Hello!
I’m Damon. I use plain language to turn complex information into clear, useful content.
About me...
From Silicon Valley to newsrooms across the country, I helped people find, understand, and act on what matters. After a rewarding break raising kids, I seek a new challenge.
I’m a skilled listener who loves helping people thrive. I rely on the AP Style and the Oxford Guide to Plain English to edit, and I use the Paramedic Method to improve clarity by eliminating wordiness. If a story’s lead is buried, I’ll find it.
Currently, I’m learning Figma to improve my collaboration capabilities with designers.
In 2025, I completed a Digital Marketing certificate program from General Assembly, which taught me how to prompt AI agents with marketing tasks. Furthermore, I shifted attention from SEO to Generative Engine Optimization (GEO).
In 2023, I completed a Technical Communication certificate program from UC Berkeley, which refined my research, writing, and editing skills.
In 2001, I left a technical writing career for Northwestern’s Medill School of Journalism. I then managed newspaper web departments for a decade: leading editorial teams, supervising staff, and running media labs.
Moreover, I’m a photo hobbyist who’s produced thousands of photos for publications.
I’m searching for remote work, but I’m also interested in part-time, on-site roles north of San Diego in Oceanside, Carlsbad, or Vista.
I love telling stories. In newsrooms, I managed editorial production and trained reporters, photographers, and editors to integrate social media and web tools into their workflows.
My skills include listening, brainstorming, proofreading, documenting, and managing both people and projects:
Storytelling
Researching
Writing
Copy editing
Presenting
Listening
SEO
Project planning
Managing content
Web design
Software testing
Training
Meanwhile, I donate and volunteer to Surfrider Foundation’s San Diego Chapter, which fights to protect the ocean and its deteriorating beaches.
EDUCATION:
General Assembly – Certificate, Digital Marketing, 2025
UC Berkeley Extension – Certificate, Technical Communication, 2023
Northwestern University – Masters of Science, Journalism, 2003
UC Santa Cruz Extension – Certificate, IP & Web Systems Engineering, 2000
San Francisco State University – BA, Journalism; Technical & Professional Writing, 1998
Photography
I fell in love with the art as a newspaper delivery boy. Subsequently, I produced thousands of website photos during my journalism career. Eventually, I stepped behind the lens.
Storytelling with Data
I recently discovered the joy of storytelling with data, thanks to Cole Nussbaumer Knaflic, Giorgia Lupi, and Stefanie Posavec. Check out my resume as a hand-drawn data visualization.