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​EXECUTIVE PROFILE

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Award-winning writer and editor with more than 20 years of experience crafting impactful content for magazines, newspapers and mission-driven organizations across platforms. Skilled at leading creative teams, developing strategic communications plans and managing budgets. My work is guided by audience, shaped through collaboration and grounded in compelling stories and clear writing .

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PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

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Communications Manager, Youth Empowerment Project, New Orleans — 2023-2025

  • Led external communications for this prominent New Orleans nonprofit. 

  • Developed and executed strategic communications plans to grow awareness and support.

  • Wrote and managed production of annual reports, newsletters and marketing materials.

  • Strengthened brand identity through collaboration with external design firm and staff.

 

Science & Health Editor, Star Tribune, Minneapolis — 2020-2022

  • Produced weekly section for the nation’s fifth-largest Sunday circulation newspaper. 

  • Curated diverse content from wire services and staff writers.

  • Partnered with designers and illustrators to elevate visual storytelling.

 

Travel Editor, Star Tribune, Minneapolis — 2004-2020

  • Led award-winning Travel section featuring audience-focused digital and print content.

  • Collaborated with creative teams to produce visually compelling presentations.

  • Wrote nation and international destination features and weekly column.

  • Managed budget covering freelance writers and staff travel.

 

Senior Editor, Bon Appetit, Los Angeles — 2000-2004

  • Assigned and edited destination stories and other travel-focused features.

  • Helped plan issue themes and feature line-ups with an eye toward reader engagement. 

  • Edited top-tier writers including Rick Bragg, Anne Lamott and Dorie Greenspan.

 

Associate Editor, Cooking Light Magazine, Birmingham — 1999-2000

  • Revamped the front-of-book section for stronger audience engagement. 

  • Assigned and edited feature stories with a focus on healthful living.

  • Managed production workflow for key sections of the magazine.

 

Assistant Editorial Director, International Editions, National Geographic Magazine, Washington, D.C. — 1996-1999

  • Oversaw global production and ensured quality of foreign-language editions. 

  • Developed editorial standards and workflows for international teams.

  • Hired and trained local staff and collaborated closely with foreign-language editors.

 

Earlier roles at National Geographic included writer’s assistant and field reporter, contributing to the magazine’s editorial depth and storytelling.

Wrote “From Fins to Feet,” about the Devonian Period, for the May 1999 issue of the magazine.

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SELECTED AWARDS

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Press Club of New Orleans:

 

Lowell Thomas Travel Journalism Awards:

 

  • Bronze: Travel Journalist of the Year, 2017, 2013

 

  • Silver: Article on Adventure Travel, 2007
    “Appalachian Trail Magic” (Star Tribune)

 

  • Best Newspaper Travel Section (as editor): 2014, 2013, 2010; honorable mention: 2021, 2019, 2018, 2017

 

Minnesota Book Awards:

 

EDUCATION

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  • Hamline University, St. Paul, B.A. in English and Psychology

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