Below are experts from the ProfNet network that are available to discuss summer safety. If you are interested in interviewing any of the experts, please contact them via the contact information at the end of the listing. To receive these updates by email, drop us a note at profnet@profnet.com with the industries you cover, and we'll add you to the appropriate edition.

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Beauty/Skin Care

Gary Goldenberg, M.D.
Medical Director, Dermatology Faculty Practice, Mount Sinai Medical Center
Assistant Professor of Dermatology and Pathology, Mount Sinai School of Medicine
"The most important thing I tell patients is that you have to do it all -- make sure your kids wear broad-spectrum sunscreen, reapply numerous times per day, wear sun-protective clothing, avoid mid-day sun, and seek the shade. It’s also important or parents to lead by example, to protect the entire family from sun’s harmful rays."
Based in New York, Goldenberg is available to discuss skin cancer prevention and clues, how to keep kids safe in the summer, which type of sunscreen is best, and summer beauty tips for men and women.
Media Contact: Rachel Kessler, kessler.rachel@gmail.com

Liz Eglinton
Founder
Snapper Rock UV50+ Swimwear
“Melanoma is on the rise for U.S. children by approximately 2 percent per year from 1973 to 2009 among newborns to age 19, according to the May issue of Pediatrics. In light of this information and the fact that that Melanoma accounts for up to 3 percent of pediatric cancers, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation, it’s imperative that parents protect their kids’ skin this summer, even when they’re not together like during summer or sleep away camps. For starters, parents must educate themselves and their families about proper sunscreen application, which is one ounce of at least SPF 30 every two hours and immediately after swimming or heavy sweating. It’s important to arm children with the right tools like hats and UV50+ swimwear (such as Snapper Rock) and encourage them to catch as much shade as possible during breaks and downtime. If a child comes home from day camp or summer activities with a sunburn, parents should reinforce sun safety procedures for future fun in the sun. If the child is at a sleep away camp, parents can send them letters with friendly reminders about sun safety. Simple pictures with pictures of the sun’s rays beaming down on them with a caption like ‘I’m glad I’m wearing sunscreen!’ may be helpful. Parents should monitor their kids’ exposure to the sun during vacation and anytime they are together. Lastly, it’s important to constantly be aware of changing moles – Melanoma has irregular borders, are asymmetrical and have uneven coloring.”
Media Contact: Erin O’Brien, eobrien@konnect-pr.com

Debra Luftman, M.D.
Dermatologist, Simple Advisory Board
Simple Facial Skincare
“During the summer, the sun’s intensity is at its highest, so it’s especially important to consistently wear a moisturizer containing SPF during these months.”
Dr. Luftman is a board-certified dermatologist and is part of the Simple Advisory Board, a panel of leading industry experts who offer advice for achieving natural, healthy-looking through a holistic lifestyle approach. She is often called upon in the press as an expert in cosmetic medicine, and has appeared on TV shows such as “Good Morning America” and “EXTRA TV,” as well as on the news and various websites. She is frequently quoted in the New York Times, Los Angeles Times, Vogue, W, InStyle, Oprah Magazine and National Public Radio, just to name a few.
Website: www.simpleskincare.com
Media Contact: Meaghan Ford, MFord@webershandwick.com

Sarah Taylor, M.D.
Dermatology
Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center
Dr. Taylor can talk about sun exposure do’s and don’ts, as well as what you should do if you suffer from an extreme sunburn involving OTC treatments, and advice on when to seek medical attention.
Media Contact: Bonnie Davis, bdavis@wakehealth.edu

William Huang, M.D.
Dermatology
Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center
Dr. Huang can talk about skin care tactics for younger men who are concerned about taking care of their skin or who suffer from acne, razor stubble burn. He can offer do’s and don’ts and product advice from a personal viewpoint of someone in his early 30s.
Media Contact: Bonnie Davis, bdavis@wakehealth.edu

Richard Bezozo, M.D.
President
MoleSafe
Bezozo is president of MoleSafe, the world’s most advanced melanoma screening program. As one of the nation’s leading melanoma and skin health experts, he can provide expert insight and information on summer skin care. He can comment on a variety of skin care topics, some of which include: best practices for keeping your skin healthy in the summer heat; insight on how to get a “safe” tan; pre and post-sun skincare tips and information; information on how to have flawless skin and combat UV rays and damage; post -summer skincare tips to ensure health; tips for skin health during summer travels and vacation; secrets for the healthiest, best-looking skin for people of all ages and people of all different skin tones; preventative measures and steps to take to reduce your risk of developing skin cancer; Q&A of common sun and skin care questions; recent studies and research about skin care, skin health, the sun, and more.
Blog: bit.ly/YxiwNl
Media Contact: Carlee Pett, cpett@randjpr.com

Dr. Elizabeth Hale
Clinical Associate Professor of Dermatology
New York University School of Medicine
Hale, also a spokesperson for the Skin Cancer Foundation, is available to discuss how the elements can challenge the health of your skin, and -- as we embrace the summer season -- why it’s important to ensure that skin is protected all year, as rigorous outdoor activity, combined with heat, humidity and sweat, can make skin more vulnerable to the sun’s rays.
Media Contact: Mariam Quadri, MQuadri@padillaspeer.com

Health

Christian Davis Furman, M.D., M.S.P.H.
Geriatrician
“Older adults have a hard time sensing when they are getting dehydrated. They also have fewer sweat glands, so the possibility is greater they will get overheated easily because they do not sweat as much. Therefore, it is very important that they consciously drink extra fluids on warm days. Also, some older adults are unable to communicate that they need water because of dementia or other conditions. If an older adult has these barriers, their caregivers need to make sure they drink often and are appropriately hydrated.”
Furman is vice chair for geriatrics at the University of Louisville and is board-certified in geriatric medicine and hospice and palliative medicine. She is the only Kentuckian among geriatric medicine experts from 27 states and the District of Columbia selected to participate in the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ Innovation Advisors Program.
Media Contact: Jill Scoggins, jill.scoggins@louisville.edu

Jeff Salter
CEO and Founder
Caring Senior Service
“The summer poses a special risk for the elderly community.  With extreme temperatures, hurricanes and other weather conditions, seniors should take extra caution to prepare themselves for the season. I would be happy to offer up a few tips we give aging clients to stay safe through the summer.”
Caring Senior Service is a national in-home care franchise that specializes in caring for aging seniors.  Salter has worked in the homecare industry for over 21 years and has extensive experience in managing emergency situations for the elderly.  He is available to discuss summer safety concerns for the elderly.
Website: www.caringseniorservice.com
Media Contact: Bridget Strickland, Bstrickland@konnect-pr.com

Carolyn Dean, MD, ND
Dr. Dean is a medical doctor, nutritionist and author of "Homeopathic Remedies for Children’s Common Ailments." She is a health pioneer, with over 25 years of experience in children's nutrition, diet and health issues. She has authored 30 books, including "Future Health Now Encyclopedia," "365 Ways to Boost Your Brain Power: Tips, Exercise, Advice," "The Yeast Connection," "IBS for Dummies" and "The Magnesium Miracle." She has been interviewed regularly on radio and TV shows and in magazines, including ABC’s “The View,” NBC and CBS. She is an advisory board member of  the Nutritional Magnesium Association.
Dr. Dean is available for interviews on summer safety topics, such as allergies, keeping cool including proper hydration and electrolyte balance, muscle soreness due to summer activities, recovery from summer physical activities, etc. She is available to answer questions via email and/or by phone interview as necessary.
www.nutritionalmagnesium.org
Media Contact: Boris Levitsky, boris@netimprovements.com

