Sam Diaz

samdiaz@gmail.com - 408.728.9943

Summary: Sam Diaz is a veteran technology and business journalist. He is an expert in his
field, one who writes and speaks with authority on a broad range of topics from wireless
technologies and social networks to mobile applications and online video advertising. He is a
respected journalist, recognized as a fair reporter and polished writer. He is regarded among
colleagues for being a newsroom leader, a champion for diversity and an advocate for bringing
Web 2.0 tools to the industry as a means of reaching a broader, yet more focused, audience.

Employment
SutherlandGold Group, San Francisco CA, November 2007 – April 2008:
Director of Content Creation Services: Utilized journalism experience at a public relations
firm to create original content in the form of ghost writing, blogging and video production for
traditional and social media platforms. Also assisted in training staff on newsroom cultures
and advised principals on managing the news media during corporate crises and scandals.

The Washington Post, Washington DC, August 2005 – November 2007:

Technology Journalist: As a reporter, focused on emerging technologies and start-ups,
investment trends, mergers and acquisitions and regulatory issues. Covered AOL and XM
Radio, congressional hearings related to technology and the FCC on issues such as the
satellite radio merger. As a blogger, podcaster and radio personality, offered expert analysis
of technology news events and engaged readers in further discussions. Previously, worked
as an assistant technology editor, co-managing nine journalists whose beats included
Google, FCC, online privacy and web advertising industry. Edited daily, advance and long-
term stories, as well as a weekly technology page.

San Jose Mercury News: San Jose CA, May 1997 – July 2005:
Technology & Business Reporter: Researched and wrote about technology for a Silicon
Valley and online audience. Covered the rise of the iPod and the fall of the Palm Pilot, the
battle of Dell vs. HP for PC sales and the mainstream arrival of cell phones. Regularly wrote
and WiFi hotspots. Previously a real estate reporter, general business reporter and
transportation beat reporter.

The Fresno Bee, Fresno CA, Jan. 1990 – May 1997:

Night City Editor (July 1995 through May 1997): Supervised two night reporters, edited
news stories, worked with section copy editors and designers, prepared daily news budgets.
Also managed the weekly staff schedule for about 30 reporters and editors. Previously
worked as a city news reporter, covering a variety of beats, including cops, courts, local
government and breaking news.

Education and Training:

• California State University Fresno, BA, Journalism and English, 1992
• American Press Institute: New Editor’s Survival Guide, March 2006
• Reynolds Center for Business Journalism, Reporting Workshops, 2004
• Newspaper Association of America, New Media Fellowship, 2000
• Investigative Reporters and Editors, Annual Conference, 1998
• Poynter Institute for Media Studies, Training for Mid-Level Editors, 1996
• Nati’l Assoc. of Hispanic Journallsts, various training sessions 2000-2007
Activities, Awards and Affiliations:
• Gerald Loeb Awards 2006, co-finalist in Deadline Writing category for “Why Fiorina Was
Ousted,” San Jose Mercury News, 2005
• Society of Business Editors and Writers 2006 Best in Business Award for Breaking
News Category, “Why Fiorina Was Ousted,” San Jose Mercury News, 2005; co-recipient
• National Association of Hispanic Journalists: Financial Officer, Aug. 2004 - Nov 2007;
Convention Planning Committee, 2004; Member, 1999 – Present
• Mosaic, Co-Director, 2002-2004: Coordinated and taught two-week journalism
workshop for high school students; Volunteer instructor: 2000-2002.
• California Chicano News Media Assoc.: San Jose Chapter President, 1999 – 2005
• Consumer Electronics Show, 2001-2005: Regular Press attendee
• DEMO: Invited attendee, 2002
• Washington Post: Conversations About Editing, 2005-2006
• San Jose Mercury News: Leadership Development Program, 2004
• San Jose Newspaper Guild: Newsroom Steward; Representative Assembly, 2004-05
• NAHJ National Convention, regular panelist on business/tech/leadership topics; guest
speaker at 2004 NAHJ Scholarship banquet.

Other Skills
• A regular user of social media platforms, including Facebook, MySpace, LinkedIn, Bebo
and others.
• Expert in consumer technology applications, including Windows XP and Vista, Mac OS X,
all versions of MS Office and iLife, alternative Web browsers, RSS feeds, social
bookmarks.
• Expertise in mobile web services, mesh networking, development of WiMax and
HD/Digital entertainment.
• Early adopter of technologies such as smartphones, digital home products and mobile
Web.
• A seasoned communicator (written and verbal) who is comfortable one-on-one or in front
of large crowds.

References: Available Upon Request