Rene J. Ferran Jr.

(T) 509-585-9172 (Alt) 509-628-6116 (E) rf9d6aae@westpost.net

Summary
An accomplished writer with 17 years of experience. Led a team of four in coordi
nating the coverage of local events and personalities. Mapped out, then executed
a daily communications plan that went out to more than 40,000 readers. Bilingua
l in Spanish and English (reading, writing, speaking).

Accomplishments
* Won several awards for my ability to write under deadline pressure;
* Created a system for recognizing the top performers in specific disciplines fr
om around the state;
* Created a statistical database to help our company recognize historical achiev
ements as well as keep track of current leaders.

Experience
1995 - 2010 Senior staff writer
Tri-City Herald, Kennewick, WA
Performed both writing (50%) and copy editing and layout (50%) duties for a 40,0
00-circulation daily newspaper.
* Able to multitask and balance a number of different events, providing coverage
of multiple activities while becoming a trusted source utilized by fellow profe
ssionals throughout the state;
* Demonstrated ability to write stories and lay out section under daily deadline
pressure, helping department maintain better than 95% deadline compliance;
* Planned annual preview sections to inform readers of upcoming events and draw
them into reading our coverage throughout the year;
* Utilized technology to expand the newspaper's online presence and
market share;
* Interacted with people of varying socio-economic backgrounds and told their st
ories, exposing readers to personalities of interest.
1994 - 1995 Staff writer
Idaho Press-Tribune, Nampa, ID
Wrote stories, took photographs as needed, edited copy, designed and laid out se
ction.
1993 - 1994 Sports editor
Polk County Itemizer Observer, Dallas, OR
Had to be a self-starter at this position as a one-person staff. Wrote stories,
took photographs, edited copy, designed and laid out the weekly section. Other d
uties included covering Falls City government, and organizing the community cale
ndar and community briefs sections.

Education
1992 University of Notre Dame
Bachelor's of Arts Economics and Government
Graduated with Highest Honors with course work that included Spanish, Labor Law,
International Law, Constitutional Law and Latin American Studies.

Awards
* 2008 Sports writing, Society of Professional Journalists
Pacific Northwest Chapter
* 2008 Jim Reding Media Award, Washington State High School Baseball Coaches Ass
ociation
* 2004 Sports writing, Society of Professional Journalists
Inland Northwest Chapter
* 1998 Section design, Society of Professional Journalists
Inland Northwest Chapter
* 1993 Sports columns, Society of Professional Journalists
* 1992 Oregon Education Association "Excellence in Communications" Award

Community Involvement
* Junior Achievement volunteer
* Member, Phi Beta Kappa and Pi Sigma Alpha
* Member, Tri-City Sports Officials Board (girls basketball refereeing)
* Member, Tri-City Sports Officials Association (boys basketball refereeing)
* Member, KPR Umpires Association (baseball umpiring)
Technical skills
NewsEdit Pro, Quark XPress, Adobe Photoshop, Microsoft Office
References will be provided upon request