Reporter. Columnist. Public relations professional. Crisis communicator. Publications manager. Blogger. I've worn many hats, but they've all been cut from the same piece of felt. The common element that has linked all endeavors in my professional life is a desire to write. In sixth grade I was named managing editor of our classroom newspaper, and ever since I've been working with words.
As far as paying gigs go, my first job out of college was in a university PR office, where I did media relations, newsletter editing, magazine writing, and more. From there I moved on to a daily newspaper, covering the municipal governments and school districts in six towns, writing business stories, and filing a weekly personal column. I followed this up with a stint in trade journalism, writing and editing stories for a biweekly science newspaper. My first corporate job was doing editing and writing for an insurance company, and then I returned to higher education in a series of professionally more responsible positions in university communications. Most recently, I did marketing and media relations for a law firm.
Throughout my career I've scratched my writing itch by freelancing, until finally I realized that maybe those folks who say to do what you love and the money will follow aren't just blowing smoke. And so here I am, feeding my passion, doing what I most love to do -- working with words.
--Tom
Complete resume
Select experience
• Director of communications | university
• Marketing/media relations manager | law firm
• Senior editor | insurance company
• Staff writer and columnist | daily newspaper
• Associate editor | science newspaper
• Freelance writer and editor
Key attributes
• Quick turnaround
• Clean copy
• Clear, concise expression of complex
concepts
• Professionalism and dedication to client
service
Education
• M.B.A.
• B.A. (English)
Additional contacts
• AIM, Yahoo! Messenger | twdurso
• Twitter | @tomdurso
Blogs
• The Campus Flack
• Poor Richard's Scorecard
Favorite baseball team
• The world-champion Phillies!