Jamie Ward is a versatile freelance journalist who has published for both magazine and newspaper audiences and is now moving online. With a Master's degree in journalism from Indiana University and a Bachelors degree in business from there as well, the native Hoosier has traveled to five continents, lived in three countries and speaks English, Spanish and a wee-bit of Belizean Kriol.

Jamie's a journalist who can empathize with those who feel like they're voiceless. He also sees good journalism being at the heart of a healthy democracy and believes journalists are meant to benefit the communities they serve by acting as the fourth estate of American democracy. That said, he believes in holding public officials accountable for their actions and questioning their decisions for the benefit of the entire populace. As Jamie hears all too often from his readers, "Hold those politicians' feet to the fire!"

Jamie has covered a number of topics already in his career, but he especially enjoys pieces dealing with the environment (especially the oceans!), energy issues, international affairs, local government and stories investigating topics that might include aspects of social justice, adventure, public use of funds, diversity and culture. From June 2008 to September 2009, Jamie was the Planning and Zoning, Business, Environment and General Assignment Reporter for the 65,000 daily circulation Gwinnett Daily Post newspaper, located in suburban Atlanta. Check www.gwinnettdailypost.com and its archives during that time period to see his work.

Jamie worked as an information technology consultant prior to discovering his passion for storytelling and reporting. That means he's also quite comfortable discussing and using those technology and business skills. To educate some of those less priveleged, Jamie also pioneered a high school computer curriculum for the Peace Corps while a volunteer teacher in Yo Creek Village, Belize. Jamie credits his time in Belize from 2002 - 2004 for realizing his passion for journalism, storytelling and shark wrangling.

Jamie's a member of the Society of Professional Journalists and is unafraid to tackle subjects and topics utilizing all mediums. In addition to writing and reporting skills, he also has extensive experience using both still and video cameras and the vast amount of technologies available in the 21st century. Some of these skills are on display at the nonprofit online news source Jamie founded in early 2010, The Atlanta Citizen, http://theatlantacitizen.com. 

An expert interviewer and researcher, Jamie thrives upon performing under pressure and loves the adrenaline rush that comes along with a quality story. If you think you've got a subject or topic that deserves mention in a national or local publication, drop him a line. He's always listening and always in search of his next opportunity.

In his spare time, Jamie loves Scuba diving in tropical destinations, taking trips to any beach he's near and spending time with his wife Carolyn and their 3-year-old labradoodle, Griswold.