BUSINESS EXPERIENCE:

Manager of Communications
DESCANSO GARDENS, La Canada, Calif., October 2008 – present
Key player for public relations, external and internal communications for public botanical garden.

• Generates ongoing awareness of Descanso Gardens with core audiences with coverage in newspapers, magazines, radio, TV and online. Recent coverage includes articles and segments in the Pasadena Star News, Los Angeles Times, KABC-TV, NBC4, The Today Show, La Canada Valley Sun, Arroyo Monthly, La Canada Outlook and more

• Conceptualizes, drafts and distributes press releases

• Pitches feature ideas to reporters and producers; is the “point person” for all inbound/outbound communications activities

• Serves as managing editor of quarterly Gardens’ newsletter “Descanso News,” oversees copy and graphic content, drafts articles, edits internal contributions, supervises design and printing

• Drafts ongoing contributed features for South Pasadena Quarterly Magazine

• On-site photographer and videographer for internal and external communications and marketing use

• Works with outside printers and designers on all marketing materials including: flyers, advertising, posters, post cards, special signage, etc.

• Coordinates content for Descanso Gardens’ website; oversees ongoing email blasts to members

• Oversees social media outreach. Launched Facebook Fan Page in August 2009; creates ongoing video, photographic and copy to engage potential visitors, workshop attendees and members

Communications Professional, Self Employed
BRENDA REES, Eagle Rock, Calif, November 1993 – present

Freelance Writer
November 1993 – present
Freelance journalist for daily and weekly publications, including The Los Angeles Times.

• Proposes and tailors story ideas to specific markets such as: Calendar Weekend (seven cover stories, among others), Calendar Live, SoCal Living (two front page articles), Burbank Leader, Glendale News-Press, Los Angeles Times Magazine and the Alameda Newspaper Group

• Arranges photo opportunities for stories and coordinates photographers as needed

Editor
WHAT’S THE BIG IDEA? NEWSLETTER, Santa Ana, Calif., October 1999 – present
Oversees editorial content and layout for bi-monthly newsletter for a California Science teacher's organization.

• Rewrites existing materials for flow and to match AP style

• Coordinates copy, photos and graphs for four-page large format newsletter

• Oversees design and gives creative feedback on layout

Public Relations Consultant
MUSEUMS OF THE ARROYO DAY, Los Angeles, Pasadena, Calif., 2000 – 2008
Created public relations campaign for annual Museums of the Arroyo (MOTA) Day for five local museums in Pasadena and Highland Park.

• Composed press releases, radio and media alerts, and pitch letters to print, TV and radio

• Coordinated media interest and handled questions and requests

• Designed brochures, postcards and flyers; created and updated event website

Public Relations Consultant
GAMBLE HOUSE RESTORATION KICKOFF, Pasadena, Calif., August – December 2001
Created public relations campaign for announcement of first-ever renovation project of the Gamble House, an Arts and Crafts national landmark in Pasadena.

• Composed press releases, radio and media alerts and pitch letters to print, TV and radio

• Coordinated media interest and handled questions and requests

Calendar Editor
L.A. PARENT MAGAZINE, Burbank, Calif., October 2004 – December 2007
Oversaw editorial content for monthly publication.

• Researched and wrote listings, highlights, special articles, media reviews

• Coordinated copy, photos and graphs for design

• Oversaw design and gave creative feedback on layout

Staff Writer
THE TIDINGS NEWSPAPER, Los Angeles, Calif., May 1997– June 1999
Reporter/photographer for weekly publication of the Catholic Archdiocese of Los Angeles.

• Originated story ideas from concept to finished product, often on tight deadlines

• Ability to work comfortably on a variety of projects

• Rewrote existing press releases to fit publication style guidelines

• Copy editing and proofreading skills in addition to assisting in page layout and design

Manager of Creative Affairs
MGM ANIMATION, Santa Monica, Calif., August 1994 – March 1997

Creative Executive
WALT DISNEY TV ANIMATION, North Hollywood, Calif., September 1992 – November 1993

Creative Affairs Director
UNIVERSAL CARTOON STUDIOS, Los Angeles, Calif., April 1989 – September 1992

Creative Executive Assistant
HANNA-BARBARA, Hollywood, Calif., April 1986 – April 1989

Editor/Writer
HARD TIMES PUBLICATIONS, St. Paul, MN, September 1981 – June 1984
Conceptualized and produced local monthly humor publication.

• Allocated budgets and funds for financial aspects of publication

• Developed successful business plan that upped circulation from 500 to 5,000 in only three years

• Assigned writers, photographers and artists for articles

• Supervised editorial layout production and coordinated ad design with marketing staff

Editor
MINNESOTA DEPT. OF ECONOMIC SECURITY, St. Paul, MN, September 1980 – June 1982
In charge of monthly 12-page newsletter devoted to government job service programs.

• Researched and wrote articles pertaining to the CETA program status

• Traveled to outreach locations around the state to meet staff and discuss program issues, possible articles

• Composed layouts and design for publication

EDUCATION:

College of St. Thomas, St. Paul, Minnesota.
Graduated in 1982 cum laude with Journalism BA, minor in Public Relations.

COMPUTER SKILLS:

PC and Mac experience including Microsoft Publishing, Microsoft Word, Adobe Photoshop.

# # #

ONLINE PORTFOLIO

> Reporting and Features
> Newsletter Editing
 

BRENDA REES

> About Brenda Rees
> Resume
> Clients
> References
> Contact Brenda

> Home