed and wrote stories that impacted the Dallas Fort Worth Jewish community
PartnerComm Inc., Corporate Communication Consultant; Dallas Metroplex; June 2008 – July 2010
• Worked with a team of graphic artists and consultants to develop successful and creative internal communication campaigns for top Fortune 500 companies: Tyco International, EnPro Industries, MeadWestvaco, Best Buy, LifePoint Hospitals, MGM Mirage, Tenet Healthcare, Fluor and more
• Wrote, reviewed and edited printed pieces, web content and legal documents regarding enrollment benefits, wellness programs, recruitment and savings plans specific to individual companies
• Researched and analyzed new developments and tools in our industry and the industries of our clients
• Developed and submitted proposals for industry recognized awards and national conferences
The Washington Times, Reporter; Washington DC; August 2007 - December 2007
• Interned on the Foreign Desk through the University of Missouri School of Journalism Washington Program
• Wrote full-page, front-page, feature, spot news, and original stories, often competing with other national publications
• Attended hearings on Capitol Hill, embassy gatherings, and think tank events to find innovative story ideas
• Worked closely with Washington’s local and international political community and interviewed diplomats
The Columbia Missourian, Reporter and Copy Editor; Columbia, MO; January - May 2006 and 2007
• Covered the Public Life beat in Columbia, Missouri
• Attended meetings and interacted with city officials in order to get more personalized stories and build relationships
• Had more than 25 published newspaper articles, and wrote and broadcasted 4 radio stories on local radio station KBIA
• Worked three weekly copy editing shifts and edited local and syndicated articles
• Created headlines in accordance with both local and Associated Press styles
• Became proficient with new technology and new media to assist in both reporting and editing
Junior Statesmen of America Summer School at Stanford University, Georgetown University and The University of Texas, Resident Advisor; Summers 2005 - 2007
• Served as Resident Assistant for high school program of 300 students per campus
• Arranged for top politicians and community members in CA, TX, and D.C. to meet and speak with students and staff
• Completed clerical, educational and miscellaneous campus work; organized and chaperoned a student trip to San Francisco; wrote press releases and daily updates for the national and regional websites
• Provided guidance and political knowledge for the students
• Moderated student-led debates and forum discussions
Honors
• University of Missouri Honors College
• Member of Pi Sigma Alpha, Political Science Honor Fraternity
• University of Missouri Dean’s High Honor Roll
• International Baccalaureate Diploma Recipient
• 2004 Houston Press Club Lonestar Award Winner
An award-winning writer with B2B and B2C marketing expertise who has spent over a decade crafting powerful brand stories and tailoring messages for a host of global clients
Education
• Graduate Certificate in Marketing from Southern Methodist University Cox School of Business; Feb. 2015
• Bachelor of Journalism, Cum Laude, with a focus in News Editorial from The University of Missouri; May, 2008
• Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from The University of Missouri; May, 2008
Experience
The Fifth Business, Communication Consultant; Houston; November 2018 - Present
• Develops, recommends and delivers internal communication strategy for a Fortune 500 oil and gas corporation
• Creates and implements impactful communications through websites, videos, events, newsletters, social media, presentations, surveys and conferences
• Manages SharePoint sites
• Collaborates with creative/IT colleagues on creative and technical elements of projects
• Designs and applies measurement frameworks
• Works with stakeholders at all levels to ensure communications hit the mark
Catalyst Corporate Federal Credit Union, Content Developer/Communication Coordinator; Dallas; April 2016 -November 2018
• Developed a high volume of written material to increase awareness about activities, expertise and services.
• Provided copy for news articles, testimonials, product descriptions, operational updates, event promotions and marketing copy via websites, emails and newsletters and at corporate-hosted and sponsored events.
• Assisted with ongoing website content management.
• Worked closely with team members to develop effective marketing and communication strategies.
