Experience

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  LifeWorks NW

  • Portland, Oregon Metropolitan Area

  • Content Writer

    • Oct 2023 - Mar 2024
    • Portland, Oregon Metropolitan Area

    Volunteered in the Marketing/Communications Department at this amazing organization that provides wraparound support for families raising children and for people undergoing treatment for addiction.

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  CareOregon

  • Portland, Oregon

  • Senior Copywriter

    • Apr 2022 - Nov 2022
    • Portland, Oregon

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  CareOregon

  • United States
  • Insurance
  • 700 & Above Employee

  • Senior Copy Writer

    • Jan 2018 - Mar 2019

  • Writer (temporary)

    • Apr 2016 - Dec 2017

    Temporary assignment to provide blog and social media copy on health issues for this health insurance nonprofit. Work (and contract) extended to encompass full range of Marketing Communications support. Responsible for member-facing communications, brainstorming with client and creative team to develop ideas campaigns and write copy for mailers, ads, guest editorials, annual report, brochures, news releases, and programs. Present and “sell” concepts to clients. Incorporate client and member feedback to improve communications.• Collaborated with designer to develop copy for segmented mailing to more than 50,000 members in all lines of business; provided creative and strategic counsel to clients; coordinated multiple versions with clients.• Developed first-ever annual report for Columbia Pacific CCO, turning raw material into compelling copy.• Collaborate with client to develop and implement social media strategy that significantly expanded reach and engagement.

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  Cambia Health Solutions

  • Portland, Oregon Area

  • Senior Writer

    • 2010 - Oct 2015
    • Portland, Oregon Area

    Participate in developing and executing strategy for issues management, consumer engagement and stakeholder communications; create communication campaigns using multiple channels and targeting wide range of audiences.

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  Blue Cross Blue Shield

  • Portland, Oregon Area

  • Writer

    • 2005 - 2010
    • Portland, Oregon Area

    Develop and implement strategy for communications involving executives, public affairs, government affairs, media, for multiple audiences; researching/writing white papers, issue briefs, articles, op-eds, speeches, presentations, web content (internal/external).

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  Freelance

  • Portland, Oregon Area

  • Writer

    • 2000 - 2004
    • Portland, Oregon Area

    Developed and wrote original material published in Oregonian and Vancouver, Wash. Columbian newspapers

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  National College of Natural Medicine

  • Marketing director

    • 1998 - 2000

    Develop marketing plan for teaching clinics to attract patients. Increase profile of college in community; increase profile of faculty in local and national media.

  • Public Relations

    • 1995 - 1998

    Developed and wrote content for internal newsletter and alumni newsletter; alumni relations and event planning; assisted development officer.

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  Arizona Capital Times

  • Phoenix, Arizona Area

  • Reporter

    • 1993 - 1995
    • Phoenix, Arizona Area

    Gavel-to-gavel coverage of Arizona House of Representatives plus reporting on state agencies: Revenue, Water, Education, Land Management

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  Maricopa County Flood Control District

  • Phoenix, Arizona Area

  • Public Involvement Coordinator

    • 1990 - 1993
    • Phoenix, Arizona Area

    Developed and executed strategic communications plans for public works agency on project-basis; intergovernmental liaison for interagency contracts; media relations and crisis communications; initiated integration of agency activities into environmental arenas.

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  Arizona State University

  • Tempe, Arizona

  • Public Relations Manager - College of Education

    • 1989 - 1990
    • Tempe, Arizona

    Develop and execute media and public relations plan to advance College of Education's reputation. Develop printed collateral and write speeches for Dean and Assistant Deans.

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  Maricopa County Sheriff's Office

  • Phoenix, Arizona Area

  • Political appointee

    • Jun 1986 - Sep 1988
    • Phoenix, Arizona Area

    Developing original correspondence for County Sheriff and senior officials (political affairs liaison, ombudsman), responded to requests from other elected officials; wrote agency internal newsletter.

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  Daily News Sun

  • Sun City Arizona

  • Reporter

    • Feb 1984 - Jun 1986
    • Sun City Arizona

    Reporter and wire editor for daily newspaper; covered K-12 education, county government, politics, elections, health/hospitals, taxpayer issues, senior citizen issues

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  Independent Newpapers Inc.

  • Phoenix, Arizona Area

  • Reporter/Managing Editor

    • 1979 - 1984
    • Phoenix, Arizona Area

    Weekly newspapers; community journalism; writing, layout, managing reporters/photographer, community liaison.