I began my career as a professional mass communication specialist in the United States Navy. In this role I: 

• Engaged in promoting and creating an intended public image for the U.S. Navy.

• Responded to requests for information from the media, prepared information for media kits, and wrote press releases.

• Coordinated internal/external media coverage of special events.

• Created copy for public relations projects.

• Created the design and layout of the command newsletter for internal communications.

• Developed plans for crisis communication efforts.

• Trained command staff on working with the media.

• Created visual information displays and graphics.

• Photographed events for publication, historical documentation, and the U.S. Naval Criminal Investigation Service.

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After an honorable discharge, I worked as a journalist where I:

• Planned, wrote, and assigned news and feature stories for a daily newspaper and various magazines in a deadline-focused atmosphere.

• Regularly attended events and covered breaking news, city council meetings, police reports, and court proceedings.

• Collected and analyzed facts by interview, investigation, or observation.

• Established and maintained relationships with representatives of the community.

• Photographed people and events for storytelling in publications and social media channels.

• Managed social media channels and grew audience by following algorithms.

• Coordinated special projects with members of the community.