Editorial Writer / Columnist
The Birmingham News
Birmingham, Alabama Area
Researched and wrote editorials and columns on politics and public policy issues including transportation, the environment, urban redevelopment, tax reform, education and healthcare. Interviewed political candidates and made recommendations for endorsement. Selected and edited letters-to-the-editor. Paginated, proofed and corrected editorial pages. Selected columns and artwork for op-ed and other opinion pages. Interacted with public including political, business, community and non-profit leaders. Planned community forums.• Named a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize for Editorial Writing.• Planned and coordinated community roundtable discussions as part of year-long project on regional leadership as well as live-chatted online with readers during the discussions.• Covered the 2008 Democratic National Convention in Denver, wrote columns and blogged from the convention site.• Won several writing awards including Best Column from the Alabama Press Association.• Wrote columns and editorials calling for regional cooperation that spurred Birmingham-area legislators, mayors and county officials to begin monthly meetings to discuss regional issues, such as transit funding, economic development and convention center expansion.• Served as writing coach for high school journalism workshops at the University of Alabama, the University of Alabama at Birmingham, Alabama State University and Miles College.• Developed and maintained positive working relationships with business leaders, city, county and state officials as well as community / advocacy groups.
