Michael J. Harris
Sarasota,FL
Summary
Knowledgeable Editor with extensive background in managing editorial teams and content creation. Proven success in overseeing publication schedules, ensuring content quality, and fostering editorial excellence. Demonstrated leadership and communication skills in coordinating with writers, editors, and designers.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Managing Editor
Observer Media Group
Sarasota, Florida
09.2024 - 12.2025
- fManaging editor for the Longboat Key and Sarasota Observer newspapers.
- Managed the team of 5 through hurricanes Helene and Milton.
- Organized and planned coverage of sections for Longboat Key and Sarasota.
- Worked with designers to produce engaging and eye-popping pages, reader-grabbing headlines.
- Coached reporters from concept through finished product
- Member of Kiwanis of Longboat Key.
Managing Editor
Aiken Standard
Aiken, South Carolina
09.2017 - 09.2019
- Oversees a newsroom of 17 in all decision-making for content for Aikenstandard.com.
- Drove Aiken Standard Facebook followers from 18,000 to nearly 26,000 in a year and a half.
Bureau Chief/Digital Editor
Fort Myers News-Press
Fort Myers, Florida
09.2012 - 09.2017
- Oversees digital production, visuals, and breaking news staff of 12 for News-Press.com and story placement, rank, and news judgment of the content management system, Presto.
- Uses metric readings through Omniture and Chartbeat to determine what gains page views, the highest and most popular times of the day, and what is needed to follow up.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Communications
University of South Florida
Skills
- Well-versed in the application of social networks
- Content management systems: Presto, BLOX, Ellington, Wordpress
- Analytics: Google, Adobe Omniture, Chartbeat, Parsely, Hubspot
- Extensive public relations with local government organizations
- Strong attention to detail
- Team collaboration
- Planning and coordination
- Content planning
- Copywriting and editing
- Staff development
- Digital content management
AWARDS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Board member, Camaraderie Chair: Notre Dame Club of Tampa Bay, 2024, Hubspot Content Marketing certified, 2021, Honored by Southern Newspaper Publishers Association for local coverage of the 75th Anniversary of D-Day, 2019, Graduate of Leadership Bonita 2013-2014, President of the Florida Sports Writers Association 2003-2006, Associated Press Sports Editors award for best section, 2000, Six Florida Sports Writers Association Awards
ADDITIONAL RELEVANT EXPERIENCE
- Amerilife, Clearwater, Fl Medicare Sales Agent
- Mad Mobile, Tampa, Fl Copywriter/Editor
- Playvox, Orlando, Fl Copywriter/Editor
- New Orleans Times-Picayune Sports Writer
- Lake Magazine, Managing Editor
- Tampa Tribune, Assistant Sports Editor
Timeline
Managing Editor
Observer Media Group
09.2024 - 12.2025
Managing Editor
Aiken Standard
09.2017 - 09.2019
Bureau Chief/Digital Editor
Fort Myers News-Press
09.2012 - 09.2017
Bachelor of Science - Communications
University of South Florida