gay watson

freelance writer, editor and photographer

About

EVENT MANAGEMENT AND PUBLIC RELATIONS PROFESSIONAL Accomplished self-starter with extensive experience positioning state, national and international organizations for success. Expertise in event management, budgeting, public relations and outreach for non-profit, governmental and educational organizations. Strong record building business, government, civic and educational partnerships. Excellent writing, editing, social media and communications-related technical skills. Hands-on experience training, mobilizing and managing staff and volunteer groups to successfully execute events. Photographer with personal camera equipment. Proficient with Mac and personal computing platforms.

Country

united states

City

gulf shores

Industry

non-profit organization management

Skill

news writing, copy editing, photojournalism, social media, community outreach, deadline oriented, program development, newsletters, press releases, coalitions, marketing communications, public speaking, marketing, speech writing, publicity, photography, leadership

Experience

media relations specialist

nasa

1999-1 - 2001-9 · 2 yrs 9 mos

Researched, wrote, coordinated, distributed and marketed local, regional and national media campaigns for NASA's space commercialization, educational programs and exhibit programs managed by Marshall Space Flight Center. Provided communications support for institutional programs at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center, and produced, edited and distributed news releases and Web postings. Acted as part-time editor for center's daily internal newsletter, the Daily Planet.

associate state director, communications

aarp

2001-10 - 2013-10 · 12 yrs 1 mo

media specialist

the university of alabama at birmingham

1995-12 - 1999-1 · 3 yrs 2 mos

* Coordinated all aspects of publicity for assigned departments and schools. Wrote news articles, press releases and promotional material * heavy personal interaction with local, state and national media * provided photographs (own and operate personal camera equipment) * and supervised student employees and student news bureau volunteers.