I specialize in connection, the connection between you and your audience, between what we want and what we design. I draw upon 16 years of experience across varied sectors as a strategic storyteller and skilled communicator. From UX and web or app copy to social posts and long-form content, I'm a strategic visionary with tactical delivery capabilities.Current client industries include:-B2B Cloud services company-Higher ed institution-Healthcare organization

I create great experiences by working across design disciplines to elevate the strategies for delivering the right information to the right person at the right time.I contribute to and leverage insights and opportunities gleaned from research to plan, create, and deliver meaningful experiences that will resonate with users while considering the entirety of the user journey. In addition to informing experience, I also craft systems of governance to ensure continuity, consistency, accessibility and alignment with user needs and business goals.

I served as a Brand and Communications Strategist at the Design Institute for Health, a radical collaboration between the Dell Medical School and the College of Fine Arts at the University of Texas at Austin. I was the chief storyteller and translator delivering on a vision to show how design puts people at the center of health and health systems. Duties in this role include:-Work independently and within design project teams to create data-driven marketing campaigns, content audits, content models, wireframes, information architecture maps and other content frameworks in support of business, marketing, and brand & communications strategies-Serve as communications lead for the Institute, including fielding and reviewing communications with external audiences and partners-Design and execute on digital and experience strategy that tailors content to digital, print, experiential, and social media platforms; create and edit within website CMS (Squarespace) to support brand initiatives and project teams-Develop brand voice and establish editorial and communications strategy across platforms; create and maintain editorial calendars (designed and developed in Airtable) and style guides, and develop and manage content metrics and measurement-Manage independent contractors and mentor staff members to achieve high quality deliverables and artifacts-Understand and translate complex design concepts and jargon into plain, inclusive language and messages around topics that include: health, health care, academic medicine, business, social services and government; create content that weaves words, images, video, audio, data, and experiences into compelling stories through case studies, campaigns, videos, podcasts, reports, resources, and tools

I built Texas Farmers’ Market’s brand strategy and communications strategy from the ground up alongside the market founder, serving as the second salaried employee at the organization. I was the frontline communicator managing emergent events as well as positioning and messaging transitions both internally and externally. Upon my transition to executive director in January 2018, I brought the mission and brand to life daily through my leadership of the small (but mighty) team, with culture-building and people-first approaches that empowered teammates to grow and thrive in their roles.Accomplishments:-Strategic implementation of new leadership model and change management initiative during founder to first executive director transition-Developed content team, messaging, editorial calendar and social media strategy for a rapidly growing farmers’ market group-Implemented operational models and systems including project management tools, cloud-based servers and other efficiency-building tools and platforms-Managed diverse teams including staff, contractors and volunteers as well as key relationships with150+ vendors-Managed multiple projects and fast-paced priorities in both consumer-facing as well as B2B environments-Supported 150 unique businesses with marketing content and strategic support

I developed a lifestyle brand and two related books, which led to teaching classes and developing relationships with businesses and organizations locally and across the nation. My experience includes marketing strategy, content development and project management for both personal and professional clients. I’m a scrappy self-starter, always eager to foster and facilitate connection.Accomplishments:-Two nationally-distributed nonfiction books published by HarperCollins (2011, 2014)-Developed lifestyle brand, messaging and maintained brand and content strategy for books; planned and executed two book tours focusing on creative community food activations across the US and Canada-Consulted with various non-profit organizations to develop grant proposals-Content creation for various print and online communications

Kate dished up custom poems on a 1972 Smith Corona Sterling for attendees of all sorts of events with the one and only Typewriter Rodeo. Activations include Maker Faire ATX, Luck Reunion Celebration, Thinkery ATX, grade and high schools, and many other private corporate events.

Salud! Bitters Co. brought a taste of Texas to the cocktail and craft beverage community. This small-batch, seasonally-inspired brand elevated health-promoting additions to both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. The Salud! Bitters Texas line and seasonal flavors were proudly featured on several Austin restaurant groups' menus, sold in boutique and craft beverage stores, and sold online and at local activations. Kate Payne + Nora Chovanec co-founded Salud! Bitters Co. They developed the product line, created the brand and marketing materials, built an online shop, hosted tastings and brought the product into community cocktail menus across Austin, and taught classes to promote the wellness benefits of small-batch bitters.

Kate shared DIY kitchen and home-based projects in her Hip Girl's Guide to Homemaking column, featured in every issue of Edible Austin with Kim Lane's expert editorial guidance.

From NYWC site: Workshop participants write during the workshop and receive positive, supportive feedback. We do not critique brand new writing, because the writer has not yet had a chance to read or revise it. In addition, it is assumed that all writing done in the workshop is fictional. Workshop leaders also write as part of the group, providing a model for taking risks and showing vulnerability in a group setting. These guidelines ensure that participants feel safe to write and read aloud even the riskiest material.Writers are given the freedom to find and strengthen their individual and unique voices as well as to experiment with form, style and new genres. In addition, the workshop provides a structure for writers to produce new work on a regular basis.

Taught two school placements during Spring 2008 in after school format, and a three-week writing workshop during the Summer 2008 programming.Badgerdog Literary Publishing runs several after school creative writing workshops in elementary, middle, and high schools throughout Central Texas. BadgerPups workshop instructors work with elementary school students in grades 3-5; Youth Voices in Ink workshop instructors work with middle and high school students.Workshops typically run for 8-10 weeks and classes meet once or twice per week. The positions provide excellent opportunities to learn the teaching and publishing processes and to develop skills and experience as teachers and editors of student writing. Badgerdog is committed to hiring practicing writers who wish to share their craft and passion with the next generation of poets and fiction writers.

Special Events Coordinator role (Part-time) - responsible for coordination of business for young professionals group, 75 members Grants Coordinator role: Grants process management—from initial research to proposal writing to end stages of reporting, focus on private foundationsComposition of solicitation communication to donor base for nonprofit organization that raises $12 million annuallyEditing and disseminating formal reports and publicationsPrevious position as Special Events Coordinator (full time) with Seton included:•Coordination of 75+ member volunteer board•Planning and coordination of 1,000+ guest party•Design and layout of printed materials such as newsletters, directories, and promotional materials•Facilitated training and supervision of new interns

Contracted to participate on a trip to St. Croix in the US Virgin Islands. Interviewed fishermen in Spanish and English to determine local perspectives on institution and location of proposed Marine Protected Area.

Responsible for donor communications, event coordination, editing, and admin assistance.

Formally trained in ethnographic methods and responsible for:•Ethnographic data collection and field research(interviewed fishermen in the Family Islands of the Bahamas)•Composition of survey instruments•Grant Writing•Data analysis using a variety of database and software tools