Abby L. Zirkle

EXPERIENCE

Station Manager Writer/Producer

City of Ames, Ames, IA

2002 Present

Administer and maintain day-to-day operations of both government and public access cable stations including, but not limited to, production reports, program releases, message boards, program schedules and playback
Create, produce, direct and edit 70-80 departmental programs/training videos per year for Channel 12
Created an internship program in conjunction with Iowa State University
Implemented a new non-linear editing system
Created new program ideas which increased viewer ship 27% based on Residential Satisfaction Survey
Provide training to public access producers and city staff on equipment usage, lighting and editing concepts
Research equipment and make budgetary recommendations to the City Council
Teach Communication Basic & Presentation Skills seminar to City of Ames employees
Supervise three interns and one full time employee and coordinate schedules
Supervise live broadcasts of City Council meetings and boards and commission meetings

Broadcast Technician

City of Ames, Ames, IA

2001-2002

Wrote, produced, directed and edited 50-60 programs per year for Channel 12
Assisted a diverse group of public access producers and city staff members with training classes
Maintained video production equipment and PCs

Manager

Iowa State Memorial Union, Ames, IA

1997 2000

Managed 15 employees including the hiring and termination of staff
Managed accounts receivable and placed product orders
Created new promotional and marketing concepts

Publicity Manger

1998-2000

ISU9, Ames, IA

· Organized various events and exhibits throughout the year to promote ISU9, the student-run access station

· Implemented new advertising and marketing strategies for the station

Freelance Production Assistant

Gravity Shift Solutions, Princeton, NJ

2000

Assisted in creation of videos used during the opening and closing ceremonies of the Destination Imagination World Finals
Logged tapes

Freelance Production Assistant

CNN, Atlanta, GA

2000

· Prepped on-air personalities

· Ran TelePrompTer and logged tapes

Activities/Residential Counselor

Camp Robindel, Center Harbor, NH

Summer 1997 & 1998

· Designed and implemented various classes in art department for girls ages 8-15

· Oversaw a cabin of 25 girls in addition to teaching daily art classes

SOFTWARE PROFICIENCY/TECHNICAL SKILLS

· Avid Xpress

· Media 100

· Leightronics Mini-T

· Tightrope Cablecast/Carousel

· Boris Effects Pro/Graffiti

· Microsoft PowerPoint

· Microsoft Excel

· Lotus Notes

· Adobe Photoshop

EDUCATION

Iowa State University, 2000

Bachelor of Arts, Journalism & Mass Communication

Emphasis: Electronic Media Study & Art History

DEVELOPMENTAL COURSES

Leadership is Like A Diamond
Power Business Writing
Process Improvement Basics
Dont Die Until Youre Dead
Dont Work for A Living-Play!
Managing Change
Customer Service Training
Listening Skills

PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS

· Voting Member of the National Organization of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors (NATOA)

· NATOA Government Programming Awards Committee Member

· Social Committee Member for Young Professionals of Ames

· Employee Council Representative for the City of Ames

AWARDS

· 2^nd Place, 2003 NATOA Event Promotions

· Honorable Mention, 2003 NATOA Excellence in Government Broadcasting

· Honorable Mention, 2003 NATOA Instruction/Training Video

· Honorable Mention, 2002 NATOA Excellence in Government Broadcasting

· Honorable Mention, 2002 NATOA Creativity Award

· Honorable Mention, 2002 NAOA Public Education

· 3^rd Place, NATOA 2001 Excellence in Government Broadcasting