What was your first job as a journalist?
I covered high school and college sports for a small daily newspaper in Kansas.
Have you ever used a typewriter?
Yes.
How is social media changing news?
It is making news-gathering faster.
Who's your favorite fictional journalist?
Will McAvoy from The Newsroom and, of course, Clark Kent.
What does it mean to be a journalist?
It means seeking the truth. That is the most important part of being a journalist. It is a great responsibility.
What's the funniest news-related #hashtag you've seen?
Haven't really seen one.
How do you prefer to be pitched on stories?
Email is the best way to pitch me.
What tools and software do you use to do your job?
The web is a big tool, but Excel spreadsheets are key as well. Social media is another tool not to be taken lightly.
What's your favorite social network?
Twitter.
Who do you wish followed you?
Ben Bradlee.
Why did you become a journalist?
I loved the written word and being able to reach thousands of people.
Did you work for your high school newspaper? If so, what did you do there?
Yes, I was the sports editor.
What story are you most proud of writing or working on?
I was proud to work on a story involving a land deal, a county commissioner and federal funds. The series led to changes in county government
What advice can you offer to aspiring journalists?
Diversify. Don't be satisfied with just one trait. Learn as much as you can from as many people as you can. Always seek the truth.
When's the best time to pitch you?
Anytime is good.
What's the best pitch you ever got?
The best pitch involved a PR person getting right to the point and providing an angle to a story that my readers would be interested in.
What's the worst pitch you ever got?
A two-page email that was auto-generated with nothing related to my coverage area or my beats.
What's your favorite drink?
Coke Zero
When you're not at a computer, where are you most likely to be?
On my iPhone or iPad.
Aside from your own, what's your favorite publication to read?
The Wall Street Journal
What's the most common misperception about your beat?
That business is boring. Covering business can mean a wide range of topics from public policy to finance.
