I’m a digital media professional who loves building online communities and helping organizations connect with their audiences. At The Grand Island Independent, I created and led the newspaper’s social media program, managing more than 40 accounts across the newsroom, classifieds, and circulation departments. I helped grow audience engagement, expanded the paper’s digital presence, and developed new opportunities for revenue through social media.
I’ve also worked with local businesses and nonprofits, helping them build stronger social media strategies, improve their online presence, and feel more confident using digital tools. My background includes content creation, video and podcast production, graphic design, and working with platforms like Adobe Premiere Pro, Audition, Avid, Photoshop, and TownNews/BLOX.
I enjoy combining creativity with strategy to tell compelling stories, produce engaging multimedia content, and build communities that keep people coming back. Whether I’m managing social media, creating videos, training a team, or developing a content strategy, my focus is always on creating meaningful connections and delivering results.
Selected Work
Because much of my work was created for news organizations, clients, and nonprofits, many original projects are no longer publicly available or exist behind paywalls. The projects below represent the type of work I’ve produced and the roles I played.
Social Media Leadership
The Grand Island Independent
Audience Development • Social Media Strategy • Community Management
I built and managed the newspaper’s social media presence across multiple platforms, helping integrate social media into the daily newsroom workflow and expanding how breaking news reached the community.
Highlights
- Created the newspaper’s official X (formerly Twitter) account and established it as a trusted source for breaking news.
- Launched the newspaper’s official Facebook page and developed its voice and content strategy.
- Created and curated the publication’s first Instagram account.
- Managed and published daily online news through TheIndependent.com.
- Oversaw dozens of social media accounts across newsroom, classifieds, and circulation.
- Worked closely with reporters, photographers, editors, and advertising staff to produce timely digital content.
Platforms
- TheIndependent.com
- X (@theindependent)
- Facebook (GIIndependent)
- Instagram (@theindependent)
Mum’s the Word
Social Media Management • Brand Development
Developed content and managed social media for a business focused on pregnancy, birth, and postpartum education.
Highlights
- Created branded social media content
- Developed engagement-focused posts
- Built a consistent brand voice
- Managed Facebook and Instagram communities
Writing & Journalism
Although many newspaper articles are now behind paywalls, these pieces represent my editorial work and writing style.
Feature Writing
Maggie Mobley — The Independent’s First Publisher
A historical feature profiling the newspaper’s first publisher. The article has since been preserved on Medium.
Breaking News Coverage
SWAT Training in Grand Island
Reported on local events while producing coordinated social media coverage to keep readers informed in real time.
Digital Column
The Daily Cool
A recurring online column highlighting interesting stories, local events, and engaging content for readers.
Multimedia & Digital Storytelling
My work extends beyond writing into visual storytelling and multimedia production.
Examples include:
- News videos
- Podcast production
- Livestream coverage
- Short-form social media videos
- Promotional graphics
- Fundraising videos for nonprofit organizations
Industry Recognition
My work and digital initiatives have been recognized by respected media organizations and industry publications.
Omaha World-Herald
“A Site to Behold: Gitwisters.com Provides Well-Rounded Look into ‘The Real Night of the Twisters‘”
Featured for creating Gitwisters.com, a website dedicated to preserving the history of the Grand Island tornadoes.
Poynter
Publishers Turn to Digital Business Services to Offset Declining Ad Revenue
Quoted for innovative approaches to combining social media with new revenue opportunities for newspapers.
Inland Press
Newspapers Interact with Readers Through Twitter
Featured for early adoption of Twitter as a newsroom tool for community engagement and breaking news.
What I Bring
Rather than focusing on individual posts, my portfolio reflects the bigger picture:
- Nonprofit communications
- Social media strategy
- Community management
- Audience growth
- Journalism and storytelling
- Video and podcast production
- Brand development
- Digital marketing
- Multimedia content creation
- Team collaboration and training