Professional History

Professional Overview, History & References

for Carrie Swearingen

Marketing & Media Strengths
Recognized Author & Journalist, National Press Coverage Success, Hands-On Material Design, Company Image Change Implementation, Detailed Research and Source Gathering, Electronic Media Savvy, Web Content Writing with SEO Focus, Media Training; Experience Spans Small Businesses to Major TV and Radio Networks

Media Experience
Television, Radio, Cable, Internet, Social Media, Video, CD/DVD Mass Production, Web Design/Navigation, Celebrity Management, Broadcast E-mail Systems, Spokesperson, Crisis Management, Material Design (all formats), Media Training

Computer Expertise
Quark XPress, PhotoShop, Word, Bacon’s Media Source, digital movie production programs, current certification pending in InDesign, variety of other programs

Affiliations
Society of Children's Book Writers & Illustrators, Member since 2007

Catholic Press Association, Member since 1999, Freelancer Writer's Committee

Morgan Park Academy, Chicago, Alumni Board Chair, 2009-2010

Morgan Park Academy, Chicago, Board of Trustees, Ex-Officio; Admissions & Marketing Committee, 2009-2010

Volunteer, for a variety of social and civic organizations such as the YMCA, schools, and children's centers

Work History
2003 -Present
President • Swearingen Media

Senior writer and marketing consultant serving a number of national and local publications and clients. Work has included award-winning feature articles for national publications, ongoing articles for annual publications and web sites at leading Big 10 universities, speech writing for prominent business leaders, travel writing for Web sites, and a children's book that is being reviewed by a literary agency. Marketing consultation for companies has included long-range planning, media design and recommendations (radio, TV, print, billboard, Internet, social media), focus groups, brochures, logos, branding, photography, and image campaigns.

1998-2003
Director of Communications • Catholic Extension
The Largest Supporter of Missionary Work in America
$24 million organizational budget
All web, radio, TV, and print design, planning and implementation
Stories to hundreds of publications and broadcast outlets throughout the world
Regularly syndicated articles in News USA, NAPS and CNS
Produced Gabriel Award-nominated video Amazing Grace: An American Missionary Journal
Organization’s spokesperson and crisis management officer

Producer • Extension Line with Monsignor Ken Velo
Nationally Syndicated Radio Program 1999-2001; 9 Major Markets, 11 secondary markets

Freelance Writer • Magazines, Newspapers, News Services & Syndication
For more than 65 publications throughout the U.S., often with photography credits; regular contributing writer to national news services including NewsUSA and Catholic News Service

1991-1998
Marketing Manager • YMCA
Designed all print/broadcast advertising and publications, managed special events, coordinated deadlines and information from eight departments

1988-1991
Coordinator, Affiliate Relations • Fox Broadcasting Company
Coordination of programs and promotions on 42 midwest affiliate TV stations, celebrity management for affiliate events (Johnny Depp, Holly Robinson, Damon Wayans, Katey Sagal, Jim Carey); assistant at Emmy Awards in Pasadena and TV Hall of Fame Awards in Los Angeles

1988 and Prior
Associate Producer • Super Spots
Research Associate • Strategic Media Research
Publicity Assistant • Chicago Jazz and Blues Festivals
Announcer • NPR Radio Affiliate, WGLT
B.S., Mass Communications • Illinois State University

References
Thom Duncan
Director of Publications, Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University

847-467-2717

Anne Most
Former Vice President, Leo Burnett, USA

708-482-0924

Dick Ritter
Retired Vice President, Catholic Extension

708-456-3906

Steve Kloehn
Former Editor, Metro, Chicago Tribune

Current VP of News & Public Affairs, University of Chicago

773-702-8360