Ronald A. Short
Experience in marketing, publishing and communications for higher education, government, nonprofits, healthcare and business.
Art and editorial director, production manager, editor, copywriter, graphic designer, illustrator and photographer with diverse experience in publishing, public information, marketing and public relations.
Record of success improving public awareness and sales by developing integrated and cost effective campaigns, clear messaging, thematic branding and award winning products and services.
Fluent in Associated Press and Chicago styles. Accomplished on Macintosh and PC platforms with advanced expertise in Adobe Creative Cloud, Microsoft Office suite, WordPress, electronic prepress and social media.
Professional Experience
Publications Editor / Art Director
Aug. 2012 – Nov. 2020: New Mexico Department of Game and Fish, Information and Education Division, One Wildlife Way, Santa Fe, NM 87507
Developed, researched, wrote, edited, designed and produced a variety of print and online publications, exhibits, displays, advertising, government relations information and internal and external communications to meet the informational, educational, promotional, legislative and operational needs of the agency.
Developed, coordinated and produced core publications and campaigns with national, regional and statewide distributions of over 1.5 million, including informational, educational and promotional materials for wildlife conservation, environmental education, hunting, fishing, outdoor recreation and field operations. Conferred with administrators, educators, scientists, wildlife managers and law enforcement personnel to ensure that accurate, informative, timely and economical production and distribution occured (print and online).
Established and maintained editorial and graphic identity standards to integrate statewide messaging and branding and improve public recognition, awareness and support of stewardship efforts, public service programs, operational issues and laws and regulations. Print- and e-publications and products included hunting and fishing rules and information, New Mexico Wildlife Wildlife magazine, catalogs, brochures, posters, journals, annual reports, legislative briefs and educational literature including K–12 lesson plans. Advertising and display included copy-writing, design and production of outdoor advertising, informational and educational exhibits, e-presentations for public events and webcasts, and site, facility and fleet signage for statewide public- and private-land use, field operations, wildlife management areas, hatcheries and vehicles.
Art Director / Production Manager
Oct. 2000 – May 2010: Grand Canyon Association, 4 Tonto Street, Grand Canyon, AZ 86023
Directed creative and production services for a nonprofit publisher, educator, museum operator and retailer while also providing creative, editorial, design and production services for the National Park Service. Provided in-house marketing, advertising, editing, copy-writing, graphic design, illustration and photography to meet the educational and commercial publishing, public information, recruitment, fundraising, museum operation and retail needs of the nonprofit and the promotional, publishing, visitor information and exhibit needs of the national park.
Wrote, edited, designed and produced a wide variety of publications, promotions, retail products, exhibits and communications—including: books, catalogs, magazines and tabloids; posters, games and merchandise; recruitment and fund-raising advertising and literature; educational program advertising and literature; special event and sponsorship promotions; museum exhibits and informational and retail displays; print and online advertising; direct mail; print and outdoor advertising.
As liaison to the National Park Service, edited, designed and produced official park publications, including domestic and foreign newspapers in seven languages, visitor guides and displays, and promotional material for local, regional, national and international audiences.
Conferred with authors, editors, educators, administrators and park personnel. Coordinated freelance artists, designers, illustrators and photographers. Prepared and managed production schedules, budgets, competitive bids and vendor contracts for on- and off-shore printing and manufacturing. Established thematic-identity guides and instituted branding for the nonprofit and the park.
Creative Resource Director
Nov. 1992 – Aug. 1997: Columbia HCA – Utah Division, 420 E. South Temple, Salt Lake City, UT 84111
Established effective, economical and creative inhouse marketing and communications services for a statewide healthcare system of hospitals, clinics, physician practices and products. Provided services including creative, editorial, design, photography and contracting.
Wrote, edited, designed and produced advertising, publications and communications— including regional print advertising, media and press promotions, employer- and physician-relations materials, sponsorship events and trade exhibits, newsletters, journals, annual reports, brochures, and direct mail.
Developed integrated marketing plans for various operations and facilities and established recognizable system-wide thematic identity. Conferred with administrators, physicians and sales staff to define strategic objectives and integrate marketing and communications efforts and solutions.
Significantly reduced costly outside agency fees (over $250,000) by providing a full compliment of coordinated inhouse services, administering contracts and agencies relations and eliminating outdated practices statewide. Maintained continuity of services and fiscal integrity during the sensitive administrative change of three corporate mergers.
Director of Publications / Chair University Press
Jul. 1983 – Jul. 1990: Eastern Washington University, Showalter Hall 301, Cheney, WA 99004
Directed university publishing and promotional operations to support student recruitment, alumni relations, fundraising, media and public relations. Supervised departments providing creative, editorial, design, photography, electronic prepress, on- and off-campus printing, mail services, campuswide photocopying and related outside contracting.
Developed, created and produced a variety of publications, promotions and advertising—including but not limited to: student recruitment viewbooks and direct mail; graduate and undergraduate catalogs, course announcements and student information; press packets and media guides; alumni magazines and newsletters; fund-raising campaign advertisements, literature and direct mail; books, journals, periodicals and newsletters; and print and outdoor advertising.
Chaired the university press—conferring with faculty authors and editors, administering budgets and schedules, and directing production of books, literary, cultural and scientific journals and periodicals. Directed the University News Bureau (interim). Chaired the student publications commission, and advised the student news bureau.
Advised administrators, faculty and staff regarding intent, feasibility, costs, scheduling and production logistics of publishing and marketing efforts.
Established thematic identity guidelines to correct an uncoordinated institutional self image and improve credibility and effectiveness of services for the university community. Served on numerous university, civic and community organizations and a liaison to the State Printing Office in Olympia.
Education and Scholastic Achievements
Master of Arts degree—Art Therapy: California State University, Sacramento
L’ Accademia delle Belle Arti, Florence, Italy: California State University Scholarship Award
Bachelor of Arts degree—Fine Art: California State University, Sacramento
Associate of Arts degree—Art: American River College, Sacramento