SUMMARY
Award-winning communications pro with decades of experience covering news and working stories to inform, inspire and engage. Successful in recruiting talent, managing projects, collaborating on teams and supervising departments.
SKILLS
Reporting, editing, local news, researching, social media operations, publication design, photography, AP style, community relations, communications planning, online content creation, storytelling, time management, executive leadership.
Programs & Platforms: Office, Adobe Creative, Google Workspace, Facebook, Instagram, Blox CMS, Joomla, WordPress, Slack.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Editor / Writer / Columnist (October 2006 – October 2024)
The Islander, Holmes Beach, FL (Hybrid)
• Supervised a team of reporters in covering breaking news, enterprise work and features to generate impactful stories.
• Edited copy for accuracy, substance and style to uphold journalistic integrity and earn reader loyalty.
• Designed and published special sections on travel, gift guides, hurricane readiness, charitable work and entertainment.
• Authored an award-winning weekly environmental column dealing with climate change, sustainability, endangered species, wetlands protections, water quality, transportation, energy and policy.
• Led The Islander team to earn a Best of Show award, the highest honor presented by the Florida Press Association.
Managing Editor / Co-founder (August 2009 – September 2018)
Wisconsin Gazette, Milwaukee, WI (Remote)
• Cofounded the newspaper, which bridged communities, achieved honors, commanded attention, informed and entertained readers.
• Supervised editorial team of 12 in covering LGBTQ, immigration, labor and environmental issues, as well as theater, music, dining and travel.
• Built and executed editorial calendars, as well as managed social media accounts, website and digital newsletters.
• Won bronze, silver and gold honors in a single year in the Milwaukee Press Club Excellence contest for design and feature work and AAN recognition of coverage on immigration issues.
Metro Editor (September 2005 – October 2006)
The Herald, Bradenton, FL (Office)
• Supervised reporters from interns to senior staff in covering general assignment, crime, court, health and education beats and adhering to paper’s journalistic standards.
• Edited news stories, including breaking, investigative and feature copy at morning daily for accuracy, fairness, style and structure.
• Superintended news budgets and oversaw evening and weekend desks, including production of Sunday editions.
Managing Editor / Co-founder (August 1999 – September 2005)
Chicago Free Press, Chicago, IL (Office)
• Cofounded what became the city’s leading LGBTQ newspaper in a less than three-months battle with competitors.
• Wrote news and features for all sections while also managing editorial and production departments.
• Wrote editorials and conducted endorsement interviews for municipal, county, state and federal offices.
• Represented the paper to the public and oversaw marketing, including the creation of a “best of” readers’ poll, The Pressies.
Earlier Experience
Managing Editor (November 1996 – August 1999) Windy City Times, Chicago
Editor (January 1995 – November 1996) News-Telegraph, St. Louis, MO
Reporter (September 1994 – January 1995) St. Louis Suburban Journals
Reporter (April 1990 – September 1993) Daily Dispatch, Rock Island, IL
Reporter (April 1987 – April 1990) Foster’s Daily Democrat, Dover, NH
Freelance Reporter, The Advocate magazine, 365gay.com, Out Magazine
EDUCATION
Attended Eastern Illinois University in Charleston, IL; graduated with a bachelor’s from Roosevelt University in Chicago, IL. Majored in journalism.
Terra.do Climate Change: Learning for Action 12-week deep dive into climate science, impacts and solutions. July 2024
HONORS
Milwaukee Press Club Excellence in Journalism, Association of Alternative Newspapers, Florida Press Club, Florida Press Association, Chicago Peter Lisagor Awards, New England Press Association, Small Newspapers, Illinois Press Association, Chicago Office of Mayor Richard M. Daley
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/lisamneff/