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What do you do?
I lead the night news copy desk. I monitor and facilitate page/copy flow. I coach copy editors. I recruit candidates. I put out fires. I light fires under people's feet. I empower copy editors, and encourage communication and respect across the newsroom. I occasionally slot and copy edit stories. I worry about making deadline and try to make that happen. I attend lots of meetings. I try to make people think and laugh.

How did you get your job?
My initial contact with this paper occurred two years or so before I came to work here. Carolyn Callison Murray, who taught and worked at the J-School, asked where I was working and what I was doing. I wasn't ready to change jobs then; but when I was ready, I got in touch with her. The normal interview process ensued, and here I am at the beach.

Best professional lesson learned at the J-School?
(1) Network. Stay in touch with as many J-School professors and alumni as you can bear. (2) Stay on top of your game by joining professional organizations, subscribing to professional journals. Read publications other than your own. Remember you're a journalist first, then a specialist.

What are you working on currently?
I only recently began working here, so I'm primarily working on learning the ropes. I am beginning the process of hiring a copy editor. I also am working on improving advance-section copy flow, in large part to give the copy editors more time to do the work they're trained and eager to do.

What do you consider to be your greatest professional achievements?
Learning to listen. Learning to pick my battles. (Both an ongoing process.) Knowing when to stay put and when it was time to move on. Choosing to work here.

What makes you good at your job?
I work hard at being a good leader. I'm a quick thinker, good at decision-making and multi-tasking. I'm organized, I'm smart, and I love to learn new things. I try to be fair and reasonable.

What did you want to be as a kid?
A veterinarian.

What is one thing you wished you had done?
Joined the Peace Corps.

What is something about you that might surprise people?
I am possibly the world's oldest N'Sync fan.