JESSICA D. MATTHEWS
HAWLEY,PA
Summary
Pulitzer Prize semi-finalist and accomplished communications leader with a master’s degree in Print Journalism and over 30 years of experience in multimedia management, investigative reporting, writing, editing, and proofreading. Specializing in health care communication, with a proven track record of producing award-winning content that highlights health care innovation, advocacy, and the impact of health care services on communities. Skilled in AI technologies for efficiency and driving audience engagement through strategic content planning, digital content strategy, SEO optimization, and multimedia storytelling. Adept at managing cross-functional teams, overseeing content development across both digital and print platforms, and collaborating with executive leadership to craft impactful messaging. Expertise in researching and writing on health care systems, medical research, business trends and news, governments, and policies, with significant success in leading investigative pieces. Ready to apply leadership, creativity, and strategic communication expertise to further advance organizations’ missions and community impact.
Overview
29
29
years of professional experience
Work History
Staff Writer, Office of the President,
The Wright Center for Community Health
Scranton, PA
01.2024 - Current
- Collaboratively oversees The Wright Center's (TWC) social media platforms, driving audience growth (a 600% increase) and engagement through strategic content planning and execution.
- Proficient in leveraging AI technologies to enhance content creation, data analysis, and communication strategies. Experienced in using AI-driven tools for content optimization, predictive analytics, and automating repetitive tasks to increase efficiency and accuracy. Skilled in implementing AI-powered chatbots, natural language processing (NLP), and machine learning algorithms to improve user engagement, streamline workflows, and generate actionable insights for decision-making. Knowledgeable in staying current with advancements in AI, ensuring that AI solutions align with organizational goals, enhance customer experiences, and provide competitive advantages in content-driven industries.
- Regularly updates TWC’s website with patient and staff articles, credential updates, new facilities, and staffing changes, to maintain a dynamic and informative digital presence.
- Manages and updates doctors’ profiles on platforms such as Doximity and Healthgrades, ensuring accurate and professional representation.
- Achieved unprecedented success with TWC's award nominations, earning recognition from prominent state and national health organizations.
- Authored five successful abstract submissions for national and state health care conferences in 2024, including the Joint Commission's Health Equity Symposium and the National Association of Community Health Centers Community Health Institute (CHI) and Expo. Topics were: Leveraging Collective Impact Strategies to address opioid use disorder and public health crises; Programming for the Social Contract Innovations in patient care and education; Breaking Barriers Advancing breast cancer screening and health care efficiency; Proactive Pathway Transforming care through comprehensive screenings; and Leading Into Light TWC’s journey toward excellence as a Graduate Medical Education Safety-Net Consortium.
- Developed and executed dozens of multimedia campaigns and news packages for TWC's website and social media platforms, incorporating audio and video interviews and showcasing TWC’s high-level accomplishments, enhancing brand recognition and outreach.
- Researches and writes on diverse topics, including academic research, faculty achievements, Graduate Medical Education milestones, patients, and providers. Authored dozens of stories that appeared in local, state, and national publications, and aired on radio and television stations, highlighting service lines and advocacy efforts in organ donations, geriatrics, HIV/AIDS care, recovery services, pediatrics/primary care, and physical medicine, and demonstrating exceptional storytelling abilities that contributed to TWC's reputation as a leader in health care innovation and advocacy.
- Created a digital media kit for TWC’s newsroom, highlighting the organization’s mission, expertise, and services.
- Produced high-quality print and digital materials, including newsletters, brochures, and multimedia news packages.
- Partners with executive leadership and cross-departmental teams to develop collaborative communication strategies and mission-aligned messages for various internal and external initiatives.
- Works closely with executive leadership and other department leaders to craft speeches and talking points for interviews, conferences, presentations, ribbon-cuttings, community events, and other communications.
- Manages multiple assignments and projects with varying timelines, demonstrating flexibility and efficiency in meeting deadlines.
