EDUCATION

University of Nebraska at Omaha

Bachelor of Science: Journalism (2002)

Master of Arts: Communication (2011)

 

AWARDS

• Rising Star Alumni Achievement Award, University of Nebraska at Omaha School of Communication (2006)

• Newcomer of the Year, Public Relations Society of America: Nebraska chapter (2005)

• First Place, Best Youth in Community Coverage, Nebraska Press Association (2004)

• First Place, Best Feature Series, Nebraska Press Association (2003)

• First Place, Best Feature Story, Nebraska Press Association (2002)

 

EMPLOYMENT

The Steier Group

Campaign Manager (2011 – Present)

Manages feasibility studies and capital campaigns for nonprofit organizations and community groups, on a local, regional and national scale. Writes a variety of copy for publications, both internal and external.

 

University of Nebraska at Omaha

Assistant Director, Media Relations (2007 – 2011)

Managed media relations for the University of Nebraska at Omaha, including pitching story ideas and assisting local, regional and national reporters with requests.

 

Part-Time Faculty Member, School of Communication (2008 – Present)

Teaches Media Writing to University of Nebraska at Omaha undergraduates. The course teaches students the core elements of writing for newspaper, magazine, broadcast, public relations and the Web. All School of Communication undergraduate students are required to take Media Writing. Teaches Online Media to undergraduates, focusing on journalism, media and mass communication in the online environment, including discussions on photography and videography. This is an elective offered by the School of Communication.

 

Cox Communications

Public Affairs Specialist (2006 – 2007)

Managed local media relations for Cox Communications, Inc. Managed and executed company sponsorships in the community. Managed the Cox Connects Kids program, which donates free computers to needy families in the Omaha area.

 

Leslie Kline Lukas & Associates

Account Executive (2005 – 2006)

Managed local, regional and national public relations for clients (U.S. Cellular, Scooter’s Coffeehouse), including drafting of press releases, story coordination among media outlets, relationship building with reporters/editors, as well as event planning for clients.

 

Bellevue Leader

Staff Writer (2002 – 2005)

Wrote feature articles for the Bellevue Leader, including an award-winning series on a Bellevue family who adopted twin girls. Also covered Bellevue Public Schools board meetings and assisted with graphic design and layout of the newspaper.

 

Papillion Times

Staff Writer (2001 – 2002)

Wrote feature articles for the Papillion Times and its sister publications. Also covered the La Vista City Council.

 

Cox Interactive Media

News Producer (1999 – 2000)

Wrote, edited and managed news content for the DiscoverOmaha.com Web site. Worked with the news department at WOWT (NBC 6) to ensure news content was accurate and up-to-date.

 

KMTV (CBS 3)

Newsroom Intern (1998 – 1999)

Served as evening and weekend assignment editor, joined reporters and photographers covering stories in the field, wrote copy for weekend newscasts, called local hospitals and police departments for updates on victims.

 

The Gateway (University of Nebraska at Omaha)

Joined as a Staff Writer (1997) and was promoted to News Editor (1998). Was named youngest-ever Editor in Chief (1998) and managed a staff of section editors, writers and photographers.

 

COMMUNITY

Girls Nite Out

• Public Relations/Marketing Committee Member (2006 – 2008)

Girls Nite Out is an annual fundraiser for Girls, Inc. of Omaha. With two centers in Omaha, Girls, Inc. offers recreational and development programs for girls age 5 through 18 after school and during the summer months.

 

  Omaha Entertainment and Arts Awards

• Board Member (2009)

• Publicity Volunteer (2008)

The Omaha Entertainment and Arts Awards seeks to enhance the community by planning and producing an annual awards event that uniquely recognizes the performing arts, visual arts and live music of the Omaha area.

 

Omaha Press Club

• Past President (2011)
• President (2010)
• President-Elect (2009)

• Secretary (2008)

• Board Member (2007)

• Membership/Marketing Chair (2006)

• Face on the Barroom Floor Committee Member (2005 – Present)

For more than 50 years, the Omaha Press Club has promoted excellence in communications and media professions through fellowship, education and advocacy of freedom of information. The group is open to all professions – not just the working press.

 

Omaha Press Club Show

• Public Relations Chair (2006 – 2009)

The Omaha Press Club Show serves as the primary fundraiser for the Omaha Press Club Foundation, which each year presents more than $25,000 in internship awards and scholarships to students at Creighton University, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and the University of Nebraska at Omaha.

Project Interfaith
• Communications Committee Member (2009 – 2012)
Project Interfaith is a dynamic, innovative interfaith organization that hosts groundbreaking programs, trainings and workshops that build and sustain understanding, respect and relationships among people of all faiths and beliefs and promotes a deeper understanding of and respect for religious diversity.

 

Public Relations Society of America: Nebraska chapter

• Board Member/Community Service Chair (2008)

• Board Member/Publicity Chair (2007)

• Board Member/Awards Chair (2006)

• Received the Newcomer of the Year Award from the Public Relations Society of America: Nebraska chapter (2005)

PRSA Nebraska exemplifies industry best practices, encourages ethical behavior, provides professional development, mentoring and networking opportunities, and promotes the public relations industry throughout the state.