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Welcome to the newest section of the NFPW Web site, as prepared by Cynthia Price, Virginia Press Women member. On this page we'll post profiles of NPFW members, representing geographic and professional diversity.
Marion E. Gold
Vivian Goodman
J.S. Fletcher and Kathy M. Newbern
Ada P. Kahn, Illinois
Elizabeth Thompson, Ohio
Louise C. Seals, Virginia
Patricia F. D’Ascoli, Connecticut
Teri Ehresman, Idaho
Cathy Koon, Idaho
Tammy Whaley, South Carolina
Marsha Shuler, Louisiana
Up Close and Personal with
Marion E. Gold, dual member Arizona Press Women (current vice president) and Illinois Woman’s Press Association (past president 2001-2003)
Why did you join NFPW?
In 1994 shortly after moving from Chicago to Scottsdale, AZ, I attended a conference on “Women in the Media.” During the event I met Carol Osman Brown, president of APW. Carol told me about APW and NFPW and encouraged me to join – which I did. When I moved back to Chicago in 1998/99, my first phone call was to Peggy Grillot, IWPA president. Like Carol, Peggy’s enthusiasm and friendliness made me feel right at home in IWPA – and the rest is history.
What is the best part of NFPW?
The women! The educational and informational programs! And knowing I’m part of a history of trailblazing women that began with IWPA in 1885, and grew into NFPW in 1937.
What was your first job? What are you currently doing?
I cut my journalistic teeth in medicine and health care, first as a medical journalist for a group of physician-focused newspapers, and then as an associate editor for the AMA’s Journal of the Medical Association Medical News Department. (Later at the AMA, I was director of Direct Mail Marketing and List Management.)
In 1980, I took a leap into corporate America when I joined and later became EVP and General Manager of a medical communications/marketing agency that was part of the OMNICOM group of advertising and PR agencies. I spent 13 years with the agency writing, editing and publishing pharmaceutical and health care educational materials, and developing and managing large and small continuing medical education programs directed towards medical professionals in virtually all medical specialties, including nursing and pharmacy. I also developed multi-media sales training materials for pharmaceutical sales reps.
In 1994, I turned in my EVP title to wear an “Entrepreneur Badge” and expanded my career to authoring books and writing articles and editorials focused on women in the workforce and other issues related to women's advocacy. I currently provide a variety of editorial services to corporations, small businesses and individuals, and develop tactical visibility plans and press kits for book authors, entrepreneurs, small business owners and smaller nonprofit organizations.
Members are invited to visit my websites: www.mariongold.com and to read excerpts of my books at www.brittanypublications.com.
Would you list some career highlights?
Receiving the Communicator of Achievement award from the Illinois Woman’s Press Association
Being named to Today’s Chicago Woman's list of 100 Women Making a Difference
Being featured in Working Woman Magazine as an entrepreneur with “guts”
Winning an Athena Award in Mentoring for my book, “Personal Publicity Planner - A Guide to Marketing YOU”
Speaking at a variety of events, including the 17th Annual Graduate Women in Business conference at the JL Kellogg Graduate School of Management, the Arizona Women’s Town Hall, the National Association of Women Law Enforcement Executives, Women in Federal Law Enforcement, and giving several workshops on career planning and diversity in the workforce for the State of Arizona-Governor’s Division for Women.
Having my book, “Top Cops: Profiles of Women in Command,” endorsed by Janet Napolitano, U.S. Secretary of Homeland Secretary and former Governor of Arizona, excerpted in the Chicago Sun-Times, and profiled on the front page of the Arizona Republic.
And, of course, receiving recognition of my work through the awards I’ve received from IWPA and NFPW for a variety of my editorial projects.
What are your hobbies?
My major hobby actually turned into a side business in 2003 when I launched two online retail shops under the banner “Moonbeams, Lilacs & Roses.”
