Mike Williams Summary of Experience and Qualifications
BUILD WITH KNOWLEDGE
COMMUNICATE WITH PASSION www.mikewms.com
LETTER OF APPLICATION Mr. René Ancinas Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Port Blakely 1501 Fourth Ave. Suite 2150 Seattle, WA 98101
Sept. 29, 2017
Honest communication is built on truth and integrity and upon respect of the one for the other. Benjamin E. Mays
Dear Mr. Ancinas, My career has been about working to change things for the better. From newsrooms to classrooms, I focus my creative energies on helping journalists of all media formats and skill, learn to approach the future with an open mind and a caring heart. As I submit my application for the position of Senior Director of Communications for Port Blakely, I offer you the combination of passion and skills necessary to make your communications strategy among the best in the country. With leadership experience in professional media, higher education, and message development, my vision for the future of communications builds on my understanding of the importance of interactive media, audience awareness, and success as a program developer and project manager. Experience gained from the many projects I have led will be directly applicable to your fellowship program. Some of these initiatives include: • Design and implementation of multi-platform, multimedia news curriculum at major universities • Founding of converged web-print publications as an editor and publisher • Revision and expansion of a graduate degree program including increased funding and student diversity, program assessment and continuing professional mentoring • Frequent work as an editor and information designer for a range of regional, national and international clients • Acquisition of startup funding and direction of the KU Media Innovation Lab – a communication and technology incubator focused on creating a sustainable media future I am seeking this opportunity to take my professional skills to a place where I can be actively and personally involved in the direction and application of 21st-century journalism. It is also time for me to give back to the environment through the profession I love. I look forward to our conversation about my strong desire to join the excellent work of the people at Port Blakely. Sincerely yours,
Mike Williams
5411 Plymouth Dr. Lawrence, KS 66049 410 818 4227
Mike Williams
ABOUT ME Born, raised, and educated in Kansas, I landed my first job as a professional photographer in Salem, Ore. For someone who didn’t see real mountains or old growth trees before he was 20, the Willamette National Forest quickly became a frequent destination for work and pleasure. As the timber industry suffered through the 80s, my storytelling moved toward informing the public of the need for sustainability, not only in the forests, but in all things we do. Some listened, and the forests I love continue to provide work and pleasure for many. After years of helping young journalists find their voice in words and images – in print and
online – the opportunity to again focus my skills in support of a company with a clear vision for the future brings me to Port Blakely and this opportunity. My career includes experience in professional media, teaching, and higher education administration, with work including strategic planning, program innovation, staff development, partnership management, and startup creation. I am a champion for positive change and transparent team management. My belief in information as a critical element for social good leads me toward constant review of how we communicate and use technology to improve learning and knowledge.
MY EDUCATION I published my first photos as an 8th grader and edited my first publication the next year. A degree in journalism became my entry into the profession. As I rose through the editorial ranks, I sought to know more about managing the message and those who create it. My professional masters degree filled that knowledge need. The experience of teaching while earning the graduate degree brought me to the front of the classroom, where I could share my knowledge and guide the growth of new journalists. I continued to broaden my understanding of the changes in the media universe and I focused my academic work on helping others understand how to succeed. Frequent professional work continues to guide my learning and growth.
Bachelor of Science - Journalism University of Kansas 1980 School of Journalism and Mass Communications Photojournalism and editing
Master of Science* - Journalism University of Kansas 1991 (*terminal professional degree) School of Journalism and Mass Communications Communication and publication management
Post-graduate Studies* Ohio University (*non-degree seeking) College of Education Higher education administration and distance learning
Media Management
RELEVANT EXPERIENCE My news career includes work as a staff photographer, graphic designer, reporter, editor, and publisher. I am also a tenured professor of journalism, media consultant and free lance photographer. My relevant leadership and administrative appointments are described at right.
Direct management of deadline-driven communication processes across multiple media platforms. Annual budget planning and reporting, and staff development. Community awareness, brand marketing, audience development, and frequent public interaction.
Public Affairs Primary contact for media with specific responsibilities concerning weapons on campus policies. Strategic planning for university policies and implementation. Liaison with state legislative and oversight bodies. Frequent guest expert on public media broadcasts.
Academic Administration Involvement in all operations including strategic planning and implementation, curriculum development and assessment, fiscal operations and grant acquisition, and staff development.