- Engages with individuals and departments across the organization to produce high-quality deliverables tailored to internal, external, regional, and national audiences.
- Acts as a progressive thinker in strategic communication and engagement, ensuring campaigns increased reach and audience engagement.
- Contributes to building a cohesive brand experience in colleague communications and consumer marketing efforts.
- Developed and edited print and electronic materials, including annual reports, alumni magazines, Market Tax Credit booklets, newsletters, brochures, flyers, reports, and posters.
- Leverages excellent interpersonal abilities to maintain productive interactions and align deliverables with organizational goals.
- Demonstrates continued expertise in storytelling, writing, and communication to connect with diverse audiences effectively.
Metro Editor,
The Times-Tribune
Scranton, PA
03.2011 - 09.2024
- Led groundbreaking investigative projects from concept to publication, resulting in significant public impact including: exposed lead-tainted water, asbestos, and administrative coverups in the Scranton School District, leading to state charges; investigated former Scranton mayor’s scheme, resulting in federal imprisonment; exposed abuses in Scranton's fire and DPW departments, Lackawanna County government corruption (leading to lengthy federal prison sentences), and illegal double pensions costing taxpayers over $3 million; uncovered $138,000 theft by a former NEIU executive director, resulting in federal prison sentence; and exposed illegal billing practices at health care facilities, triggering federal and state investigations.
- Supervised up to 25 reporters, photographers, and staff at the height of circulation (88,000 daily) and managed the transition to a leaner team of 13 during reduced circulation (38,000 daily) by restructuring coverage and schedules to maximize efficiency. Conducted regular performance evaluations, delegated assignments, and tracked deadlines.
- Employed SEO techniques and crafted compelling headlines and summaries, increasing digital news subscribers by 30%-40% annually and achieving a 60%-65% increase in conversion ratios. Posted, promoted, and engaged audiences on social media platforms, fostering dialogue and soliciting reader submissions. Developed interactive Caspio databases to enhance data-driven storytelling.
- Edited and revised content for accuracy, clarity, and adherence to legal and ethical standards, following Associated Press and local style guides. Provided detailed editorial feedback and monthly writing critiques for four newspapers, improving overall content quality. Selected and edited photos and videos, contributed to layout designs, and proofread and evaluated pages for publication.
- Led daily editorial meetings and weekly brainstorming sessions to foster collaboration among reporters, photographers, graphic artists, and editors. Guided the development of investigative projects and online-only content layers.
- Won 38 national and state reporting awards (2004-2008), including for investigative pieces on Maxi Staff, Megan's Law public website issues, and Lackawanna County Prison abuses. Achievements include Pulitzer Prize Semi-Finalist for Investigative Reporting on Maxi Staff, National Livingston Award Finalist, and Pennsylvania Associated Press Managing Editors Best of Show and Public Service Awards.
Business Editor,
The Times-Tribune
Scranton, PA
02.2009 - 03.2011
- Directed daily business reporting for the front page and eight-page business section for four print publications and their websites. Led enterprise coverage in Sunday Business Weekly, reaching over 150,000 readers.
- Supervised a team of five business and health care reporters, assigning and editing stories to ensure high-quality, impactful journalism.
- Developed new coverage areas in health care, personal finance, banking, and retail, driving in-depth, hard-hitting reporting.
- Produced annual 60-page Outlook special sections on the local economy, recognized statewide and nationally for excellence in reporting and writing. Conceptualized the theme and promotional campaign collaboratively with the advertising and marketing departments. Managed a complex and tight production schedule with staggered deadlines for stories, photos, videos, audio, and graphics. Worked closely with graphic artists and photographers to design an engaging cover and other elements. Organized annual economic forums, selecting and coordinating local and state business, government, education, nonprofit, and community leaders and industry experts. Edited all content, oversaw layout development, and proofread final pages for accuracy and impact.
