Michael Hazlett
DuBois
Summary
Dynamic communications professional and former U.S. Navy Mass Communication Specialist with proven experience in breaking news coverage, editorial judgment, and digital storytelling under deadline pressure. Skilled in writing, editing, and publishing across multiple platforms with a strong command of SEO, analytics, and audience engagement. Adept at collaborating with reporters and editors to deliver accurate, compelling stories that resonate with wide audiences. Brings discipline, adaptability, and a passion for high-quality journalism to fast-paced newsroom environments.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
Work History
Mass Communications Specialist
United States Navy, USN
07.2017 - 09.2024
- Researched, wrote, and reported on newsworthy events for public and internal audiences, covering breaking news, human interest, and feature stories.
- Edited and published articles under tight deadlines, ensuring accuracy, clarity, and adherence to AP Style standards.
- Conducted interviews and gathered firsthand information to produce credible, engaging content.
- Collaborated with editors, photographers, and production staff to deliver high-quality stories across print and digital platforms.
- Developed multimedia storytelling skills, including photo documentation and narrative reporting, adaptable to social media and online publishing.
- Managed multiple assignments simultaneously, prioritizing urgent coverage and consistently meeting deadlines, while honing reporting and editorial skills in restricted publishing environments.
- Managed and executed 95 social media campaigns over nine months, at one assignment, achieving a total reach of 85,000, increasing engagement by 36% and generating 193,000 impressions across two platforms.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Exercise Science
California University of Pennsylvania
California, Pennsylvania, PANo Degree - Journalism And Mass Communication
Defense Information School
Fort George G Meade, MDSkills
- Adaptability in Fast-Paced News Environments
- Breaking News & Deadline Reporting
- Collaboration with Reporters & Editors
- Digital Content Management (CMS/InDesign)
- Editorial Judgment & Fact-Checking
- Ethical & Accurate News Communication
- Multimedia Production (Photo, Video, Graphics)
- Search Optimization (SEO) & Performance Analytics
- Social Media Strategy & Cross-Platform Storytelling
- AP Style Guide Writing & Copy Editing
Accomplishments
- Managed social media accounts, increasing reach by 36% over nine months with targeted campaigns.
- Trained three junior reporters in AP Style, multimedia production, and content workflow, improving editorial efficiency.
- Implemented standardized CMS tagging protocol, reducing publishing errors by 30%.
- Researched, interviewed, and crafted a compelling human-interest story for Navy Times on a breast cancer survivor; estimated readership of 10,000+, demonstrating strong narrative and storytelling skills.
- Managed 1.5M in media production assets, completing 350+ design and print projects with precision and timeliness to support large-scale communication initiatives and mission-critical messaging across three organizations.
- Developed and implemented new communication workflows, increasing team efficiency and improving production turnaround across multiple departments under tight deadlines.
Timeline
Mass Communications Specialist
United States Navy, USN
07.2017 - 09.2024
Bachelor of Science - Exercise Science
California University of Pennsylvania
No Degree - Journalism And Mass Communication
Defense Information School
Awards and Honors
- Joint Service Achievement Medal (JSAM) – Recognized for outstanding achievement in developing and executing multinational communication strategies at NATO Allied Command Transformation, enhancing allied media coordination and strategic outreach.
- Flag Letter of Commendation – Commander, U.S. Second Fleet – Commended for exceptional public affairs support and high-impact multimedia storytelling that strengthened public understanding of U.S. Navy operations.
- Flag Letter of Commendation – U.S. Navy Support Facility Diego Garcia – Honored for exemplary leadership in command communication and community engagement, improving morale and information flow in an overseas environment.
- 3rd Place, Layout and Design – 2024 DOD Navy Media Awards – Recognized for creating a visually compelling graphic that elevated editorial storytelling and met professional design standards.