Using the artisan name, Miriam Bat-Rachel, I create one-of-a-kind pendants, necklaces, bracelets and earrings, as well as commissioned jewelry for any occasion. My custom designer jewelry line has been featured at the Spertus Museum of Chicago’s Gift Shop. My beaded letter openers, magnifying glasses and pens are available at the CHIARoScURO gallery and shop in Water Tower Place on Chicago’s North Michigan Avenue and The Art Center in downtown suburban Highland Park, Illinois.
While online retailing is a newer addition to my professional profile, “marketing,” “selling” and the art of “cold-calling” and “customer service” are not! I worked my way through college selling shoes and handbags, stockings and slippers for Kitty Kelly Shoes. And long before that, when I was barely ten years old and in grade school, I even sold greeting cards door-to-door – after tearing an ad out of a comic book! Skills learned at such an early age are not forgotten.
Members can see my work at www.moonbeamsproducts.com and www.moonbeamsdesignerjewelry.com.
What are you reading?
"All Other Nights,” a novel by Dara Horn, and “Sarah’s Key,” a novel by Tatiana De Rosnay.
Up Close and Personal with
Vivian Goodman, Member Ohio Professional Writers
Why did you join NFPW?
NFPW represents the media professionals I respect; upholds the journalistic ethics and principles in which I believe; advocates for the highest quality journalism; and offers opportunities for professional development and personal growth. Why wouldn’t I want to be part of all that?
What is the best part of NFPW?
What I most appreciate about NFPW is how the organization has been able to adapt to the times. It has become more diverse in its membership , more responsive to emerging issues like the crisis in the newspaper industry, and more useful in its members professional lives in terms of networking, fellowship and the sharing of information.
What was your first job? What are you currently doing?
My first job in radio was at a commercial station, WHLO-AM in Akron, Ohio. I was hired to write local commercial copy and maintain the commercial log. I volunteered after hours and on weekends to assist in the newsroom and eventually worked my way into an on air spot.
Today I am the local host for NPR’s Fresh Air, and All Things Considered and Public Radio International’s Marketplace on WKSU-FM, the NPR affiliate licensed to Kent State University. I produce radio documentaries as well as anchoring the afternoon programs and writing and delivering five newscasts each weekday afternoon.
Would you list some career highlights?
In 2006 I won both the Cleveland Society for Professional Journalists and the Ohio Associated Press Awards for Best Anchor.
In 1985 my five-part documentary series “AIDS: The Price of Denial” won the Ohio State Award.
In 1988 my five-hour documentary “Lest we Forget” about the Cleveland-area survivors of the Nazi Holocaust was accepted in the archives of Yad Vashem, the Holocaust Memorial in Israel.
What are your hobbies?
I play flute in two bands: the Lakeland Civic Jazz Band and the Workmen’s Circle Klezmer Orchestra.
What are you reading?
A biography of Einstein – “Einstein: His Life and Universe” by Walter Isaacson.
Up Close and Personal with
J.S. Fletcher and Kathy M. Newbern, North Carolina Press Club
Why did you join NFPW?
Socialization and networking. Working out of a home office is great, but you also have to make an effort to reach out and find out what is happening in your community, your profession and your world. NC Press Club and NFPW help us do that, plus the people you meet are so fantastic.
What is the best part of NFPW?
Knowing if we have a question or issue, there are lots of smart folks out there we can reach out to who are caring and giving in helping a colleague. And yes, the recognition through the annual contest is nice, we have to admit.
What was your first job? What are you currently doing?
First job for Fletcher was teaching middle school math; for Kathy, being a reporter for her hometown weekly newspaper (she went on to become its editor at age 19). Since then, what a long, great trip it's been. Now we write together as a husband/wife team both for the personalized romance novels and as freelance travel journalists. As travel writers, we've had amazing opportunities to travel all over the world on assignment for magazines and newspapers. In 2008, alone, we visited China, Dubai, the Maldives, Easter Island, Antarctica (we've now been on every continent), plus a Baltic cruise from Stockholm to Copenhagen with stops in Russia, Finland, and the island of Visby; Lyon, Paris and Burgundy, France; and closer to home, Hilton Head and Daufuskie Island, S.C; plus Pinehurst and Highlands, N.C.
