Stephanie Allmon Merry Email & Phone Number

Dallas/Fort Worth Area

Dallas/Fort Worth Area

Planned and edited a major-market daily newspaper Life & Arts section in fast-paced, deadline-driven environment while directing highly successful monthly magazines. Sunday circulation: 221,965.• In the face of staff and budget reductions and decreased print space, found creative ways to enhance digital opportunities, increase freelance contributions and “own” local arts and lifestyle content by prioritizing coverage, strengthening relationships with public relations professionals and area institutions and coaching new writers.• Spotted opportunities for quick-turnaround digital stories and alternative story formats (top-10 lists, timelines, puzzles, quizzes, product roundups) while developing longer-form narratives. Leveraged opportunities to create multiple-platform products – from behind-the-scenes teaser shots for slide shows that drove digital traffic to photo-heavy features with engaging captions.• Worked directly with Executive Editor to plan, maintain and amend yearly budgets as the fiscal landscape required.• Coached staff of 40 teens for weekly “Whatever” section.• Represented Star-Telegram at social events, fundraisers and national conferences. Met with business owners and community leaders, and responded daily to readers and public relations professionals as the primary representative of the Life & Arts section.Promoted from Features Editor, 2004-2012.

Dallas/Fort Worth Area

Performed many of the same job duties as Assistant Managing Editor/Features. Promoted March 2012.

Dallas/Fort Worth Area

Led staff in planning and producing monthly glossy, design-driven magazine in a competitive market. Circulation: 50,000.• Expanded editorial vision beyond product-heavy “shopping guide” to well-paced, consumer-focused upscale publication with in-depth personality profiles, photo-driven home and garden features, sophisticated fashion spreads, gourmet recipes, and quick-hit travel and dining news.• Led innovation of digital and social media initiatives, including a new website, behind-the-scenes videos and campaigns to increase Instagram and Facebook followers.• As staff decreased, cultivated relationships with national freelance writers, stylists and photographers to maintain quality. Scouted shoot locations with photographers and assisted with styling.• Assigned and edited all copy and proofed pages. Wrote display type, editor’s note and numerous stories.• Worked with top executives to prepare, maintain and amend budgets as the fiscal landscape dictated.• Maintained 12-month forward-looking editorial calendar and set specific theme or emphasis for each issue: “The Man Issue,” “Home Design Issue,” “Texas Travel,” “Entertaining.”• Helped create sponsored events and products to extend the Indulge brand, such as a fashion-film series and a calendar featuring published cocktail recipes. Appeared and spoke at community events as the “face” and “voice” of the magazine.Promoted from Contributing Editor, 2010-2012.

Dallas/Fort Worth Area

Directed creation and production of monthly magazine serving the emerging North Texas city of Keller. Circulation: 25,000.• Developed the editorial vision for useful, consumer-focused lifestyle content - in multiple story forms - covering home design and gardening, food, family, recreation, entertaining, retail and events. (Cover story examples: “Simply Spooktacular: Easy tricks to scare up Halloween treats for all your party monsters;” “New Roots: A family of California dreamers brings its redwood furniture to Keller.”)• Edited all copy, proofed pages, oversaw staff and budget. Assisted with scouting and styling on photo shoots.• Directed online and social media initiatives to enhance print content and reinforce branding.• Appeared at events as the primary spokesperson for the magazine, which Keller city officials declared a “must read.”

Waco, Texas Area

Planned and produced daily Brazos Living section.• Edited and wrote about lifestyle topics in McLennan County, from antiquing to restaurants to charities.• Wrote a monthly column that got regular reader feedback.• Developed and oversaw weekly “Teen Trib” section.• Contributed features to “Waco Today” magazine.

Indianapolis, Indiana Area

Post-college writing, reporting, editing course for select journalists at the Indianapolis Star. Reported and wrote with the social issues team.