About me

I create content about people, research, innovations and ideas that impact fields from learning and leadership to science and technology.

I’m also an outdoor enthusiast who loves bringing stories of great experiences to be had on the trail, in the water and through the woods, year-round.

I especially enjoy writing profiles, and I’ve had the privilege of interviewing and writing about leaders and trailblazers such as former University of Tennessee President Joe DiPietro, former Tennessee Gov. Winfield Dunn, Chattanooga Changemaker Mina Sartipi and Wilma Jordan, founder and CEO of The Jordan, Edmiston Group, Inc.

I’ve also profiled a young man, Wil Young, on his becoming the first electrical engineering graduate to also play varsity football for his alma mater and Cirque du Soleil athletic trainer John Faltus on his work with that storied organization.

I’ve relished opportunities to plan and manage milestone events and projects that involved multiple, complex communication functions and multiple audiences, such as the 100th anniversary of continuous publication of the UT System magazine for alumni of all University of Tennessee campuses, and the inaugural State of the University address for the UT president.

A Little More About Me

I have a bachelor’s degree in English-Journalism from Tennessee Tech University and a master’s degree in communication with a concentration in science communication from the University of Tennessee. I began my career as a print journalist with the Knoxville News-Sentinel and have continued to write professionally since transitioning into corporate communications, first in health care and then in higher ed. For me, among the most gratifying work I do is taking a complex, challenging topic and turning it into meaningful, accessible content for its intended audiences.

In addition to my eye for detail, way with words and passion for storytelling, I have an iron-clad commitment to deadlines.

If you’d like my help with an editing or writing project, please send me an email:

ginastafford@outlook.com

You also can find me on LinkedIn

As an avid hiker, kayaker and amateur photographer, I write from experience about outdoor experiences. While my kayaking to-date is limited to lakes and rivers in Tennessee, I’ve hiked in 21 of the 59 U.S. National Parks. Those outings are well-documented in my photo collection, as are my travels to 26 countries outside the U.S.

As needed, I have also made photos to go with a writing assignment.

You can view some of my personal photos below.