Kathy E Gill Online Resume

Communications Consultant, 1985 - present.

Create and manage web sites, including design, content development or adaptation, site promotion; emphasis on developing accessible and useable sites. Projects include Fortune 50 Intranet customer needs assessment, site(s) redesign, focus groups and surveys; web site development for a privately held international forest products company; Washington state associations.

Provide columns, features stories, editorial services for publications, associations and businesses. Projects include annual reports, brochures, white papers, newsletters, slide show scripts, ad copy, press releases, speeches, testimonials, editorials, technical reports; manage publications from concept to printing and distribution.

Clients include advertising and public relations agencies, trade press, associations, agricultural cooperatives, issue management firms, Wall Street investment company, nonprofit organizations. Conduct workshops on effective business communication.

Project Examples

Information Architect/Consultant
Teamed with graphic artist to design new web site for major Northwest forest products company. Analyzed existing corporate site and content; identified audiences and developed audience survey for company to implement; developed site architecture to blend visitor and corporate goals. Managed conversion. Managed major content update when firm acquired another company.
Information Architect/Consultant
Teamed with graphic artist to re-design web site for international start-up. Led management through audience identification; developed use cases; translated artist concepts to web-safe, accessible design; coded prototype and production templates, under extreme deadline pressure.
Project Manager/Developer
For advocacy web site, coordinated development of art, ensuring that colors were browser-safe; re-purposed existing content; set site goals; identified site audiences. Developed prototype and executed production site. Interacted with six-person advisory committee composed of senior level managers from national and international forest products companies.
Technical Writer and Editor, IDG Books
- Technical editor for "Dummies" book about AOL6 for Windows.
- Wrote two chapters for The Internet Bible, second edition; one chapter concerned web development tools for the Macintosh and the other was the explanatory chapter for Netscape Navigator. Assisted on chapter for a separate Linux book.
- Wrote chapter on web development tools for IDG book slated to be published September 1999; served as technical editor on additional chapters. Book subsequently published by different firm.
Teaching/Training
- Teach one-day course in web usability each month for MediaPro, Macromedia authorized training facility in Woodinville.
- Part-Time Instructor, Highline Community College; taught IMP 202 and 203, Webmaster classes, introduction to web servers and designing interactive web sites.
- Technical Trainer, Bellevue Community College; Taught one-day class, Writing for the Web, two times per quarter. Top ranked trainer for the technical writing certificate.
- Adjunct Professor, Pacific Lutheran University; yaught Business Communication, required course for MBA students.

Instructor, Seattle Community Colleges, Seattle, WA, March 2001 to present.

For South, taught web metrics Spring 2001. Students explore techniques to track and disseminate information about web site visitors, from web server logs to cookies, in order to build more effective web sites and increase or direct traffic. This course also includes the elements of questionnaires, data, sampling, evaluation, and findings presentation.
For Central, developed curriculum and teach interface design (Spring 2001, Fall 2001, Spring 2002). This course explores the boundary that exists where man meets machine. Students learn the principles of design for understanding and usability; the tension between aesthetics and usability; how to analyze application tasks and functions; how to present complex functionality in a simplified manner; how to create a look and feel that is understandable and usable; and the importance of user feedback.
For Central, revised curriculum and teach advanced web design design (Spring 2001, Fall 2001, Winter 2002). This course explores the boundary that exists where man meets machine. Students learn the principles of design for understanding and usability; the tension between aesthetics and usability; how to analyze application tasks and functions; how to present complex functionality in a simplified manner; how to create a look and feel that is understandable and usable; and the importance of user feedback.
For Central, teach web authoring two (Fall 2001, Winter 2002). This course covers the mechanics of web page production, building on skills learned in web authoring one. Topics covered include document structure and site organization; text elements (form versus function); using tables for formatting; working with multimedia files; creating framesets; using cascading style sheets; using basic javascript; creating web sites that conform to validation parameters; creating web sites that are accessible; creating web sites that are cross-browser and cross-platform; understanding the how and why of XHTML. Focus is on creating HTML files ³by hand² with emphasis placed on web standards.

Associate (Usability Advocate), BEST Consulting, Kirkland, WA, January 2000 to February 2001.

For Boeing, Information Architect consultant advising the team developing Intranet web site for Boeing Commercial Airplane Group Information Services Vice President. Advised project team on site information architecture, interface, user identification, usability, user tasks; prepared site prototype and migrated prototype to production.
As project team Information Architect, developed a prototype web interface for a Visual Basic application fronting an Access database; application processes insurance claims in maritime industry.
As a project team Information Architect, analyzed syndicated content for Hardware.Com and made recommendations regarding styles and XML (DTDs) for converting Quark files for use on the company's web site.
As project team Information Architect, developed prototype web interface for an internal application for Microsoft; starting point for design was prototype Access application. Iterative design used to drive project requirements and functional specifications.
As a project team Technical Writer, assisted in development of Courseware Mark-Up Language.

