Check out my portfolio at postmarketism.com/portfolio
Professional Experience
POSTMARKETISM – FORT WORTH, TX 2018-PRESENT
Co-Founder
Co-founded Postmarketism, a creative and professional writing service that applies neglected theoretical models - critical theory, social network analysis, political economy, psychoanalysis, archetypal criticism, Marxism, and others – to practical problems in communications
Conceptualized and built business website featuring literary quotes and pop art imagery
WALMART GLOBAL ECOMMERCE – SAN BRUNO, CA/FORT WORTH, TX 2016-2018
Contract Copywriter
Pioneered brand voice for multimillion-dollar private-label initiative
Conducted in-depth analysis related to product and brand marketing strategy
Invented “polyphonic response model,” a prototype designed to field online complaints in 36 different voices
Wrote hundreds of brief editorial pieces to add personality, humor, and flair to product presentation
Wrote and edited digital product copy, social media posts, banners, emails, packaging, and in-store signs
Provided detailed breakdowns of content decisions, allowing colleagues and external stakeholders to debate various strategies and approaches in a focused manner
Structured dialogues to work through complex writing and branding challenges
Produced strong SEO-value content with and without 3rd party tools
Ghostwrote blog entries that received enthusiastic response from the subject and the PR team alike
Demonstrated strong leadership and project management skills, and established reputation as top performer
GEORGIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY – ATLANTA, GA/FORT WORTH, TX 2015-2016
Consultant for Center for International Strategy, Technology, and Policy
Contracted to perform network analysis on European natural gas infrastructure for university research initiative. Specific activities include: developing computer models, selecting appropriate mathematical measures to best capture phenomena of interest, locating strategic points in supply networks, simulating system changes (e.g., the impact of new pipeline construction), examining the relationship between gas infrastructure and European geopolitics, and generating major reports.
Assisted leading US scholar in the interpretation of quantitative, technical, and visualized data.
GEORGIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY – ATLANTA, GA 2014-2015
Researcher/Program Manager for Center for International Strategy, Technology, and Policy
Directed communications activities for the Center, including writing articles for university websites, crafting promotional emails for an audience of 3,000+, designing digital posters and flyers, and producing videos. Documented 20% increase in attendance for promoted events. Received acclaim for both marketing products and skill as “color commentator” from multiple stakeholders and consumers.
Coordinated 2 million dollar grant initiative that reached final round of Minerva, one of the most selective funding opportunities available to international security scholars. Personal contribution included writing subject matter, crafting management plan, ensuring deliverables and timetables were satisfied, and overseeing budget.
Generated “grade A” written analysis on strategic issues. Specialized in subjects that link industry, commerce, and politics.
Spearheaded effort to apply neglected theoretical and mathematical concepts to study of energy security. Transcended formal position and became key player in Center’s strategic trajectory as a result.
Planned more than 20 public talks, dinners, and panel discussions. Offered additional value as “dinner guest” via ability to guide and contribute to high level discussions. VIP guests include US Undersecretary for Arms Control and International Security, US Ambassador to the African Union, and Azerbaijan Ambassador to the US.
Received “perfect” rating in all performance assessments.
Military Experience
UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS – WORLDWIDE
Special Intelligence System Communicator (TS/SCI cleared position)
Served as assistant team leader for Trojan Spirit II tactical satellite communications team, as well as watchstander/supervisor in sensitive compartmentalized information facilities. Handled TS/SCI materials.
Education
GEORGIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY – ATLANTA, GA
Master of Science in International Affairs, August 2013
GPA: 3.92/4.0
MISSOURI STATE UNIVERSITY – SPRINGFIELD, MO
Bachelor of Arts in Creative Writing, May 2002
GPA: 3.56/4.0
Skills
Brand voice
Criticism & analysis
Product presentation
Customer interaction
Network analysis
Gephi
Scenario planning
Strategic gaming
Interviewing
Computer modeling
Simulations
ArcGIS
Ghost writing
Oracle ATG
Power Point
Humor
Select Projects
Member’s Mark (Brand writer)
2017 overhaul of Sam’s Club private brand. Role expanded from product display page writer to brand expert. Ended in 2018.
The Geopolitical Implications of the Golden Age of Natural Gas (Contributor, project administrator)
Funded research on political and strategic implications of global natural gas boom. Ongoing through 2015.
CISTP faculty interview initiative (Writer, director, video editor)
Video interview project designed to promote Georgia Tech faculty achievements. Ongoing through 2015.
CISTP web site redesign (Project lead)
Overhaul of university think tank website cistp.gatech.edu. Completed in 2015.
Natural gas sector mapping (Principal planner, contributor)
Assembly of 1,200+ entry database that captures relevant business entities in Europe’s gas sector. Completed in 2015.
Societal Verification of Arms Control Treaties (Contributor, project administrator)
Planned cross-disciplinary research on role of social media in verifying nuclear weapons treaties. Pending in 2015.
Program on Strategic Stability Evaluation (Program manager, program evaluator, recruiter, contributor)
Carnegie Corporation-funded initiative on nuclear stability under deep arms reductions. Ongoing through 2016.
Changing Tides vs. the Heroic, Failing Effort (Writer)
Closed blog entry on prospects for the Middle East Nuclear Weapons Free Zone. Completed in 2014.
Battle of Agincourt simulation (Team leader)
Computer simulation of the Battle of Agincourt, created by interdisciplinary student team. Product ranked as 2nd best in the history of the course and remains in use as a pedagogical tool at Georgia Tech. Completed in 2013.
A Few Good Men: The CIA in Afghanistan from 9-11 to Tora Bora (Principal researcher)
Research on CIA’ “Jawbreaker” operation in Afghanistan in 2001, including background analysis of political and strategic issues in Southwest Asia, Central Asia, and the Middle East. Findings presented at academic conference and used in design of Georgia Tech course titled “War in the Twenty-First Century.” Completed in 2012.
Creative and research publications (Writer)
Eight short fiction, poetry, and research pieces published in reviewed journals. Surmounted market’s 1 to 5% acceptance rate. Successful placements from 2003 to present.