Lisa Bream
Digital Communications Professional
Making information meaningful through creativity and clarity.
With over 20 years of experience across business, higher education, and nonprofit sectors, I specialize in turning complex information into stories people can understand—and care about. My work spans content strategy, digital media production, and user experience, with hands-on involvement in every stage of the process, from planning and storytelling to design, delivery, and ongoing digital management.
AI may be transforming how we work, but it can’t replace the human insight, empathy, and warmth that make communication meaningful.
EXPERIENCE
Aug 1997-Present
Freelance Multimedia Consultant
SELF-EMPLOYED
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Help clients with web and media projects from strategic planning to content creation, editing, and and digital marketing.
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Lead training, content, and digital communications and marketing projects for clients in business, education, and nonprofit sectors.
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Translate complex technical concepts into clear, audience-friendly materials.
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Use writing, photography, video production, & editing skills to create multimedia content (blogs, tutorials, branded graphics, etc.) that support learning and digital engagement.
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Manage web content updates using CMS tools such as WordPress, applying best practices in SEO and AI answer engine optimization.
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Leverage AI tools to analyze competition and create keyword-driven web pages and blogs, resulting in a 321% increase in organic traffic for recent client Securis.
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Clients include: The Federation of American Scientists, The Center for Arms Control and Non-Proliferation, The U.S. Capitol Visitors Center, Handwriting Without Tears, Metropia Marketing, Cortina Productions, Bussell Livingstone Interiors Inc., The Conservatory Ballet, The Florida Adoption Agency, Vocational Expert Services, and Securis.
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See Recent Work section for work examples
Sept. 2001-May 2018
Assistant Professor
AMERICAN UNIVERSITY
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Designed and taught courses in digital media, web development, motion graphics, and visual communication, focusing on technical proficiency and creative problem-solving.
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Built a reputation for making complex tools approachable and fun, using humor and real-world examples to foster confidence and curiosity.
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Guided undergraduate and graduate students from diverse backgrounds with empathy and patience, helping them navigate challenging digital concepts.
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Developed curricula emphasizing storytelling, and hands-on learning.
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Created webinars and training materials for students and organizations.
1998-2001
Project Manager/Multimedia Producer
INTERACTIVE APPLICATIONS GROUP
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Led development of database-driven websites and multimedia productions for nonprofits.
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Defined strategic communication goals and developed information architecture diagrams, storyboards, and written requirements.
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Managed project budgets and timelines; created a project management process later adopted company wide.
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Trained clients on web tools and CMS platforms, ensuring confident, independent use post-launch.
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Known for an approachable communication style and demeanor.
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Clients included: The Aspen Institute, Southern Poverty Law Center, Scripps Foundation, The Benton Foundation, The Appalachian Regional Commission, ihappen and more.
1997-1998
Producer, Director, Editor and Associate Producer
DOCUMENTARY FILMMAKING EXPERIENCE
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Producer, Director & Editor, “Out of the Broom Closet: Modern Witchcraft” Created a 30 Minute independent documentary exploring the religious practice of Witchcraft. (Won outstanding achievement award in International Television Association festival).
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Associate Producer, “Investigative Reports: The New Face of Crime” Newman Productions, Washington, DC Hosted by Bill Kurtis, this 60-minute documentary examines how street gangs have infiltrated some of America’s most sacred institutions. Aired on A&E Jan 31, 1998
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AssociateProducer, “WomenBehindtheWheel” Flamingo Productions, Washington, DC Geena Davis hosts this hour long documentary exploring the struggles and triumphs of female race car drivers. Aired on Lifetime Television on May 22, 1997
1994-1996
Claims Adjuster II
PROGRESSIVE INSURANCE
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Appraised & negotiated settlements for injury, physical damage, fire & theft claims. Promoted from level 1 to level 2 within first year. Left to go to graduate school.
1992-1994
Marketing Associate
MUSEUM OF DISCOVERY AND SCIENCE
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Helped to create and disseminate promotional materials for the Museum for the many events and Imax film premieres.
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Assisted with the planning and facilitation of events for museum exhibits and IMAX films.
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Wrote and proofread press releases and membership communications and assisted with clerical tasks.
1994-1998
High School and College Work Experience
VARIOUS EMPLOYERS
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Personal Assistant: Provided administrative support to John Douglas Director of the Film and Media Arts Department at American University. Helped research and develop the MFA program at American University
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Archaeologist: Worked as a guest archaeologist for a three-month period for the Institute of Archaeology in Vienna, Austria:
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Hostess: Greeted and seated guests in a Texas-themed restaurant in Fort Lauderdale
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Receptionist: Worked at an answering service taking messages for Doctors and other professionals
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Salesperson: Sold the Miami Herald over the phone. Top Office Producer.
EDUCATION
2001-2003
M.F.A Film and Electronic Media
AMERICAN UNIVERSITY
Completed additional requirements to achieve an M.F.A. from the newly created M.F.A program at American University
1996-1998
M.A. Film and Video
AMERICAN UNIVERSITY
Received an M.A in Film and Video
1988-1992
B.A. Communication Studies
UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA
Received a Bachelor of Arts in Communications Studies with concentrations in Anthropology and English
1984-1988
PLANTATION HIGH SCHOOL
High School Diploma
SKILLS
Microsoft Office Programs - Proficient
Adobe Photoshop and Express- Advanced
Adobe Dreamweaver & Flash - Advanced
Final Cut Pro - Intermediate
Acid Pro, Sound Forge, Sound Edit 16, Garageband
Adobe Illustrator- Proficient
Adobe Premiere - Advanced
Adobe After Effects - Intermediate
Word Press, Wix, Canva - Intermediate
HTML and CSS - Intermediate
COMMUNITY SERVICE
Secretary
Middleton PTO
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Created Agendas for meetings
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Created weekly newsletter for Middleton Elementary and Middle Schools
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Maintained membership database
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Assisted at all PTO events and most field trips
VP Curriculum Enrichment
Middleton PTO
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Researched and booked enrichment events (approx. 20k budget) for the Howe Manning School in Middleton, MA
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Planned and hosted 6-7 events for each grade, paid vendors, created newsletter announcing events for parents
Board Member
Middleton Rec Dept.
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Voting member on Middleton Rec Board
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Helped to plan and execute annual and special events for the Middleton, MA community
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Planned events for school holidays
Girl Scout co-leader Middleton, MA
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Worked with 5th-8th graders as they fulfilled requirements for girl scout achievements.
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Prepared for and led weekly meetings with a group of 8-14 girls
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Chaperoned events and overnight adventures
STUDENT RAVES