Jim Fortenberry M.D., F.A.A.P., F.C.C.M.
Pediatrician-in-Chief
Children's Healthcare of Atlanta
Fortenberry is pediatrician-in-chief of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, a hospital system that has more than 740,000 patient visits annually. He is also professor of pediatric critical care in Emory University School of Medicine’s Department of Pediatrics. He is board-certified in pediatric critical care by the American Board of Pediatrics, and is a member of the Society of Critical Care Medicine, American Board of Pediatrics, American College of Critical Care Medicine, and Extracorporeal Life Support Organization. He has authored or co-authored 107 publications, 70 journal articles and 65 journal abstracts; has participated in 67 national presentations and 53 local presentations; and has presented at 63 research conferences.
Tip Sheet: tinyurl.com/clbb2pt
Blog: www.dedicatedtoallbetter.org
Media Contact: Chrissie (Eckhardt) Gallentine, chrissie.gallentine@choa.org

Young-jin Sue, M.D.
Pediatric Emergency Medicine Specialist
Montefiore Medical Center
Dr. Sue is an expert on summer safety for children, with particular expertise in the area of fireworks safety and tips for coping with summer heat waves. Dr. Sue is a graduate of the Medical School of Brown University. She did residencies at Harvard University Medical School in Pediatric Emergency Medicine and Toxicology.
Media Contact: Mike Quane, mquane@montefiore.org

Home/Auto Safety

Pat Clancy
Vice President, LoJack Law Enforcement
LoJack, Inc. Stolen Recovery Systems
“It’s important to remind the public to protect their vehicles from theft, especially during the summer months. July has continually shown high rates of auto theft, as people become more relaxed and spend more time on the road.  Today’s thieves are highly skilled professionals, and it is important to both prevent and protect your vehicle from becoming a theft target for experienced criminals.”
Clancy oversees LoJack's staff of law enforcement liaisons, all former police officers who work directly with law enforcement officials, supporting them in their fight against car theft. With 16 years of experience as a sergeant with a Boston-area police department and more than 23 years of law enforcement service at LoJack, Clancy is an expert on the subject of vehicle theft and protection. Clancy has been frequently quoted in print, online and broadcast media, and has published numerous articles on theft protection. He has been a member and presenter with the International Association of Auto Theft Investigators (IAATI) since 1986 and holds a bachelor of science in criminal justice from Northeastern University.
Media Contact: Maria Brown, lojack@matternow.com

Troy Latuff
Clockwork Home Services
“Injury is the leading cause of death among children and young adults, and nearly half of these accidents occur in the home. With kids out of school and spending more time in the home this summer, it’s important to understand potential hazards. Surprisingly, your electrical, plumbing and HVAC systems could be the culprit of accidents, but there are simple preventative measures you can take. For example, falls are one of the leading causes of injuries around the home, so secure electrical cords out of traffic areas and ensure there’s adequate lighting in tricky spots like stairs. Poor indoor air quality can cause serious respiratory reactions, so swapping out air filters and cleaning air ducts to remove dust, allergens and toxins is a smart idea, particularly for those with severe allergies. The number of injuries caused each year by hot water is always pretty surprising. Scalding causes hundreds of injuries each year that could be prevented simply by setting the maximum temperature of your water heater to 120 degrees Fahrenheit.”
Latuff has been in the home services industry for 12 years, specializing in plumbing, electrical systems and HVAC. As a co-owner of a tri-branded plumbing, electrical and HVAC business in Minneapolis from 2002-2007, Latuff saw firsthand the importance of safety in the workplace and in the home. After selling the business to Clockwork Home Services, a Direct Energy Company, Latuff was recruited as part of the corporate Clockwork team and has been heavily involved with all aspects of the business. In his current role, Latuff works with an extremely wide network of local certified technicians across the country should you need localized information on plumbing, electrical and HVAC safety tips and issues.
Media Contact: Kimberly Bratton, kbratton@fkmagency.com

Scott Spencer
Worldwide Appraisal and Loss Prevention Manager
Chubb Personal Insurance
Spencer, an expert on securing homes while families are on vacation this summer, shares his thoughts regarding home safety this summer: “It’s likely you have an alarm system, but have you thought about its components? Making sure the alarm is fitted with motion detectors, door and window magnetic contacts are in place, stress sensors are installed under the carpet or floor in front of a safe or valuable artwork, and the home has a closed circuit TV installed for remote viewing will be the best defense against buglers.  Fire and water can also cause extensive damage to homes, especially if nobody is there to recognize there is a problem. Install both ionization and photoelectronic fire detectors, and check their batteries before jetting off. Consider turning off the water valve-- a small leak that is unattended for an extended period of time could lead to major water damage. Also, do a thorough check to make sure all the doors and windows are locked. If possible, keep a car in the driveway. Turn the telephone ringer down so it isn’t audible from the exterior of the house, and arrange for a trusted neighbor to pick up your mail, newspapers and parcels and check your house.”
Spencer has been with Chubb for 28 years and has experience with all kinds of personal insurance losses, from water damage to wildfires. He is currently a columnist with Best’s Review.
Media Contact: Megan Tuck, Megan@Blissintegrated.com

Jim Gustin
Senior Property Specialist, Risk Control Department
Travelers
Gustin has experience offering consumers and homeowners tips and advice all year. He is available to offer tips on: 1) safe travel: tips for safely packing a car for a road trip and safely navigating the roads; 2) home security: advice for homeowners to secure their property while they are away on vacation, with a focus on preparation tips to avoid potential weather damage; 3) backyard safety: how homeowners can ensure their backyard entertainment areas are safe ; 4) summer property maintenance: tips on how to prepare homes for the summer season and the proper way to close homes for the fall.
Home Maintenance Tips: tinyurl.com/cfy9z6z
Website: www.travelers.com
Media Contact: Kyle Tildsley, ktildsley@pancomm.com

Cheryl Luptowski
Public Information Officer, Home Safety Expert
NSF International
NSF International is an independent public health and safety organization that writes standards and certifies products for the food, water and consumer goods industries to minimize adverse health effects and protect the environment. Certified products include home kitchen products and appliances, drinking water treatment, dietary supplement safety and sustainability. Luptowski handles more than 10,000 consumer inquiries annually on a wide range of consumer health and safety-related issues. She has been interviewed as a home expert in national print, online and radiom, and has authored many articles and fact sheets with tips for healthier living. She is the face behind “Ask NSF,” NSF’s online Q&A portal, and chairs the NSF Consumer Advisory Panel. Before joining NSH, Luptowski worked as a certified water treatment plant operator, strengthening her passion for drinking water safety. She holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Cleary University in Ann Arbor and has completed several graduate courses in food science through Michigan State University. She is available to discuss pool safety, water safety, food safety, and dietary supplement safety.
Website: www.nsf.org/consumer
Media Contact: Paula DeGangi, paula.degangi@ketchum.com

Outdoors/Wilderness Safety

Dave Mizejewski
Naturalist
National Wildlife Federation
Mizejewski, an expert on wildlife, our environment and green lifestyles, is available to talk about being safe around animals (when hiking, etc.), as well as how to avoid being bitten by bees, flies, wasps, ticks, etc.. A lifelong naturalist, he spent his youth romping in the woods, fields and wetlands, observing and learning about the surprising diversity of wildlife that inhabits these areas. He hosted and co-produced “Backyard Habitat,” on Animal Planet from 2005-2008, showing people how to transform their yards and gardens into thriving habitats for birds and other local wildlife. He also appeared in an Animal Planet mini-series in April of 2007 called “Springwatch U.S.A.,” which looked at the effect seasonal change has on wildlife from salamanders and flying squirrels to great horned owls and black bears. He blogs on animal oddities for Animal Planet, and contributes to Huffington Post and NWF’s blog, Wildlife Promise. He makes monthly appearances on NBC’s “Today” show and is a regular guest on “The Martha Stewart Show” and ABC’s “Good Morning America.”
Bio: www.nwf.org/david-mizejewski/full-bio.as...
Media Contact: Diane Shader Smith, dianeshadersmith@gmail.com

