Professional Experience
Freelance Writer/Editor
Self Employed (7/2021–present)
Writing press releases, news, feature and lengthy, multi-source stories primarily focusing on radiology, science/academic research, hospital-related topics and a broad spectrum of health care issues for medical and public audiences.
Clients include:
Argonne National Laboratory Lemont, IL (2021–present) Argonne National Laboratory News
American Hospital Association Chicago, IL (2000–present) Health Facilities Management magazine
Radiological Society of North America (RSNA)
Oak Brook, IL (10/2008–7/2021)
Senior Manager, Member Communications/Managing Editor RSNA News—monthly, international radiology news magazine with circulation of 46,000.
- Generating story ideas on radiology-related topics; writing monthly feature stories, news briefs and other copy for all other magazine sections; assigning stories to freelance writers; editing all copy for content, grammar and style; rewriting articles as necessary; working closely with graphic designer and senior editors on all stages of production
- Developing interactive content (video, audio and PowerPoint presentations), for tablet app version of RSNA News for iPad (introduced in July 2011)
- Working with Web staff to develop online version of RSNA News, incorporating additional Web features; recording interviews with sources posted as audio clips on the RSNA News website
- Working closely with physician members including the RSNA News editor, sources and editorial board members to ensure medical accuracy
Managing Editor Daily Bulletin—the official newspaper of the RSNA annual meeting produced onsite at McCormick Place one week each year.
- Assisting in planning editorial calendar for 15-page newspaper; assigning stories for onsite writers; rewriting/editing copy in advance of week-long annual meeting; serving as onsite co-editor overseeing all stages of editing and production process
- Participating in RSNA News and Daily Bulletin Editorial Board meetings
- Working closely with all internal RSNA departments to ensure RSNA News copy accurately reflects society’s mission
Pioneer Press (Sun-Times News Group)
Chicago, IL (2005–2008)
Managing Editor Skyline, News-Star, Wicker Park Booster, Lake View Booster
- Provided creative control over 4 weekly community newspapers, including assigning stories; supervising a 6-person editorial team; contributing editorials, and directing all news and feature coverage; oversaw design and layout with copy desk under strict deadlines
- Guided a 4-person reporting team covering Chicago’s North Side
- Sole editor of all news and feature copy
- Wrote weekly editorials on local issues including politics, zoning and schools
- Wrote creative, concise headlines for all copy
- Assigned photography to enhance stories, grab and draw readers’ attention
Lerner Communications
Lincolnwood, IL (2000–2005)
Managing Editor Skyline—purchased by the Sun-Times News Group in 2005.
- Managed daily operations for a weekly community newspaper serving Chicago’s Near North Side and downtown area
- Designed the publication using QuarkXPress under strict deadlines
- Supervised 2 full-time reporters, an editorial assistant, and free-lance contributors
- Served on 7-person editorial board to develop and wrote opinions on community issues
- Accepted the Managing Editor position for Pioneer Press overseeing 4 weekly newspapers
American Hospital Association
Chicago, IL (1998–2000)
Associate Editor Health Facilities Management—Monthly trade magazine targeting more than 30,000 hospital facility managers and engineers.Conceptualized, developed and wrote in-depth cover stories and features on complicated, facilities- related and technical topics
Wrote copy for all other magazine sections
Worked with industry sources in editing, re-writing and fine-tuning articles
Assisted in all levels of production cycle including editing, routing and tracking copy
Collaborated with in-house designer in developing concepts for cover art
Academy of General Dentistry
Chicago, IL (1996–1998)
Staff Writer/Reporter AGD Impact—National monthly magazine targeting dentistry professionals
Lerner Communications
Lincolnwood, IL (1992–1996)
Staff Writer Lerner Times—Weekly newspaper, part of a chain covering Chicago’s North and Northwest Sides
Professional Memberships
International Association of Business Communicators (IABC)
The Association for Women Journalists (AWJ)
Awards
Association of Marketing and Communication Professionals (AMCP)
2013 Gold MarCom Award, RSNA News, July Issue; Managing Editor
American Society of Business Publication Editors (ASBPE)
2011 Bronze Award, Special Section, “Trends in Healthcare: Gauging Efficiency,” Health Facilities Management, contributed lead article
American Society of Business Publication Editors (ASBPE)
2000 Silver Award, Best Technical Article, “Storm of the Century,” Health Facilities Management
Education
Northern Illinois University, Bachelor of Arts
Journalism, 1987
Computer Skills
K4 Publishing System integrating InCopy/InDesign
Ektron Content Management System
QuarkXPress, Quark Copy Desk, Photoshop, Adobe, Microsoft Word
Mac and PC-proficient