JOANNAH THOMAS
Bellingham,WA
Summary
To meaningfully apply my creative, organizational and leadership skills to a role where service, community and communication intersect. To make significant positive impact each day. To be always learning.
My strengths are my ability to resolve complex challenges by taking clear actions, my ability to evolve, and my constant presence and engagement with the work. My practice and experience is rooted in collaboration, positivity, foresight and an ability to see the bigger picture as well as the finest details. My work as a Producer spans film, broadcast, digital, advertising, music, documentary, new technology and new media – leading to a truly integrated approach. I have a depth of knowledge built from experience - facing and solving a vast amount of diverse challenges, large and small. I work hard and well with everyone, striving always to embody the pure spirit of Aloha.
Creative professional with strong track record in delivering impactful business solutions and working well with teams. Adept at strategic planning, data analysis, and process improvement. Known for fostering team collaboration and adapting to evolving project needs. Brings expertise in client relations, problem-solving, and driving measurable results.
Overview
30
30
years of professional experience
Work History
Consultant
Storytelling, Marketing and Brand Consultant
01.2017 - Current
- Create and deliver successful branding and digital marketing strategies for numerous independent businesses: Wailuku Coffee Co, Social Media Relations, Wind Poppy Farms, Sasquatch Greenhouses, and more.
- Built 3 separate, successful independent businesses on the island of Maui, HI:
- Cowgirl Coffee Maui - Goal is to serve and provide space for local community and create jobs especially for underserved populations, while also providing world-class service and maintaining impeccable standards.
- Branding & Marketing Consultancy - Provide strategic thought-leadership and a roadmap to success for local independent businesses through creative brand development and online marketing. Specialized attention and care given to the unique needs of each business. Private clients only.
- Big Tree Woodworks – Goal is to create and maintain highest quality construction, finish carpentry, and beautiful artistic pieces and spaces that are built to last. Works with native wood as well as imported.
Director of Community Outreach & Communications
Children of the Setting Sun Productions
12.2023 - 11.2024
- Developed community engagement strategies to enhance outreach effectiveness and foster partnerships with Native organizations & salmon habitat conservation nationally.
- Led more than 20 initiatives and planned 8 large-scale events to increase volunteer participation, fundraising, and strengthening community involvement and support.
- Designed and implemented project management systems for staff and volunteers, improving service delivery quality.
- Led and delivered creative content concepts and production for website, social media, film screenings and marketing initiatives.
- Managed budgets and resources effectively to maximize the reach of outreach programs.
Executive Producer, Custom Content
Pandora
01.2013 - 01.2017
- Built an innovative creative and production practice to deliver Original Programming on Pandora
- Strategically led and aligned a cross-functional and cross-disciplinary creative, production and development team to greatness. Hired and taught a team of 12 highly effective producers to deliver complex work, quickly.
- Built and evolved new and existing technologies and station types to deliver ever-better programs for listeners. Improved Analytics, increased data-driven strategic insights to inform programming.
- Delivered several types of first-ever listening programs on Pandora – Podcasts, Documentaries, Interviews, Sessions, Live-streams, Videos, Radio Shows, and more.
- Successfully navigated and evolved the complex space where music, creative, and technology intersect.
Head of Digital Production
TBWA Media Arts Lab (Apple)
01.2011 - 01.2012
- Closely managed industry-leading digital production teams and all work for Apple brand online in both Los Angeles and London, working to ensure consistency across all global markets.
- Pitched, won, developed, and successfully delivered a new and ongoing iTunes business program in 2010
- Hired and managed dedicated, specialized global teams and created new processes to deliver this program.
- Eliminated Adobe Flash from our practice + began working in new cutting-edge HTML5 technology without any loss in delivery or creative quality.
- Worked closely with creative, planning, and clients to deliver constant innovation and excellence for Apple.
- Successfully launched more than 50 online campaigns per quarter for Apple music brands.
Bristol Bay Deck Boss
Mark Mackiewicz, F/V Dancer, F/V Steelhead, F/V Deco Bay
06.1995 - 09.2011
- Led and supervised all deck operations ensuring compliance with safety regulations and company policies.
- Coordinated crew activities to optimize efficiency during marine loading and unloading processes.
- Mentored junior staff on best practices for equipment handling and maritime safety protocols.