DIGITAL COMMUNICATION CONSULTANT UDL-IRN.org Cincinnati, OH PUBLISHER AND EDITOR - ONLINE PROPERTIES Kalmbach Publishing Co. Waukesha, WI ASSISTANT MANAGING EDITOR Mississippi Publishing Co. Jackson, MS VISUAL DIRECTOR Albuquerque Tribune Albuquerque, NM
PHOTO AND GRAPHICS DIRECTOR Statesman-Journalism Publishing Co. Salem, OR
KANSAS BOARD OF REGENTS Transfer and Articulation Agreements Council State of Kansas KCUR PUBLIC RADIO Regular Panelist - “Up To Date” Weekly Broadcast Focusing on Media and Society National Public Radio - “Talk of the Nation” Invited Discussant - Academic Integrity GOVERNANCE SPOKESPERSON University of Kansas - All Campuses Concealed Carry On Campus - Statute Enactment • Media contact, Public Awareness Spokesman • Co-Author – University Policy KUJH-TV “Social Media Now” Community discussion leader Lawrence, KS
DIRECTOR OF INNOVATION TRACK CHAIR School of Journalism & Mass Communications University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS FOUNDING DIRECTOR - KU MEDIA INNOVATION LAB University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS UNIVERSITY SENATE PRESIDENT University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS LEAD PROFESSOR - MULTIMEDIA College of Journalism University of Maryland. College Park, MD DIRECTOR OF GRADUATE STUDIES School of Visual Communications Ohio University, Athens, OH
MY COMMUNICATION STRATEGY My successful communication practice includes a deep understanding of the needs of the information consumer, including their preference for media type. I make it my responsibility to stay ahead of a story, prepare for necessary follow up, and apply analytics to determine how to improve.
Target Oriented
Effective Design
Big Picture
Value Solutions
Understanding the needs of the information consumer means more effective and credible communication.
When done well, visual presentation helps readers better understand important information details.
In a connected world, every action will affect others. We must understand the interrelationship of all we do.
Be the answer to the question, the solution to problem and your value to society will be infinite.
MY OPERATIONAL TACTICS Timely, accurate and precise communication requires a respect for deadlines, a network of credible resources and an awareness of how multiple means of presentation will provide more information to more people. Technology is my friend and I will use the most appropriate platform to deliver the Port Blakely story to all constituents.
EI Expanding
Media Strengths Content Planning and Production Data Visualization Audience Understanding Technology Integration
SC
MT
Stakeholder
Management
Inclusiveness
Communication
Transparency
Seeking and including input from all individuals
Creatively sharing information with all constituents
Acting with clarity of purpose and no surprises
IC Interdisciplinary
Collaboration Finding and nurturing effective partnerships
PRESENTING GLOBALLY
CONSULTING MEDIA
Public Speaking
Transmedia storytelling I guide the branding and marketing for Learning Designed, a new micro-credentialing platform to help educators master the use of Universal Design for Learning.
GUIDING START UPS Mentoring in action My project leadership includes direction of the KU Media Innovation Lab. A significant part of this work is my guidance of ideation and development of student community service start ups.
SUPPORTING NON-PROFITS Giving from the heart As often as possible, I support local organizations throughout areas of the Pacific Northwest where I lived and worked. This often includes content submissions for their publications.
Austria
Canada
Ireland
Italy
Mexico
Russia
Scotland
Spain
UK/Northern Ireland
USA
Vatican
Vietnam
Holy See
I have conducted nearly 100 professional programs on topics ranging from media innovation, audience development, assessment, data visualization, project management, and entrepreneurship. I was responsible for organization, scheduling, marketing, budgeting, and partnerships with sponsors and vendors.
MAKING A BETTER FUTURE Much of my media work takes place beyond the classroom as I share my skills, knowledge and passions with a wide range of groups. I try to balance my creative work with my personal dedication to serving organizations committed to improving the social or natural environments we inhabit. Some recent examples are shown.
GROWING PERSONALLY Always learning This summer I became a certified facilitator of the Ice House Entrepreneurship Program. IHEP provides strategies for effective social innovation, business assessment and success. It also establishes effective ways to address social needs.
SHARING KNOWLEDGE Creating media networks The Native Health News Alliance assists Tribal media in the delivery of effective health information. As co-founder, I developed the communication strategic plan that led to launch success.
BUILDING COMMUNITIES Developing new organizations UDL-IRN is a organization growing from a small group of dedicated educators. My belief in the practicality of Universal Design for Learning has me guiding their effort to build into an international membership body.
THE UNIVERSAL DESIGN FOR LEARNING IMPLEMENTATION AND RESEARCH NETWORK
SUSTAINABLE LIVING Committing to tomorrow From rain barrels to high mpg cars, renewable resource energy preferences to recycling, my wife and I have been dedicated to green living for decades.
CONTACT ME It’s not hard to love real forests when you live in Kansas. Our trees are too small to hug.
5411 Plymouth Drive Lawrence, Kansas 66049 410 818 4227 mikewms@outlook.com www.mikewms.com