What was your first job as a journalist?
I worked for the weekly newspaper at my community college as a writer, page designer and editor.
Have you ever used a typewriter?
Yes.
How is social media changing news?
It's easier to share information and it is helping more people realize the value of local journalism.
How do you prefer to be pitched on stories?
Email pitches should contain an indication of what region the story is relevant to so I can easily discern its local impact.
What tools and software do you use to do your job?
PC, Mac, Facebook, TweetDeck, NewsEditPro, Adobe Creative Suite, Outlook, Word, Excel, Google Analytics, Chartbeat, Zope for media.
What's your favorite social network?
We reach more people with Facebook, but I prefer the immediacy of Twitter.
Who do you wish followed you?
Where?
Did you work for your high school newspaper? If so, what did you do there?
We had a half page in the local weekly. I wrote stories occasionally.
What story are you most proud of writing or working on?
There are so many. In 2013, Kokomo had two natural disasters. Guiding the coverage of both a flood and tornado were immensely gratifying.
What advice can you offer to aspiring journalists?
Be prepared to roll with the punches. This is an industry in transition.
When's the best time to pitch you?
When you can give me at least 24 hours notice and not at deadline.
