Lisa Neff
Bradenton, FL 34209
941.224.0523
lisamneff@gmail.com
Journalist/Communications Expert
Innovative, competitive editor of award-winning digital and print publications. Proficient in researching, reporting, editing and curating content; designing pages; cultivating sources; establishing beats; meeting deadlines. Intuitive supervisor with management and leadership skills needed to generate results while complying with budget and time constraints.
Areas of Expertise: Reporting • Editing • Storytelling • Project Management • Staff Recruitment • Social Media Management • Production Oversight • Design • Photography • Website Management • Newsletter Production • AP Style • Analysis
TECHNICAL PROFICIENCIES
| Programs:
Social Media: Web Platforms: | Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Creative Suite.
Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, CrowdTangle, Pinterest. Blox CMS, Joomla, WordPress. |
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
| Editor/Columnist (2006 – Present) | The Islander, Holmes Beach, FL |
At this hyper-local newspaper, I edit copy for objectivity, accuracy, content and AP style; design pages; supervise reporters; build special sections; manage social media channels; author environmental columns and report environmental issues; create and design calendars, announcements and polls; shoot photos; and serve as reader’s representative.
Key Achievements:
- Shared in the State Best Newspaper Award from the Florida Press Association for newswriting, editing, designing pages, developing special projects.
| Managing Editor / Co-founder (2009 – 2018) | Wisconsin Gazette, Milwaukee, WI |
At this community newspaper, I managed staff, time and productivity in a fast-paced and deadline-oriented environment. Reported on politics, environment, education, LGBTQ, social justice, poverty and crime at local, state and national levels. Edited stories generated by staff and freelancers. Assisted in layout. Organized editorial calendar. Managed web and social media operations. Acquired and edited photographs. Prepared and launched newsletters.
Key Achievements:
- Recognized for newspaper design, general excellence, column-writing, environmental reporting, breaking news, immigration coverage and web work by the Milwaukee Press Club and Association of Alternative Newsmedia.
| Columnist | 365gay, New York City, NY |
At this digital news and opinion site, I contributed an online column on LGBT politics and culture, providing readers the latest news and a forum where they could engage and converse.
| Metro Editor | The Herald, Bradenton, FL |
At this Florida daily, I supervised reporters, edited stories and planned special projects and weekend features, as well as superintended daily news budgets and managed the weekend and evening news desk.
Key Achievements:
- Guided reporters through their beat assignments. Supervised reporters and photographers on award-winning and projects.
| Managing Editor / Co-founder | Chicago Free Press, Chicago, IL |
At this community weekly that I helped found, I designed pages and wrote news, features and reviews, as well as supervised editorial and production departments and oversaw all components of creating a weekly newspaper — from Page 1 to the classifieds. Also managed special editorial projects using sources cultivated from city hall to the White House.
Key Achievements:
- Co-founded this pioneering newsweekly in Chicago. Received a merit award from Mayor Richard Daley for contributions to journalism in the city.
ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCE
| News Editor | Windy City Times, Chicago, IL |
| Regional Editor | News-Telegraph, St. Louis, MO |
| Reporter | Argus/Daily Dispatch, Rock Island, IL |
| Reporter | Foster’s Daily Democrat, Dover, NH |
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Science in Journalism
Roosevelt University, Chicago, IL