Experience

Georges Media Group

• United States
• Media and Telecommunications
• 1 - 100 Employee

• The Shreveport-Bossier Advocate - Managing Editor

  • May 2023 - Present



Gannett | USA TODAY NETWORK

• United States
• Media Production
• 700 & Above Employee

• Louisiana State Editor, Executive Editor The Advertiser, The Opelousas Daily World

  • Dec 2020 - May 2023



USAToday Network - The News-Star, The Shreveport Times and The Town Talk

• Monroe, Shreveport, Alexandria Louisiana

• Editor

  • May 2017 - Dec 2020

  I am editor of three Gannett/USAToday Network newspapers and websites. In addition to traditional responsibilities for a newspaper editor like writing and editing, I manage website and social media content. I coordinate content for special publications and work with the press staff to facilitate publishing. I analyze digital metrics to grow our audience. I also collaborate with the sales departments to develop branded content. I have administrative responsibilities including budgeting, site leadership and representing the outlets in the community and on various boards of directors. Show less



The News-Star, USA Today Network of Louisiana

• Monroe, Louisiana Area

• Editor

  • May 2017 - Jan 2019

  I'm happy to be back in northeastern Louisiana to be a leader in the continuing transformation of The News-Star, a newspaper that has been a part of our community for more than 125 years. As our readers migrate more toward our digital platforms we have a great opportunity to provide nearly instant coverage with articles, photos and video of developing events while addressing those events more deeply in our daily newspaper. In my daily job, I oversee the news, photography and sports staffs - handling and editing content, posting on our website and analyzing metrics to make coverage decisions. I also perform administrative functions like budgeting and payroll. And in my spare time, I have the opportunity to get out in our wonderful community and represent the newspaper that has been a part of my daily life for as long as I can remember. Show less



The Shreveport Times

• Shreveport, Louisiana Area

• News Editor - Watchdog and Storytelling Coach

  • Jul 2016 - May 2017

  Every day my position presents opportunities to work with reporters and editors to keep our community informed about what's happening around the area and in local and state government. I work with reporters to improve their writing, reporting and storytelling skills. I also write and edit in addition to working with the newspaper's website and social media accounts. The Shreveport Times is owned by Gannett, a company that has embraced digital media and encouraged our growth in that area while supporting in-depth journalism through watchdog and enterprise reporting. Show less



Bayou Life Magazine

• Monroe, LA.

• Freelance Writer

  • Sep 2015 - Jun 2016

  I meet incredibly inspirational people as they welcome me into their lives to tell their stories. I've written about a variety of people from rodeo clowns and iron craftsman to artists and architects. I'm honored that each one shares so openly and allows me to describe their successes, failures and wisdom learned along their life's journey. It's impossible not to become personally invested in each one. I meet incredibly inspirational people as they welcome me into their lives to tell their stories. I've written about a variety of people from rodeo clowns and iron craftsman to artists and architects. I'm honored that each one shares so openly and allows me to describe their successes, failures and wisdom learned along their life's journey. It's impossible not to become personally invested in each one.



CenturyLink

• United States
• IT Services and IT Consulting
• 700 & Above Employee

• Senior Manager Corporate Communications

  • May 2015 - Jun 2016

  With more than 20 years of experience as a journalist and communications professional, I understand the importance of providing succinct and accurate information with a clear call-to-action. At CenturyLink, I partner with our human resources organization to develop and implement employee communications programs that reach 44K employees from around the world. I prepare Powerpoint presentations and scripts for executives to use in company-wide webinars. I work with executives in advance to clarify their messages. During the webinars I produce and supervise. I also write and distribute company-wide communications related to benefits and employee engagement. Every day I give a voice to the thoughts and directives of the leaders of CenturyLink, a Fortune 500 company and the 3rd largest telecommunications corporation in the country. Show less



The News Star

• Gannett, Monroe, Louisiana

• Senior Writer (Education, Public Safety, Courts)

  • Oct 2006 - May 2015

  As a senior writer for Gannett at The News-Star, I've specialized in investigative reporting and watchdog journalism. I use social media, our website and the daily newspaper to explain complex statewide and local K-12 education issues and create impactful journalism that makes a difference in the community. I hold public bodies accountable to the constituents they serve -- even if it means interrupting illegal meetings. I also report on public safety and courts, telling the stories of both plaintiffs and defendants as well as describing the interplay between prosecutors and defense attorneys. I've also shot still photos and video and edited video to help enhance the explanation of the subject matter. A deep network of sources also provides me with many opportunities to report on breaking news and write feature stories. I've received awards and recognition for my work, but among my most prized possessions is a photo collage given to me by a young man with Asperger's Syndrome whose life I've chronicled for several years. Embossed on the frame are the words, "Thank you for changing my life." Show less



Strauss Theatre's Young Troupe

• Monroe, Louisiana

• Public Relations and Marketing

  • 2004 - 2006

  I was responsible for securing sponsorships for productions at the children's theatre and for the promotion of those shows through direct mail, newspapers, magazines, television appearances and radio interviews. I also coordinated volunteers to help with each production. I was the theatre's representative at community functions. I was responsible for securing sponsorships for productions at the children's theatre and for the promotion of those shows through direct mail, newspapers, magazines, television appearances and radio interviews. I also coordinated volunteers to help with each production. I was the theatre's representative at community functions.



Delta Style Magazine

• Monroe, Louisiana

• Freelance Writer

  • 2003 - 2005

  I wrote a monthly biographical feature that highlighted little known heroes and legends around northeastern Louisiana. I wrote a monthly biographical feature that highlighted little known heroes and legends around northeastern Louisiana.