Arin McKenna

Experience

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  State University of New York - Cortland

  Sept 1982 - Jun 1983

  Instructor

  Taught classes in acting, voice and movement. Directed one student production.

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  Webster University

  Aug 1983 - Jun 1985

  Artist-in-Residence

  • Taught voice and movement classes for undergraduate acting students. specialized in experiential learning. • Developed curriculum and lesson plans. • This was a non-graded program, which was often difficult for students to adapt to. I developed techniques for weaning them from the "grade mentality" and involving them in the learning process.

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  Yosemite Gallery

  Jun 1995 - Apr 2001

  Manager

  • Responsible for all day-to-day operations, including sales, accounting, scheduling and extensive customer service. • Trained and supervised seven employees. • Tracked and reordered an extensive inventory. • Assisted with selecting and buying merchandise and artwork. • Improved store procedures by developing a comprehensive employee handbook, streamlining procedures for group bookings and instituting and maintaining a workable lay away policy. • Oversaw every aspect of 75 to 100 events a year for various organizations and school field trips. Created a highly-effective system for booking, confirming and organizing school field trips and other events. Policies included sending confirmations immediately after booking and immediately prior to the event with information about what to expect and, for schools, instructions on the number of chaperones required and the nature of their responsibilities. • Wrote press releases and other publicity for the gallery. • Represented the gallery at Chamber of Commerce functions and other events. Show less

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  KTRC Radio

  Feb 2002 - Jul 2004

  Host/Producer

  • I hosted and produced “Art Tour Santa Fe” on KTRC Radio, an award-winning interview program on the arts and culture of New Mexico. • I interviewed artists, writers, musicians, museum directors, gallery owners, state historians and others during an hour-long program five nights a week, including many national and internationally renowned performers and writers. • The show was originally conceptualized by the sales manager as an interview program with gallery owners and museum directors. I developed it into a wide-ranging program that included all the arts and New Mexico culture.• I introduced and hosted monthly panel discussions on topics such as “selling or selling out” or the dangers of toxins in artists’ materials. • I arranged all interviews through extensive telephone contact, site visits and networking. • I prepared for each interview with extensive research. • I was adept at drawing out even the most reticent guest.• Many of my prominent guests who had been interviewed frequently (including on national media) were delighted with some of my unexpected questions. Show less

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  Santa Fe New Mexican

  Jun 2004 - now

  Freelance Journalist

  • I have been a frequent contributor since 2004. Coverage includes arts and culture, travel, home and garden, weddings and special event magazines. • I am often assigned lead stories for Indian Market, Spanish Market and International Folk Art Market magazines, as well as coverage of milestone anniversaries for organizations such as the Southwestern Association of the American Indian (SWAIA) and the International Folk Art Alliance.• I am frequently assigned articles that require cultural sensitivity such as Pueblo Feast Day celebrations. • My feature articles include stories on Hispanic and Puebloan farmers, Northern New Mexico Wineries, chile, Northern New Mexico wedding customs, and notable anniversaries of historic sites and museums. • Due to my accuracy, fact-checking and editing skills, I am often asked to compile extensive event calendars. I also compiled and updated Santa Fe Life and Kids Camps issues. • I have provided photo contributions for several articles.• I have also freelanced for New Mexico Magazine, Native Peoples, Santa Fe Monthly and Thunder Magazine. Show less

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  Ghost Ranch Piedra Lumbre Education and Visitor Center

  Aug 2004 - Aug 2005

  Coordinator (Manager)

  • Developed relationships with members and donors through personal contact, writing newsletters, fundraising appeals and annual reports to the board and membership. Worked closely with member/volunteers.• In charge of all publicity and public relations, including press releases, advertising and brochures. Promoted the center through networking and radio interviews. • Networked with individuals and businesses throughout the Abiquiu area and beyond. Established links with the New Mexico Tourism Department, local media and other organizations to increase visibility and foster working relationships. • Collaborated with the Jicarilla Apache and the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum to develop permanent exhibits.• Created and implemented Celebrate Northern New Mexico Days, a monthly event featuring speakers, performers, artist demonstrations and other activities. • Initiated and implemented monthly exhibits featuring New Mexico artists. Personally curated and mounted some shows; worked with Museum of New Mexico representatives to secure and mount traveling exhibits and with groups such as the Tierra Wools on both exhibitions and event programming. *A note on the private event brochure: I originally just wrote text for this. I created the brochure posted below as an assignment for an InDesign course. Show less

