Jeff Simms Email & Phone Number

Beacon, New York, United States

Beacon, Ny

• I publish news and feature articles in Hudson Valley newspapers and magazines. I regularly cover all things Beacon for the Highlands Current newspaper but have also been published in Upstater magazine and Hudson Valley Parent magazine. • I copy-edited and helped write "Choosing a Blood Cancer Specialist"​ and "Fertility"​ patient factsheets for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) national headquarters in White Plains, NY.• I completed several comprehensive editing projects for LLS in advance of the 2015 relaunch of itds website.

Greater New York City Area

• Implemented an organizational creative vision by producing web and print content for land conservation nonprofit. • Coordinated media plans to publicize OSI’s unique, science-driven conservation efforts in locales large and small from Canada to Georgia.• Developed and managed working relationships with dozens of media representatives, freelance writers and bloggers all engaged in publicizing OSI’s work.• Landed OSI press hits in NY Times, Wall Street Journal, Scientific American, NPR and numerous other in-market (Hudson Valley, NY) and out-of-market publications all over East Coast.PATTERN FOR PROGRESS Newburgh, NY, Fall 2012-Spring 2013• Spring 2013 graduate of Pattern for Progress Fellows program (representing the Open Space Institute)

Brooklyn, Ny

• Managed the composition, design, production and distribution of Alliance’s quarterly guide/newsletter. • Managed the composition and distribution of promotional event information to numerous magazines, Web sites and other media outlets in and around New York City.• Produced and edited copy for development and marketing pieces designed to generate revenue and usership for Prospect Park.

New York, Ny

• Researched and developed freelance writing assignments for nonprofit organizations in NYC.

Washington D.C. Metro Area

• Promoted TPL’s mission of land acquisition for permanent conservation and management by partnering agencies as well as informed stakeholders of specific field-office initiatives and accomplishments in four states and the District of Columbia within the Mid-Atlantic Region.• Devised marketing strategies to reach multiple target audiences that included donors, supporters, landowners, partnering agencies and foundations. • Wrote communication pieces that included press packages, media releases, marketing materials and grant proposals. Developed and implemented themes for the semi-annual newsletter, made story assignments, edited content and collaborated with regional staff on design, photography and production. Representative Projects:• Planned stakeholder event to celebrate the acquisition and permanent conservation of 200 acres that was transformed into “Anniversary Park” during the 400th anniversary of the Jamestown settlement in May 2007.• Created direct-mail piece announcing the milestone of 100,000 acres conserved by the Chesapeake and Central Appalachians Field Office over its 25-year history.• Helped direct and publicize activities for the opening of the Gwynns Falls Trail, Maryland—the longest urban walking/hiking trail in the U.S.—which received favorable coverage in the Baltimore Sun. Intern – The Center for City Park Excellence (Apr. 2004-Oct. 2004)• Researched and wrote “Parks: How Far is Too Far?” with analysis on the value of park accessibility to residents for the American Planning Association’s Planning magazine in collaboration with Center Director Peter Harnik.

Westminster, Md

• Conceived, developed and wrote stories on Carroll County government during a period of rapid residential growth in a county struggling to maintain its traditional identity and rural appeal amidst encroachment from Washington, DC/Baltimore, MD—the fourth fastest-growing metropolitan area nationwide. • Performed extensive research, attended government sessions and established a network of sources to acquire and maintain an in-depth understanding of the area’s agricultural history, natural resources, planning and land use activities.• Assisted the city editor by providing direction to new reporters in devising story ideas, uncovering sources, structuring stories and revising copy prior to review by the editor.• Organized and led staff coverage of the 2002 county election, featuring candidates with widely divergent positions on key issues; conducted candidate interviews and designed and produced issue pages with straightforward explanations for reference by voters. • Contributing writer in “Growth in Carroll: How We Got Here; Where We’re Going,” a nine-part series that won a second-place award (series category) in the Maryland, Delaware, D.C. Press Association 2002 Editorial Contest; narrated and interpreted changes in residential demographics, industry, education, government and infrastructure from 1960-2000.

Boone, Nc

News Reporter (Aug. 1998-Feb. 2001)• Researched and wrote news stories, columns and features for regional newspaper.• Covered Watauga County, North Carolina government, Watauga County school system, Appalachian State University and spot news.Sports Reporter (Aug. 1997-Aug. 1998)• Covered all Watauga County high school sports by attending athletic events, gathering statistics and conducting interviews with players and coaches.