ABOUT

With almost 40 years of experience in journalism, I have expertise in writing, editing, research, public policy and social media. Contact me for rates on writing or editing projects.

Full bio below. 

EXPERIENCE

The Times-Picayune and NOLA.com, New Orleans — Opinions editor

December 1996 - June 2019

Led a team of opinion writers, videographers and social media experts to create and produce print and online opinion pieces, videos and  social cards that reflect the biggest issues facing Louisiana.

Helped develop an online brand (Latitude) for opinions coverage and co-managed social media, including Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

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The Birmingham News, Birmingham, Ala.  — Features editor, editorial writer, business editor, government reporter

August 1980 - November 1996

Led a features team of 8 people to cover the culture and history of Birmingham; wrote and reported a series of editorials on the inequities in public schools in Alabama that was a finalist for a Pulitzer Prize.

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Orlando Sentinel, Orlando, Fla. — Assistant regional editor

January 1990 - March 1991

Supervised a 12-person bureau that created a daily  newspaper, including Sports and Opinions sections, in Lake County.

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Education

EDUCATION

University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, Ala. — Bachelor’s degree in advertising

1979

University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, Ala. — Master’s coursework and comprehensive exams; no degree

1980​

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AWARDS & HONORS

Pulitzer Prize for Public Service,  with Times-Picayune colleagues | 2006

Carmage Walls Commentary Prize |  2006

Medill Medal for Courage in Journalism, with Times-Picayune colleagues | 2006

Finalist for Pulitzer Prize in Editorial Writing, with Birmingham News colleagues | 1994

Four-time jurist for the Pulitzer Prizes 2004, 2005, 2015, 2016

Betsy Plank Distinguished Achievement Award, College of Communications, University of Alabama | 2019

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