Henderson McGinnis, M.D.
Emergency Medicine
Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center
Dr. McGinnis can speak in depth about wilderness medicine, which covers the gamut of emergency medicine/first aid in natural conditions/elements, especially good for extreme athletes, outdoor adventurers, families who like to hit a walking/hiking/biking trail together on the weekends, etc. He can also provide information on how to compete in extreme sports, like Tough Mudder runs, and avoid injury or address what you can do if you do get hurt.
Media Contact: Bonnie Davis, bdavis@wakehealth.edu

Stan Cope Jr., Ph.D.
Manager, Technical Services
Terminix
Cope graduated in 1976 from Swarthmore College with a bachelor of arts degree in biology. In 1980, he completed a master’s in entomology at the University of Delaware, with emphasis on medical entomology. In 1988, he was awarded a Ph.D. in public health from the University of California, Los Angeles, where he focuses on entomology, tropical medicine and infectious disease. That same year, he was commissioned as a lieutenant in the United States Navy, where he served as a medical entomologist for the next 23+ years, retiring with the rank of captain. Most recently, he served as director, Armed Forces Pest Management Board of Director, Defense Pest Management, in Washington, D.C., where he had oversight of all aspects of pest management for the Department of Defense. After his retirement from the Armed Forces, Cope became the manager of technical services for Terminix. He is available to discuss how to enjoy the outdoors without the threat of mosquitoes.
Media Contact: Caroline Harris, charris@arhcermalmo.com

Pet Safety

Dr. Marilyn Gotbeter
Chief Veterinarian
City of San Antonio Animal Care Services
“Keeping pets happy and healthy in the summer may seem like a hurdle, but pet owners shouldn’t sweat it. It’s easy to keep your companion animals safe with a bit of common sense and a little preparation.”
Dr. Gotbeter is available to offer tips on keeping pets safe from the summer swelter. She can also detail what every pet owner must have for their pet this summer, as well as dispel the myths surrounding traveling with your dog or cat (e.g., cracking the window “just a bit” really doesn’t help). A graduate of Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Gotbeter has worked in private practice, emergency clinic settings, and shelter medicine.
Media Contact: Lisa Norwood, lisa.norwood@sanantonio.gov

Dr. Liz Hanson
Veterinarian
Corona Del Mar Animal Hospital
Hanson attended Colorado State University School of Veterinary Medicine and completed a B.S. degree at the University of California, Davis. She has been practicing veterinary medicine in Orange County since 1995. In her practice, she particularly enjoys internal medicine, dermatology, soft tissue surgery and wellness. She is able to speak to summer safety for pet owners and their furry friends.
Website: www.cdmah.com
Media Contact: Alyssa Meissner, Meissner@formulapr.com

Dr. Tina Wismer
Senior Toxicologist, Medical Director
ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center
Dr. Wismer is a senior toxicologist and is currently the medical director at the ASPCA’s Poison Control Center (APCC). She consults with veterinarians and pet parents about veterinary toxicology, and manages the veterinary toxicologists and veterinarians to provide guidance and consistency of medical recommendations. Dr. Wismer can speak to all topics relating to pets, including, but not limited to, items that can be toxic to pets, general summer safety tips, warm-weather advice, and veterinary concerns.
Media Contact: Mallory Kerley,mallory.kerley@aspca.org

Water/Boating Safety

Willan Johnson
CEO
VivoPools
“A safety pool cover is essential, especially during the off-season, to prevent any issues like your child wandering into the pool area unbeknownst to you. Pool safety fences are critical to ensure that children cannot access the pool area unsupervised. The Consumer Product and Safety Commission recommends installing a pool fence that is at least 48 inches high and has a self-closing, self-latching, child-resistant gate. Installing an alarm will detect movement in the pool area, alerting you to any potential problems. Every pool should have a lifesaver and a shepherds hook. These pool items will help in pulling distressed swimmers to safety. But the best alarm is adult eyes -- there is no substitute!”
VivoPools, a pool care franchise, maintains and cleans an array of commercial and residential pools around the country, including such prestigious pools as the W Hotels and The Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (Emmys). As a seasoned and knowledgeable pool care expert, Johnson is available to comment on pool safety and other topics involving the industry.
Website: www.vivopools.com
Erin Morrissey, emorrissey@konnect-pr.com

Tom Lochhaas
Writer, About Sailing
Author, “Suddenly Overboard: True Stories of Sailors in Fatal Trouble”
“The most dangerous time for sailors is the least dangerous time -- that is, the sailors about to become victims perceived no significant danger or risk at the time.  Life was going well, the sailing was good, it was just another day on the water. Staying safe on a sailboat or any kind of boat begins with an attitude of thinking ahead about anything that can happen at any time on the water. This doesn’t mean being ready for storms and having lots of gear on the boat for emergencies, and not just the traditional seamanship skills of navigation and boat operation, but always thinking ahead and asking yourself ‘what if.’”
Website: sailing.about.com
Media Contact: Ann Pryor, Ann.pryor@mheducation.com

Ginny Ferguson
Owner and Founder
Watersafe Swim School
"Summer is a time when we need to be more mindful than ever of children around water. It's easy to get caught up visiting and enjoying the sunshine and not notice that a toddler or baby has walked or crawled into an unsafe area. Fish ponds, duck ponds, unattended swimming pools, beaches are all environments where children need to be heavily supervised. It only takes a moment for a child to slip away. Start ‘water safety’ lessons as soon as possible. Toddlers get trained to roll over and float until help gets to them. We start training babies as young as 3 months to be watersafe -- it's never too early."
Ferguson is the developer of the award-winning “Smart Fish” curriculum. Since 1971, this comprehensive method has successfully taught water survival skills and advanced techniques to students ranging in age from 10 days to adult. Over the years, the method has evolved through the inspiration and expertise of industry luminaries, including USA Olympic swim coaches. An internationally recognized expert with a focus on stroke technique and infant instruction, Ferguson is tapped by organizations around the globe to share her knowledge with swim instructors and industry experts. She recently shared stroke techniques for children and infant/toddler learn-to-swim progressions at New Zealand Swim Coaches and Association. She has presented at numerous United States Swim School Association conferences on topics ranging from introducing a 4-month-old infant to lessons, to advanced stroke technique for competitive swimmers, and everything in between. She is a founding member of the United States Swim School Association (the largest swim school association in the country) and has held numerous positions on its board over the years.
Website: www.Watersafe.com
Media Contact: Elaine Marshall, Elaine@empoweredpr.com

