VANESSA McGRADY CV

Burbank, CA | 323.244.3300 | vanessa@vanessamcgrady.com

 

Professional Summary

Award-winning journalist, editor, and brand strategist with a proven ability to identify and develop timely, resonant stories at the intersection of culture, politics, and the economy. Deep experience working with diverse voices, managing cross-functional teams, and exploring national movements and trends. Fierce consumer advocate.

Experience

Personal Finance Writer + Editorial Strategist
Los Angeles & Seattle | 1991–Present

  • Personal finance/economy reporter, most recently for Salon

  • Reported and edited stories on personal finance at the intersection of culture, gender, and/or social issues for Forbes.com, The New York Times, Washington Post, KCET, and The Seattle Times and other fine media outlets

  • Authored 100+ articles for Forbes.com on personal finance, philanthropy, women + money, and entrepreneurship, garnering more than 2 million views

  • Developed and edited thought leadership pieces, op-eds, and brand journalism for Fortune 100 clients (including Citigroup, Dell, New York Life and Humana), SHRM, BMO, Kaiser Permanente, ComEd, SoCal Gas, BBVO, BMO and others.

  • Led editorial voice and content strategy for clients in advertising, healthcare, finance, and energy, often serving as ghostwriter and story architect for C-suite executives

Senior Writer – Community Benefit Communications
Kaiser Permanente Southern California | 2013–2014

  • Spearheaded editorial direction for a $1M+ web platform highlighting Kaiser’s public health, equity, and social impact efforts

  • Shaped narratives in collaboration with internal teams and on-the-ground partners to reflect institutional voice, equity values, and impact metrics

  • Balanced brand journalism with community storytelling, elevating underrepresented voices across SoCal

Southern California Edison
Rosemead, CA | 2006–2013

Social Media Manager / Project Manager (2011–2013)

·       Pioneered SCE’s social media program, integrating editorial sensibility into digital strategy

·       Led audience engagement across diverse communities during crises and campaigns, and trained executives on storytelling in digital spaces

Media Relations Manager (2007–2011)

·       Developed messaging and media campaigns around climate, clean energy, crisis response, and consumer rights

·       Represented SCE in 200+ interviews/year; earned 1,500+ media placements with 100% neutral/positive tone

Customer Communications Strategist (2006–2007)

·       Co-led $1M+ brand partnership with Disney; created multimedia storytelling campaigns and customer engagement content

Education

B.A., Journalism, Art History, Classical Civilization
New York University

Awards & Recognition

  • 2022: ASJA, Business-to-Business Writing

  • 2012: PR News, Social Media Icon (Team Lead, SCE Millionth Fridge Campaign)

  • 2009: PRSA, Customer Outreach Media Campaign (Team)