Qualifications
I’m currently a technical writer with the Bureau of Reclamation, the federal agency that manages water in the West. As a member of my division’s admin support team, I participate in weekly management meetings, handle personnel actions, develop procedures, and manage property. I also purchase supplies, training, and equipment, which involves researching vendors and preparing cost comparisons to ensure purchases are advantageous to the government and comply with regulations.
Before joining Reclamation, for 20 years I owned an editing and design business, and managed projects from initial quote through planning and execution to final delivery of product and project closeout. I met with clients and potential clients to discuss project requirements, goals, and funding; quote project fees and develop project schedules; and brief clients on project status. Although I no longer accept client work, I left my website up because it was such a labor of love.
Previously I was the director of marketing and publicity at 9th Services Squadron, Beale AFB. Under my direction the office grew from me and one part-time employee to me and three full-time employees. I wrote the position descriptions, hired the staff, and supervised and trained them. We coordinated special events such as grand openings for non-appropriated fund (NAF) business activities, and we developed a commercial sponsorship program for NAF activities and built a computerized database of potential sponsors.
And before that I was editor of the Sacramento Army Depot Intercom, a weekly 8- to 12-page tabloid newspaper for depot employees and enlisted personnel. As the base began to close down, at my suggestion we implemented in-house electronic page layout. This change enabled the base newspaper to scale down to a photocopied newsletter when commercial design and printing was no longer economical.
I served on the boards of Northern California Authors & Publishers (president, 2005-2006), Sacramento High School PTSA (president, 1999-2000), American Marketing Association–Sacramento Valley (secretary, 2001-2002), and I was a tutor for Sacramento Public Library Literacy Service (2004-2006).
Cats
Above, from left to right, you can see Tutone, Hobbes, Sydney, Blackie, and Thevenin. They were my friends, and I miss them.