I’m a freelance editorial and communications director, feature writer, content producer (photo + video + social) and all around marketing and brand communicator. I join people, projects, and Big Ideas to plan, lead, manage, create, and edit branded content, messaging, and narrative in all forms and mediums, from magazines to Insta posts to case statements and more.

I create marketing-informed communications plans, lead execution of plans, manage existing plans, and (in some cases) execute plans myself.

I work specifically with startups, higher education, Midwestern businesses and initiatives, artists and artistic organizations, intellectuals, and change makers.

For a long time, I was senior editorial director/senior writer at Gustavus Adolphus College, leading (at various points) magazine editorial + web + photo + video + social + student talent development, with a hand in marketing comms, executive comms, public/media relations, and general comms. Before that, I was a senior editor at Mpls.St.Paul Magazine and its content agency, The Agency @ MSP. There, I wrote about fine arts, kids and families, and health and wellness.

I was also one of the literary/musical comedians behind the Electric Arc Radio Show (live, episodic, narrative musical comedy heard on Minnesota Public Radio/89.3 The Current). And I am the author of the novel, The Annie Year.

I’m an unabashed pragmatic, a fan of witty one-liners, and a believer in human potential. I am all in on the American Midwest, particularly Minnesota and its border states of Wisconsin, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Iowa.

I am married to a fellow writer, and together we have four kids and a lab/shepherd/collie mix named Joanie, after the character on Happy Days, also known as Joan, Peanut, Peanut Butter, Butters, Butter Nuts, Joanifer B. Pupsicus, and Dingus.

Reach out.

EMAIL ashstephanie at gmail dot com