United States
I took my national-award-winning career as a political/public policy journalist and successfully pivoted into a new chapter as a communications strategist and media relations professional for nonprofit organizations.
Opinion Pieces
I ghostwrote this op-ed on behalf of the CEO of a nonprofit health care system on the devastating impact proposed Medicaid cuts will have on patients' access to care. The cuts were later passed by Congress and signed into law. The op-ed was also published in Chief Healthcare Executive, Health Leaders, The State Journal-Register, Green Bay Press-Gazette, Illinois Times.
I ghostwrote this op-ed on behalf of the CEO of a nonprofit health care system, bringing attention to the plight of health professionals who are assaulted on the job by patients or their families. The op-ed was also published in Chief Healthcare Executive, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Green Bay Press-Gazette, The State Journal-Register.
I ghostwrote this letter to the editor that appeared in the Chicago Tribune for a board member of a nonprofit public policy group on behalf of legislation capping predatory loan costs. The measure passed the Illinois Legislature and was signed into law by the governor.
Speeches
When a member of a lobbying organization testifies about an issue before a legislative committee, they are making a speech. I wrote this testimony against the proposed reinstatement of the death penalty in Illinois for certain crimes.
When a member of a lobbying organization testifies about an issue before a legislative committee, they are making a speech. I wrote this testimony on the devastating impact of a two-year Illinois budget impasse on social service agencies who contract with the state to provide services to the poor and had not been paid in two years.
Award-Winning Journalist
I won first place in the prestigious beat reporting category from Capitolbeat, a national association of journalists covering state politics. My diversified reporting on Illinois issues included a billion-dollar Medicaid bill backlog; a push for LGBTQ+ rights; a voter registration initiative targeting Hispanic residents; medical malpractice reform; legalization of marijuana; and touted programs that failed their goals of offering access to lower-priced prescription drugs and helping the poor.
There is always a battle in Illinois between Chicago and "downstate" -- the rest of the state. I examined Medicaid funding for St. Louis area nursing homes and found they received less money than their counterparts in the Chicago area. The St. Louis Post-Dispatch copyrighted this investigative piece.
During my first week on a temporary job with the Associated Press, I covered devastating flooding in West Virginia. The story went national, and ended up in the Chicago Tribune.
Magazine Editor and Writer
I revamped the content and design of the Illinois Education Association's magazine to tell stories of members' dedication to their students.
Another issue of the redesigned magazine for members of the Illinois Education Association puts a spotlight on a south suburban high-school English teacher who is beloved by her students.
Video
I shot, wrote and edited this video on a groundbreaking program for prison ministry developed by the policy arm of the Catholic Church in Illinois and Lewis University.
I developed the idea and wrote the script for Bishop Ron Hicks' Christmas message, which drew upon a cherished personal tradition.
Bishop Ron Hicks of the Diocese of Joliet loved my idea and script for this fun video on getting in touch with your faith.
Freelance Writer and Author
Bishop Ron Hicks of the Diocese of Joliet spent his Christmas morning celebrating Mass with inmates at a local prison. The story was picked up by a national Catholic newspaper.
I interviewed golfing legend and course designer Hale Irwin for this book documenting the 25th anniversary of Panther Creek Country Club in Springfield, IL.
This is the first article of a seven-part series that condensed a book I wrote celebrating the centennial anniversary of Sacred Heart Major Seminary in Detroit.