Would you list some career highlights?
Writing together and running your own business gives you freedom and flexibility, which is a goal we proudly accomplished 17 years ago, now. With the romance novels, we love to say, "Writing about love with the one you love in a business all about promoting love is the best job description in the world." Add to that the travel writing, which also inspires some of our book settings, and it becomes an absolute dream life. We continue to earn recognition for the writing, happily, through state and national awards, including NFPW two years in a row (we joined two years ago). Also, when www.yournovel.com made People magazine and The Today Show!
What are your hobbies?
Travel, photography, reading, scrapbooking, and now learning more about blogging, podcasting and making videos.
What are you reading?
"Lunch at the Picadilly" and "The Bible Salesman" by a favorite N.C. author Clyde Edgerton; "The Last Lecture" by Randy Pausch; "Giving: How Each of Us Can Change the World" by Bill Clinton plus "The World Without Us" by Alan Weisman.
Up Close and Personal with
Ada P. Kahn, member Illinois Woman’s Press Association
Why did you join NFPW?
I joined NFPW (and the Illinois Woman’s Press Association) to meet new friends with similar professional interests.
What is the best part of NFPW?
Over the years, connections with other writers have been the best aspects of membership.
What was your first job? What are you currently doing?
My first job was assistant editor of Inplant Food Management, a trade magazine focusing on quantity food service. The highlight of that experience was eating sauerkraut with workers at the Volkswagen factory in Wolfsburg, Germany, after interviewing the food service manager.
Would you list some career highlights?
My resume includes working as an account executive for a major public relations agency and marketing for health care associations. I initiated a women’s health program which evolved into community health education program for a local hospital over a ten-year period.
I have authored or co-authored 12 books on topics ranging from midlife health to workplace health. My favorite is “Keeping the Beat: Healthy Aging through Amateur Chamber Music Playing.” Based on that book, I have produced five half-hour television shows for the Evanston Community Media Center, a local cable access channel. The show won an award for outstanding achievement from the Illinois Woman’s Press Association in the 2008 competition.
I am active in the Rotary Club of Evanston, and served on its board for three years. I’m a member of the board of directors of the International Fellowship of Rotarian Musicians and have performed on flute at the last two International Rotary conventions. I also am on the Mental Health Board of Evanston, vice-president of the Evanston Community Media Center, and membership chair of the Evanston Music Club.
I am producing additional television programs and writing two books. One is about diabetes. The other is a compilation of stories about women from the former Soviet Union who came here in the 1970s.
I invite members to visit my websites: www.adapkahn.com and www.keepingthebeat.
What are your hobbies?
I play flute with a local community orchestra and am active in two music clubs. Members perform in each other’s homes each month. I play tennis (doubles) weekly and enjoy outdoor activities.
What are you reading?
A recent serious book was Thomas Friedman’s, “The World is Flat.” For fun, I read “Free Food for Millionaires.”
Up Close and Personal with
Elizabeth Thompson, Ohio Professional Writers
Why did you join NFPW?
When I met Sharon Baldacci (member Virginia Press Women) at the 2007 National MS Society Leadership Conference, she encouraged me to join and sent me the information. As a former reporter, ongoing columnist, freelance writer, and recently published author of my first book, I thought it would be beneficial to join other press women in an organization where I could learn and share.
What is the best part of NFPW?
The best part is being part of a larger organization that spans the United States. I love diversity and meeting people, even via the Internet like this, who have similar interests. I met a member, Janet Shailer, here in my own town when I saw her name on the roster. We have had book signings side-by-side and hope to work on a children’s book together. This sort of friendship and collaboration is one of the best parts of NFPW I’ve experienced so far.
