Christopher Occhiuzzi
Huntsville,Canada
Summary
With over 20 years of experience in the media industry, Chris has developed a versatile set of skills which provide the foundation for creating engaging and impactful content for various platforms, audiences, and clients. As a staff writer at Dockside Publishing, Chris writes and edits brand-specific and marketing-oriented articles for six magazines annually, covering topics such as finance, construction, entertainment, and politics.
Chris also advises clients on best practices for using their brand voice and translating technical terminology into plain, clear language.
Chris is also the founder, editor, and contributor of Muskoka Unlimited, producing written, audio, and video content that showcases interesting news and guests. Chris also partners with local businesses to create promotional contests, while maintaining the Muskoka Unlimited social media accounts. Through media endeavors, Chris aims to inform, entertain, and inspire audiences while also showcasing creativity, passion, and expertise in the media field.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Staff Writer
Dockside Publishing
03.2017 - Current
- Developed story ideas and executed written content according to strategic goals of over 20 clients for 6 magazines annually.
- Cultivated dynamic skills in marketing and brand-specific writing through hands-on practice.
- Translated technical terminology and jargon into plain, clear language.
- Created plans and communicated deadlines to complete projects on time.
- Advised clients on best practice for using their brand voice in creatively crafted articles.
- Created informational copy and blog posts for Dockside Publishing and over 20 of its business clients.
- Wrote and submitted accurate, engaging and fact-checked stories.
- Utilized social media outlets to connect directly with public.
- Evaluated project requirements and content standards for each project to produce copy in line with creative structure.
- Partnered with media executives to produce compelling stories.
- Completed assigned pieces and developed independent stories.
- Created informational copy and blog posts for companies in landscaping, construction, tourism and not-for-profit industries.
- Completed assigned pieces and developed independent stories.
- Actively listened to customers' requests, confirming full understanding before addressing concerns.
- Proved successful working within tight deadlines and fast-paced atmosphere.
- Used Microsoft Word and other software tools to create documents and other communications.
- Exceeded goals through effective task prioritization and great work ethic
- Increased customer satisfaction by resolving issues.
- Used critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions and make decisions.
- Participated in continuous improvement by generating suggestions, engaging in problem-solving activities to support teamwork.
- Disseminated news content through social media for better engagement with audiences and faster reporting.
- Increased brand visibility through networking at industry conferences, panels, workshops, developing professional connections.
- Enhanced readership by producing high-quality articles on various topics and adhering to strict deadlines.
- Collaborated with editors and other staff members to refine story angles and content.
- Consistently met tight deadlines under pressure while maintaining high levels of accuracy in writing style.
- Developed relationships with sources and contacts to gain additional insight.
Founder, Editor, Contributor
Muskoka Unlimited
10.2019 - Current
- Created organization's mission and vision statements.
- Restructured website as look and feel when direction changed.
- Create written, audio and video content.
- Created over 150 eye-catching and innovative pieces in 2023.
- Assign and edit content from contributors.
- Finds interesting stories, photo opportunities and podcast guests.
- Hosts The Chris O Show and Muskoka Unlimited Podcasts.
- Hosted over 40 podcasts combined in 2023.
- Works with businesses in Muskoka to create promotional contests.
- Maintains and updates website and relevant social media accounts.
- Mentored two co-op students from Huntsville High School.
- Developed strong partnerships with other businesses to allow for collaboration and more significant opportunities for growth.
- Created and monitored promotional approaches to increase sales and profit levels.
Freelance Columnist and Editor
Hunters Bay Radio
09.2020 - 03.2022
- .Researched and produced 5 to 10 weekly news reports throughout contract.
- Proofread copy written by colleagues to correct spelling, punctuation and grammar.
- Coordinated with subject matter experts for interviews and topic generation.
- Brainstormed with freelance writers and station manager to determine new topics and stories.
- Interviewed individuals by phone, video chat and in person to write weekly stories.
- Produced weekly Opinion Editorials on topical matters.
- Organized material to research and complete writing tasks.
- Utilized exceptional writing, editing and proofreading skills to produce engaging and error-free content.
- Followed company policies and editorial guidelines to craft thorough, well-written content.
- Mentored young freelance writers on journalism techniques, interviewing, and content writing.
