Resume

  • A content creator with 20+ years of production experience as a producer, director, writer, production manager and editor. Responsible for producing 70+ documentaries, docu-series and educational programs. A collaborator with a proven track record of leading production teams through all aspects of pre and postproduction. Experienced with domestic and international field and studio shoots, developing creative, working with subject matter experts, review and feedback, managing stakeholder reviews, budgeting, and intellectual property. Strong ability to develop and oversee multiple concurrent teams and projects and bring them all to completion.

  • GREEN BUZZ AGENCY

    (2024)

    Producer responsibilities: Manage a portfolio of clients and media creation, including but not limited to original video content distributed online, live events, and TV commercials, covering a range of project styles (documentary, scripted narrative, motion graphics, etc.). Run all aspects of the production process, including, creative concept generation and strategy, pitching to clients, proposal building, scripting, logistics planning, casting research, vetting and hiring crew, running shoots, and media management. Manage the post-production of projects, including sound bite selection, string outs, rough cuts, scripting, stakeholder reviews, final approvals, and delivery across various platforms.

    Management responsibilities: Act as a coach and champion for the team, supporting them to deliver their best by being knowledgeable of their projects and proactive in identifying and solving problems. Provide real-time feedback on creative, technical, approach, and client management, as well as connect the team to appropriate resources and escalate problems when necessary. Build a culture of transparency and continuous improvement by providing regular, ongoing feedback focused on strengths and areas of improvement, conducting standing 1:1 meetings with direct reports, and recognizing exceptional performance and positive attitude. Participate in ongoing, goal-driven coaching for the team and lead annual and mid-year reviews. Train new team members. Model and drive the company’s core values, provide direction for the team using the company's mission, vision, and values, and ensure collaboration and coordination with other teams. Communicate and support broader organizational messages and policies, and proactively communicate with the Department Lead on critical information about team members, projects, schedules, opportunities, and initiatives.

  • WONDRIUM/THE GREAT COURSES

    (2010-2023)

    As a Senior Producer/Director was responsible for creating, designing, developing, and producing series, documentaries, and docu-series from concept to completion. Worked with talent, subject matter experts, and postproduction teams to craft quality programs for streaming, broadcast, digital channels, and direct consumer distribution. Ran domestic and international field shoots, worked with fixers to obtain permits, evaluated release needs, and navigated complicated intellectual property concerns. Ran everything from large multi cam studio shoots and multi unit field shoots, to single cam interviews and run and gun b-roll gathering. Conducted interviews with experts and celebrities, produced scientific demonstrations, STEM content, cooking shows, music, arts, athletic performances, how-to content, and more. Managed both macro and micro budget productions and demonstrated skill at balancing the needs of the story with the budget and quality expectations to achieve a great viewing experience. Responsible for understanding complicated material and reviewing and providing feedback to multiple teams for quality and accuracy, providing rewrites, managing talent and host relationships, and managing stakeholder reviews. Worked on multiple productions simultaneously while interfacing with cross departmental leaders on budget development, strategic planning and team and media performance metrics. Created marketing collateral and consulted on marketing campaigns, strategies, and distribution performance metrics.

  • THE GREAT COURSES/THE TEACHING COMPANY

    (2007-2010)

    As the Manager of Production, led a production department of 30+ employees consisting of producers, video editors, graphic artists, audio engineers, studio directors, camera operators and technical engineers in the creation, completion, and delivery of 33 original series each year. I developed a team of senior personnel to facilitate the quality, supervision, training, and on-time delivery of all the members of our department. I was responsible for budgeting, strategic planning, performance metrics, and creating mentorship programs to develop staff as our department continued to grow. Scheduled all productions, contract production staff, equipment and facilities, and worked with our marketing department to create our release calendar. Maintained and created client and host relationships, responsible for reviewing and providing feedback to ensure the quality of all the programs being produced. Worked with cross departmental managers and VP’s to create and maintain brand quality and messaging

  • THE GREAT COURSES/THE TEACHING COMPANY

    (2002 - 2007)

    As a producer was responsible for the overall quality of all assigned series and the coordination of all aspects of the productions pre and post including but not limited to; talent logistics, overseeing technical directors and camera operators in a live studio environment, researching intellectual properties and obtaining clearances. Collaborated with subject matter experts to develop series and design graphics, create storyboards, and worked with graphic artists, video editors, and audio engineers to complete and deliver final productions. Additionally, was also responsible for editing shows in Adobe Premier, Final Cut Pro, and creating graphics in Adobe Photoshop, AfterEffects and Motion. Also responsible for budgeting, generating marketing collateral and delivery of manufacturing duplication masters

  • (1997 - 2012)

    Responsible for producing, designing, writing, directing, editing and delivering, quality video programs for both direct and sub contracted clients. Productions include conservation messaging, support and advocacy campaigns, education programs, documentaries, marketing campaigns, and event audiences. Functions performed include client interface, program treatment, script writing, graphics, video and audio editing, both field, remote and studio productions, talent logistics, obtaining music and IP clearances, DVD authoring and mastering to multiple media delivery systems.

    Prominent clients include ABC/NBC Studios-Chicago, Oprah, Jerry Springer, Wriggly Field, Alderman Dorothy Tillman, The Dunes National Lakeshore, Chicago Public Libraries, NASA-TV, Arcola-Pleasant Valley Volunteer Fire Dept., NeuStar, and VBrick.

  • AT&T Broadband (2000 - 2001)

    Produced and edited feature stories; researched and developed story ideas. Planned and coordinated production schedules, directed personnel, talent, and crew in a live studio, conducted interviews of subjects, and functioned as a studio switcher and camera operator for live and taped shows.

  • Valparaiso University

    1998 - 2001

    Set curriculum, designed and taught digital video editing classes in Adobe Premier for college level students and continuing education students. Proctored lab hours, independent studies, and oversaw student film program. Additionally directed, wrote and produced university productions, including news, education, information, and promotional programs.

  • VALPARAISO UNIVERSITY

    BA Television Production and Theater Arts, minor Broadcast Communications, minor History

    1999

    CUM LAUDE


About

From the classroom to the screen…

When I was a kid my favorite subject it school was history, mostly because it was stories about people and experiences which made it so easy for me to remember. As I got older I realized that all the other topics also had a deep collection of stories behind or about them, even the most dry physics concept ended up having a really cool story behind it. The problem for me was that it was not always taught that way. That started my passion for entertaining educational storytelling in all areas, not just in more obvious areas of history, art, philosophy and literature, but also in physics, chemistry, math, biology, and other sciences. I believe that stories can be a great starting place to learn things you might never have thought you could.