C-SPAN; Stringer, Dallas; January 2011 - Present
• Serves as “eyes and ears” in the Southwest U.S. for Washington D.C. -based cable station
• Sifts through and submits regional events with a national or international focus to senior producers at C-SPAN
Freelance Writer and Editor; May 2006 - Present
• Edited and wrote copy for Denver-based Inflow (formerly seOverflow) and its clients
• Writes press releases and edits manuscripts for New York City-based comedian, Justin Williams
• Former blogger and content copywriter for Speakeasy in Dallas.
• Responsible for Eiseman Jewels and Mother Rucker’s Sweets accounts
• Developed and scripted a “New Renters” packet for www.HoustonApartmentInsiders.com in Houston
Provasi Capital Partners LP, Senior Financial Writer; Dallas; October 2015 - April 2016
• Wrote and researched internal marketing materials and collateral for external financial advisors
• Managed and distributed written material on behalf of Provasi executive team
• Played a critical role in supporting the marketing team through a corporate rebranding initiative that entailed creating an all-new corporate brand identity, website and value proposition for financial advisors and their clients
• Partnered with senior leadership to develop a comprehensive content calendar, white papers and social media content
• Produced copy for a nationwide advertising campaign aimed at creating awareness for the newly created brand
Michael A. Burns & Associates, Staff Writer; Dallas; September 2010- October 2015
• Wrote press releases, speeches, media pitches and various copywriting assignments at the agency
• Implemented and helped develop the use of social media tools and track media coverage
• Pitched stories and events to local and national media
The Texas Jewish Post; Staff Writer/Copy Editor, Dallas; April 2011- December 2013
• Edited weekly North Texas community paper per AP style
• Found, developed and wrote stories that impacted the Dallas Fort Worth Jewish community
PartnerComm Inc., Corporate Communication Consultant; Dallas Metroplex; June 2008 – July 2010
• Worked with a team of graphic artists and consultants to develop successful and creative internal communication campaigns for top Fortune 500 companies: Tyco International, EnPro Industries, MeadWestvaco, Best Buy, LifePoint Hospitals, MGM Mirage, Tenet Healthcare, Fluor and more
• Wrote, reviewed and edited printed pieces, web content and legal documents regarding enrollment benefits, wellness programs, recruitment and savings plans specific to individual companies
• Researched and analyzed new developments and tools in our industry and the industries of our clients
• Developed and submitted proposals for industry recognized awards and national conferences
The Washington Times, Reporter; Washington DC; August 2007 - December 2007
• Interned on the Foreign Desk through the University of Missouri School of Journalism Washington Program
• Wrote full-page, front-page, feature, spot news, and original stories, often competing with other national publications
• Attended hearings on Capitol Hill, embassy gatherings, and think tank events to find innovative story ideas
• Worked closely with Washington’s local and international political community and interviewed diplomats
The Columbia Missourian, Reporter and Copy Editor; Columbia, MO; January - May 2006 and 2007
• Covered the Public Life beat in Columbia, Missouri
• Attended meetings and interacted with city officials in order to get more personalized stories and build relationships
• Had more than 25 published newspaper articles, and wrote and broadcasted 4 radio stories on local radio station KBIA
• Worked three weekly copy editing shifts and edited local and syndicated articles
• Created headlines in accordance with both local and Associated Press styles
• Became proficient with new technology and new media to assist in both reporting and editing
Junior Statesmen of America Summer School at Stanford University, Georgetown University and The University of Texas, Resident Advisor; Summers 2005 - 2007
• Served as Resident Assistant for high school program of 300 students per campus
• Arranged for top politicians and community members in CA, TX, and D.C. to meet and speak with students and staff
• Completed clerical, educational and miscellaneous campus work; organized and chaperoned a student trip to San Francisco; wrote press releases and daily updates for the national and regional websites
• Provided guidance and political knowledge for the students
• Moderated student-led debates and forum discussions
Honors
• University of Missouri Honors College
• Member of Pi Sigma Alpha, Political Science Honor Fraternity
• University of Missouri Dean’s High Honor Roll
• International Baccalaureate Diploma Recipient
• 2004 Houston Press Club Lonestar Award Winner