Having met Sharon and read her book, “Sundog Moment”, I asked her to write the blurb for my book, “Day by Day, The Chronicles of a Hard of Hearing Reporter,” which she did! She should be my agent!
What was your first job?
I went from waitressing in college to selling shoes, clerical work for small businesses, all of which gave me reasons to look for better jobs! I have my horror stories from those jobs. Then I was a secretary of all sorts and levels for a total of 28 years until I began working for Suburban News Publications in 1999.
What are you currently doing?
Due to Multiple Sclerosis, I had to go on Social Security Disability in 2004. I work from home as a freelance writer for one magazine right now and as a columnist for the local newspaper. I will begin online feature writing for Acorda Therapeutics any day, and I authored my first book. Since it was released in June, I have been busy with a few presentations and book signings. I’m planning my second book right now.
Would you list some career highlights?
For secretarial work, my best job was at Battelle Memorial Institute in Columbus, Ohio. It is a research facility and I worked for 10 years in the computer department. Here I went from using a correcting Selectric typewriter to a desktop computer, long before other secretaries had them. I worked on the edge of computer development and gained tremendous skills; one of them being unafraid to try new things and venture into the unknown.
In 1999, I was awarded the Great Communicator Award for Franklin County, Ohio, by the Columbus Speech and Hearing Center for my column and advocacy work for people with hearing loss. The best part about this was meeting actor James Earl Jones and spending time with him at the banquet. I gave my acceptance speech prior to his keynote address and he commented favorably about my speech. He is a delightful man, as witty and warm as he appears on
screen.
But the biggest switch was when I became a reporter in 2000 for Suburban News Publications and worked with Editor Martin Rozenman. My love of reporting and writing other people’s stories soared and I was off and running and learning. Marty wrote the foreword to my book.
What are your hobbies?
I am a homemaker at heart. I love to bake, crochet, knit, and garden. My grandchildren, Andrew, 8; Elizabeth, 10; and Jacob, 11, are the lights of my life and I spend as much time with them as possible and photographing them in their activities. But I love to read ... and that leads to the last question.
What are you reading?
I just discovered Randy Alcorn’s fiction writing and finished Deadline and Deception and the next one I am going to read is Dominion. Until I have that in hand, I am reading Justice Denied by A.J. Jance. I’m also waiting for Earlene Fowler’s next book to be published in 2009. I joined an online community JustReads.com and was surprised that I had read more than 100 books this last year or so. Those are the ones I remember. My favorite authors are listed on my website, www.daybydaybook.com.
Up Close and Personal with
Louise C. Seals, member of Virginia Press Women
Why did you join NFPW?
Women were scarce in newsroom management, and I needed role models and a support network outside my newspaper. The late Myrtle Barnes, managing editor of the Newport News Daily Press and Times-Herald, was in VPW and NFPW. If the organizations were worth Myrtle’s attention and time, I reasoned, they were certainly worth mine. Besides Myrtle, LeeNora Everett, a hard-nosed reporter at my paper who had stood up to the KKK in covering civil rights, was a member. They didn’t sit around complaining about how tough it was for women journalists – they just did their jobs.
What is the best part of NFPW?
At this stage of my life, staying in touch with old friends and making new ones. While I was working, other aspects such as networking and professional development were primary.
What was your first job? What are you currently doing?
- My first job after college was copy editor on the Rochester (N.Y.) Democrat & Chronicle. I was a green country girl from West Virginia in the middle of a big city where they talked funny.
- Now I’m retired and am enjoying travel, such as an August trip to Peru.
- I’ve taught advanced reporting for three semesters at Virginia Commonwealth University’s School of Mass Communications, where I’m also on the Alumni Advisory Board.
- Earlier this year, I edited a 75th anniversary package for the Associated Press Managing Editors Association and created a multimedia presentation about the anniversary for the group’s annual conference in September. (NFPW’s celebration in Richmond in 2007 gave me some great ideas.)