Franceen Gonzales
Vice President, Risk Management and Aquatics
Great Wolf Lodge
Gonzales is currently vice president, risk management and aquatics at Great Wolf Resorts, based in Madison, Wis. Prior to accepting her current role in 2006, she was park director at Hurricane Harbor, located at Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson, N.J. With Great Wolf Resorts, Gonzales has helped further the expansion of the brand, overseeing the opening of four new properties. While her goal at Great Wolf Resorts has been to develop the waterparks as family-friendly anchors at each property, a big portion of that work has involved establishing a centralized risk management program. The goal is to ensure that employees have uniform safety protocols and a set of standards to protect the well-being of all guests. That goes hand in hand with ensuring that all corporate assets and shareholders are protected via a proper insurance program. Gonzales’ focus on risk management stems partially from having to face a tragic incident early in her career. While employed at an Arizona waterpark, she had to manage a devastating water slide accident. Investigations found that the employees were well-trained, documentation was in place and the ride met all standards. Ultimately, no conclusive reason for the accident was determined, but Gonzales says the experience taught her that operators need to be prepared to deal with an incident “whether it’s under our control or not.” That motivation led to her involvement with the World Waterpark Association, for which she served as chairwoman from October 2006 to October 2008. Gonzales also is active in creating new industry standards. As a member of ASTM, she has helped draft standards for water slides and aquatic play structures. And as chairwoman of the Ventilation Technical Committee for the Model Aquatic Health Code project, she’s working to create optimum air quality standards for aquatics facilities. She is available to discuss water safety.
Website: www.greatwolf.com
Susie Storey, sstorey@greatwolf.com

Mario Vittone
MarioVittone.com
Vittone, a former U.S. Coast Guard helicopter rescue swimmer and instructor, is a nationally recognized water safety expert. His writing on aquatic risk and drowning prevention has appeared in magazines, websites, and newspapers around the world.  He has lectured on boating and water safety across the United States, and currently serves on the board of directors of the National Drowning Prevention Alliance and the Joshua Collingsworth Memorial Foundation. He is able to provide important water safety tips for children and adults timed to National Learn to Swim Day, Memorial Day and more.
Media Contact: Gillian Small, gsmall@litzkypr.com

Technology Safety Tips

Marian Merritt
Internet Safety Advocate
Norton by Symantec
“As our mobile devices become more and more of a lifeline to work and play, especially in the summer when we spend a lot of time outdoors, it’s more important than ever to make sure you keep them protected. From online travel scams offering free flights, to smartphone seeking pickpockets, keeping yourself protected means more than just wearing sunscreen this summer. If you’re going to be playing in the water with your kids or spending time doing an activity, leave your phone at home for the day. Not only is it likely to be a distraction from the fun, but it also increases your risk of loss or theft. If you do decide to bring your phone or tablet, make sure to install security software before you head out to catch some rays so, in case your mobile device is lost or stolen, you can remotely locate and temporarily lock it to prevent anyone from accessing it, or remotely wipe it clean if you don’t think you’ll get it back.”
A tech-savvy mother of three, Merritt serves as an advisor to Symantec, maker of the Norton brand of computer security products. She offers consumers everywhere easy-to-understand advice on Internet safety -- from how to avoid being a victim of identity theft to what parents need to know about cyber bullying. She is the author of Norton’s “Family Online Safety Guide,” a free guide for parents and educators that focuses on age-specific solutions for protecting children online. She is also editor-in-chief of Norton’s Family Resource website, which offers free tips, resources and information on a broad array of Internet security topics. She has appeared on “Good Morning America” and in Family Circle and Parenting magazines to discuss Internet safety issues relevant to families. Additionally, when a virus or other cybercrime makes headlines, she contributes to national and regional TV, radio, and print outlets covering the story to explain the threat and offer consumers practical advice. She lives and works in Los Angeles.
Website: http://www.norton.com/familyresource
Media Contact: Mariel Sylvis, Mariel.Sylvis@edelman.com

With all of the information and data available online,  it’s more important than ever for journalists to filter through the noise. For our next #ConnectChat, Linda Bernstein will discuss social curation for journalists, including some of the available tools.

To participate in the chat, just join us on Twitter on Tuesday, April 30, 3 to 4:30 p.m., and follow the #ConnectChat hashtag to view all updates from @wordwhacker, @ProfNet and the rest of the chat participants. We'll start off the chat with a few questions to get the conversation going, but feel free to jump in with your own questions at any point.

If you do not have a Twitter account or won’t be able to make it to the chat, you can find a recap on ProfNet Connect the following day. To view past #ConnectChat recaps, click here.

About Linda Bernstein

Linda Bernstein teaches social media in the continuing education program at Columbia University’s School of Journalism. A writer and editor with over 35 years of experience in all corners of journalism and publishing, Bernstein received a Ph.D. in English from Columbia University and had a career in academia before she moved to journalism. She was editor of Sesame Street Parents, Scholastic Parent and Child and Modern Bride Connection magazines, and has published hundreds of articles on dozens of national and international magazines and newspapers, including The New York Times. Bernstein currently is a contributor to PBS’ Next Avenue. In addition, she is a speaker, social media consultant and conference organizer. Her own blog, GenerationBSquared, is an active voice for the baby boomer generation.

I used to write for the Huffington Post back when it first launched. I quickly realized that blogging on such a public platform was not for me. I just do not have a thick-enough skin. (Commenters can be MEAN!)

So, after three columns, I packed up my opinions and launched my own blog, which I haven’t really kept up with, mostly because I’m lazy. True story.

Anyway, I really enjoyed writer Jean Fain’s article in The Word, ASJA’s member blog, which amusingly details what it's like to blog for HuffPo:  The Seven Stages of Blogging for the Huffington Post.

"Like dealing with grief, blogging for the Huffington Post happens in stages," writes Fain. "If you want to be a HuffPo blogger, learning about the seven stages will help you proceed with caution and self-compassion."

It's an entertaining read, and you might just recognize a little of yourself in it.

Have you blogged for HuffPo? What was your experience like? Are you still doing it? I’d love to hear your story.

We’re all creating content today, but how do we do it right?

Jon Miller, co-founder of Marketo, joined Michael Pranikoff, PR Newswire’s director of emerging media, to answer that question.

Miller and Pranikoff were the featured speakers at a recent webinar, "Connecting the Content Dots: How to Increase Content and Messaging Visibility With a Multi-Channel Distribution Strategy," hosted by PR Newswire.

In it, they talked about how marketing has changed in recent years, and how content marketing is impacting marketers.

If you missed the webinar, you can access a recording here, or view highlights by Jillian Courtright, senior customer content specialist at PR Newswire, here.

You can also view a slideshow of the presentation:

The Interesting Expert of the Week column spotlights experts from within the ProfNet Connect community that we think readers and reporters will find interesting and timely. With more than 60,000 profiles, ProfNet Connect offers journalists a vast database of experts and influencers on virtually every topic imaginable. In addition, reporters can also submit a ProfNet query to request experts on a specific topic. Whatever topic you’re writing about, ProfNet can help you find the sources you need – at no charge. Why not give it a try? Send a query now.

“Jazz is known all over the world as an American musical art form.
No America, no jazz.” -- Art Blakey

April is Jazz Appreciation Month, so for this week’s spotlight, we caught up with Kurt Dietrich, professor of music and Barbara Baldwin De Frees Chair in the Performing Arts at Ripon College in Wisconsin.

At Ripon, Dietrich teaches courses ranging from jazz history to romantic music styles and world music. He is the author of "Duke’s 'Bones: Ellington's Great Trombonists” and "Jazz 'Bones:  The World of Jazz Trombone," a history of the North American jazz trombone. Dietrich also contributed to the “International Dictionary of Black Composers,” and is a regular reviewer of books for CHOICE and recordings for the International Trombone Association Journal.

He knows his jazz.

You teach several different types of music, including jazz and world music. Is jazz your favorite?

I love jazz, but I also love classical music, and many types of world music. And, of course, I don’t love all or any of these styles or genres -- I love good music.

What interests you about jazz?

I find the history of jazz fascinating, as a unique part of the American experience, but I am interested in all sorts of strictly musical aspects of jazz as well -- theoretical, technical and aesthetic. And a crucial part of that is the creative aspect of jazz improvisation.

Do you still play?

Yes, I do still play. I don’t play a lot of gigs any more, but enough to keep the dust off my trombone. Prior to starting my college teaching career, I was on the road full-time with a jazz band for five and a half years.

