I am a former journalist trying to make sense of the new digital-media whirl. I live within sight (barely, when the air is clear) of the George Washington Bridge and Manhattan’s glittering skyline.
Earlier in my career, I was an editor with Newsweek, Adweek, BusinessWeek, and some other publications without “week” in their title. My byline has appeared in Discover, BusinessWeek, New York Magazine, The New Republic, The Nation, Rolling Stone, Spy, Regardie’s, The Washington Post Sunday Magazine, Washingtonian, Baltimore, USAWeekend, People, California Business, Adweek, Channels, and other publications.
More recently, I have worked as a writer, editor, and ghostwriter for a major U.S. corporation.
To paraphrase Norma Desmond in Hollywood Boulevard: “I’m still big! It’s the mainstream media that got small!”
I still have something to say and share.
My resume ….
Helping Organizations Get Their Message Out
There’s A Word for That, Hastings-on-Hudson, NY, 2009-Date
Consulting Practice as Communications Specialist, Writer & Editor. Clients include:
• Crain’s New York Business, contract editor, assigned and edited for print and digital editions
• West Point Center for Oral History, delivered 80-plus videos of World War II, Vietnam, Iraq, andAfghanistan Army veterans recounting their service stories for US Military Academy archives
• Ripp Media & Public Relations, created and delivered business communications including op-eds,media alerts, and pitches; ghosted articles for NY Times Dealbook and Pensions & Investments
• International Rescue Committee, web editing and external communications (pro bono)
• Blue Heron Research Partners, edited and summarized series of equity research reports
MasterCard Worldwide, Purchase, NY, Marketing Leader, 2006-‐20009
Marketing communications specialist for MasterCard Advisors, professional services arm of MasterCard Worldwide, producing a variety of internal and external communications promoting Advisors payments solutions. Developed and produced internal and external communications, including articles, press releases and talking points to promote Advisors’ thought leadership and capabilities. Doubled number of thought-‐leadership articles in the pipeline.
Building Media Operations
Metro New York, New York, NY, Executive Editor (contract), 2004
Helped launch 300,000-circulation Monday-Friday free newspaper under tight deadline. Hired 14-member editorial staff in three weeks, while achieving a 10% savings in annual salary budget.
Dads Magazine, New York, NY, Executive Editor, 2000-2001
Principal in launch of magazine targeting fathers, aged 20 to 50. Participated in all aspects of creating and defining the magazine’s editorial formula and voice. Led high-performing team of seven editors, reporters, plus freelancers. Inside.com called Dads “smartly edited,” while Time labeled it “the best of the bunch” of publications/websites focusing on fatherhood.
New Century Network, New York, NY, Managing Editor/News, 1997
In charge of news for start-‐up NewsWorks.com, which aggregated content from 135 newspaper websites. Participated in initial editorial conception, strategy and site design, consumer marketing and positioning. Organized news department and hired eight-‐person editorial staff. Devised plans to staff and implement 24/7 operation.
Finding and Telling Stories
Westchester Magazine, Elmsford, NY, Deputy Editor, 2004-2006
No. 2 editor on 68,000-circulation, lifestyle monthly. Assigned and edited features and departments. Rewrote/edited two-to-three features each month; reformatted front of book; raised editorial quality overall. Managed staff of six editors, plus freelancers.
BusinessWeek, New York, NY, Associate Editor, 1999-2000
One of three-editor team responsible for assigning and editing up-front articles on breaking news
Adweek, New York, NY, Executive Editor/Features, 1997-1998
Oversaw features for 55,000-circulation weekly trade magazine, supervised staff of seven editors and writers. Worked with staff writers and freelancers to conceive and produce long features of special interest to advertising industry; rejuvenated the feature well, columns and special sections.
Newsweek, New York, NY, General Editor, 1989-1997
Staff writer for international edition of Newsweek, covering business and other topics. Produced eight cover stories on a variety of topics; led correspondent team to produce Newsweek International cover story on child soldiers in developing world (“Boy Soldiers,” August 1995) nominated for an Overseas Press Club award.
Contributor
Discover, BusinessWeek, New York, The New Republic, The Nation, Rolling Stone, Spy, Regardie’s, The Washington Post Sunday Magazine, Sierra, Washingtonian, Baltimore, USAWeekend, People, California Business, Adweek, Channels, Los Angeles Times, and other publications
Areas of Expertise
News and feature writing; editing; editorial development from concept and story assignment to final product; internal/external communications; presentations; talking points; op-eds; reports; web content; video scripts; blogging; ghostwriting; story pitching; media strategy and placement
Education
The Johns Hopkins University, BA, English
Brave New Whirl 