I’ve spent my career telling stories and helping others tell theirs. From my early days as a reporter at Wired to my current role as Managing Editor at Carnegie Mellon University Libraries, I’ve been fortunate to work at the intersection of technology, culture, and publishing.
What I Do Now
At CMU’s University Libraries, I lead editorial strategy and operations, managing everything from exhibit narratives to our oral history program. I’m also deeply involved in university publishing—I previously served as Editorial Director for ETC Press, where I helped shape books like Pamela McCorduck’s This Could Be Important and Creative Chaos: Learning Lessons on Inclusion & Innovation.
My Journey
My path started in a small town in northern Appalachia and wound through some incredible places. After earning my master’s from UC Berkeley’s Graduate School of Journalism, I jumped into the dot-com boom as a reporter and multimedia editor at Wired.com. Those early years taught me how technology was reshaping storytelling—a theme that’s defined my career.
I’ve worn many hats along the way:
- Co-authored Dungeons & Dreamers, exploring how computer games built global communities
- Led MIT’s Technology Review‘s web operations during the rise of digital journalism
- Built university programs as a professor at Ball State, where I co-founded the Center for Emerging Media Design + Development
- Founded The Geeky Press, growing it to a 800-member writing collective that published multiple anthologies
- Launched The Downtown Writers Jam Podcast, having long-form biographical conversations with writers
Editorial Leadership
My work spans traditional and digital publishing, from daily newspapers to university presses. I’ve written for Wired, Business 2.0, The Hollywood Reporter, and many others. But more importantly, I’ve helped build editorial teams and publishing programs that give others a platform to share their stories.
Current Projects
I’m always working on something new. Right now, that includes managing CMU’s oral history program and finishing So Far Appalachia, a memoir about my family’s life in rural America that was crowdfunded on Kickstarter.
Let’s Connect
I serve on the South by Southwest Interactive Programming Board and am a member of PEN America and the Association of Writers & Writing Programs. Always happy to connect with fellow writers, editors, and publishing folks.
💼 LinkedIn: You can find me on LinkedIn.
☕️ Coffee & 💻 Conversations: I’d love to explore how our shared interests in publishing, technology, and education are evolving. Let’s schedule a chat!