Olivia Neeley
Wilson,N.C.
Summary
Award-winning journalist with a 15-year history of reporting on diverse topics that have resulted in meaningful and lasting change. Experienced in connecting the public to invaluable resources to improve their daily lives. Passionate story teller skilled in writing and editing on tight deadlines through various multimedia platforms. Committed and dedicated to ethical standards. Recognized as strong team player with effective communication skills and the ability to plan and implement project ideas.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Reporter
The Wilson Times
01.2009 - Current
- Crafted well-written news stories based on facts and accurate information.
- Covered diverse topics including Wilson County government, law enforcement agencies, court system, Wilson County Schools and nonprofit organizations.
- Created fair and balanced news stories.
- Spearheaded multiple award-winning projects that resulted in lasting change.
- Established, developed and maintained contacts with variety of state and local government offices, public agencies, community organizations and elected officials.
- Reviewed, edited and headlined work on daily basis.
- Utilized strong photography skills to enhance story telling.
- Collaborated with other journalists and departments to produce well-rounded and comprehensive news coverage.
- Incorporated social media to promote stories and build audience engagement.
- Edited stories for accuracy and clarity.
- Disseminated accurate public information during major events and other breaking news.
- Investigated variety of complex topics.
- Advanced and boosted partnerships within community.
- Researched and analyzed newsworthy events, trends and issues that impact citizens.
- Adhered to tight deadlines.
- Abided by ethical and legal standards to maintain credibility and trust with audiences.
- Communicated with and responded to readers to build trust and enhance impact of news coverage.
- Attended press conferences, court hearings and special events.
- Organized and simplified highly complex public information.
- Managed and facilitated project-related deadlines.
- Conceptualized and assisted with design for print and digital media formats.
Associate Producer
Season 3 Of Abuse Of Power Podcast
10.2021 - 04.2022
- Produced audio content for podcast series focused on 1976 wrongful conviction of Charles Ray Finch.
- Determined editorial direction.
- Arranged and performed in-depth interviews that amplified story content.
- Gathered required legal documentation.
- Adapted audio level specifications.
Reporter
The Shelby Star
01.2005 - 01.2008
- Crafted stories for coverage of Cleveland County government agencies, including law enforcement, courts, economic development, businesses and schools.
- Facilitated partnerships between residents and organizations.
- Exposed fundamental weaknesses in North Carolina's child privacy laws.
- Generated award-winning stories and projects on topics including gang prevention, child sexual and physical abuse, juvenile court hearings, child homelessness and poverty.
- Mobilized residents, leaders and community groups to combat systemic problems within Cleveland County community.
- Organized, recruited and coordinated with Cleveland County's United Way agencies to create annual Connect, Commit to Change event, which aimed to change lives of local youth through community action.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Psychology, Sociology
Appalachian State University
Boone, NCGraduate Coursework - Liberal Studies
University of North Carolina At Greensboro
Greensboro, NCParalegal Studies -
Gaston Community College
Gastonia, NCSkills
- Narrative development
- Content creation and editing
- Effective communication skills
- Community engagement and outreach
- Collaboration
- Public speaking
- Story development skill
- AP Style expertise
- Copywriting and editing
- Social media platforms
- Public information
- Project coordination
Accomplishments
● Recipient of more than 35 individual N.C. Press Association awards, including investigative journalism.
● Worked along side Duke University’s Wrongful Conviction Clinic for a decade, which led to the freedom and innocence of a man wrongfully convicted of a 1976 murder.
● Created the “Hidden Hunger” series, which explored food insecurity among families and children following the Great Recession. One of Wilson County's largest food drives is held each year as a result of the series.
● Exposed flaws in North Carolina’s child privacy laws after a two-year-old was killed by his caregivers due to physical abuse while under social services’ purview.
• Led efforts based on project reporting to save the Eastern North Carolina School for the Deaf in Wilson after legislators tried to hide the school's closing from the public in the state budget.
● Two-time winner of the Henry Weathers Freedom of Information Act Award.
● Three-time winner of the N.C. Press Association Public Service Award.
● Three-time winner of the N.C. Media and Law Award by the N.C. Bar Association.
● Recipient of the prestigious O. Henry Award by the N.C. Associated Press.
• Implemented and created the award-winning "Who Got Killed?" and "Who Can Help" series, which examined the plight poverty-stricken children face in Cleveland County, and how community members could be a driving force behind solving complex problems.
• Third-place winner of the National Green Eyeshades Award in courts and law reporting, which recognizes the best journalism in the southeastern United States.
Timeline
Associate Producer
Season 3 Of Abuse Of Power Podcast
10.2021 - 04.2022
Senior Reporter
The Wilson Times
01.2009 - Current
Reporter
The Shelby Star
01.2005 - 01.2008
Bachelor of Science - Psychology, Sociology
Appalachian State University
Graduate Coursework - Liberal Studies
University of North Carolina At Greensboro
Paralegal Studies -
Gaston Community College
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