Develop and manage the PCEM Whole Community Program, building and maintaining partnerships with faith- and community-based organizaions to identify and deliver services to vulnerable populations, while training leaders and service providers in disaster preparedness, response and recovery. Assist in redesign of county website, development of the Ready Pinellas app and All Hazard Preparedness Guide, coordinate conversion of documents to ADA requirements, manage EM Twitter, liaise with media, support Communications Department. In the Emergency Operations Center, lead the Whole Community Group of the Recovery Branch, coordinate County Information Center and ESF 15, and support ESF 14 and ESF 18.

Develop, manage and implement community education and outreach programs and events for emergency preparedness and response. Serve as liaison between the department and the special projects and community initiatives. Develop and initiate specific emergency messaging for the department as well as serve as department liaison to county departments and community partners for critical information during emergency operations.

Appointed by the County Administrator's office to lead a special project with the Strategic Performance Management Team to establish a countywide customer call center for after hours to lead to the eventual establishment of a 311 system in the county. Work in a team to gather data, research options, interview stakeholders to present a recommendation to the County Administrator.

Led a team of 26 professionals including communications specialists, digital videographers, senior graphic artists, web specialist, technical and support staff to support the Strategic Plan of the Pinellas County Board of County Commissioners. The team conceptualized and created multi-media products, working with the county administration, department directors and staff, through the development and strengthening of partnerships and with stakeholders throughout the community. Extensive communications plans strategically successfully delivered promotional and educational messages to our citizens and customers. A full production television station supported the televising of public meetings. Worked with the team to optimize social media for enhanced citizen engagement and participation. Directed crisis communications with ongoing emphasis on emergency preparedness. Oversight of the protection of the county brand, planning of special promotions and execution of public forums, events and online town meetings.

Work with the Public Information and Video team to produce a comprehensive message about the county’s programs and services. Develop communications strategies and project priorities, work with team to deliver services to internal clients, lead media relations, strengthen internal and external relationships and manage story assignments, campaigns and social media.

Supervised graphic artists and web specialist during severe budget cuts. Worked with staff to balance continued delivery of services and perception of good stewardship. Began integrated team approach to educational campaigns to include artists, writers and videographers as communications industry shifted to multi-media and multi-skilled approaches.

Supported departments through media relations, writing, photography and the establishment of Associated Press and news style writing for news releases and other media content. Assisted efforts of the Office of Management and Budget, Emergency Management, Animal Services, Environmental Management, Human Services, Public Works and other areas of the county.

Managed staff of Beacon, Leader, Bee, Citizen newspapers (weekly, circ. 127,000 audited). Supervised a staff of editors, freelance writers, proofreaders and photographers and coordinated with advertising and production departments to successfully produce quality productions for a community-oriented readership. Represented the company and assumed primary responsibility for the publications, Seminole Beacon and Beacon Beacon (circ 45,000; average 50 pages weekly), including writing weekly column, stories and pagination. Produced monthly special sections. Started the Today Newspapers in St. Pete Beach, Pasadena and Treasure Island. Started and designed Tampa Bay Tourist, a direct-mail publicationAWARDSFlorida Press Association- 2005 Serious Column, Honorable Mention- 2004 Column Writing, Third Place- 2002 Writing, Third Place

Founded and served as publisher/editor of a tourist-oriented monthly publication that focused on live entertainment, dining, events and local interests. Established branding, designed pages, created content focus and produced copy and artwork. Paginated the publication and headed up distribution. This was a successful start-up and the publication continues to thrive, with distribution focused in the beach community.

Wrote for and edited The Senior Voice (monthly) and The Barefoot Reporter (weekly, circ. 30,000). Reported on local news and covered government meetings and events for municipalities from Clearwater Beach to Tierra Verde. Helped to grow this local newspaper. Edited copy and assisted in all functions of the operation.

Designed and started the Weekend Beacon (weekly, direct-mail); redesigned and edited Summer Times (weekly, circ. 40,000, 100-page average, seasonal); produced special sections; managed promotions; covered news stories, wrote feature stories, restaurant reviews and entertainment previews.AWARDSSuburban Newspapers of America- 1989 Writing, First Place- 1998 Overall Layout and Design, Second PlaceNew Jersey Press Association- 1988 Feature Writing, Second Place- 1987 Overall Layout and Design, Second Place

Editor of feature and entertainment sections (twice-weekly, circ 100,000). Employed pioneer design to help forge developing emphasis on attention-grabbing graphics. Designed and started The Bergen Woman (monthly). Managed feature department, which included the lifestyles section and editors/staff of special sections and social desk, writers and staff assistants. Started as beat reporter.