- And I seem to be giving a fair amount of career advice.
Would you list some career highlights?
Encouraging creative public service projects and seeing The Times-Dispatch win Virginia journalism’s highest award for outstanding community service five times from 1992-2006 while I was a deputy managing editor and then managing editor. I’ve also had the honor and great fun of serving in leadership positions in several state and national industry organizations.
What are your hobbies?
Guess I don’t really have any, but I work hard at keeping up with relatives and friends, both old and new. Because I’m not working, I feel a responsibility to keep us in touch. I learned a long time ago that if a friendship is important, it’s silly to worry about “whose turn it is” to write or call.
What are you reading?
National Geographic’s “Complete Survival Manual,” “The Incas: People of the Sun” and “The Tree” by Colin Tudge.
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Up Close and Personal with
Patricia F. D’Ascoli, member of Connecticut Press Club
Why did you join NFPW?
For networking and marketing opportunities.
What was your first job? What are you currently doing?
My first job ever as an adult was working as a receptionist at a personnel agency. I am currently working as a freelance journalist and publish my own literary newsletter, “Connecticut Muse.” I also am writing a memoir, “Picture This: Photo Inspired Reflections.”
Would you list some career highlights?
I have won several awards for my writing and my newsletter has been well received by numerous literary individuals throughout Connecticut. I published a collection of humorous essays, “Diary of a Mediocre Mom: Why I Hate Water Parks and Other Mid-Life Musings.” I have received two grants for development of resources that highlight Connecticut authors.
What are your hobbies?
I like to swim, read, and watch movies.
What are you reading?
I am currently reading Patricia Cornwell’s “Book of the Dead” as well as Frank Delaney’s “Tipperary.”
Up Close and Personal with
Teri Ehresman, Media Network Idaho
Why did you join NFPW?
I joined in 1976 – right after I graduated from college at the urging of one of the women in the newsroom at the Idaho Falls Post Register. I attended my first meeting with her and because of the friendships I made at the meetings have attended nearly every meeting since then. Some of the friends I made in Media Network Idaho are lifetime friends.
What is the best part of NFPW?
The friendships I have made over the years. People with common values working together to promote things we believe in such as the First Amendment. I also enjoy sharing experiences with other professionals.
What was your first job? What are you currently doing?
My first communications job was a summer intern for a daily newspaper in Idaho Falls. I covered all sorts of local stories and fell in love with a communications career. I spent three summers there as an intern during college.
Today I am responsible for nuclear-related communications efforts for the Idaho National Laboratory. My job is to make INL visible in the nuclear energy area so I put together displays, information sheets, and Web pages; arrange interviews; talk to the media; develop communications strategy; sponsor workshops and staff workshops arranged by others; and work to get key INL nuclear experts visible with the public and decision leaders. It is a challenging, but fun job. One week this summer I have 40 high school science teachers in Idaho Falls from 25 different states. They toured the INL and learned about nuclear energy.
Would you list some career highlights?
- Helping with the Idaho media coverage for the New Horizons space launch in Florida. INL provided the space battery for the launch to help the rocket go to Pluto and beyond.
- Covering President Jimmy Carter's visit to Jackson Hole while I was a beginning reporter at the Post Register.
- Receiving the "Top Performance Award" from Communications and Public Affairs in 1997 from my former employer Lockheed Martin. That year my father received the "Top Performance Award" from Human Resources, so we were honored together.
- Receiving a personal Thank You from Department of Energy Secretary Sam Bodman for my help in organizing international meetings for world energy leaders from Japan, China, Russia, and France. The meetings were to negotiate and sign agreements of cooperation in nuclear energy research. The first meeting was in Washington, D.C., and the second in Vienna, Austria. I'm helping with another meeting in Vienna in late September 2008 – right after the NFPW conference.
