Mary MacDonald
Writer and editor
About Me
I'm a writer and an editor with experience in development and advancement communications, and in business writing, including health care and manufacturing. I've worked as a digital editor, and in traditional media. I know how to tell a story well and how to interview people who work in technical industries.
I am an experienced digital photographer and enjoy snapping photos on walks around Providence.
Work Experience
2015 - Today
Business writing for The Providence Business News, with a specialty in real estate and economic development, health care and manufacturing. My newsletter on real estate development has an audience of several thousand readers.
2014 - 2018
Advancement communications for Massachusetts General Hospital. As a freelance writer, my work focused on interviewing physicians and medical researchers, as well as major donors. Exercised discretion in all matters.
2014 - 2018
Correspondent for The Boston Globe. Pitched a variety of feature and news stories from the Metro West area of Boston. As a Local Fare contributor, reviewed new restaurants.
2011-2014
Digital Editor for AOL/Patch. Managed editorial content for two high-traffic community websites. Wrote at least three stories daily and produced digital photos and video. Analyzed site traffic using Chartbeat. Adapted content to increase audience. Recruited and supervised freelance writers, photographers and a videographer.
Education
University of Massachusetts Amherst
Master's degree in education with a specialty in secondary English. Experience in urban education. Took part in the 180 Days in Springfield immersion teaching program, teaching four high school classes for the school year while taking graduate courses at night.
Michigan State University
Bachelor's degree in journalism with a minor in English. Editing and reporting experience at the independent student newspaper, The State News.
Awards
Gold Award, Explanatory News Story,
Alliance of Area Business Publishers, June 2017
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'Drowning in Red Ink?' First place award in explanatory news writing for story on Providence budget and municipal bankruptcy.
First Place, Transportation Writing
Society of American Business Writers and Editors
March 2017
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Co-writer on a two-part series on the redevelopment of the 6-10 Connector, eight bridges that are among the most structurally deficient in the state.
