Also known as: sammeddis
As video team lead at USA TODAY, I oversee an award-winning group of video journalists and help to develop an ambitious digital video strategy focused on expanding production and spreading visual-storytelling skills across the newsroom. I’m also pursuing a Masters in Interdisciplinary Studies, with a concentration in video, at George Mason University. I'm also on the advisory board of American University's Backpack Journalism Project. I began leading the video team in November, 2010, as part of a major newsroom restructuring intended to transform the organization from a newspaper into a multi-platform media company. I was previously a deputy managing editor, a role in which I helped oversee news coverage and operations of usatoday.com, coordinated training programs for print and online editorial staff and supervised the editorial technology group. I am a founding member both of usatoday.com and USA TODAY, the newspaper. Beginning at the paper’s founding in 1982, I served as lead reporter covering the U.S. Justice Department, FBI and CIA. In 1995, I became technology editor for usatoday.com, after proposing that the fledgling website consolidate its technology coverage in a distinct Tech section. (Yes, I actually got paid to surf the Web in the Internet’s heyday!) My reporting has won a number of awards, including: a Silver Gavel Award from the American Bar Association, a Unity Award for Investigative Reporting from Lincoln University’s Department of Journalism, a Champion of Justice award from the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and a public service award from Investigative Reporters & Editors. Specialties —Proven record of effective leadership, communication and decision-making skills in the supervision of complex operations. —Deep understanding of technologies. —Excellence in writing, analysis and information gathering as a reporter covering some of journalism's most competitive beats. —Hands-on experience with successful start-ups.
