Professional Background

I am a communications and media professional specialized in strategic positioning and interactive marketing communications. As a freelance writer, I help clients grow by focusing on communications as a driver for new business.
 
I have a passion for social and environmental issues and believe that good communications and storytelling play an important role in creating change.

Overview

• Business and Creative Writing – articles, reports, competitive research, public relations, media releases, Web 2.0 content, web content, direct marketing, ad copy, technical and science writing
• Communications and Marketing Management – Creative and marketing strategy development, communications planning and execution, campaign development, public relations

Professional Experience

Freelance Writing Assignments and Clients

• Canadian Organic Growers, Greenpeace, Friends of Riverdale Farm, Pure Intent Healing Arts Centre, Ottawa Jazz Festival, Centre for Biological Medicine, Echo Advertising, Weave Communications, Enterprising Visions, Health Canada, Mitel Corporation, IAM Music, Rundle’s Contracting, Learning Measures, Real Estate Marketing Magazine

Marketing Communications Manager 1999 - 2001

CTI Datacom Inc., Montreal, Quebec – Ottawa & Toronto Offices

• Network Consulting & Engineering Firm

Technical Writer 1998 - 1999

Management Systems Resources (MSR) Inc, Toronto,

• Software Developer Firm

Marketing Communications Manager 1992 - 1998

·              

Proform Software International Inc., Ottawa

• Software Developer Firm

Key Accomplishments

• Developed a successful public relations program entitled ‘Expert Development Program’ to properly position professional services businesses in tight markets
• Facilitated a marketing communications agency successful penetration into two new sectors with successful business development and PR initiatives
• Created brochures and supporting materials that contributed to maximum-capacity attendance at sales conference for a leading telecommunications consultancy firm
• Reached 120% of customer acquisition target, capturing 200 new leads in six months following development and launch of an integrated niche-marketing campaign in telecom markets
• Wrote media releases that increased jazz festival audience by 150% in youth demographic
• Wrote media releases that inspired feature article in leading Ottawa newspaper

Education and Training

Professional Development

• Business & Marketing Certificate, YMCA Business Program
• PWAC (Professional Writers Association of Canada) seminars;
• Event Marketing & Management Certificate – Tourism Ontario

Executive Development Program Certificate

• Marketing Professional Services, York University, Toronto

School of Translation and Interpretation

• Laurentian University, Sudbury

Affiliations

• A member of the Writers & Editors Network of Toronto
• Green Enterprise Toronto member
• Poet and fiction writer, member of several writing and critiquing groups
• Volunteer:  Ottawa Jazz Festival, literacy volunteer, Toronto Public Library, Friends of the Farm, Conservation Council of Ontario, The Yellow Door Learning Centre

Special Interests

Organic agriculture, food production and distribution, conservation, social and cultural issues, nutrition, wellness and healthy aging.

 

Current Writing Samples

• http://momentumcommunications.typepad.com/

 

Current Projects

• Environmental Photo Exhibit – Faces of the New Economy features remarkable portraits and profiles of outstanding Toronto green business owners by photographer Molly Crealock and several local writers The exhibit will travel to venues including GET member restaurants around the city in 2009, launching at Hart House at the Brewers Plate event April 17.