Kay Nolan

Kay Nolan

Resume​

Kay Nolan

JOURNALISM EXPERIENCE AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS — NEWS MEDIA

Freelance Reporter for the Capital Weather Gang/Climate and Environmental Team, The Washington Post

Jan. 2019 to present

My enterprise stories for the Climate team focus on vulnerable populations during severe climate and weather events, as well as diversity issues within the atmospheric science and meteorology fields. 

Accomplishments:

  • Received an Award for Distinguished Science Journalism in the Atmospheric and Related Sciences  “for vital, in-depth reporting on language barriers, translation challenges, and dialect nuances that experts experience when providing crucial, life-saving weather information to Spanish-speaking communities” from the American Meteorological Society, a professional organization of more than 12,600 science professionals from around the world.
  • Broke an important global story in early 2023 about the potential for low-earth-orbit satellite constellations to harm the ozone layer.  My story in The Washington Post was the first mainstream news outlet to report this vital story, which also included breaking news about the FCC’s new plans to create a space bureau.
  • Exposed discrimination and harassment against women and minorities in the climate and environmental science fields.
  • Reported on the unsettlingly large proportion of schools built in known flood zones, as well as wildfire and earthquake-prone regions.  Led with an intense story of a school that was flooded, threatening the lives of those inside.
  • Did an in-depth story on the risks of campers and recreational vehicles in dangerous weather.
  • Reported on the loss of a crucial televised weather show in Alaska, where Internet access is unavailable.
  • Exposed racist social media tweets by a longtime atmospheric professor.

Freelance Reporter for the New York Times

July 2015 – present

Accomplishments: 

  • Received months-long contract to write and assign photos for a weekly “Dispatch From a Battleground State” feature package during the 2020 Presidential election.  Each week I presented a Wisconsin-based analytical feature on an issue important to voters, for example, ginseng farmers in north-central Wisconsin, educated Black women alumni of the “Divine Nine,” the senior citizen vote from Native reservations to inner city, and more, in addition to covering campaign visits from candidates and do voter interviews at the polls.
  • Wrote a Page 1A story about the court trial of a Milwaukee police officer who shot and killed a man after he had tossed his gun away and over a fence.  I additionally covered Black Lives Matter protests in Milwaukee over the shooting in a series of stories.
  • Reported on the COVID-19 epidemic for the NYT, including coverage of massive protests at the State Capitol building over mask and distancing mandates, and the arrest of a pharmacist who deliberately tampered with COVID vaccines.
  • Covered multiple live appearances in Wisconsin by Donald Trump and other candidates; covered Gov. Scott Walker’s exit from the 2016 Presidential race; contributed to breaking news stories of national interest, including a mysterious shooting at a local brewery and sightings of a mountain lion in the city.

Contributing researcher and writer, CQ Researcher (formerly Congressional Quarterly)

2018-2019

Accomplishments:  Conducted in-depth research and interviews for long-form reports on the topics of Foster Care in the U.S. and Domestic Poverty.  Both reports — which are frequently used by university professors as adjunct reading — contained a cover summary of 150 words; main text (8,300 words); two sidebars (750-900 words each) chronology (about 550 words) annotated list of contact organizations and annotated bibliography (about 14 entries or 625 words).  

Freelance correspondent, Christian Science Monitor

2011-2019
Pitched and wrote enterprise stories with a national focus for this highly respected news magazine with a global following of millions.

  • Covered new efforts by global manufacturers to train workers for today’s computer-aided and increasingly complex tasks, such as high-tech welding and machinist skills.
  • Covered difficulties experienced by members of the Greatest Generation in complying with new voter ID requirements of proof of birth name and place.
  • Covered the perceived “war on women” as equal pay laws and abortion rights are threatened.
  • Reported on an aspect of the National Football League’s new domestic violence policy.

Reporter, WisPolitics and WisBusiness

2009 – 2017
Wrote multiple stories per week covering politics for the nonpartisan digital news site, WisPolitics.com (Wisconsin’s version of Politico) and its sister site, WisBusiness.com.

