BILL SLOCUM
97 Richards Avenue #E10
Norwalk, Connecticut 06854
(203) 837-7218
e-mail: bill.slocum@gmail.com / Twitter - @BillSlocum1
SUMMARY
I write clear, engaging prose in tune with the brand positioning of forward-thinking clients seeking to engage and build mindshare. Over the last decade, my work has included client-focused success stories, blog posts around connectivity and networking, charitable direct-mail appeals, website copy, Twitter feeds, podcast scripts, and magazine articles and profiles.
WORK EXPERIENCE
Spectrum Enterprise/Charter Communications – Stamford, CT May 2022 – Present
Copywriter
As a contractor with Fountain Group, I have developed engaging case studies around recent successes engineered with the technology and support of Spectrum Enterprise. These showcase highly sophisticated network edge tools like Managed Network Edge, Enterprise Network Edge, and Distributed Denial of Service [DDoS] Protection, as well as Ethernet and fiber-based internet connectivity and communications tools, all showing what Spectrum Enterprise can do.
My work includes interviewing clients, developing outlines to be reviewed and approved, and finally writing case studies that engage readers in the journey the client has taken as well as articulate and authenticate Spectrum Enterprise’s partnership-focused branding.
I have also written blog posts around the issues and challenges facing today’s leaders in the fields of security, supply and information technology. The work spotlights vital industries, including healthcare, manufacturing, government, hospitality, education, and retail.
Data Axle Non Profit Solutions – Rye Brook, NY May 2019 – May 2022
Copywriter
I wrote direct-mail appeal letters for Data Axle, formerly known as Infogroup, a leading provider of data-driven marketing solutions. The clients I worked for included national non-profit agencies and religious institutions. I worked closely with account directors and their clients to find the right tone and message to represent Data Axle’s clients to donors and potential donors.
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, I helped
craft campaigns that substantially grew revenue for the charities we served,
allowing them the room to better manage budget shortfalls from missed benefits,
rallies, walk-a-thons, etc. as well as develop new messaging to appeal to
younger demographics. My work took in everything from raising funds and health
awareness for American Heart Association to promoting scholarships for the
students of U. S. Marines.
Accenture – Chicago, IL May 2016 – May 2019
Copywriter
I wrote content around social media campaigns with a variety of Accenture industry groups, including Health, Cybersecurity, Border Security, and Federal Government. This mainly takes the form of producing short copy for Twitter and LinkedIn feeds, as well as for digital tiles.
With Accenture Health in 2016, I expanded this
into writing content for use in blog posts and other material, calling upon my
journalism experience.
Moffly Publications – Greenwich, CT May 1992 – May 2019
Senior Writer
I produced over 100 cover stories and feature articles for a trio of high-end glossy magazines with strong community identification in Fairfield County, Connecticut: Greenwich magazine, New Canaan/Darien magazine, and Westport magazine.
I have researched, conducted interviews, and
wrote top-billed profiles on several well-known figures, including New York
Yankees general manager Brian Cashman, actor Gene Wilder, NBC news anchor Brian
Williams, and Environmental Defense director Fred Krupp.
Murphy & Company – Greenwich, CT July 2006 – November 2017
Copywriter/Copy Consultant
I wrote and otherwise shaped content for dozens of websites and microsites for various top-tier businesses, including Citi, Duff & Phelps, Fluor, and Robert Half. I shepherded the development of highly technical explanatory text for the first-ever Robert Half Legal eDiscovery Services site.
I assisted Murphy & Co.’s brand
positioning work by conducting interviews with senior stakeholders,
examining/evaluating content, and developing presentations for major clients.
The New York Times - New York, NY January 1995 – February 2007
Correspondent
I wrote close to 100 spot-news, feature, profile and other articles for the Times’ weekly Connecticut supplement, covering a variety of topics. I broke into the Times with an article about how seriously Connecticut police enforced the then-strict 55 miles-per-hour speed limit. For the better part of a decade, I wrote on average 12 articles a year for the Times Connecticut section.
These articles ranged from analyzing which
parts of the state had the most powerful politicians to a visit to the Mark
Twain House in Hartford. Highlights included a quiz on the people for whom
state highways were named, articles about the transformation of the University
of Connecticut into a technology-focused campus and anti-gang activities
coordinated by the FBI in Bridgeport, and a profile on Connecticut-based crime
author Ed McBain.
Greenwich Associates - Greenwich, CT May 2000 – July 2003
Content Editor/Press Liaison
I assisted in the creation and development of written content for Greenwich Associates’ subscription website, Greenwich.com, including analyses of the firm’s research of financial institutional investment practices worldwide.
As press liaison, I used my media background
to develop stories of interest that I then pitched to reporters and editors.
Publications using GA research supplied by me included The Wall Street
Journal, Barron’s, Bloomberg News, Pensions
& Investments, and the Financial Times.
Connecticut Magazine - Trumbull, CT February 1998 – May 2000
Writer
I authored a variety of stories,
including pieces on OpSail 2000, the 2000 Summer Olympic Games, and controversy
surrounding the Millstone nuclear power plant.
Greenwich News - Greenwich, CT May 1988 – May 1992
Reporter
I covered local news, including politics,
crime, zoning, and public health issues. During this time, I branched out and
wrote arts and sports stories, developing my craft as a feature writer.
EDUCATION
Bachelor’s Degree, English Honors, University of Connecticut, Storrs CT