- A call from a New York Times writer on a Friday night wanting permission to run a story on nuclear energy research in the Sunday New York Times instead of running it Monday when we were having a press conference to announce the good news research findings. We had been pitching the story to him for a couple of weeks and was hoping for a small story and instead received a large story with photos and a million plus more readers because it appeared on a Sunday.
What are your hobbies?
I enjoy traveling, especially with my husband. We have a trip to Hawaii planned in December, and in January we hope to spend a couple of weeks exploring Brazil. We have a second home in Island Park (near West Yellowstone, Mont.) and we enjoy spending weekends there. I also enjoy relaxing with a good book and spending time in my flower gardens.
What are you reading?
Two books really – "Nova Scotia Memories," which was published by my former city editor and boss Nick Nichols. He will be on the panel at the NFPW conference in Idaho Falls. I am also reading "Lean Mean Thirteen" by Janet Evanovich.
Up Close and Personal with
Cathy Koon, Media Network Idaho
Why did you join NFPW?
I joined after Teri Ehresman took me as her guest to a meeting of Idaho Press Women in Coeur d'Alene back in 1978. I was immediately hooked on IPW (now Media Network Idaho) and NFPW membership was a side benefit. It wasn't until much later that I began to appreciate NFPW. IPW/MNI and NFPW have made a huge difference in my life for the good.
What is the best part of NFPW?
It would be impossible to pick out one thing. I love knowing that I have friends and colleagues across the country who understand and can commiserate about the ups and downs of my work, who I can call on at any time for help or advice.
What was your first job? What are you currently doing?
My first job was mowing lawns when I was 10. Then I moved up to cleaning houses. But my first newspaper job was for the Fremont County Chronicle-News, a weekly in my hometown of St. Anthony. I was a typesetter, but I made too many errors so they promoted me to the newsroom. I am now the economic development specialist for Fremont County, a job in which I daily use the skills I honed in my years as a reporter and editor, and as a public information specialist for the transportation department.
Would you list some career highlights?
One of the first would be covering the Teton Dam disaster in 1976. That was the first time I worked side by side with national media. I won my first Idaho Newspaper Association award for a feature story I did on a survivor of the flood, whose fishing companion drowned. I remember turning in my story and having my editor slap it down in front of me and ask, "Where's the lead?" I knew instantly what he meant. I was several paragraphs into the story when I realized I had put it together wrong. But that was in the days before computers, and I didn't want to start over. I knew he'd catch me on it and he did. Other career highlights were winning NFPW national awards, helping to start two newspapers, being nominated for a Pulitzer for team coverage of the fires of '88 in Yellowstone Park, and covering the first President Bush when he flew into West Yellowstone. I never got a glimpse of him, but my assignment was crowd reaction, so I guess it didn't really matter.
What are your hobbies?
Scrapbooking, crafting, my yard. Oh, and photography, crocheting and more scrapbooking.
What are you reading?
"The Small-Mart Revolution" by Michael H. Shuman. Then I'm going to start on "Marketing without Advertising and then Boomtown USA." Mostly I read Nora Roberts or Lisa Gardner.
Up Close and Personal with
Tammy Whaley, Media Women of South Carolina
By Cynthia Price, Virginia Press Women member
Why did you join NFPW?
I joined NFPW 10 years ago for the networking opportunities with other media professionals and for the training opportunities at the statewide and national level.
What is the best part of NFPW?
Membership in the NFPW is so rewarding on many different fronts. The relationships that I have formed have been immensely beneficial from a personal and professional standpoint. When I am faced with a new challenge at work, I know that help is usually just a phone call or e-mail away. The knowledge and experience of my fellow NFPW members is just amazing. These women have blazed so many trails!
P.S. The best part of the conference in Richmond, Va., was meeting author David Baldacci! I absolutely love his books and he is more handsome in person than on the back of his novels!
What was your first job? What are you currently doing?
