I’ve been working with words and people my entire career. I began as an English and journalism teacher, working with high school students in East Grand Rapids, Grand Rapids, and Boulder, Colorado. At each school I taught Advanced Placement English and many writing courses and served as the faculty advisor to student-produced newspapers.

In 1984, I joined Herman Miller, Inc., in Zeeland, Michigan. Working in the Marketing Communications department as a writer, I eventually became responsible for assigning and aligning internal and external writing resources for all marketing-related projects, both print and electronic. I also served as the final copy editor for nearly all marketing projects. For seventeen years, I was the editor and primary writer for a newsletter (including case studies, program overviews, product information, and more) sent to all Herman Miller salespeople and dealers worldwide. For ten years I was the writers’ work team leader and a member of a team of writers, designers, and program managers charged with developing and implementing the company’s strategic marketing communications plan.

Throughout these experiences, I’ve developed some important skills:

• Listening, interacting. I’m a good listener. I know when to be quiet and when it’s time to question and clarify and move on.
• Working in groups. I’m comfortable and engaged whether a project or a meeting includes two people or twenty.
• Being a team player. I enjoy working as part of a team. I’m energized by a shared sense of purpose.
• Understanding audience. I recognize the importance of being attuned to specific audiences and their needs.
• Editing other writers. I’m an experienced editor. I appreciate the opportunity to work with other writers.

I prepared for my career at the University of Michigan, where I earned a Bachelor of Arts in English and Journalism and a Master of Arts in English Language and Literature.

For more information, please email me