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.
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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
LISABREAM.COM
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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