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  Road Scholar Santa Fe

  Aug 2005 - Aug 2008

  Group Leader/Tour Guide/Instructor

  • This position required strong communication, interpersonal and organizational skills. I coordinated and led groups of 20 to 40 people for week-long program, which included maintaining a tight schedule, working with vendors, attending to the needs of participants and introducing them to New Mexico history and culture. I was with the groups from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., and until midnight during opera season.• I taught classes in New Mexico history, New Mexico literature, wine and cuisine, Northern New Mexico Festivals and New Mexico holiday traditions. • I acted as tour guide to various locations throughout Northern New Mexico and Albuquerque. S I also trained several group leaders. • I created a program on Hispanic culture and helped to write descriptions for several programs. Show less

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  New Mexico Magazine, Santa Fe Monthly, Thunder Magazine

  Jun 2007 - Dec 2010

  Freelance Journalist

  New Mexico Magazine, Santa Fe Monthly, Thunder Magazine• 2007–2010: I contributed articles on arts, culture and business to New Mexico Magazine, Santa Fe Monthly, Thunder Magazine and Native Peoples. • New Mexico Magazine assignments included a profile of New Mexico’s contemporary art scene, “things to do” contributions and interviews with writers such as John Nichols and artists and photographers influenced by Georgia O’Keeffe and Ansel Adams. Stories I proposed on New Mexican folklore, such as village monsters and love spells/love potions, were also accepted. • Santa Fe Monthly articles included interviews with leaders in a number of fields and a feature on animation in the movies. • I wrote several business profiles for Thunder Magazine, the in-house publication for Buffalo Thunder Resort & Casino. • I developed solid professional relationships with the editors I worked with that have lasted to this day. Skills Used Writing and editing. Show less

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  Discover Yosemite

  Nov 2007 - Sept 2009

  Website editor/copy writer/consultant

  • I wrote the majority of the original web copy. • I edited staff-provided biographies with a focus on retaining the “voice” of each staff member.• I edited and augmented a page written by a young teen (“Our Mascot and Friends”), once again using a delicate touch in order to keep her “voice.”• The owner asked me to choose and place photos and frequently consulted me on content decisions. (Most of the photos have since been removed.) • I suggested adding John Muir quotes to each page and was authorized to choose and incorporate the quotes. (A few pages still retain these quotes).• I wrote marketing articles and assisted with brochure and rack card design. • The website is still successfully attracting business to the company. • I earned a second place award in regional competition for my work on this site.Unfortunately, this website has undergone major changes since I was involved with it. Pages that include my original copy are “Yosemite Full Day Tour,” “Full Moon Tour – Sentinel Dome,”“Fun Facts About Yosemite” and “About Our Company,” Show less

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  Los Alamos Monitor

  May 2011 - Feb 2017

  County Reporter

  • I developed a reputation for my comprehensive reporting of council and board meetings, county projects and all departments except public safety, as well as elections, community, public lands, film industry, business and economic development.• I was a major contributor to several Discover Los Alamos magazines (the publication’s tourism magazine) as well as other special editions. I worked closely with Bandelier National Monument Superintendent Jason Lott to select focus areas and produced 10 stories for the 2015 Discover.• Business coverage included spotlights, issues affecting Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) subcontractors, efforts to expand Local Economic Development Act (LEDA) legislation and the county’s struggle to attract developers.• My community coverage included local nonprofits, museums, special projects at San Ildefonso Pueblo and special events such as naturalization ceremonies or festivals.• I was frequently assigned features such as stories on Manhattan Project veterans, spotlights on youth award-winners and Valentine’s Day interviews with elderly married couples.• Special series include extensive coverage of the Los Conchas fire and its aftermath and an eight-part series on poverty in Los Alamos.• I provided photographs for all stories and created online slide shows.• I regularly posted to the website and Facebook page.• My strong research and investigative skills resulted in two first-place awards for investigative journalism from New Mexico Press Association/New Mexico Associated Press Managing Editors' Better Newspaper Contest.• I was committed to informing citizens of where their elected officials stand through thorough coverage of the decision-making process.• I am adept at clarifying complex issues such as restructuring of utility rates or the threats of a chromium plume to the aquifer. Show less

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  Santa Fe Botanical Garden

  Apr 2018 - Jun 2018

  Marketing Internship

  I served the majority of the internship for my PRO-TEC certification as a marketing intern with the Santa Fe Botanical Garden. I wrote several press releases, Facebook posts and an earned media article on !Arts Alive!, which appeared in the summer 2018 issue of "Tumbleweed" ("A Family Affair, pg. 28).