What aspect of jazz do you teach in your classes? What techniques do you use?

I do teach the history of jazz, but I also teach classes in music theory and music history (specifically, 19th century Romanticism). I also lead a symphonic wind ensemble and a jazz ensemble. I’m not sure how to describe the techniques I use, but my philosophy is just to expose the students to as much of the music (the good or great music) as possible. They are going to be “captured” by the music, not by me.

What kind of effect does music have on a student's education?

Music speaks to a part of every student’s humanity that is not addressed in science, in written or spoken language, in business, or even in the humanities. If we could express what music expresses in some other way, we would have no need for music itself -- but we can’t. And yet music also expresses, in its unique way, some of the highest intellect in human experience.

You wrote a book about members of Duke Ellington's orchestra. What most surprised you as you were researching the book?

What surprised me most perhaps was the richness of what is referred to broadly as Ellingtonia. I have many, many books about Ellington and his music, and there are many more that can still be written. I was also gratified by, if not surprised by, the generosity of the many folks I interviewed in sharing their experience in this cultural phenomenon.

You’re currently working a book on jazz in Wisconsin, past and present. What can you tell us about it?

I have interviewed over 50 people for this book already, and have many more to go. The book is turning into a fascinating document about people in jazz -- a fair number of nationally known figures, others known only locally, some of those just for their dedication to teaching others jazz. But the stories of all of those groups are not only interesting, but in some cases downright gripping.

Anything else you'd like to add?

Even after over three decades of college teaching, I often feel blessed that I have been able to spend my career bringing music to students. It’s been a great way to spend a life.

Below are experts from the ProfNet network that are available to discuss various aspects of the fertilizer plant explosion in West, Texas. If you are interested in interviewing any of the experts, please contact them via the contact information at the end of the listing. To receive these updates by email, send a note to profnet@profnet.com with the industries you cover, and we'll add you to the appropriate edition.

If you are in need of additional experts, you can also submit a query to the hundreds of thousands of experts in our network. You can filter your request by institution type and geographic location to get the most targeted responses. Just fill out the free query form to get started.

If you have any questions or need assistance with any aspect of ProfNet, please drop us a note at profnet@profnet.com.

EXPERT ROUNDUP: Texas Plant Explosion

Dr. Tim Murphy
Chair of Environmental, Safety and Health Management Program
University of Findlay
"In cases such as this, the first priority is always people. Then your focus turns to the facilities and the environment. There will need to be a massive cleanup effort after this explosion.  The water and soil in that community will be contaminated. And when chemicals such as these mix together, there will be many unknown chemicals created that will be a result of the contamination. This kind of explosion is devastating to the environment for many years to come."
Dr. Murphy has more than 25 years of experience in: first-response protocols in this kind of situation; fertilizer cleanup; the impact explosions such as this can have on the groundwater and the environment; what steps need to be taken to determine what happened; and how to prevent situations like this in the future. He has specifically spent 16 years of his career focused on fertilizer contamination issues.
Media Contact: Brianna Patterson, pattersonb@findlay.edu

Dr. Ronald Smaldone
Assistant Professor of Chemistry
University of Texas at Dallas
“Ammonium nitrate is probably familiar to most people as the explosive that was used in the Oklahoma City bombing in 1995. It is used mostly as a fertilizer, but also as a commercial explosive for mining and excavating.  It is much more stable than dynamite in that it is not shock-sensitive, but it can be detonated with a trigger, such as a blasting cap or high heat. Generally, compounds with a high nitrogen content are explosive under the right conditions, owing to the fact that they form nitrogen gas as a byproduct, which is extremely stable, therefore releasing a large amount of energy -- an explosion -- into the surrounding environment.  Ammonium nitrate is a good fertilizer for mostly the same reason -- the high nitrogen content, which is needed by plants for good growth.”
Media Contact: Amanda Siegfried, amanda.siegfried@utdallas.edu

Bill Hildebrand
Protective Security Consultant
Preparis
“From what I’ve seen reported on the explosion in West, Texas, the first responders went into emergency mode and evacuated all the residents in the area. It’s going to be a big investigation, even if the explosion was an accident, because a blast that size will create a massive crime scene. From where they find the last piece of fragment from the explosion, they will double that to create the crime scene radius. So for example, if a piece of debris was found 300 yards from the explosion point, the crime scene will be 600 yards."
Hildebrand is a protective security consultant with Preparis, an emergency preparedness company providing training, technology and services. A former Atlanta Police Department law enforcement professional who served 21 years protecting the Metro Atlanta area, Hildebrand spent seven years as an investigator with the Homeland Security Unit as a critical infrastructure protection subject matter expert tasked with coordinating training. He is available to discuss the police response to any emergency, including explosions, bomb threats, active shooters, workplace violence, and hazardous chemical accidents.
Media Contact: Lauren Patrick, lpatrick@preparis.com

Bryan Hill
Emergency Management Consultant
Preparis
“As of now, the investigation is in the early stages. Signs are pointing to an accident and not an intentional explosion. We can provide businesses in the area training on how to react to the explosion, but for now they should stay away from the area. If they cannot leave, they should be advised to stay indoors and refrain from going outside until they have been given the ‘all clear’ from authorities. Hazardous chemicals, such as anhydrous ammonia, were being used at the plant to make fertilizer, and it’s harmful if inhaled. If your building is in the path of the smoke plume, turn off the HVAC and remain inside with the windows shut. The cleanup and investigation will take time, especially with multiple fatalities.”
Hill is emergency management consultant with Preparis, an emergency preparedness company providing training, technology and services. He has master’s degree in public health from the University of Georgia, College of Public Health, with a graduate certificate in disaster management from the Institute of Health Management and Mass Destruction Defense. He is Advanced Disaster Life Support certified (ADLS) by the AMA and has completed several FEMA certification training courses. He is available to discuss emergency situations as they pertain to public health and the government's response.
Media Contact: Lauren Patrick, lpatrick@preparis.com

Chuck Noteboom
Attorney
Noteboom Law Firm
“When a family loses a loved one in an accident, the survivors are forced to deal with insurance companies and insurance claims at a time when they are overwhelmed by grief.  Insurance companies know victims and their families are vulnerable during these stressful times and often use tricks and lies to convince victims to settle their claims quickly without legal representation. The insurance company wants to settle wrongful-death cases before victims have time to fully measure financial losses.  Spouses, children, and even parents can be financially dependent on the deceased individual and are entitled to compensation for the loss of financial support.  In addition, Texas law allows for compensation for the emotional suffering caused by the wrongful death.”
Noteboom is experienced in handling a wide variety of wrongful death claims, including fatalities and injuries resulting from dangerous premises such as the explosion in West, Texas. He is chairman of the Warren E. Burger Society of the National Center for State Courts.  He is also a member of the American Bar Association, The American Association for Justice, Texas Trial Lawyers Association, and the Tarrant County Bar Association.  He served as president of the Tarrant County Trial Lawyers Association and is the former chair for the Tarrant County Bar Foundation.  He has been featured as an expert commentator radio and television and has spoken at various seminars.  He is the only lawyer in history to obtain two nine-figure jury verdicts in Tarrant County.
Bio: www.noteboom.com/bio/charles-m-noteboom....
Media Contact: Dave Moore, dave@androvett.com