Accomplishments:  Covered dozens of campaign events by both state and national political candidates in person, often asking key questions.  Took photos and video packages as well as filing stories within an hour. This includes Donald Trump, Barack Obama, Michelle Obama, Mike Pence, Bernie Sanders, Hillary Clinton, Mitt Romney, Marco Rubio, Ted Cruz, Bill Clinton, Sarah Palin, Paul Ryan, Russ Feingold, Ron Johnson, Tammy Baldwin, Herb Kohl, Scott Walker, Tony Evers, Mary Burke, Tommy Thompson, Bill DiBlasio and more.  Did Election Night and candidate debate coverage as well.  

  • Covered a range of environmental issues relating to business, including e-waste and recycling, renewable energy sources to supplement utility grids, carbon emissions regulations and energy storage.
  • Extensively covered women’s and minority rights, including breaking a story — which was picked up by national news — about a quiet move by Gov. Walker to end cancer and multiple sclerosis screenings for low-income women.
  • Covered a controversial plan to to strip mining in a conservancy region on or near tribal lands
  • Uncovered a rise in employee embezzlement tied to the Great Recession
  • Reported on a controversial cross-country pipeline
  • Wrote about startups, Millennial hiring trends, angel funding, overseas manufacturing booms and Wisconsin’s Economic Scorecard
  • Covered Scott Walker’s rise to the governor’s office in Wisconsin; his controversial moves to curtail public employee rights and enact right-to-work legislation
  • Covered the massive recall effort against Gov. Walker; his entry into the 2016 Presidential race and his exit from that race.

Freelance writer, Points of Light Foundation

2014-2024
  • Interviewed and wrote in-depth bios of nationwide candidates for the L’Oreal Paris Women of Worth Award Program
  • Interviewed and wrote in-depth bios of nationwide candidates for the Canadian L’Oreal Women of Worth Award Program
  • Interviewed and collected photos for Daily Points of Light Award stories about men, women and teens nationally who do outstanding volunteer work
  • Completed large story packages for Points of Light special editions, which included interviewing individuals and organizations in Europe, Africa and other nations 

Other freelance reporting accomplishments:

  • Covered protests in Wisconsin’s state capital for Business Insider
  • Wrote about how to cover the military (and spot fake military members) for Quill (journalism magazine)
  • Wrote about the new trend of ESGR investing for BizTimes Wisconsin
  • Reported on the lack of handicapped accessibility at the nation’s elite private schools for Diversity IS magazine
  • Reported on the need for better mental health care at America’s community colleges for INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine
  • Covered Paul Ryan’s announcement as Vice Presidential candidate for New York Daily News
  • Covered appearance by vice presidential candidate Tim Kaine for The Washington Post
     

Reporter/Stringer, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

March 2002 to November 2009

Covered government and education on deadline in more than 40 communities and 14 school districts throughout Milwaukee, Waukesha, Washington and Ozaukee counties, for Pulitzer Prize-winning metro daily. Alerted editors to breaking news and follow-up stories, and generated enterprise stories for Page 1 of the Metro News section, as well as Page 1 stories for the Sunday Real Estate section.

  • Broke story on astounding lack of accessibility at polling places in Milwaukee; story led to action by the city; drew mail from as far away as South Dakota.
  • Discovered and reported on movement to ban phosphorus fertilizer in Wisconsin; story led to editorial, follow-up coverage.
  • Was first reporter to reveal that a local school district holding the then-largest voter referendum in state history intended to double the size of its two high schools, not just rebuild the existing space, as purported.  Story led to heightened public dialog; building project ultimately was scaled back.
  • Observed trend of new bank construction in key commercial corridors despite economic and banking crisis, leading to compelling Page 1B story with graphics.

Multi-platform Copy Editor, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

April 2005 to October 2009, April 2011 to October 2011, March 2013 to September 2013

As part of the universal copy desk, I edited national, local and business stories on deadline, including opinion columns, fine arts reviews, news briefs, and special projects/series/investigative pieces. I wrote and edited headlines, copy accompanying graphics and photos, skyboxes and other display type for both print and online.

