Jamie Ward is a versatile freelance journalist who has published for magazine, newspaper and online audiences. With a Master's degree in journalism and a dual Bachelor's degree in business from Indiana University, the native Hoosier has traveled to five continents, lived in three countries and speaks English, Spanish and a wee-bit of Belizean Kriol. As of December 2011, he's been making his home on the island of St. Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Jamie has covered a number of topics already in his career, but he especially enjoys pieces dealing with the environment (especially the oceans!), energy and sustainable initiatives, international affairs, local government and just about anything that will allow him to muck. From June 2008 to September 2009, Jamie was the Planning and Zoning, Business, Environment and General Assignment Reporter for the Gwinnett Daily Post newspaper, located in suburban Atlanta. Check www.gwinnettdailypost.com and its archives during that time period to see his work. He also wrote for the Norcross and Dunwoody Patch.com sites during 2011 while also dabbling with his own online newspaper, The Atlanta Citizen, in 2010.

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 pioneered a high school computer curriculum for the Peace Corps while serving as 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.

An expert interviewer and researcher, Jamie thrives upon performing under pressure and loves the adrenaline rush that comes along with a quality story. He also takes pride in giving a voice to the voiceless.

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, his daughter Reese and their 5-year-old labradoodle, Griswold.