Kansas City, Missouri, United States
After three decades in public relations and marketing, I've learned that the best stories aren't just told, they're strategically crafted to cut through noise and create genuine connection. I specialize in crisis communication, reputation management, media relations, project management and brand narrative development, currently working in higher education (my professional first love). What sets me apart is blending traditional PR fundamentals with AI-powered tools, turning week-long projects into day-long solutions through automated research and streamlined workflows. My expertise spans from corporate communication to creative storytelling. I ghostwrite for executives, guide emerging authors through indie publishing, and author the weekly Substack newsletter "All the Fits That's News"—covering everything from business strategy to the beautifully absurd parts of being human. Since 2006, I've hosted numerous podcasts across multiple genres: "PR After Hours" (marketing/PR with a side of skepticism and mild snark, hold the jargon), "Mysterious Goings On" (creativity meets the writing life), an award-winning University of Central Missouri podcast, and I co-host a true crime show. Turns out the same storytelling principles apply whether you're fixing a brand crisis or unraveling a mystery. As a speaker, I tackle crisis communication, reputation management, AI integration, writing and podcasting. My expertise has been featured on KCTV-5's Better Kansas City Show (2017–2023) and WHO-TV Des Moines' Hello Iowa! (2021-2023), numerous webinars and a few conference appearances. Kansas City Magazine named me "Best Local Author" in 2023 for my nine novels and two business books. When not crafting communication strategies, I'm writing fiction, exploring historical sites (great for perspective on current "crises"), or acting like I know my way around the gym.
I serve as the university’s chief liaison between the institution, print, and broadcast media. This includes: • Developing and implementing strategies via the media to communicate the university’s mission and performance, gain public support, and enhance the university’s visibility and reputation among constituencies. • Serving as the Office of Integrated Marketing and Communications’ primary manager of crisis communication; serving as a member of the university’s crisis response team; serving on the threat assessment team; serving on the university commencement committee; and providing writing, copyediting, and research support as needed by IMC, and assisting in planning and promoting special events that have a campus-wide impact. • Providing writing support for key administrative offices, upon request, including working directly with the Office of the President to write copy for internal and external communication that can include talking points for speeches, news releases, public statements, letters, and email, and writing a column for the President for inclusion in the alumni publication, UCM Magazine. • Serving as a co-supervisor, representing the Office of Integrated Marketing and Communications, to assist the academic program, Innovative Public Relations, with duties that include attending IPR weekly meetings, and providing editing support for student blogs, news releases, and other communication materials. * Host and producer of Central Speaks, a UCM podcast, winner of a Silver Award in the 41st Annual Educational Advertising Awards.
Instructor of Innovative PR, University of Central Missouri’s public relations firm managed and operated by UCM students in the Harmon College of Business and Professional Studies. Under the direction of UCM’s public relations program and University Relations, the firm was founded in January 2010. Housed in the Office of University Relations (pictured left), Innovative PR is comprised of selected public relations students and one graduate assistant who are dedicated to professional development and public relations initiatives. The firm is committed to serving the UCM and Warrensburg communities by executing timely, accurate and ethical strategies and tactics.
A weekly podcast about writing, creativity, and modern life.
• Author of nine novels in the John Pilate Mystery Series, along with short stories, screenplay treatments, nonfiction business books, and essays. • Editor and ghostwriter for a range of projects, helping refine voice, structure, and clarity. • Editor-in-Chief of All the Fits That’s News on Substack, writing as an essayist, podcast producer, and analyst on media, communications, leadership, and culture. • Longtime contributor to Writers in the Storm, an award-winning site for writers, sharing craft and industry insights.
Podcast offering public relations, marketing, and management news, tips, and interviews.