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  New Mexico TechWorks

  Jun 2018 - Jun 2018

  Marketing Intern

  As part of my PRO-TEC internship, I wrote Facebook posts for New Mexico TechWorks.

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  Valley Daily Post

  Aug 2018 - Sept 2019

  News Editor

  This is an online publication, so content management comprised the bulk of my responsibilities: editing and posting news items submissions. I also worked extensively in Photoshop, editing photos, designing “header” images that fit specific dimensions for that slot, creating templates for ongoing coverage and weekly features and art for holidays editions.

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  Los Alamos National Laboratory Foundation

  Jul 2019 - Mar 2020

  Media Relations Assistant

  • Wrote, edited and distributed press releases and news reports • Conducted onsite interviews with teachers, students, families and other partners to tell stories that reflected the impact of LANL Foundation work • Updated and maintained website content• Wrote and coordinated effective social media messaging • Wrote/edited organizational publications for internal and external audiences, including the annual report, funders’ reports and e-newsletters to donors, financial planners and teachers. • Promoted and covered LANL Foundation events• Created a marketing partner packet for LANL Foundation grantees with samples, guidelines and templates for press releases, web stories, e-newsletters and social media posts• Tracked media coverage• Worked with Wrike project management software Show less

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  Davis Innovations

  Aug 2020 - now

  Program Assistant and Marketing Consultant

  I began working with Davis Innovations as a Social Media Marketing Intern, which quickly evolved into a contract position with a focus on assisting with grant writing and additional nonprofit support. My current and past duties include:• Manage “Working Like Dogs” Facebook page from September 2020 through December 2020. Research and post content.• Develop media kit for Working Like Dogs• Conduct sponsorship research and make initial contact.• Research media markets for proposed marketing campaign.• Research referral software, content management platforms and advertising options..• Create inspirational Facebook postings for nonprofit client.• Review and convey weekly grant opportunities.• Reformat and/or rewrite key personnel resumes.• Write letters of support and donor thank you letters. • Create required grant documents checklists, gather required documents and create data tables.• Write grant narratives and fill out grant applications.• Write sections of a client Annual Report, including providing photos. Show less

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  Anne Hillerman

  Jan 2021 - now

  Facebook Manager

  Signature Accomplishments:Increased the page reach by 172.7% in 2021, the first year I managed the page, and 355% in 2022 by planning and implementing a campaign to promote the AMC/AMD+ series "Dark Winds," based on Tony Hillerman's novels. I also helped revive Tony Hillerman's page for Anne by posting "Dark Winds" news. Key duties:• Provide personalized content to engage followers.• Research and post related content.• Review and respond to comments. Advise Ms. Hillerman of comments that require her personal attention.• Tracking and posting upcoming events.• Filmed and produced promotional videos for "Stargazer" and "The Way of the Bear.• Track Facebook Insights and revise campaigns to capitalize on postings generating the greatest interest.• Rewrote bios for Anne Hillerman and the late Tony Hillerman. Updated Tony's Facebook page. Show less

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  Northern New Mexico College

  Aug 2021 - now

  Staff Writer/Reporter

  As Staff Writer/ Reporter for Northern New Mexico College:Signature projects: Organized and implemented Northern New Mexico College’s efforts to educate voters about the 2022 GO Bond C for higher education institutions. Rio Arriba County voters approved the bond by 65.4%.Planned and executed a $20,000 ad campaign for Northern's ADN program.Key duties:• Write press releases• Contribute Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn posting• Write feature stories highlighting the accomplishments of students, faculty, staff and departments.• Photograph events and post to social media• Update website pages• Write fundraising appeals and thank you notes• Help write and edit in-house newsletters• Help write and edit presidential communications• Assist Communications Director with a variety of projects Show less