Profile
Communications manager, multimedia journalist, and editor with more than 20 years of newsroom and higher education experience. Builds audience-centered communications systems that advance research visibility, recruitment, alumni and industry engagement, and institutional priorities. Combines strategic counsel and portfolio leadership with hands-on writing, photography, video, web publishing, analytics, accessibility, and SEO/AEO.
Selected experience
Communications Manager
Virginia Tech Department of Computer Science · College of Engineering
- Lead department communications spanning research storytelling, recruitment, web and digital strategy, alumni and industry engagement, analytics, and executive collaboration.
- Created an evidence-based website transformation program connecting a 400-page content inventory with GA4 behavior, accessibility, information architecture, governance, SEO/AEO, and phased implementation.
- Translate complex faculty research into accurate, useful stories and multi-channel communications for public, academic, and industry audiences.
Engineering Communications Leadership
Virginia Tech College of Engineering
- Managed communications for Chemical Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, and Mining and Minerals Engineering simultaneously.
- Used research publications and leadership priorities to identify news opportunities and support research and technology visibility.
- Developed end-to-end video and visual storytelling for experiential learning, recruitment, student success, alumni, and industry engagement.
Interim Editor
The Franklin News-Post
- Managed two full-time reporters, assigned daily work, edited coverage, and provided performance coaching.
- Maintained accuracy, deadlines, and public-service coverage while balancing breaking news and enterprise reporting.
Journalist + Educator
The Roanoke Times · Virginia Tech School of Communication
- Reported on higher education, public affairs, local government, research, and community life.
- Taught visual media and brought newsroom standards for reporting, editing, ethics, and audience awareness into the classroom.
Core capabilities
- Communications strategy
- Research and executive storytelling
- Recruitment and reputation campaigns
- Web strategy and governance
- Information architecture
- Analytics and measurement
- Accessibility, SEO, and AEO
- Writing, editing, photography, and video
- Portfolio and staff leadership
Education + credentials
Virginia Tech
Master's degree, English
Bachelor's degree, English
Certified Professional in Accessibility Core Competencies
Certified Virginia Master Naturalist