Special Projects Editor,
The Times-Tribune
Scranton, PA
04.2008 - 02.2009
- Conceptualized, assigned, and edited in-depth investigative projects, Sunday front-page packages, and special sections, ensuring comprehensive, engaging, compelling and urgent coverage.
- Partnered with copy editors, photographers, graphic artists, and other departments during the planning and production stages to create cohesive and impactful stories.
- Authored investigative articles and weekly In-Sites column, delivering insightful and engaging content.
- Conducted hands-on training for staff in advanced computer-assisted reporting techniques including: building and managing databases, using Access and advanced Excel for data analysis, and creating detailed maps and visualizations to enhance storytelling.
Bureau Chief / Staff Writer,
The Times-Tribune
Scranton, PA
07.1999 - 04.2008
- Reported extensively on health care, politics, education, courts, crime, and county/municipal governments, delivering urgent, insightful, and comprehensive coverage.
- Developed advanced investigative and computer-assisted reporting skills, leading to the creation of a dedicated investigative reporting beat.
- Investigated and exposed numerous illegal and corrupt activities including: Maxi Staff - uncovered illegal employee recruitment tactics by a local employment agency; Lackawanna County Prison - revealed systemic corruption and misconduct; and state and local government scandals - resulted in federal charges and legislative reforms.
- Designed and produced the award-winning Grading Our Schools special section, evaluating academic performance across 37 public school districts using SPSS for linear regression analysis.
- Supervised two regional bureaus, each with a team of three reporters, expanding coverage in high-growth readership areas and strengthening the publication’s regional presence.
Reporter,
The Pocono Record
Stroudsburg, PA
07.1997 - 07.1999
- Reported on education, health care, politics, and county / municipal / state governments for this Ottaway-owned, 25,000-circulation daily newspaper in the Poconos.
- Earned six statewide awards, including recognition for investigative reporting that uncovered a hantavirus-related death.
Reporter,
The Reporter Dispatch (The Journal News)
White Plains, NY
08.1995 - 07.1997
- Covered crime and courts, education, health care, municipal governments, and general assignments for this Gannett-owned, 250,000-circulation daily newspaper covering Westchester, Putnam, and Rockland counties and the New York metro / tri-state (New York, Connecticut, and New Jersey).
- Promoted in 1996 to the Bronxville Bureau to cover the upscale village and surrounding municipalities, providing in-depth local reporting.
Education
Master of Science - Print Journalism
Boston University College of Communication
Boston, MABachelor of Science - Political Science
Mount Holyoke College
South Hadley, MASkills
- Verbal and written communication
- Storytelling
- Leadership and management
- Analytical and critical thinking
- Social media expertise
- AI technologies proficiency
- Proofreading proficiency
- Press release writing
- Style guide adherence
- SEO
- Fact-checking accuracy
- Strong research skills
- Data interpretation
- Audience engagement
- Brand voice consistency
- Collaborative attitude
- Media relations
- Multimedia integration
References
- Jim Reeser, City Editor, The Citizens' Voice, 570-498-3172
- David Singleton, former Staff Writer, The Times-Tribune, 570-815-9250
- Sarah Hofius Hall, Multimedia Reporter, WVIA, 570-445-1927
Additional references and work experiences available upon request.
Timeline
Staff Writer, Office of the President,
The Wright Center for Community Health
01.2024 - Current
Metro Editor,
The Times-Tribune
03.2011 - 09.2024
Business Editor,
The Times-Tribune
02.2009 - 03.2011
Special Projects Editor,
The Times-Tribune
04.2008 - 02.2009
Bureau Chief / Staff Writer,
The Times-Tribune
07.1999 - 04.2008
Reporter,
The Pocono Record
07.1997 - 07.1999
Reporter,
The Reporter Dispatch (The Journal News)
08.1995 - 07.1997
Master of Science - Print Journalism
Boston University College of Communication
Bachelor of Science - Political Science
Mount Holyoke College
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