  • Saved the Journal Sentinel from a potentially libelous, crucial error in a front-page top story literally moments before press run.
  • Received four Newsroom Quarterly Awards for headlines and editing; named to copy desk chief’s Catch of the Week” 58 times, and won the top recognition 10 times.
  • Personally chosen to make crucial edits and suggestions for award-winning packages on child abuse, health care breakthroughs and bank scandals.
  • Got a story reworked to avoid racist overtones; proved crucial the next day when police provided new and different information and the story pervaded talk radio and blogs.
  • Earned unsolicited memos of praise from reporters for catching errors and polishing copy.
  • Wrote and produced Journal Sentinel Delivered, a daily news podcast 

Assistant Managing Editor/Copy Editor, The Janesville Gazette

2003-2004

I edited stories by 13 staff reporters, as well as a number of correspondents, at this 24,000 circulation daily, which was named one of “Ten That Do It Right” by Editor & Publisher in 2003. I edited several stories for Page 1A and Page 1B on deadline every day, while simultaneously writing headlines and designing the pages.  I worked with the reporters to develop story ideas and content and with the editors to develop budgets and determine page placement and accompanying art.  As a regular weekend night editor, was responsible for the entire local section for the Saturday and Sunday morning editions — assigning and editing stories by weekend reporters, and designing pages.

  • Restored daily copy editing of all stories — without missing deadlines — in newsroom struggling to adapt to newly adapted electronic page design and publishing system.
  • Successfully handled late-breaking murder story coverage which required fast redesign of front page and inside jump page during a short-staffed weekend – without missing deadline.

Assistant News Editor/Copy Editor, Waukesha Freeman

1993-1996

I prepared daily and weekly budgets and assigned reporters as needed at this daily, named best overall newspaper in its circulation category by the Wisconsin Newspaper Association.  Edited copy and wrote headlines for each day’s paper, including multiple local stories on deadline.  Sorted and edited wire stories as needed.  Paginated at least one full page per day.  Edited the opinion page each week. Continued to cover news and write stories each week, as well as my weekly column. Coordinated special sections from start to finish, developing theme and assigning stories and photos. Examples: “A Day in the Life in Waukesha County,” “Waukesha County Fair.” 

Staff Reporter, Waukesha Freeman ​

1989-1996

Covered breaking news, crime, business, elections, education, health and medical, local government, real estate, lifestyle, religion, and entertainment.  Became known for constant flow of story leads and ideas.  Sole weekend reporter/editor for years, trusted to handle newsroom and cover breaking news.

  • Was only reporter among statewide media to achieve interview with hostage in Waukesha County’s infamous Oswald shooting case; later, during the trial coverage, was the first and one of the only reporters to gain an interview with James Oswald’s ex-wife.
  • Wrote special series on topics ranging from Superfund landfill sites to new construction.
  • Handled health and medical beat, including producing weekly section front.
  • Produced weekly section fronts for Real Estate and Lifestyle sections.
  • Wrote popular “What’s Hot, What’s Not.” column on new products and trends, which ran weekly for 7 years, generated reader mail and was picked up by other Thomson papers.
  • Received award from the American Cancer Society for skin cancer package.
  • Received award from the Alliance for the Mentally Ill for news coverage.

JOURNALISM EXPERIENCE AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS — MAGAZINES, CORPORATE WRITING​

Copy editor, RK Communications, Los Angeles, Calif.

2013-present

Provide copy editing and rewriting suggestions for Los Angeles-based company that offers resume writing, business coaching and website services for Japanese and Japanese-American business professionals. I help polish communications that are translated from Japanese to English, to ensure clarity and accuracy.  In addition, RK Communications assists scientists and engineers who are applying for U.S. patents to effectively translate their patent applications and correspondence from Japanese to English.  I assist in copy editing and proofing these highly technical documents.

Freelance writer, Points of Light Institute, Washington, D.C., and Atlanta, GA.

2014-present

Provide research, interviewing and writing of stories featuring Daily Points of Light award-winners for Points of Light online website.

Researcher, writer for L’Oreal Paris Women of Worth Recognition Program judging teams. This involves interviewing Women of Worth finalists, researching their volunteer work and relevant community/background data, as well as interviewing several people affected by each candidate’s work. Successfully completed this assignment for U.S.A. Women of Worth programs in 2015, 2016 and 2017, as well as the first annual Women of Worth Canada recognition program in 2017.

Book editor

2016: “101 Mindful Arts-Based Activities to Get Children and Adolescents Talking: Working with Severe Trauma, Abuse and Neglect Using Found and Everyday Objects”

by Dawn D. D’Amico, PhD, LCSW; 2016, Jessica Kingsley Publishers, London. Helped Dr. D’Amico turn a thick file of loose notes, gathered throughout many years of practice, into a cohesive, informative book that is earning positive reviews on Amazon. The book is written for clinical psychologists, school professionals, social workers, law enforcement, legal personnel and parents – all of whom work with severely traumatized children and adolescents. The book needed to be clear and easy to use by all.

