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EXPERIENCE

Life before the web: Writer/researcher/editor in the 90s,
PR practitioner in the 70s and 80s

Independent writer, editor, researcher; Chicago, IL and Bloomington, IN
January 1990 - March 1998

Projects and ongoing assignments included:

  • Survey research projects for Exposures (mail order catalog), Illinois Tollway Authority, Cinzano, others
  • Writing on popular technology and other topics for Prodigy, Home Office Computing and assorted trade and educational journals; writing of brochures, manuals and training materials for SPSS Inc., a statistical software company.
  • Editing a monthly newsletter for employees of Harvard Business School Press -- two versions: print and Intranet
  • Monthly editing of HR Reporter for three years, subscription-based newsletter for senior-level corporate human resource executives.
  • Handling franchise public relations accounts for Francorp (see permanent positions with Francorp described next).
  • Staying at home with my young children.


Francorp, Inc., Chicago, IL
Director of Public Relations, April 1989 - January 1990
Assistant Director of Public Relations, April 1988 - April 1989
Senior Copywriter, February 1988 - April 1988

  • Served as group manager for client public relations function of a national franchise consulting firm. Also handled publicity for the consulting firm itself.
  • Clients included PIP Printing, 1100-unit printing chain, and Truckstops of America, a division of British Petroleum.
  • Succeeded in positioning Francorp as the nation's leading expert on franchising through regular mentions in The Wall Street Journal and all the major business publications.

Ketchum/Bohle Public Relations, Los Angeles CA
September 1985 - January 1987, Senior Account Executive
January 1987 - January 1988, Account Supervisor

Worked on national accounts including:

  • The 100-city promotion of the Kodak Liberty Ride Festival
  • Waterbed Manufacturers Association; crisis media relations and successful positioning of the waterbed as an aid to health
  • Much earlier freelance work for Ketchum (1978) is now a claim to infamy -- arranged a press conference for O.J. Simpson at the start ofhis spokemanship for TreeSweet orange juice.


WBWB Radio, Bloomington, IN
Account Executive, January 1983 - August 1985

Advertising sales position for a promotion-oriented radio station in a college market. Handled both agency and local accounts.


Franklin College, Franklin, IN
Director of Publications and Media Relations, December 1980 - January 1983

  • Reported to the college president and served as ex-officio member of the institution's executive committee.
  • Media relations responsibility, including TV and feature placement, preparation of 200 news releases each year, supervision of the sports information and photo lab functions
  • Publications writing, design and production
  • Advertising strategy, concept, copy production and placement.
  • Supervised staff, administered department budget and purchased printing for the entire organization.

St. Louis Public Schools, St. Louis, MO
Communications Specialist, February 1979 - October 1980
Assistant Community Involvement Coordinator, October 1977 - February 1979

  • Crisis media relations during court-ordered desegregation and an 8-week teachers strike.
  • Production of a local Emmy Award-winning series of public service announcements.
  • Brochure writing and production.
  • Art direction for a 100,000 circulation monthly tabloid.

National Bank of Detroit, Detroit, MI
Assistant Special Events Coordinator, August 1974 - March 1977

  • Worked on Silver Anvil award-winning crime prevention program.
  • Supervised tour guides and school tour program.
  • Arranged branch bank openings
  • Prepared lobby exhibits.


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