Nicole Dorsey-Straff, M.S.
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310-601-7851• nicoledorsey1@earthlink.net
Summary: Cutting-edge communicator, senior-level writer, editor and content producer with expertise in the
fields of wellness, women’s lifestyle, and entertainment. Experienced manager with the ability to develop
and execute brand vision and project management, and proficient in packaging high-quality content for
green companies, national magazines, response-driven websites and interactive corporate projects.
Professional Experience
ORGANIC SPA MAGAZINE, Los Angeles
June 2006 - present
Contributing Editor
Produce, report and write a popular 10-page column for consumer-to-trade crossover publication. Track
trends, create marketing collateral, and cultivate strategic relationships with eco-chic visionaries (part-time).
AOLHealth.com, Los Angeles
Aug 2009 – present
Lead Blogger and Contracted Writer
Write, produce and post exclusive entertainment, fitness and lifestyle features using content management
systems proprietary to AOL.com. Part of a dynamic editorial team that doubled unique visitors per month.
FITNESS MAGAZINE, LA
April 1999 - Jan 2008
West Coast Editor
Reported, wrote and generated feature content, including celebrity-driven editorial. Established and nurtured
marketing and promotional relationships to liaise with corporate advertisers. Directed photo shoots, attended
trade shows, expanded the database, created budgets, and publicized FITNESS on 150+ national TV spots.
iAMPLIFY.COM, New York and LA
July 2004 - Nov 2007
Content Manager/Contract Consultant
Strategically instituted the first audible-based exercise website for downloadable workouts from celebrity
trainers across the country. Defined and identified key markets and talent, implemented training skills,
produced recording sessions and timely delivery of product. Managed long-term projects, developed
instructional web content, and explored partnership opportunities in the health and wellness categories.
GUTHY-RENKER, INC., LA
June 2004 - Sept 2007
Corporate Consultant
Coordinated production and oversaw creation and maintenance of major infomercial launches on a for-hire,
as-needed basis. Supported the needs of corporate headquarters and marketing departments. Implemented
scripts, hired and mentored talent, performed media training and led video shoots and brainstorming
sessions. Wrote product reviews and appeared in info-mercials as expert for consumer-driven programming.
WEB and CORPORATE PROJECTS
Aug 2001 – present
° Assigned, wrote, managed and marketed original content for web startup production teams for the
Oxygen Network, YogaFit.com, Gloss.com and Glam.com.
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° Executed PR events, including press conferences and high-end parties for editors, producers, and
corporate media executives for Mediabistro.com. Initiated and maintained extensive media
collaboration with New York and Los Angeles markets.
° Wrote two books for the WNBA on Healthy Role Models and Adult Nutrition.
° Wrote and directed specialized health and beauty advertorials for trade publications including Variety.
° Top-edited two books (Three Rivers Press) for FITNESS Magazine: Pregnancy and Stretching.
FITNESS MAGAZINE
Oct 1995 - April 1999
Fitness Editorial Director, NYC
Planned, directed, organized the editorial flow of highly competitive monthly consumer publication of 1.5
million+ circulation. Wrote, edited, assigned 16 to 20 feature pages per issue. Directed photo shoots, led
brainstorming sessions and managed a base of staffers and freelance writers. Created and marketed
exercise videos for subscribers.
FIT MAGAZINE (now FIT YOGA)
June 1994 - Oct 1995
Editor-in-Chief, NYC
Founder of this consumer bimonthly 500,000+ circulation magazine. Created and developed national
publication for young, active women. Hired and supervised a staff of 18. Managed workflow among staff and
freelance writers, copy desk, art, marketing and advertising departments.
NEW BODY MAGAZINE
Oct 1991 - June 1994
Editor-in-Chief/Senior Editor, NYC
Wrote, edited and assigned health, spa and diet features as senior editor. Promoted to editor-in-chief in
September 1992. Initiate new projects, led a team, assigned creative projects, and managed quality control
through all stages of publishing.
SWIMSUIT INTERNATIONAL, VENUS SWIMWEAR
July 1988 - Oct 1991
Senior Editor/Associate Editor, NYC and LA
Wrote and assigned beauty, health and fashion columns for national and regional swimwear publications
and magalogs. Produced and directed photo shoots and wrote catalog copy and press releases.
VIDEO BUSINESS MAGAZINE
June 1986 - July 1988
Associate Editor/Production Editor, NYC
Scheduled and executed editorial and production deadlines for this national trade publication serving the
video industry for International Thomson Retail Press (now a Reed Business publication). As Associate
Editor, wrote short columns, copy edited and fact-checked features. Responsible for overseeing front-ofbook sections for weekly trade magazine covering television and convergent media industries.
Education
Long Island University, NY, MS in Health Science
May 1996
SUNY New Paltz, BA in Media Communications, minor in Journalism
May 1986
Skills
Internet savvy, proficient in Microsoft Word Office programs, HTML, content management systems, certified
fitness instructor in Yoga and Pilates
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