A writer and entrepreneur even as a child, I launched a hyper-local community newsletter, the "Westwood News," in my Kentucky subdivision one summer. I carefully researched, wrote and actually sold - for 25 cents each - several issues of the handwritten publication that detailed the happenings in our corner of the world. Writing and editing for my high school and college newspapers cemented my determination to make a living as a writer.Today, a career as a community journalist and communications specialist has catapulted me into the lives of myriad hard-working Americans from U.S. presidents and college valedictorians to parking meter repairmen, Lottery winners and beekeepers. I tell their stories in print and online to inform, to inspire and, sometimes, to entertain.I'm a results-oriented, creative professional with extensive experience in higher education public relations, writing, editing, customer service and project management. I've received accolades for my ability to streamline processes and for persistently building internal and external relationships with key stakeholders. I have a passion for increasing media coverage and consistently writing quality online and offline content on deadline.In my role with the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency, I write, edit and manage the production of a quarterly retailer newsletter and award-winning employee newsletter, manage the process of interviewing Lottery winners and editing staff-written blogs for our website (mdlottery.com), manage the online events calendar and its photo galleries, and manage the Retailer Corner section of our website. Oh, and about those other duties as assigned? Well, I admit to thoroughly enjoying my stints in costume as the Powerball or Mega Millions ball for MLGCA events. Life is good!