Hello World!
I’m JD Sullivan. I am a Communications Strategist with 12+ years experience in WordPress, Social Media Marketing, Radio Production and Reporting/Editing, to help people tell their story by connecting, engaging, and cultivating community.

Highlights:

  • Initiated, created, collaborated, and taught students to use a CMS/WordPress website which was utilized in Basic Reporting and JMC Seminar and Basic reporting Class at Olivet College.
  • Proactively developed the News & Information Director position at WOCR FM, and the first ever WOCR morning show.
  • Supervisory experience of volunteers and an intern in media production.
  • Professional, analytical, and creative with a positive attitude.

Education
Bachelor of Arts in Journalism/Mass Communication at Olivet College Class of 2011
GPA: 3.49 Dean’s List Spring 2009, Fall 2010, Spring 2010

Creative Innovator

"JD, a former student, is a creative, ever-evolving user and innovator of online media and marketing techniques. His work allows me to invite him in to speak to current students about need-to-know information, especially in the areas of SEO, WordPress, Social Media and Marketing. His work in and outside of the classroom consistently showed marketing savvy and a willingness to work with others."

Professor Joanne Williams
JD's Academic Advisor, Professor and Faculty Advisor at The Echo

Dedicated Worker

"Jim is a very dedicated worker, who is talented at many different things. He was always willing to help others (in or out of class.) He is very smart and is willing to go the extra mile with projects and assignments."

Amy Zesiger Journalism Classmate with JD

Very Analytical

"[JD] has a very interesting brain, and the more I get to know him, the more I am able to decipher of what and how he thinks. He is a very analytical person, who always gets to the correct answer/solution, and then some. He thinks much deeper than I can even imagine, always thinking of the ripple effects of every decision."

Branden Webb Journalism Classmate with JD

Great Attitude

"JD does an impressive job, is quick to respond to questions, suggestions, and feedback, and above all, has a great attitude – an excitement about the work and concern that it be the very best it can be."

Marilyn Vogler, PhD Vice Chair of MDPLGBT Caucus; Internship Supervisor.

Timely...

"... an excellent coworker, timely, thoughtful and creative."

Beth Miller Co-Worker at WGVU

Notable Firsts
My first Media Project
: Zaap! magazine – it was a concept thing I created when I was 8 years old.
My first Job: Newspaper Delivery for The Grand Rapids Press, started this when I was 11 years old.
My first Website: WTSS.com, a chat site I made in 1993, which helped me to learn how to make websites. For awhile it was number 1 on Yahoo with keyword search, “Christian Teen Chat.” I sold the domain in 2011.
My first News Website: KentCountyStar went online in 2004. Later renamed to metroGRnews.
First CMS Learning Tool at Olivet College: ConvergentMediaCenter, gave journalism students practice posting online. The website was used in Basic Reporting and JMC Seminar. Currently this project is offline.
First Morning Show at WOCR: I had this crazy idea we should have a morning show to catch the morning commuters and so they gave the show to me. Had to turn the transmitters on in the morning. Very very early in the morning.

Characteristics & Strengths
I am inquisitive. I delve, study, analyze. I excel at going beyond the surface toward uncovering information and discoveries. I am methodical, precise, and detail-oriented. I am creative yet organized. I am observant, enthusiastic, deeply passionate about the project. I am a visionary. I see the big picture, all the parts, and how it all fits together. I love to work on a team toward a common goal. I have great communication skills, patience, and compassion.

I take initiative. I am comfortable working under pressure in a deadline driven goal-oriented environment and getting the job done. I am especially motivated and energized when I have the opportunity to mentor or advocate for others.

Check out examples of my work in my online portfolio.