Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Websites
Timeline
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Erin Kotecki Vest

Summary

Dynamic media leader with a proven journalism and marketing track record. Excelling in content creation and digital marketing strategies. Recognized for six Golden Mic awards, I leverage effective communication and project management skills to drive impactful storytelling and engage diverse audiences. Passionate about elevating voices and fostering community connections.

Overview

29
29
years of professional experience

Work History

Journalist, Producer, Media and Marketing Leader

Freelance
Montreal And Los Angeles
02.2012 - Current
  • I wrote, researched, edited, and produced content for broadcast, print, and online publications.
  • Researched current events to ensure accurate and timely reporting.
  • Led marketing, program, and product management efforts as chair of an American expat organization in Canada.
  • Developed relationships with local officials and community leaders for insights, including acting as a temporary press secretary for a former U.S. Ambassador to Canada, Bruce Heyman.
  • Directed comprehensive fundraising initiatives and grant writing for national outreach campaigns.
  • Oversaw traditional and digital marketing strategies with a substantial budget across Canada.
  • Ensured that Americans in Canada were informed about registration and voting procedures through targeted advertising.
  • Developed media materials and conducted interviews with local and national outlets including CBC and BBC.
  • Provided digital media training and social strategy for clients like Alicia Keys and the Disney Corporation.
  • Delivered international public speaking engagements at events such as SXSW Interactive. Politics Online, the University of Nevada, Reno, School of Journalism, and many others.
  • Contributed industry insights to best-selling publications, including works by Brian Solis and Shel Israel.

Project Manager, News and Political Director

BlogHer, Inc.
Los Angeles
01.2006 - 02.2012
  • I helped spearhead online video and editorial initiatives aimed at developing and raising the profiles of BlogHer’s 100M-plus community members, making the site a defining force for women’s voices and perspectives.
  • Produced, directed, wrote, and occasionally hosted online video for clients such as Macy’s and Tropicana. Including actress Kyra Sedgwick and the Food Network’s 'Pioneer Woman,' Ree Drummond.
  • As Political Director, I briefed White House and Congressional personnel on ways to reach and engage women online, skillfully presenting White Paper findings.
  • I was honored to be invited to the White House not only to brief senior staff on the critical engagement of women via the web, but also to attend the first-ever Twitter Town Hall, an intimate economic roundtable for influencers, and once again to brief senior staff, this time with her husband and children in tow, discussing the importance of accessible healthcare for families struggling with a disabled or chronically ill loved one.
  • Managed multiple projects with competing deadlines simultaneously.
  • Developed and maintained project plans, timelines, and budgets.
  • Built and established strong partnerships with teams, vendors and contractors.

Reporter, Anchor, Writer, Producer

KFWB Los Angeles
Los Angeles
08.1999 - 03.2003
  • Achieved recognition with six Golden Mic awards for Best Live Coverage and Investigative Reporting.
    Provided live coverage of critical events such as 9/11, Academy Awards, Emmys, and Grammys.
  • Reported on daily news from City Hall, governors, mayors, and major disasters.
    Executed rapid decision-making to ensure effective news dissemination during breaking events.
  • Arranged and produced interviews with prominent individuals for comprehensive stories.
  • Contributed local stories from Los Angeles to CNN Radio and CNN International platforms.
    Enhanced public awareness through detailed reporting on significant happenings.

Co-Anchor, Reporter, Writer, Producer

WDBO Orlando
Orlando
05.1996 - 07.1999
  • Produced and co-anchored afternoon news, delivering live updates from politicians, police, fire departments, celebrities, and more.
  • Conducted quick live shots for ABC Radio and ABCtv National News to capture breaking stories.

Education

Journalism major, English minor

Michigan State University
East Lansing, Michigan

Skills

  • Content creation and management
  • Digital marketing strategies
  • Project management expertise
  • Effective communication skills
  • Public relations and media outreach
  • Research and fact-checking
  • Data analysis proficiency
  • Podcast and broadcast production
  • Television presenting skills
  • Investigative reporting techniques
  • Writing and editing proficiency
  • Public speaking abilities
  • Search engine optimization strategies
  • Editorial judgment and ethics
  • Crisis management expertise
  • Team collaboration and mentoring

Accomplishments

Winner of six Golden Mic Awards with Los Angeles news institution KFWB News 980.

Timeline

Journalist, Producer, Media and Marketing Leader

Freelance
02.2012 - Current

Project Manager, News and Political Director

BlogHer, Inc.
01.2006 - 02.2012

Reporter, Anchor, Writer, Producer

KFWB Los Angeles
08.1999 - 03.2003

Co-Anchor, Reporter, Writer, Producer

WDBO Orlando
05.1996 - 07.1999

Journalism major, English minor

Michigan State University
Erin Kotecki Vest