RESUMÉ
Work History
SR. PROGRAM AND COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER, PALO ALTO NETWORKS
March 2023 - Current
As Senior Program Manager for Palo Alto Networks’ global online community, I lead key projects, develop programs, and manage our communications strategy. I am a leader in achieving ambitious goals, deftly managing moving parts and people, and cultivating healthy and productive relationships with cross-functional stakeholders and partners. My work ensures strategic business objectives are successfully met and initiatives are aligned with the efforts of our global IT and customer success goals.
SR. DIGITAL EDITOR, PALO ALTO NETWORKS
April 2021 - March 2023
I managed the Editorial and Communications strategies for Palo Alto Networks' LIVEcommunity platform in alignment with the Global Customer Success team. Duties included developing and maintaining editorial standards and strategy; staying abreast of news, trends, and advancements in cybersecurity; managing the team's communications and outreach plans; nurturing community engagement among all global audiences and stakeholders; implementing SEO best practices; and supporting all of the company's digital-first and community-forward initiatives.
FREELANCER, JERILYN FORSYTHE LLC
September 2019 - Present
As versatile and digitally savvy freelancer, I wear many hats. Projects include feature writing for trade publications, communications consulting, SEO-focused writing and media production, editing books and long-form narratives, and content strategy.
DIGITAL ASSOCIATE EDITOR, 5280
May 2015 - August 2019
A senior editor on the digital team, I co-directed 5280.com's editorial strategy. I assigned, edited, and published anywhere from 10 to 20 articles a week, acting as gatekeeper for the website's standards of excellence with a meticulous eye for tone, content, style, readability, SEO, and accuracy. I also produced an award-nominated daily newsletter with 20,000-plus engaged subscribers; managed two junior staffers as well as the department's intern program; and wrote a personal essay that helped win a National Magazine award—the highest in the industry.
DIGITAL ASSISTANT EDITOR, 5280
May 2013 - May 2015
The founder of 5280 Publishing's editorial social media strategy, I managed the company's Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, Vimeo and Youtube. These platforms would go on to collect a cumulative following in the hundreds of thousands. In addition to managing 5280.com's daily editorial calendar, I also shot, produced, and edited dozens of videos. When a department head took a months-long leave of absence, I successfully stepped into the leadership role, including overseeing budgetary and managerial operations.
DIGITAL-EDITORIAL INTERN, 5280
January 2013 - May 2013
Wrote articles for print and digital publication, fact-checked longform features, performed interviews and reporting, and filmed and edited videos for publication.
HEALTH & SOCIAL ISSUES REPORTER, CRONKITE NEWS SERVICE
May 2012 - August 2012
A beat reporter on Capitol Hill, IÂ attended press conferences and bureaucratic meetings, developed inside sources, and interviewed state and national officials such as senators, representatives, and federal employees. Wrote about complex issues such as the Affordable Care Act and Medicaid on a regular basis, and excelled in translating jargon into interesting and digestible information for the public.
Walter Cronkite School of Journalism
MASTER'S IN JOURNALISM & MASS COMMUNICATIONS
Completed rigorous "bootcamp" in print, digital, and broadcast mediums. Specialized in print and digital media journalism, which included learning HTML, newspaper- and magazine-style writing, journalistic ethics, investigate reporting, and video production.
Arizona State University
BACHELOR'S IN POLITICAL SCIENCE
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Dean's List. Double-minor in Justice Studies and African American Studies. Member of Phi Alpha Delta (pre-law fraternity) and Womyn's Coalition. Interned for Gina's Team, a nonprofit that advocates for prison reform. Received rare permission to interview inmates and film inside the facility.