Kathryn (Katie) Walson
Washington,DC
Summary
Experienced journalist and communications specialist. Adept at explaining technical topics in a clear, compelling way for targeted audiences in a variety of formats.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Reporter
PhocusWire
2022.06 - 2023.05
- Identified global issues and trends, developed story ideas and wrote breaking news and in-depth enterprise articles.
- Collaborated with small team of reporters and editors, plus analysts across the company, to cover travel business news on tight deadlines.
- Regularly interviewed industry leaders, including travel executives and startup founders and CEOs.
Reporter
CEO Update
2020.02 - 2022.06
- Pivoted quickly in March 2020 to cover the pandemic’s impact on national and international trade associations and professional societies.
- Routinely interviewed CEOs and other C-suite executives about complex topics related to trade group operations and finances.
- Won Apex Excellence Award for Writing during first year.
Background Check Administrator
Certified Financial Planner Board Of Standards
2019.09 - 2020.02
- Conducted background checks on financial planners applying for or renewing CFP credential.
- Used FINRA Broker Check, SEC’s Investment Adviser Public Disclosure database and Westlaw.
- Made pass/fail recommendations to team of attorneys.
Staff Writer and Editorial Content Specialist
Center for International Private Enterprise
2017.06 - 2019.02
- Managed blog for international nonprofit; spearheaded Blog Awards program to incentivize staff participation.
- Worked with staff around the globe to brainstorm ideas and develop content that told a compelling story about democracy building and economic development.
- Collaborated with social media manager to develop an editorial calendar.
Senior Writer
PFM Group
2016.05 - 2017.03
- Managed editorial calendar and took lead role in developing and writing thought leadership and press releases for financial services firm.
- Gained familiarity with InDesign through layout and editing.
English Teacher
Spanish Ministry Of Education
2010.09 - 2015.08
Staff Writer
Kiplinger's Retirement Report
2007.06 - 2010.09
- Wrote articles that provided 80,000 paid subscribers with actionable advice for their retirement.
- Interviewed estate planning attorneys, tax lawyers, financial advisers and other experts on topics such as maximizing Social Security benefits and establishing trusts for heirs.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Journalism, Spanish
Syracuse University S.I. Newhouse School of Communication
Marketing Certificate -
Georgetown University School of Continuing Studies
12.2018
Skills
- Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- WordPress and other CMS
- Canva and Adobe InDesign
- Google Analytics
- AP Style expert
- Interviewing, researching, writing
- Social media
- Proficient Spanish
Timeline
Senior Reporter
PhocusWire
2022.06 - 2023.05
Reporter
CEO Update
2020.02 - 2022.06
Background Check Administrator
Certified Financial Planner Board Of Standards
2019.09 - 2020.02
Staff Writer and Editorial Content Specialist
Center for International Private Enterprise
2017.06 - 2019.02
Senior Writer
PFM Group
2016.05 - 2017.03
English Teacher
Spanish Ministry Of Education
2010.09 - 2015.08
Staff Writer
Kiplinger's Retirement Report
2007.06 - 2010.09
Bachelor of Science - Journalism, Spanish
Syracuse University S.I. Newhouse School of Communication
Marketing Certificate -
Georgetown University School of Continuing Studies