- Established strong online presence by consistently sharing thought-provoking and well-written columns on social media platforms.
- Optimized columns for search engines.
- Edited, proofread and fact-checked content for accuracy.
- Contributed to increased website traffic through timely and well-researched articles on trending topics.
- Responded to reader comments with professionalism and tact to avoid escalating concerns.
Community Engagement Manager
Friends of the Muskoka Watershed
10.2020 - 10.2021
- Created and implemented communications plan and strategies to increase awareness on ASHMuskoka Project and other science-based projects.
- Developed and maintained organization's primary social media accounts (Facebook and Instagram).
- Organized photography and videos during 15 live events to promote Friends of the Muskoka Watershed activities and increase awareness.
- Collaborated with board members, staff and volunteers both on site and virtually to ensure quality of communications.
- Created and distributed 20 press releases and other media related items.
- Helped on-site during live events to collect information from donors, distribute communications materials as well as setting up and taking down promotional areas.
- Increased volunteer participation through effective recruitment strategies and targeted marketing campaigns.
Contributing Writer
Riley Media Group
09.2020 - 09.2021
- Wrote over 40 stories that featured SEO heavy content for several Luxury brand websites on topics such as Top 10 places to stay, top restaurants to visit, best attractions and more.
Banking Advisor Intern
RBC
02.2016 - 03.2017
- Quickly learned new skills and applied them to daily tasks, improving efficiency and productivity.
- Carried out day-day-day duties accurately and efficiently.
- Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed.
- Worked flexible hours; day, weekend, and holiday shifts.
- Increased customer satisfaction by resolving issues.
- Maintained energy and enthusiasm in fast-paced environment.
- Saw between 25 and 50 clients daily and addressed their banking needs.
- Collaborated with team members to achieve branch targets and improve overall performance.
- Developed strong rapport with clientele through active listening skills and empathetic understanding of their financial concerns.
- Extended and sustained relationships with customers to maintain and grow business.
Freelance Writer and Photographer, Web Content Manager, Volunteer
Hunters Bay Radio
01.2016 - 04.2017
- Utilized exceptional writing, editing and proofreading skills to produce engaging and error-free content specific to www.HuntsvilleToday.com.
- Organized material to research and complete writing tasks.
- Wrote and edited 3 to 5 high-quality stories weekly with exciting, captivating and authentic approach.
- Completed thorough research into assigned topics.
- Wrote and proofread blog posts, website copy and articles.
- Interviewed individuals by phone and in person.
- Took photos at events and to accompany stories.
- Managed successful blog, consistently publishing fresh content create a loyal reader base.
- Repurposed and optimized existing content for use in different mediums.
- Edited and proofread drafts of articles and other documents.
Multimedia Journalist
Sun Media
10.2011 - 01.2016
- Monitored website and social media traffic.
- Took photos for weekly newspaper stories.
- Edited photos and did page layout for publication.
- Proofread publications before press time.
- Interviewed individuals by phone and in person to write between 5 to 10 stories for weekly newspaper.
- Maintained extensive network of contacts to consistently provide content.
- Performed research and checked facts to maintain high standard of journalistic integrity.
- Pitched stories to editorial staff in content areas of news, sports and entertainment.
- Edited, proofread and fact-checked content for accuracy.
- Contributed to award-winning projects through exceptional teamwork and collaboration among journalists from different backgrounds.
- Streamlined news production processes by effectively managing deadlines and prioritizing assignments.
Freelance Writer
Self Employed
10.2008 - 10.2011
- Generated ideas for new content series or formats based on audience interests and market trends.
- Wrote advertising material for use by publication, broadcast or internet media to promote sale of goods and services.
- Conducted interviews with subject matter experts to generate topics.
- Consulted with editors to shape story and eliminate any errors.
- Interviewed individuals by phone and in-person to write news stories.
- Developed and pitched story ideas to editors.
- Edited and proofread drafts of articles and other documents.
- Wrote 10 to 15 pieces monthly on several topics.
Front Office Supervisor
Rocky Crest Resort
04.2009 - 10.2009
- Established and updated work schedules to account for changing staff levels and expected workloads.
- Conducted regular performance evaluations for front office staff to foster professional growth and development opportunities.