Simon A. Rego, PsyD, ABPP, ACT
Director of Psychology Training
Montefiore Medical Center
“Over the next month, I'd be looking for signs of Acute Stress Disorder (ASD), among those who were personally affected by this tragedy. ASD is characterized by four groups of symptoms: 1) dissociative symptoms (e.g., feeling detached from others, feeling like things are dreamlike or not quite real, or amnesia) during or after the explosion, followed promptly by: 2) re-experiencing symptoms (intrusive thoughts or images, flashbacks, nightmares), 3) avoidance of reminders of the explosion (e.g., not talking about it, not watching the news), and 4) feeling an increase in anxiety symptoms (e.g., more easily startled or on edge, difficulty sleeping, more irritable). These symptoms can occur anywhere from two days to a maximum of four weeks after the tragedy. While not the only psychological disorder possible, ASD is quite common after traumatic events such as this one.”
Rego is an expert in the assessment and treatment of trauma and is available for interviews.
Media Contact: Mike Quane, mquane@montefiore.org

Frank L. Branson
Explosion Injury Lawyer
Law Offices of Frank L. Branson, Dallas
“This tragedy was compounded by the fact that this industrial operation was situated so close to homes, schools and businesses. More than ever, oil and gas production, underground utilities, and industrial sites are located near populated areas, which increases the risks of property damage, serious injuries, and deaths caused by explosions, fires, and industrial accidents.”
Branson has extensive experience representing individuals injured in industrial accidents, including major industrial/manufacturing explosions, oil-and-gas pipelines and oil field accidents. Widely recognized as one of America’s best trial lawyers, Branson provides clients with tenacious pre-trial preparation. In such cases, Branson’s team mounts an exhaustive independent investigation using engineering professionals and other experts to reconstruct the fire and explosion and determine exactly what happened.
Media Contact: Robert Tharp, Robert@androvett.com

Carole Lieberman, M.D.
Lieberman, “America's Psychiatrist,” is the author of “Coping with Terrorism: Dreams Interrupted” and an expert on the psychological impact of disasters. She explains how people can prepare psychologically and physically, and how they can cope after a disaster occurs -- from a terrorist attack like the Boston Marathon to a tragedy like the Texas fertilizer plant explosion to natural disasters. Lieberman is a Beverly Hills board certified psychiatrist and expert witness, on the clinical faculty of UCLA's Neuropsychiatric Institute. She is also a bestselling author, TV personality, three-time Emmy Award-winner and talk-show host. She is called upon for a psychological perspective of today's headlines.
Expert Contact: drcarole@earthlink.net

Robin F. Goodman, Ph.D., A.T.R.-BC
“With all the bad news -- the Texas plant explosion, the Boston bombing, gun-control votes related to Newtown, along with the everyday crime and trauma reported -- people may be feeling different things. Reactions can vary based on how physically close to the event/situation someone was and how close emotionally someone was to people impacted. Even those watching the news unfold, even if living far away, can be impacted. This can result in being overwhelmed, sad, have worried thoughts, feelings of helplessness physical upset, and angry behavior. However, there are some general helpful healing steps that people can take in the immediate aftermath.”
Goodman is available to discuss some of the strategies people can take in the aftermath of disasters to cope with difficult feelings.
Expert Contact: DrRobinGoodman@aol.com

Jonathan Shoebotham
Attorney, Houston Office
Thompson & Knight LLP
Shoebotham is recognized as one of nation’s leading defense attorneys in the area of environmental and personal injury litigation, with three of the cases he has tried to jury verdict selected by The National Law Journal as among the most significant defense verdicts in the United States. His experience includes representing manufacturers in liability and property damage claims arising from plant explosions. He is prepared to discuss the factors that investigators and insurers will be considering in determining cause and liability in this tragedy, and the overall process and time involved.
Media Contact: Barry Pound, barry@androvett.com

Steve Laird
Law Offices of Steven C. Laird
Laird is a personal injury attorney specializing in industrial accident and wrongful-death law. In the event that the explosion in West, Texas, was the result of a security breach, Laird can discuss liabilities the facility might face for not properly securing the hazardous material. Here is a paper he wrote on the topic of litigation resulting from inadequate security: tinyurl.com/c5dtkn9
Bio: www.texlawyers.com/law_firm/attorneys/st...
Media Contact: Dave Moore, dave@androvett.com

Phrantceena Halres
CEO
Total Protection Services International
Halres is CEO of Total Protection Services International, the only certified security services company focused exclusively on high-threat/close-proximity safety and security services for the protection of critical infrastructure assets in the energy, nuclear, corporate, government and personal protection sectors. She is available to discuss how security measures around this facility and other similar facilities around the nation might be impacted.
Media Contact: Merilee Kern, merilee@kerncommunications.com

Dr. Frances Edwards
Professor
San Jose State University
Dr. Edwards, a former director of emergency services for the City of San Jose, Calif., is an expert in disaster preparedness, emergency response, and recovery. She trains at the state and national level, and is a well-regarded national expert (New York Times, Washington Post, etc.), a textbook author, and an excellent interview.
Media Contact: Donna Maurillo, donna.maurillo@sjsu.edu

Daniel Goodrich
Instructor, Security Management
San Jose State University
Goodrich, a former U.S. Marine, is an expert on explosions and security measures.
Media Contact: Donna Maurillo, donna.maurillo@sjsu.edu

Brian Michael Jenkins
Director, National Transportation Safety and Security Center
Mineta Transportation Institute
Jenkins is an international expert in security and investigations, especially in counter-terrorism. However, many of those issues and techniques apply to local and non-terrorist incidents. He is a former Special Forces officer and security adviser to heads of state.
Media Contact: Donna Maurillo, donna.maurillo@sjsu.edu

If sourcing a story is like casting a movie, experts are like celebrities. They can impart gravity and credibility and eloquence that the facts can't on their own. They can boost ticket sales.

But finding the right expert is easier said than done. Subject-matter experts, like celebrities, don't pick up the phone for everyone. But good reporters know when and how to work the phones and email to put top sources in their stories.

How do they do it? To find out, we recruited reporter Bob Van Voris, a legal reporter for Bloomberg News.

Bob Van Voris of Bloomberg News and John Hazard of Contently

Van Voris, a former practicing attorney, was the featured speaker at a freelancer meetup we co-hosted with Contently. He shared his advice on and experience with finding sources, vetting their expertise, identifying the ones that will give you great quotes, and more. It was a great event, and Van Voris was generous with his time and experience.

Here is a recap of some of his insight and advice. A tip of the hat to Contently’s John Hazard, who did a great job moderating the discussion.

What was the source that was farthest afield from what you were covering?

What I was at the National Law Journal, I was covering a story about a lawyer in California who developed a practice specializing on litigation involving penile augmentation gone wrong. My editor suggested I contact a mohel. So I did, and I awkwardly asked him what happens when there’s a mistake. Needless to say, he really didn’t want to talk about it. I went back and convinced my editor that the story didn’t really need a mohel.

But when you’re writing about something that’s complicated and you need to explain it to readers, you don’t want it to sound like a seminar. If it’s dry, you need people who can make it understandable. You need to give readers something a little fun, a little compelling.

How do you identify someone who will give you a great quote?

It’s definitely trial and error. First, start with a pool of people to choose from. You can find them through ProfNet, or on the lists of people who attend conferences on the topic. Talk to a few of them and see how is good at expressing the point in a way that will appeal to readers. You have to put in the time and talk to people.

Of course, sometimes you don’t have that luxury and you have to talk to a specific person. If you aren’t getting what you need, don’t be afraid to bring them to the same point two or three times. Ask them, “How would I tell this to my mom?” to get them to simplify. Sometimes, by the second or third time through, they’ll be a lot looser and will give you a better quote.

There will be conversations that will go nowhere, but those can still be useful because you can learn about the topic, especially if it’s something you’re not too familiar with.

What about using other reporters, like at niche publications, as sources?

