How Journalism Shaped My Communications Career

My career began in local journalism, where writing on deadline, editing for accuracy, and capturing strong photos were part of everyday life. Those early years taught me how to tell a clear story, ask better questions, and understand what audiences truly care about.

A journalist capturing a story through an interview.

From the Newsroom to City Hall

When I transitioned into government communications, those skills became the foundation for everything that followed. Whether drafting a press release, preparing talking points for city leadership, or managing content for police, fire, and 911, the principles were the same: be accurate, be clear, and be useful to the public.

Managing editorial strategy at Nevada Magazine further strengthened my ability to oversee complex projects, collaborate with designers and writers, and develop content across multiple platforms.

Journalism didn’t just prepare me for public affairs—it shaped how I approach communication today. It taught me that every message has a purpose, every audience has a need, and every story deserves to be told with care.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the path from reporter to public information officer taught me that good communication—whether in a newsroom or a city hall—comes down to service. It’s about giving people the information they need, when they need it, in a way they can trust. That mindset continues to guide my work and keeps me grounded in the purpose behind every message I create.