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Experienced newsroom coordinator skilled in monitoring scanners, coordinating coverage, deploying crews, and communicating quickly across teams. Strong background in digital content workflow, breaking news logistics, verification, and source monitoring. Calm under pressure and highly organized. Award-winning journalist with a track record of leading high-impact coverage and supporting producers, reporters, photographers, and digital teams.

 

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

 

Independent Journalist & Newsgatherer, Chicago, IL

Freelance / Self-Published • 2024–Present

• Accept assignments from local independent newsrooms and produce coverage on breaking news and community events.

• Monitor police and fire scanners, social media, and public safety alerts to identify developing stories.

• Research, verify, and summarize information for timely publication.

• Cover events and produce digital-first content for Instagram, Substack, and partner newsrooms.

• Manage all aspects of content production, including captions, photos, and short write-ups, as a one-person operation.

 

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Pittsburgh, PA

Coverage Coordinator / Newsgathering Lead • 2018–2024

• Coordinated daily news coverage and assigned field crews based on developing stories and editorial priorities.

• Monitored police and fire scanners, email tips, social media, and community contacts to identify potential news stories.

• Verified incoming information and communicated updates quickly to editors, reporters, photographers, and digital producers.

• Directed logistics for breaking news including rapid crew deployment and real-time updates.

• Managed visual content flow for digital platforms, ensuring accuracy and timely publication.

• Contributed to Pulitzer Prize winning and Pulitzer finalist coverage.

• Mentored and trained early-career staff who went on to win major journalism awards.

 

SELECT AWARDS

• Multiple first-place Keystone Media Awards including 2024 News Event Photo and 2023 Keystone Excellence in Journalism

• Society of Professional Journalists Keystone Excellence Awards

• Peter Lisagor Award

 

EDUCATION

Columbia College Chicago

Bachelor of Arts in Photography

 

SKILLS

• Broadcast and Digital Newsgathering

• Scanner Monitoring (Police, Fire)

• Crew Deployment and Logistics

• Social Media Monitoring and Lead Generation

• Story Research and Verification

• Managed story assignments and newsroom workflow using CMS and digital editorial tools

• Video Editing, Adobe Creative Suite, Photoshop

• Strong editorial judgment

• Calm decision-making during breaking news