Members of the local press are good sources for background; trade magazine reporters are too. They know the gossip, and they like to talk about what they know. They like to talk.

How do deadlines affect this “audition” process? I would imagine you have very tight deadlines at Bloomberg.

I often have three bylined pieces a day, so I don’t have a lot of time for those. But for my second-day stories, I find ProfNet to be a good tool. I’ll put out a query in the morning, and when I’m ready to start in the afternoon, I have several emails waiting.

What do you do when you hit the source “wall” and you don’t know whom to contact?

I recently had to get sources quickly for a story covering a gay-marriage case in the Second Circuit. It’s not ideal, but I’ll look at who has been quoted in the Times that I can contact quickly.

How do you then make sure you get something unique?

You try to get them off their talking points. Anyone on a wire deadline will have two or three go-to people. You’re not going to have a really deep interview with them. The interview will be two minutes long, and you’ll get a good quote, but those people tend to get over-represented. That is a really good reason to go on ProfNet, go on Google, call two or three new people -- so you’re not getting the same people.

On a short deadline, the important thing is getting your call answered or getting a call back in two minutes. The source who is new to you today might be a regular source down the road.

How do you vet the experts who’ve responded to your query?

If I’m on deadline, it’s pretty ruthless. If I get 20 emails, I can kind of sort through them just by their responses. You don’t want people who have been in every newspaper or program.

You can check their education, what kind of committees they’re on, their résumé, if they’ve written about the topic. You can’t spend hours on it, but you need to do it. Sometimes I do it while I’m on the phone with the source.

I don’t want to sound like a commercial (and they didn’t ask me to say this), but I like ProfNet because the people are motivated and they know how it works. Responses usually come from PR people. You can tell them, “Here’s my story. Make sure the expert really fits. Give me an idea of what they have to say.”

My biggest fear is, I don’t want to be played; I don’t want to look like an idiot. Anytime you have a new source, you need to question them about their position, but you also have to use your instincts.

Have you ever been played?

Yeah, sure. Back when the AGs were suing tobacco companies, there was one guy who would spin you aggressively and would tell you things that would make you look dumb. When that happens, or when someone lies to you, you freeze them out.

Do you ever have trouble getting someone to talk?

You’d be surprised what people talk about. If you ask a question, people will usually help you out. I’ve always been shy, and I was nervous about talking to people in the beginning, but people like to share their knowledge. They do have a vested interest in getting publicity, too, but people also like to get their knowledge out.

How do you balance getting a story out quickly vs. doing the best story possible?

Everybody is a wire service now. The good thing is, you can always update. You can get the story out now and then add depth later.

Who decides, you or your editors?

It’s a mix of both. I have to be satisfied with my story, but sometimes my editors will say, “We need another voice.”

Do you ever give experts quote approval?

I always let them see the quote, but I'll never let them change it or take it back. But it’s not an adversarial relationship. You don’t want to make them look bad.

Sometimes they do try to edit the quote. What I’ll do is say, “OK, let’s talk about this a little more,” and I might get a better quote.

I do sometimes run paraphrases by them if it’s not something I fully understand, but always by phone. And I never show them the story – just the quote.

Do you get quotes by email?

Yes, but it’s not going to be the freshest quote. It’s going to be labored. If I do use a quote I got by email, I will mention it in the story for the readers. I think it’s kind of dishonest not to tell them.

Whether you're a reporter, blogger, author or other content creator, ProfNet can help you with your search for expert sources. You can send a query to tens of thousands of experts and PR agents, search the more than 60,000 profiles on ProfNet Connect, or get timely experts and story ideas by email -- all for free! Need help getting started? Email us

We regularly update our ProfNet Connect calendar to include upcoming events we think will be of interest to PR and media professionals. Following is a summary of the events taking place over the next week or so:

Event: Blogging, Targeting, Connecting and Writing It Right
Host: PRPLI
Date: April 16
Location: Melville, N.Y.
Summary: This joint presentation of PRPLI and Social Media Association will feature panelists from Patch.com, Community Development Corporation of Long Island, BigBuzz Marketing Group and The PR Verdict.
Complete event info here.

Event: Content Marketing Summit
Host: Business Development Institute and PR Newswire
Date: April 17
Location: New York
Summary: Unilever’s Stacie Bright, a veteran marketing and communications leader, will deliver the keynote presentation about how brands connect with audiences through content marketing. The half-day morning conference will consist of several case-study presentations, followed by an interactive panel discussion. Use promo code PRN50 for a special 50%-off pass.
Complete event info here.

Event: Bylines, Contributed Content and Opinion Pieces
Host: Publicity Club of New York
Date: April 18
Location: New York
Summary: Panelists include editors and reporters from Ad Age, Bloomberg View, Business Insider, Huffington Post, The Muse and CNN Digital.
Complete event info here.

Event: Let’s Solve It Together
Host: IABC Detroit
Date: April 18
Location: Detroit
Summary: Bring your biggest current communications challenge, and a panel of respected, experienced communicators from companies and agencies of various types and sizes will do their best to tap each other’s experiences for the benefit of all.
Complete event info here.

Event: Can You Be More Pinteresting?
Host: PRSA Cincinnati
Date: April 23
Location: Cincinnati
Summary: Bob Gilbreath, co-founder and president of Pingage, a new service designed to help businesses dramatically scale their results on Pinterest with less effort, will discuss how to bring more meaning to your Pinterest strategy.
Complete event info here.

Event: Visual Storytelling: The Power of Multimedia in Communications
Host: PR Newswire
Date: April 24
Location: Atlanta
Summary: Kelley Mitchell Price of Pocketfirm, John Aylward of Teavana, Jay Patel of Attention, Candace McCaffery of the Atlanta chapter of the Social Media Club, and Michael Pranikoff of PR Newswire will discuss how leading organizations and thought leaders are leveraging visual assets and creating experiences with their audiences to garner higher visibility, spark interaction and build brand loyalty.
Complete event info here.

Whether you're a reporter, blogger, author or other content creator, ProfNet can help you with your search for expert sources. You can send a query to tens of thousands of experts and PR agents, search the more than 60,000 profiles on ProfNet Connect, or get timely experts and story ideas by email -- all for free! Need help getting started? Email us at profnet@profnet.com

The Interesting Expert of the Week column spotlights experts from within the ProfNet Connect community that we think readers and reporters will find interesting and timely. With more than 60,000 profiles, ProfNet Connect offers journalists a vast database of experts and influencers on virtually every topic imaginable. In addition, reporters can also submit a ProfNet query to request experts on a specific topic. Whatever topic you’re writing about, ProfNet can help you find the sources you need – at no charge. Why not give it a try? Send a query now.

April is National Poetry Month, so for this week’s expert spotlight, we caught up with Dwayne Betts, a poet, essayist and national spokesperson for the Campaign for Youth Justice.

Betts was an honors student through high school when, at the age of 16, he drove to Fairfax, Va., with a group of friends and robbed a man in his car with a gun. Betts was arrested the next day and sentenced as an adult. He spent eight years in prison, where he spent much of his time reading, working as a law clerk, and teaching himself Spanish. He began writing poetry.

After his release, Betts worked at Karibu Books in Bowie, Md., where he was eventually promoted to store manager and founded a book club for African-American boys. He attended Prince George’s Community College, where he subsequently graduated with high honors.

In 2011, Betts was awarded a Radcliffe Fellowship to Harvard University’s Radcliffe Institute of Advanced Studies. He is the author of the memoir, “A Question of Freedom” (Avery/Penguin 2009), and the collection of poetry, “Shahid Reads His Own Palm” (Alice James Books, 2010). His work possesses a careful, complicated and often difficult-to-confront intimacy that challenges conventional ideas about crime, masculinity and redemption. In 2010, he was awarded an NAACP Image Award for “A Question of Freedom” and a Soros Justice Fellowship to complete “The Circumference of a Prison,” a work of nonfiction exploring the criminal justice system's role in the everyday lives of Americans who have not committed crimes.

