Peter Jesserer Smith Email & Phone Number

Rochester, Ny, Us

Spearheaded major overhaul of ACS communications platforms: created and managed content for the new website and blog; increased Facebook outreach; began and operated ACS Twitter; launched and edited monthly ACS email newsletter.Redeveloped the St. Peter’s Rambler as editor-in-chief into a monthly e-magazine publication on Catholic discipleship and evangelization.Recruited new volunteer writers for online publications, and worked closely with layout and assistant editor on St. Peter’s Rambler issues. Created and oversaw communications budget; provided updates to board on ACS communications operations and trajectory.

Rochester, New York, United States

Contributed award-winning news analysis and reporting for the National Catholic Register, and Los Angeles archdiocese magazine Angelus covering domestic and international news and events, including on the ground in the Middle East and Haiti.Cultivated in-depth and wide-ranging knowledge of the Catholic Church, with a breadth of contacts across the U.S. and internationally.Drafted National Catholic Register editorials in coordination with the editors, emphasizing a Catholic spirit of hope and need for action.Edited and posted news wire to the Register website and Facebook.Participated in biweekly news planning via virtual conferencing. Shared expertise as a frequent guest on Catholic radio and podcasting.

Rochester, Ny

Investigated news stories for national Catholic publications, Our Sunday Visitor and the National Catholic Register, with a focus on uncovering positive, uplifting stories to highlight the good news in the world that goes often overlooked.Conducted original in-depth reporting on a multitude of Catholic topics from evangelization to education. Interviewed lay and clergy Catholic leaders, including cardinals and bishops, that are movers and shakers in the Catholic Church today. Carried out additional projects for Lay Witness magazine and Franciscan Way (alumni magazine of Franciscan University of Steubenville).

Quantico, Va

Wrote military history course material intended to educate Marine Corps and other military officers.• Applied “Paul Harvey” story-telling approach to teach strategy behind Vietnam War military operations• Worked closely with MCU Case Study Fellow to devise and execute an education strategy• Converted hundreds of research hours into a readable, compelling story

Washington, D.C.

Developed best journalism techniques in researching, writing, and interviewing over a 12-week program. • Interviewed public leaders like former presidential candidate Ralph Nader during his surprise visit to the Occupy DC camp at Freedom Plaza.• Video-reported on the globe-trotting "pilgrimages" that Occupy movement protesters make to Occupy DC and other Occupy locations worldwide; performed voice-overs for other video and radio news stories.• Conducted investigative research on U.S. losing the battle to China for "rare earths" metals; wrote news releases and op-eds using AP Style.

Alexandria, Va

Researched, wrote and edited stories demonstrating the impact of federal policies on Virginia’s jobs recovery.• Interviewed public leaders and policy experts: • Posted blogs directing readers to the most relevant Va. news articles and opinion pieces. Explained how social media is changing U.S. elections.• Investigated state elections databases to uncover millions of dollars in PAC money influencing the 2011 election in Virginia's poorest election districts.

Front Royal, Va

Directed two successful theatre plays and managed the production teams.• Taught public presentation and performance techniques to college student-actors• Developed innovative strategies to help actors connect with their audience• Identified and solved problems with team leaders throughout ten-week production runs

Christendom College, Front Royal, Va

Co-founder of Christendom College’s campus news magazine; also served as CEO. • Ran business and editors meetings; trained the news team; led The Rambler’s comprehensive redesign • Conducted public relations as The Rambler's spokesman on the campus and with the Collegiate Network• Secured $2,500 in grants and an agreement with Christendom College to reduce costs and print in color