CHRISTOPHER PRATT

518.409.6348 chrispratt2008@gmail.com christopherprattnet.wordpress.com

EXPERIENCE
Denton Publications, Contributing Writer, Elizabethtown, NY, April 2015 Present
* Write and edit articles for an Adirondack lifestyle magazine, and contribute 6 to 8 articles to weekly newspapers.
* Author lead editorial on a rotating basis for the company's string of community newspapers.

The Des Moines Register, Communities Reporter, Des Moines, IA, August 2013 March 2015
* Covered Des Moines' eastern suburbs for more than a year, serving as the primary reporter for a weekly sister publication
of the Register, providing coverage of five city councils and two school boards.
* Won Gannetts Award of Excellence in short form writing/voice category for coverage of a historic building fire.
* Promoted to the greater western suburbs beat that encompasses West Des Moines, a city of more than 60,000 people.
* Wrote stories for the Register including an in-depth look at the economic impact of a $1 billion Facebook data center; an
analysis of revenue and attendance at the Iowa State Fair Grandstand; and an article about how more weapons permits had
spurred a demand for indoor gun ranges.

The Des Moines Register, News Assistant, Des Moines, IA, September 2012 August 2013
* Reported for both the business and metro desk, efficiently handling assignments from multiple editors.
* Authored and oversaw quality control of business briefs, calendar announcements and community job changes.
* Managed tight deadlines, filing three to four stories each week on suburban city councils and school boards. Broke a
statewide story on a push to terminate a citys controversial red-light camera program.
* Promoted to broader beat as a full-time communities reporter.

Binder & Binder, Intake Specialist / Newsletter Writer, New York, NY, October 2010 June 2012
* Interviewed nearly 1,000 clients about their work and health history for the national Social Security law firm; explained the
program to clients, both through in-person and phone consultations; wrote marketing materials for the firm.

The Gazette / KCRG, Mobile Journalist Intern, Cedar Rapids, IA, May 2010 September 2010
* Functioned as a public safety reporter for eastern Iowas most recognized news source; wrote and shot photographs for
breaking news and general assignment stories.
* Compiled video for segments on the TV newscast; monitored the police scanner; reported on public safety agencies; and
cultivated a network of community sources.

Blackstone Rangers Book Project, Researcher, Chicago, IL, March 2009 December 2009
* Researched primary source documents, completed interviews and took photos for The Rise, Fall, and Resurgence of an
American Gang, authored by Natalie Moore, a Chicago Public Radio reporter.
* Wrote Freedom of Information Act requests to obtain relevant public affairs information.

Best Buddies International, Program Manager, Chicago, IL, September 2006 August 2008
* Enhanced the lives of people with developmental disabilities by placing them in socialization opportunities.
* Recruited and retained more than 50 volunteers; promoted volunteerism through online advertising campaigns.

AmeriCorps, Literacy Instructor, Chicago, IL, September 2005 August 2006

* Served as a teacher to small groups of immigrants studying to become naturalized citizens.
* Taught students preparing for the GED certificate exam and learning English as a Second Language.

U.S. Senator Tom Harkin, Press Intern, Washington, DC, May 2002 July 2002
* Wrote press releases and contacted media to schedule interviews; assembled daily press clips for the senator and his staff.

EDUCATION
Columbia College Chicago, Chicago, IL, December 2009, Master of Arts, Journalism
Marquette University, Milwaukee, WI, May 2004, Bachelor of Arts, Communications Studies, minor Political Science

COMPUTER / WEB SKILLS

* NewsGate * WordPress, Presto * PACER, LexisNexis, NewsBank * iMovie, Brightcove * Twitter, Facebook