1. Tony Scott
Phone: 630-533-1509 E-Mail: anthonytscott@gmail.com
Writing samples at tonyscottwriting.wordpress.com
Website www.scottwritingservices.com
Summary
16 years of experience in writing and editing, social media management, digital
photography and videography, web content management, and government
communications. Competencies include meeting tight deadlines with accurate copy;
having strong command of grammar and AP Style; researching complex issues and
ideas, and writing concise, eye-catching copy; working with people of different
backgrounds, political ideologies and temperaments to complete tasks and finish
projects; experience with the business, governmental and education communities.
Experience
News Editor, Shaw Media, Record Newspapers
Yorkville IL
June 2016-present
•Writing and editing long-form features and breaking news for four weekly newspapers.
•Providing digital photography and video to augment content.
•Managing social media and web content.
•Regularly interacting with business, government, education, and community leaders
and organizations.
•Interacting with design and executive staff on projects to meet tight deadlines.
•Handling confidential information with discretion while building sources and contacts.
•Serving a market of 118,000 Kendall County area residents.
Freelance Writer, DePaul University Newsline
Chicago IL
April 2016-present
•Crafting stories on alumni accomplishments, grant recipients, and special projects for
the DePaul University faculty and staff publication (circulation 4,000).

2. Page 2
Communications Specialist, DeKalb County Health Dept.
DeKalb IL
Nov. 2015-June 2016
•Developed strategic communications to ensure brand consistency across social media
and public information messaging platforms for a county health department serving a
population of 104,000.
•Drafted social media toolkit and strategic media plans that will be used by current and
future county staff.
•Consulted with county staff on media and social media usage related to emergency
and crises management.
•Involved in planning and participation in statewide full-scale exercise testing the
Strategic National Stockpile Plan, in partnership with the Illinois Department of Public
Health.
•Participated in regular NIPHC public information officer regional meetings.
•Completed NIMS and ICS training, as well as CDC Crisis and Emergency Risk
Communication training.
Freelance Writer, Beacon News / Chicago Tribune
Aurora IL
June 2015- June 2016
•Wrote copy on various topics, including education, local government and special events
published in the Aurora Beacon-News (29,000 circulation) and Chicago Tribune
(448,930 daily circulation).
•Took photographs to augment copy.
•Interacted regularly with executive editorial staff and full-time reporting staff to ensure
quality copy and coverage.
Reporter, Record Newspapers
Yorkville IL
May 2000-June 2015

3. Page 3
•Covered municipal, county, township, state and federal governmental issues impacting
the region with locally focused coverage at a weekly newspaper group with
approximately 40,000 circulation.
•Turned complex ideas into compelling and relevant content on economic development,
business, veterans, social services and education issues.
•Launched from the ground up social media presence for Record Newspapers, ensuring
additional coverage.
•Built a network of sources in government, media, business, nonprofit, education, and
other areas.
Education
Eastern Illinois University, Charleston IL
•Bachelor’s degree in communications, May 2000
Computer/software skills
•Microsoft Office Suite
•Adobe Photoshop
•Social media SEO best practices (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram)
•Web content management using Roxen Editorial Portal
•Basic HTML
•WordPress and Blogger blogging formats
Honors/Awards
Recipient of awards from several press and media organizations, including the Illinois
Press Association, Northern Illinois Newspaper Association, National Newspaper
Association, Suburban Newspapers of America. Received a fellowship to complete
training at the University of Illinois Department of Journalism and the Knight Chair for
Investigative and Enterprise Reporting. Attended several seminars and conferences
for additional journalism training hosted by the Northern Illinois Newspaper Association,
Illinois Press Association, Associated Press and other organizations.

4. Page 4
References
•John Etheredge, Editor, Record Newspapers, Yorkville
Cell: 630-201-5646 Email: johnetheredge23@gmail.com
•Tom Cross, Chairman, Illinois Board of Higher Education, Oswego
Cell: 630-244-6606 Email: tom@tomcross.com
•Bart Olson, City Administrator, City of Yorkville
Cell: 630-308-0582 Email: bolson@yorkville.il.us
•Mary Randle, Executive Director, Metro West Council of Government, Aurora
Cell: 630-740-6602 Email: Randlewoman@hotmail.com