Training Consultant, AT&T Wireless, National Business Ordering, Redmond, WA, April to December 1999. Employee of Codesic, Kirkland, WA.

Created product documentation and developed training materials for internal AT&T Wireless application (Java/COBRA) designed to integrate legacy systems by providing single GUI; three-tier architecture includes NT and HP/UX.
Delivered training to two core employee groups: customer support and system administration. Re-purposed training information for web delivery; scope ranged from end-user to system administrator.

Web Consultant, Intranet, The Boeing Company, DCAC/MRM, Renton, WA, January 1997 to March 1999. Employee of MediaPro, Bellevue, WA.

Identified and incorporated end user requirements into internal web sites supporting the DCAC/MRM program. Ensured web sites were accessible to all browsers and end users.
Conducted web site usability testing.
Coded for database-to-web delivery of mission critical information, including reverse-proxy server web site for FAA approvals of new business processes.
Developed ColdFusion applications using Access databases.
Wrote "how-to" guide to building web pages for internal Boeing "web help" site. Developed "help" guides for common web activities, such as downloading files in native format (Excel, Access, and Visio).
Advocate and subject matter expert for designing accessible web sites; invited to give three presentations to internal developer audiences.

Public Affairs Director, Northwest Pulp and Paper Association, Bellevue. 1990 - 1996.
Researched, developed and communicated association positions on proposed legislation and regulation, focusing on environmental issues; audiences include media, association members, legislators, regulatory agencies. Created periodic newsletter and advertising insert targeted to business decision-makers. Analyzed and rewrote technical documents. Developed press releases and background issue papers; association spokesperson. Liaison with allied national, regional associations and labor union grassroots organization. Managed office computer system; recommend hardware upgrades and oversaw software upgrades.

Conducted economic analysis of impact of restricted federal harvest on regional pulp and paper industry; used analysis to create testimony, written comments, Congressional letters and background material for lobbying effort by Pulp and Paperworkers Resource Council, a grassroots union organization.
Managed all aspects of 1993 Western Conference of Association Executives held in Seattle; directed a subcommittee of 12; coordinated trade show, meeting arrangements, sponsorships, off-site special events, program, budgets.
Secured passage of controversial legislation which provides four-year moratorium on new state regulations that are more stringent or proposed in advance of federal clean air act rules; required building coalitions, managing relationships.
Designed and authored award-winning publication highlighting industry environmental accomplishments. Publication distributed to member company employees.

Executive Director, Pennsylvania Association of Agricultural Cooperatives, Harrisburg. 1985 - 1989.
Reported to board of directors as contract consultant. Managed administration, budgeting and finance, legislative monitoring, public relations, membership retention and development, conference planning and volunteer training. Operating budget of approximately $175,000.

Established an association communications and identity program, including updated logo; implemented quarterly newsletter; produced first association annual report.
Top-ranked presenter for vocational agriculture teacher's program section at National Institute of Cooperative Education.
Created award-winning high school educational materials focused on cooperatives and the business system.

Information Specialist, Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, Harrisburg. 1984 - 1985.
Informed state and regional media about Department activities via news releases, press kits and interviews. Liaison with Governor's office while preparing agriculture-related testimony and speeches. Advised state dairy promotion board on public relations, advertising and producer communications.

Liaison between farmer-board and advertising agency; created newsletter to communicate program successes to financial supporters.

Communications Manager, Inter-State Milk Producers Cooperative, Southampton, Pennsylvania. 1980 - 1984.
Produced award-winning monthly membership magazine, monthly delegate newsletter, annual report, brochures, fact sheets, background publications. Developed and managed annual public relations budget. Managed media relations program, served as media spokesperson; directed member relations program. Planned meetings from 20 to 1000; wrote and delivered speeches to farm groups and other professional communicators. Supervised secretary and assistant.

Revised member leadership development program by soliciting and then implementing recommendations from 15-member committee of young farmer members of the cooperative.
Represented cooperative on national association advisory committees.
Created comprehensive community relations program for $2.3 million wastewater treatment plant expansion, including planning facility open house, coordinating with environmental agency and non-profit advocacy groups, developing collateral material and interfacing with local media.