- Assisted guests with special requests, demonstrating excellent problem-solving skills and a commitment to customer satisfaction.
- Created, prepared, and delivered reports to various departments.
- Supervised and guided new employees and responded quickly to questions to improve understanding of job responsibilities.
Front Desk Representative
King William Inn
04.2008 - 03.2009
- Greeted guests at front desk and engaged in pleasant conversations while managing check-in process.
- Prepared weekly employee work schedules to meet operational needs.
- Streamlined reservation processes for increased efficiency and reduced booking errors.
- Maintained clean and organized front desk areas to uphold polished company image.
- Developed strong rapport with guests through friendly interactions and genuine interest in their well-being during their stay.
- Managed phone lines effectively, reducing hold times and directing calls appropriately for improved communication across departments.
Sports Desk/Freelance Writer
Ottawa Sun
03.2004 - 03.2007
- Generated ideas for new content series or formats based on audience interests.
- Organized material to research and complete writing tasks.
- Collaborated with editors to refine drafts, ensuring consistent tone and style across various platforms.
- Followed company policies and editorial guidelines to craft thorough, well-written content.
- Consulted with editors to shape story and eliminate any errors.
- Collaborated with illustrators and photographers to enhance content.
- Created content for websites and online publications.
- Developed and pitched story ideas to editors.
- Built, established and maintained relationships with sources.
- Studied and commented on current news and trends.
- Wrote and edited communications within assigned beat areas.
Education
Diploma - Journalism
Algonquin College of Applied Arts And Technology
Ottawa, Ontario01.2004
Skills
- Journalism
- Writing
- Copy Editing
- Leadership
- Social Media Communications
- Project Management
- Mentoring
- Team building
- Building and maintaining contacts/sources
- Online Marketing
- News/data research
- Contract Negotiation
Certification
Investment Funds in Canada
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
Italian
Elementary
Volunteering
Huntsville Soccer Club - Vice President, Adult Coordinator, Coach
May 2006 - Present
- Managing several aspects of the club including external communications, infrastructure growth, as well as being a voting position on the club's board of directors.
- Former Adult Coordinator in charge of two divisions year-round, organizing schedules, standings, events and internal/external communication.
- Coaching both outdoor and indoor youth development programs including house league and rep teams.
Hunters Bay Radio - Volunteer Podcast Host
Dec 2019 - Present
- Sourcing interviews, hosting show through carrying conversations and asking prudent questions, some audio editing
Muskoka United Football Club - Founding Board Member
Nov 2020 - Aug 2022
- This is a collaborative effort between the Huntsville and Bracebridge Soccer Clubs. Aided in the creation of the vision and mission statement, and developed communications plan, executed external communications and created initial website.
Huntsville/Lake of Bays Chamber of Commerce - Board of Directors - Director at large
May 2014 to January 2016
- Attended monthly meetings to help guide the Chamber's present and future
- Collaborated with other business people in the community on Chamber events
- Wrote press releases and increased media coverage of the Chamber
Paddle For Fairvern - Communications
January 2012 to September 2014
- Developed initial marketing materials for fundraising event
- Organized and hosted media events
- Wrote and distributed media releases
Timeline
Community Engagement Manager
Friends of the Muskoka Watershed
10.2020 - 10.2021
Freelance Columnist and Editor
Hunters Bay Radio
09.2020 - 03.2022
Contributing Writer
Riley Media Group
09.2020 - 09.2021
Founder, Editor, Contributor
Muskoka Unlimited
10.2019 - Current
Staff Writer
Dockside Publishing
03.2017 - Current
Banking Advisor Intern
RBC
02.2016 - 03.2017
Freelance Writer and Photographer, Web Content Manager, Volunteer
Hunters Bay Radio
01.2016 - 04.2017
Multimedia Journalist
Sun Media
10.2011 - 01.2016
Front Office Supervisor
Rocky Crest Resort
04.2009 - 10.2009
Freelance Writer
Self Employed
10.2008 - 10.2011
Front Desk Representative
King William Inn
04.2008 - 03.2009
Sports Desk/Freelance Writer
Ottawa Sun
03.2004 - 03.2007
Diploma - Journalism
Algonquin College of Applied Arts And Technology
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