I was hired right out of college by the Piedmont Area Girl Scout Council in Spartanburg, S.C., as a field executive. In that role I recruited, trained and supervised adult volunteers who served as troop leaders to the girls. My current job is as director of university communications as the University of South Carolina Upstate. I've been in this role for the past six years, and I manage the department that handles all marketing, media relations, advertising, publications, Web site, social media, photography, etc. for the university.
Would you list some career highlights?
This past fall, many politicians visited the USC Upstate campus. In just a few short weeks, I coordinated visits by former President Bill Clinton, Senator John McCain and Chelsea Clinton. Working with the Secret Service and the advance teams was a big eye-opener plus I got to see all the behind-the-scenes work of the political campaigns.
When the University underwent a name change in 2004, I served as the lead communications coordinator. I orchestrated a marketing strategy that included identifying all of the University's constituents and determining various means to communicate to each. My duties ranged from lobbying state legislatures to creating new logos to negotiating embargos with the regional newspapers to organizing a regional press conference to communicating concise, consistent messages to all the constituents for one year following the name change. This was all accomplished in a mere 90 days.
I worked with Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System from 1993 to 1999 where I held various roles in fundraising, volunteering, public relations, special events, and marketing. As volunteer coordinator and community relations coordinator for the Hospice program at SRHS, I increased the volunteer base from 40 to more than 200, created and managed three large annual fundraisers, and significantly elevated the presence of the organization in the community.
What are your hobbies?
I absolutely love to travel. My personal motto is "Have passport, will travel!" I also love reading and photography.
What are you reading?
I just finished the most wonderful book by Garth Stein entitled "The Art of Racing In The Rain." It is uplifting story of family, love, loyalty and hope told from the perspective of the family dog. The premise sounds hokey, I know, but I laughed, cried, and looked at my own dog in a different way.
Up Close and Personal with
Marsha Shuler, NFPW President
By Cynthia Price, Virginia Press Women member
Why did you join NFPW?
My boss was a member of Louisiana Press Women and the National Federation of Press Women. She encouraged me as a young reporter to join. I entered the state communications contest and won and got to go to a state conference. I met so many wonderful women from around the state in the communications field and decided to stay. Then I won a national award and went to my first national conference. Again I met a lot of wonderful women while engaging in professional development opportunities. The rest is history. That was 35 years ago and yes, I joined Press Women when I was in my mother's womb and I'm sticking to that story.
What is the best part of NFPW?
Its members
What was your first job? What are you currently doing?
I worked as an intern at The Shreveport Times during summer and holiday breaks as a college student. I did everything from working in the library, which was then called the morgue, to learning how to do research in the newspaper files (pre computers and Google), to doing obits (learning accuracy where it counts most) as well as reporting news (getting over being shy).
In my senior year I started working part-time at The Times then went to work full-time on graduation. My first job there was as an assistant to the Sunday Magazine editor writing features and helping with layout.
I loved political reporting so I next moved to the news side covering city hall and local politics which led to covering legislative sessions in Baton Rouge. I got a chance to move to Baton Rouge and work for The Advocate covering state government and politics all the time. I'm now the bureau's senior reporter. There's never a dull moment.
Would you list some career highlights?
Being honored for work I did in writing about the needs of the developmentally disabled.
Winning a regional UPI award for coverage of the first execution in Louisiana after the Supreme Court lifted the ban.
Fighting and winning getting my tape recorder back from a federal marshal who grabbed it from me because he said I was not supposed to be taping the speech of U.S. Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia. I refused to give it up like the Mississippi reporters.
Covering six governors of Louisiana.
Being elected president of the National Federation of Press Women.
What are your hobbies?
Traveling, playing bridge.
What are you reading?
I've got several going right now. "Word Histories and Mysteries," "The Unlikely Spy" by Daniel Silva, a World War II espionage tale and the new book by Scott McClellan on the Bush presidency. I try to read a little every day.
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