- Hydraulic crane operation, fleet management, hospitality + supply delivery for fleet, nautical navigation, oversaw quality + temperature of fresh fish deliveries.
- Collaborated with the Captain to develop effective fishing plans, utilizing real-time data and previous experience for optimal results.
Senior Producer
TBWA Media Arts Lab
01.2009 - 01.2011
- Directed workflow and process for all digital Apple Brand projects in Europe.
- Hired, trained and managed a new digital production team for our London office (14 people). Successfully launched over 50 online campaigns per quarter for the Apple brand.
- Ensured flawless results across all brand initiatives and within established budgets and timelines.
- Provided technical and digital expertise on-set and in post for countless tv and web ad campaigns for Apple.
- Worked collaboratively with broadcast and print teams.
- Constantly improved workflow and process to be most effective.
- Successfully launched over 30 brand campaigns for Apple brands online.
Filmmaker, Editor
Roadtrip Nation
02.2005 - 04.2006
- Filmed and edited a 12 episode series for PBS. Travelled the USA in a motor home, documented the journey, and interviewed remarkable leaders around the country, edited and delivered final cuts of all episodes.
Lead Producer & Editor
Road Trip Nation
01.2005 - 01.2006
- Executed filming of a traveling documentary series.
- Six week shoot took place in over 40 cities across the US and Canada. Shot all footage using HD cameras.
- Edited down thousands of hours of footage to deliver 12 30-minute episodes which ultimately aired as part of an ongoing 12-part PBS series, “Roadtrip Nation”
Filmmaker, Editor
Pomona College
01.2003 - 04.2004
- Created, filmed, screened a documentary film called What it Means to be Wild - a 24 minute film about the Wild Salmon Fishery in Alaska, and the threat to survival that the farmed fish industry poses. Awarded grants to fund filming and editing. Filmed while working on fishing boats during the summer of 2003.
Education
Bachelor of Fine arts - Media Studies And Documentary Film
Pomona College
Claremont, CA06.2004
International Baccalaureate Degree - 6 subjects
Atlantic College
Wales, UK06.1999
Skills
- Proactive self-starter
- Collaborator Leader Maker Do-er and Thinker
- Proficient in all Mac-based programs
- Works well within budgets and timelines
- Problem-solving
- Attention to detail
- Team leadership & development
- Client relationships
- Integrity and honesty
- Analytical thinking
- Continuous improvement
- Project management
- Change management
- Process optimization
- Collaborative, Thoughtful Decision-making
- Verbal and written communication
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Writer Cook Mother Filmmaker Runner Musician Fisherwoman Traveler Nautical skills Construction and building skills
Timeline
Director of Community Outreach & Communications
Children of the Setting Sun Productions
12.2023 - 11.2024
Consultant
Storytelling, Marketing and Brand Consultant
01.2017 - Current
Executive Producer, Custom Content
Pandora
01.2013 - 01.2017
Head of Digital Production
TBWA Media Arts Lab (Apple)
01.2011 - 01.2012
Senior Producer
TBWA Media Arts Lab
01.2009 - 01.2011
Filmmaker, Editor
Roadtrip Nation
02.2005 - 04.2006
Lead Producer & Editor
Road Trip Nation
01.2005 - 01.2006
Filmmaker, Editor
Pomona College
01.2003 - 04.2004
Bristol Bay Deck Boss
Mark Mackiewicz, F/V Dancer, F/V Steelhead, F/V Deco Bay
06.1995 - 09.2011
Bachelor of Fine arts - Media Studies And Documentary Film
Pomona College
International Baccalaureate Degree - 6 subjects
Atlantic College
AWARDS, ETC.
Pandora, Telly Award for Online Documentary 2016 “Odesza”, IAC Award for Best Music Integrated Ad Campaign “Ford Country Built” 2016, Mac vs. PC campaign, Gold Cyber Lion Cannes 2008 “Don’t Give Up”, Webby Award 2009 Single Banner category “Newswire” and “Quote”, One Show Interactive Bronze Pencil 2010 “Second Opinion”, Creativity Online 2009 “Switcher Cams”, Apple Music Touch campaigns, Webby Honoree 2009 for Touch “Next Level Fun” 2011 Touch “Funnest”