Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Websites
Awards
Timeline

LISA PETERSON

Writer
Newtown,CT

Summary

An award-winning communications professional with extensive experience as a writer, journalist, editor, public relations strategist, canine subject matter expert, corporate communications director, event pressroom manager, and content marketing strategy lead for canine-centric brands. Talent for translating complex scientific and veterinary topics into accessible, engaging content for dog owners, breeders, and veterinary professionals. Media background includes roles as a television spokesperson, podcast host, scriptwriter, and media trainer.

Overview

22
22
years of professional experience

Work History

Content Strategy Lead

Embark Veterinary, Inc.
Boston, MA
01.2021 - 01.2024
  • Company Overview: Embark Veterinary, Inc. is a company focused on canine genetics and health testing, providing resources for dog breeders, veterinarians, and owners. Website: https://embarkvet.com
  • Crafted as Embark’s canine subject matter expert its digital content, blogs, website copy, presentations, social media, and on-site activations for dog breeders, veterinarians, and owners.
  • Launched Embark for Veterinarians content program, creating educational resources for veterinary professionals, conference materials, and live presentations including a webinar collaboration with the Cornell University Riney Canine Health Center.
  • Authored 80+ SEO-enhanced articles translating complex canine genetics and health testing topics into clear, actionable content for breeders, veterinarians, and dog owners.
  • Hosted and collaborated with veterinarians, geneticists and executive thought leaders for the 2024 virtual Embark Canine Health Summit.
  • Led content for sponsorship activations at The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show on Fox Sports and The National Dog Show on NBC, ensuring mission-aligned messaging for a broad audience.
  • Embark Veterinary, Inc. is a company focused on canine genetics and health testing, providing resources for dog breeders, veterinarians, and owners. Website: https://embarkvet.com

Communications Consultant / Owner

Barn Girl Media
Newtown, CT
01.2014 - Current
  • Company Overview: Barn Girl Media is a communications consultancy specializing in writing, editing, and content strategy services for canine and equine organizations.
  • Provided writing, editing, and content strategy services to canine and equine organizations, including The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show where I created their Westminster Cares website content on their commitment to canine health.
  • Served as the Westminster public relations manager, canine subject matter expert, and media pressroom manager for more than 700 journalists at their annual dog show in Manhattan at Madison Square Garden.
  • Developed content for Substack and WordPress platforms, emphasizing canine health, breed education, and responsible dog ownership. Authored Lisa Unleashed advice and opinion weekly newspaper column and blog on dogs and horses.
  • Barn Girl Media is a communications consultancy specializing in writing, editing, and content strategy services for canine and equine organizations.

Director of Communications

American Kennel Club
New York, NY
01.2004 - 01.2015
  • Company Overview: The American Kennel Club is a recognized authority on dog breeds and canine health, providing resources and education for dog owners and breeders.
  • Managed communications, public education, and content strategy, delivering clear, engaging information on canine health, wellness, and responsible ownership.
  • Wrote and edited digital content, newsletters, blogs, and social media, ensuring veterinary accuracy while maintaining consumer accessibility.
  • Ghostwrote speeches, op-eds, and first-person narratives for leadership, and served as a national spokesperson on canine health and legislation across top-tier media including 200+ appearances on NBC, CBS, ABC, CNN, NPR, Fox & Friends, and quoted in The New York Times, The Washington Post, The New Yorker, and The Wall Street Journal, among others.
  • Coordinated live educational and legislative events and press conferences at venues including Grand Central Terminal and Rockefeller Center.
  • The American Kennel Club is a recognized authority on dog breeds and canine health, providing resources and education for dog owners and breeders.

Journalist & Staff Reporter

  • Reported on complex topics under deadline with clarity and accuracy, developing a foundation in clear, factual storytelling.

Education

MFA - Creative and Professional Writing

Western Connecticut State University
  • Thesis of Distinction
  • GPA: 4.0

BA - Political Science/Journalism

University of Bridgeport
  • Cum laude
  • SPJ Sigma Delta Chi Outstanding Graduate in Journalism

Skills

  • Content writing
  • Content editing
  • SEO
  • Long-form writing
  • Short-form writing
  • Scientific content translation
  • Veterinary content translation
  • Digital storytelling
  • CMS
  • Project management
  • Collaboration
  • Mac OS
  • Google Workspace
  • Microsoft Office
  • WordPress CMS
  • Jetpack
  • Yoast SEO
  • Google Analytics
  • Canva
  • Adobe
  • Figma
  • Slack
  • AP style
  • Chicago style
  • MLA style

Awards

  • Dog Writer’s Association of America Maxwell Awards (Magazine Article, Special Publication, Podcast)
  • PRSA-New York Big Apple Awards (Integrated Communications, Public Affairs, Reputation Management)
  • PR News Non-Profit PR Award (PR on a Shoestring Budget)

Timeline

Content Strategy Lead - Embark Veterinary, Inc.
01.2021 - 01.2024
Communications Consultant / Owner - Barn Girl Media
01.2014 - Current
Director of Communications - American Kennel Club
01.2004 - 01.2015
Journalist & Staff Reporter -
Western Connecticut State University - MFA, Creative and Professional Writing
University of Bridgeport - BA, Political Science/Journalism

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