We have, unfortunately, heard stories like yours before, but not many of them have quite as happy an ending. What helped you persevere and turn your life around?

Most of my success, like everyone’s, has been a product of the support I’ve had around me. Despite not coming up in the greatest neighborhoods or school systems, I did have quality teachers from the very beginning and I did have a mother who made sure I understood the importance of education. Even in prison, I gravitated, whether it was good fortune or good judgment of character or my part, towards people helped me shape myself into who I am now. Most of the stories that don’t turn out well are a product of a series of failures and a serious lack of support. I’d be lying if I made it seem that this has been all a product of my doing.

What does poetry mean to you? How has it helped you?

Poetry opened up a world to me and offered me a way to communicate with the world. Most days I have no idea what poetry means, not in any logical sense. Sometimes a person is able to arrange words in a way that is both musical and insightful. And you care about it. You repeat, “We are the ones we’ve been waiting for” or “What did I know, what did I know, of loves austere and lonely offices,” and it all means more than just the words.

What is your favorite type of poetry or poet?

I don’t have a favorite type of poetry as much as I have poems and poets that I go to often. Robert Hayden, Etheridge Knight, Tracy K. Smith -- her new book is pretty amazing in a way I hadn’t expected. Elizabeth Alexander, Ellen Bryant Voigt. I really admire this collection by Richard Siken.

I mean, I can name names, and to be involved with literature is really to understand that it’s hard to reduce it to a favorite. It’s like asking a hip-hop head who is his favorite MC. He might name a name, but the conversation, if it’s real and the person knows music, will have him thinking about an abundance of lyricists and then of lyrics that stick with him even if he doesn’t like the rapper as much. I’m thinking particularly of that song by The Pharcyde, “Passing Me By” -- I can easily recite it but that doesn’t mean they are my favorites.

Can you tell us a bit about your book club?

The book club is really from a past life. One of the things I’ve realized is that the club existed in part because Karibu Books, which was the largest independent black book store in the country. I had a job that allowed me to be around books all the time and allowed me to be at the center of certain conversations around the need to increase literacy in the community. Also, I was a college student at the time, so I was more or less about to do this book club for free. I’d love to start another book club, in another place. Right now, though, I’m doing a lot of other things, from being a parent and husband, to working and writing and being a spokesperson for the Campaign for Youth Justice. Unfortunately, the book club hasn’t fit into that frame in quite some time. But maybe in the future.

With the American Society of Journalists and Authors (ASJA) holding its annual conference in a few weeks, we thought it would be a good time to catch up with Alexandra Owens, executive director of ASJA, to get the inside scoop on the conference and what’s going on at ASJA. [Full disclosure: ProfNet is a sponsor of this year’s conference. We hope to see you there!]

Alexandra, I know I’ve told you before that I am a huge fan of ASJA. For those who might not be familiar with it, can you tell us a little about the organization?

ASJA is the professional organization of independent (freelance) nonfiction writers. It was founded in 1948 as the Society of Magazine Writers, but has grown to include nonfiction freelance writers of all kinds.

What are some of the ways in which ASJA helps writers?

ASJA was founded to let writers help one another, and that's still an abiding principle. ASJA members share information about their work, especially what they're getting paid and about markets -- strengthening all.

The ASJA Monthly is a taste of what members can learn: ow.ly/jU94f

And now, with the ASJA Educational Foundation, we're broadening our scope to help all freelance writers, not just ASJA members.

What is the biggest issue facing freelancers today? More competition? Low pay? Something else?

Probably the biggest is the changing industry itself. With the traditional media industry struggling to find a new business model, freelance writers are being tossed about. It's not as simple as low pay or more competition; it's all changing and freelance writers, like everyone else, have to adapt. The good news is that freelancing is, by definition, being able to adapt.

What is the state of payment for freelancers? Are rates getting lower?

That's an interesting question. I'd say rates are not getting lower so much as pay models are changing completely. In some ways "rates" are lower, and in others, they're better. The truth: New media models don't fit into traditional per-word pay metrics. So what are "rates"? Per-click, per-view, per-hour, per-project, and retainer pay models are gaining ground. Writers who know how to navigate them can absolutely improve their income. Traditional media pay rates have not gone up, that's for sure, since 1960 or before.

Should writers ever work for free? Is it ever worth it to do a job for “exposure”?

Ahhh, the HuffPo question! There may be situations where it makes sense. Does a carpenter ever work for a charity, or contribute to a design house? Of course. If the writer has something to gain (besides "exposure," which kills people), donating one's writing may be profitable. But working for free so someone else can profit is, most of the time, simply foolish. It's a personal calculation everyone makes, every time they are asked. But pros get paid for their work, by definition.

If someone is thinking about becoming a freelancer, what should they have in place before even starting?

A financial cushion is critical. Freelance income is uneven in the best of circumstances. Probably the best tool a new freelancer can have these days is a very full basket of connections. Social media is critical. Work comes from many sources, but the No. 1 source is through personal connections and referrals. Don't burn ANY bridges.

We hear a lot about content marketing these days, and we’re noticing more ProfNet queries for corporate writing. Are you seeing that on your side too?

Content marketing, or writing for corporate entities, is nothing new really. There are two things happening now to bring it to the forefront, though. News organizations need new sources of revenue, and offering branded content can be a big one. And brands are seeing opportunity in social sharing, for which they need content to exploit. ASJA is talking about it, for sure. It's part of this upcoming conference, for example. And you'll be hearing about another event taking place later this year focusing completely on content marketing.

Speaking of the upcoming conference, can you tell us more about it?

Of course! #ASJA2013 is our 42nd annual conference in New York, always focused on freelance writing. There are two days open to the public, crammed with educational sessions on a wide variety of relevant topics. Attendees can also have personal mentoring sessions onsite. More than 600 writers, editors, agents, and industry thought leaders will be there to learn from one another.

On Friday, April 26, we have @ajjacobs speaking at the luncheon, who will be wildly entertaining.

Is there anything new for this year’s conference?

We've slowed things down a little; the sessions are longer and breaks are too. People will have time to make friends. We've added field trips, too: On Wednesday, April 24, there's a trip to the New York Public Library for a behind-the-scenes look, and a great walking tour of Grand Central Station is on tap too. (Sign up soon at www.asjaconference.org)

Oh, and ProfNet will be hosting a sponsored session on Friday on "The Art of Sourcing," on how writers can find, pick and work with experts.

Oh yes! We will have yours, as well as sponsored sessions from others. Follow #ASJA2013 for details.

Do you have to be an experienced freelancer, or are there sessions for newbies as well?

All of the sessions at #ASJA2013 are accessible to anyone. People who are new to freelancing may benefit the most, in fact. On April 27, there is a whole track called "Beginners Pluck" on intro issues, and a session geared for former staffers. Anyone can attend just one day, too, making it an affordable -- and extremely valuable -- career investment.

Programming on Thursday, April 25, is limited to ASJA members, but people can still apply and join in time to attend. See what it takes to join at t.co/xshvrweflu. Apply by Monday, April 15, to be an ASJA member by April 25.

Whether you're a reporter, blogger, author or other content creator, ProfNet can help you with your search for expert sources. You can send a query to tens of thousands of experts and PR agents, search the more than 60,000 profiles on ProfNet Connect, or get timely experts and story ideas by email -- all for free! Need help getting started? Email us at profnet@profnet.com