COLLEEN O’DEA
High Bridge,NJ
Summary
Detail-oriented writer/editor with a proven track record in reporting and data journalism. Recognized for exceptional organizational skills and the ability to manage complex projects effectively, delivering high-quality content that resonates with diverse audiences. Committed to leveraging innovative approaches to elevate content quality and drive audience engagement.
Overview
2026
2026
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Writer and Projects Editor
NJ Spotlight News
07.2011 - Current
- Responsible for impact-driven political and election coverage. General assignment reporting on other topics. Data analysis and graphics creation. Editor and manager of digital and video special reports and collaborative projects, with an emphasis on scheduling, deadline management, copy editing and layout. Served as coach and mentor of interns and help less senior reporters improve their skills. Adept at resource management using mostly free programs. Expert at Infogram, Datawrapper, Excel, Access, Word, Google suite, Tableau, WordPress.
Columnist
Patch
- Wrote a weekly column on local/state issues and politics. Also wrote news articles on issues involving the New Jersey Highlands Council.
General Assignment/CAR Reporter
Daily Record
- Computer-assisted reporting and projects work; concentrations in the Census and population, environment and land use, children’s and social issues. Data analysis and web-posting, including searchable databases. Also covered education, state government, politics, editor, CAR trainer.
Contributing Editor
New Jersey Reporter
- Public affairs magazine
Political Commentator
Reporters Roundtable and Caucus New Jersey
Reporter
United Press International
Correspondent
The Record
Education
Master’s Credits - English/Creative Writing
New York University, Graduate School of Arts And Sciences
New York, NYBA - English, Minor in Journalism
St. Peter’s College
Jersey City, NJSkills
- Social media use
- Content strategy
- Problem-solving aptitude
- Writing and editing
- Team collaboration
- Investigative research
- Self motivation
- Online news content
- Data visualization
- Deadline driven
- Adaptability
Affiliations
- Investigative Reporters and Editors
- National Institute for Computer-Assisted Reporting, frequent conference attendee
- Constitutional Officers Association of NJ, Reporters Roundtable, 2022-01-01, 2024-12-31, Moderator
- The Morning After election discussion, Rutgers University Eagleton Institute of Politics and remote, 2019-01-01, 2023-12-31, Panelist
- New Jersey Boys State annual conference, 2022-01-01, 2025-12-31, Speaker
- New Jersey Citizens Campaign Forum, 2013-04-01, Presenter, Why is Data Journalism Important
- New Jersey Future Redevelopment Forum, 2012-03-01, Presenter, Why a Good Communications Strategy Must Be a Part of Your Redevelopment Plan
- CAR Conference, 2006-03-01, Presenter, Latest in using Census data
Timeline
Senior Writer and Projects Editor
NJ Spotlight News
07.2011 - Current
General Assignment/CAR Reporter
Daily Record
Contributing Editor
New Jersey Reporter
Political Commentator
Reporters Roundtable and Caucus New Jersey
Reporter
United Press International
Correspondent
The Record
Columnist
Patch
Master’s Credits - English/Creative Writing
New York University, Graduate School of Arts And Sciences
BA - English, Minor in Journalism
St. Peter’s College
Fellowships
- Kiplinger Fellowship in Public Affairs Journalism, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 2012
- Journalism Fellowship in Child and Family Policy, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 2002-01-01, 2003-12-31
Awards
Radio Television Digital News Association: Regional Edward R. Murrow Investigative Reporting, New Jersey Press Association: Responsible Journalism – Public Service, Responsible Journalism – Enterprise, Newswriting Portfolio, Feature Writing Portfolio, Interpretive Writing., New Jersey Society of Professional Journalists: Enterprise/Series/Investigative Reporting, Online News Reporting, Online Feature Reporting, Tim O’Brien Award for investigative reporting., Publisher’s Award for Excellence, Daily Record., Selden Ring Award for Investigative Reporting., National Headliner Award: Public Service., Farfel Prize for Excellence in Investigative Reporting., Society of Professional Journalists’ Sigma Delta Chi Award: Public Service., Worth Bingham Prize: Honorable Mention., Associated Press Managing Editors Award for Public Service., Casey Journalism Center: Medal for Meritorious Journalism – Magazines., Best of Gannett: Investigative Reporting, Daily Enterprise, Project Enterprise., Brechner Center for Freedom of Information: Freedom of Information Award., Education Writers Association: Opinion, Investigative Reporting., NJ Developmental Disabilities Council.
Community Service
Church: Lector, former religious education teacher, Community: Hunterdon Medical Center volunteer; former Boy Scout merit badge counselor, den leader and committee member; former coach of soccer and junior bowling, School: Former PTSO treasurer
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