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C O M P U T E R   S K I L L S

Cross-platform (Macintosh, Windows, *nix). Thorough knowledge of personal computing hardware and software, including word processing, spreadsheet, database, desktop publishing and web development software, such as:

Word, Excel, Access, Project, Powerpoint, Word Perfect, Claris Works
Pagemaker, Framemaker, Photoshop
BBEdit, HomeSite, Cold Fusion Studio, Dreamweaver, FrontPage, Netscape, Internet Explorer, Opera, AOL, CompuServe, Fetch, Outlook, Eudora, Pine, Lynx, Rumba

Type 70+ words a minute. Conduct workshops on Internet introduction and effective web sites. Demo Rep for Apple Computer, Channel Reps.
Languages: HTML; XHTML; XML; JavaScript.

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E D U C A T I O N

Master of Science
Agricultural economics. Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg.

Bachelor of Arts
Journalism with minor in agricultural economics. University of Georgia, Athens.

Associate of Arts
Journalism. Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College, Tifton, Georgia.

Environmental Public Relations, Public Relations Society of America seminar, Seattle.
Leadership Fellowship, Graduate Institute on Cooperative Leadership, University of Missouri-Columbia.
Leadership Fellowship, National Center for Food and Agricultural Policy, Resources for the Future, Washington, DC.
Leadership Shortcourse, Rural Leadership Development, The Pennsylvania State University.
Seminar, Effective Presentation Skills, American Management Associates.

Certifications
Washington Motorcycle Safety Program, 2000-2001
Certified instructor, Motorcycle Rider Course.

American Society of Association Executives, 1989-1999
Certified Association Executive professional accreditation; initial certification requires combination of non-profit management experience and demonstrated expertise in all areas of non-profit management - such as accounting and financial reporting, human resource management, board and volunteer relations, meeting planning, educational programming, public relations. Study Course comparable to business degree in non-profit management. Certification maintained via continuing professional education and involvement in professional organizations.

Dale Carnegie Inc., 1981-1997
Training and certification to serve as instructor for 12-week Dale Carnegie Course, Leader In You two-day management seminar, Employee/Customer Relations customized training.

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A W A R D S   A N D   R E C O G N I T I O N

2001: Digital Eve Seattle. Guest speaker, web usability.
PRFORUM. Named list manager for international discussion list.

2000: International WebGrrls Day Invited presenter on web usability.

1998: Public Relations Society of America. Judge for second annual technology competition.
Washington Society of Association Executives. Presentation: Community Building and the Web

1997: Agricultural Relations Council. Summer Conference Panelist: Reporters Use of the Internet
Public Relations Society of America. Judge for inaugural technology competition.
WWW6. Pre-conference presentation on usability and design; conference panel discussion on web design.

1996: HTML Writers Guild. Selected to serve on Governing Board.
Northwest Waste Expo Invited presentation, Using the Internet for Environmental Research.
Western Conference of Association Executives. Paper selected for presentation, How Small Associations are Using the Internet.

1994: Society for Technical Communication, Puget Sound Chapter. Award for Excellence.

1993: American Society of Association Executives. Gold Circle Certificate, meeting promotion.
Technical Association of the Pulp and Paper Industry. Environmental Division Best Paper, general topics.
Western Conference of Association Executives. Best In The West, one-time publication, total communications.

1992: American Society of Association Executives. Gold Circle Award, special one-time publication.
Puget Sound Chapter, Public Relations Society of America. Totem Award, special one-time publication.

1990: National Council of Farmer Cooperatives. First place, educational materials.

1989: American Society of Association Executives. Certified Association Executive.

1988: Cooperative Communicators Association. Second place, editorial.
National Council of Farmer Cooperatives. Second place, newsletter.

1987: National Council of Farmer Cooperatives. First place, newsletter.

1986: Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College. Outstanding Young Alumnus.

1985: National Council of Farmer Cooperatives. Third place, annual meeting promotional materials.

1984: Cooperative Communicators Association. Second place, column. Third place, editorial.
National Council of Farmer Cooperatives. First place, annual meeting promotional materials.
National Milk Producers Federation. Best of class, editorial. First place, annual report.

1983: Cooperative Communicators Association. Second place, column. Honorable mention, photography.
National Milk Producers Federation. Best of class, editorial. Second place, member magazine.

1982: Cooperative Communicators Association. Second place, editorial.
National Milk Producers Federation. Best of class, editorial.

1981: National Milk Producers Federation. Best of class, communications campaign.

1980: American Agricultural Economics Association. Paper selected for presentation at annual meeting.

1977: University of Georgia. Magna cum laude graduate with honors.

1975: Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College. Outstanding graduate.
Rotary Scholar at International Summer School, Oslo, Norway.

Consultant | Jobs | Tech Skills | Education | Awards & Recognition

This is an archived site. Please see ux.kegill.com or WiredPen or kegill.com

This is an archived site.
Please see ux.kegill.com or WiredPen or kegill.com