Editor, Goodwill Industries of Southeastern Wisconsin & Metropolitan Chicago, Inc.

1999-2003

Wrote, edited, and coordinated production of Update newsletter for more than 2,000 employees, and Working Together, a quarterly publication with an external distribution of more than 20,000; as well as the Goodwill Annual Report, the organization’s showpiece educational publication.  Produced highly compelling stories, often overcoming interview challenges, such as blind, deaf or non-English-speaking subjects. Coordinated professional photo shoots in Chicago and Milwaukee; supervised printing, production, distribution; managed financial budget.

  • Earned 2001 PRSA Award of Excellence for Goodwill Industries Annual Report.
  • Earned multiple APEX Awards for Publication Excellence for Working Together, Update and the Goodwill Annual Report. 
  • Significantly increased production while dramatically slashing costs — 2001 annual report was produced for 30% less cost than 1998 piece done by my predecessor, yet 40% more copies were printed and 97% more were mailed, reaching greater audience. Postage costs for Update were reduced by 71%; from $968 to $280 per month. I eliminated an estimated $19,000 per year in publication costs in previously outsourced writing, photography, photo scanning and graphic design.
  • In my first 16 months as editor, I published more than twice as many issues of Update than in all of 1998, tripled the number of articles and pages and added photos, yet saved costs.
  • Met annual report deadline for January stockholders meeting each year I was editor.  (Previous annual reports had been finished no earlier than April and as late as August.)
  • Produced 4-color special daily newsletter for attendees of Goodwill International’s weeklong Centennial celebration in Milwaukee, while simultaneously hosting events. 
 

Editor, Internal Publications, Medical College of Wisconsin

1997-1999

Wrote and edited World, a weekly publication for the faculty and staff of the Medical College of Wisconsin.  Redesigned the publication to expand and improve content and enhance readability. Created regular features on health care trends, scientific research, staff achievements, HR updates, IT advancements and capital building projects.  Wrote, edited and managed both print and electronic production of Focus, a biweekly scope-of-practice newsletter for the Clinical Practice Group of the college and its teaching hospital and affiliated practice sites.  Redesigned the publication to offer succinct, bullet-point news on risk management, managed care, Medicare, compliance, government regulations, capitation and other health industry business issues. 

  • Persuaded top management to allow me to reinvent Focus from a monthly magazine into the first electronic publication on campus.  Broke new ground by covering CPG Board of Directors meetings, previously not open to non-physicians.  At Dean’s request, produced special editions of Focus to cover breaking news.
  • Helped coordinate online version of World, for college’s newly developed intranet site.
  • Created immensely popular feature, “Site Scene,” which reported weekly on the progress of a 2-year construction project on campus, explaining engineering terms and processes.
  • Restored timely production to World and Focus.  During my 3-year tenure as editor, they never missed a deadline or skipped an issue.

EDUCATION

Journalism/Mass Communications — Honors Program, with majority of studies at Marquette University and completed at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.

  • 2025: “Climate Journalism and COP30: From science to local solutions and fighting disinformation” — Knight Center for Journalism in the America
  • 2024: “Climate Solutions Journalism: A Community-informed & Equity-focused Approach” Knight Center for Journalism in the Americas
  • 2023: “Generative AI for Journalists” Knight Center for Journalism in the Americas
  • 2023: “How to use ChatGPT and other generative AI tools in your newsrooms” Knight Center for Journalism in the Americas
  • 2023: “Explain This! How Explanatory Journalism Informs and Engages Audiences” — Knight Center for Journalism in the Americas
  • 2022: “How to Cover the Climate Crisis — And Fight Disinformation” — Knight Center for Journalism in the Americas
  • 2020: “Journalism in a pandemic: Covering COVID-19 now and in the Future” — Knight Center
  • 2020: “Investigative Reporting in the Digital Age” – Knight Center for Journalism in the Americas
  • 2019: “Navigating Misinformation: How to Trust and Verify What You See on the Web” — Knight Center for Journalism in the Americas
  • 2018: “Trust and Verification in an Age of Misinformation” — Knight Center for Journalism in the Americas
  • 2017: “Data Exploration and Storytelling: Finding Stories in Data with Exploratory Analysis and Visualization” — Knight Center for Journalism in the Americas.