About Karena Elliott
Although I have been writing professionally for more than 30 years, I have only been freelancing since May of 2016. Since embarking on this new professional chapter, I write on assignment, as well as pitch article ideas and work on contract. My clients are as diverse as my topics and include the Times of Israel, Power for Living, Progressive Dairyman, Laguna Tools, Your Genealogy Today, Progressive Cattleman, High Plains Observer, and Country Woman. More than 40 works have been published in the past year.
We are all a product of our experiences and the earlier chapters of my personal and professional life enable me to write with both depth and passion for my clients. My strengths lie in producing exceptionally clean copy, storytelling, meeting deadlines, exceeding expectations, working with a variety of personalities, and being a team player.
The second chapter of my story was primarily written while I had the opportunity to be at home full-time with our three children. I worked thousands of hours as a professional volunteer during this time. One of my most significant roles was serving as the chair of the building committee for the Free Methodist Church of Greenville, Illinois. Between 2002 and 2005, I recruited, trained and supervised a 30 member volunteer committee charged with the sale of $1.65 million property, the purchase of 100 acres, and the construction of a 35,000 square foot facility totaling more than $5.88 million. The project concluded on-time and under budget. Writing and communication skills were key to the success.
I also worked as a self-employed Development Consultant during this chapter of life. Between 1995 and 2010, I coordinated Advancement Strategic Plans for both large and small non-profits including the development and public relations components of capital campaigns. I also served as the Interim Vice President for a private college.
These roles were possible because of the amazing foundation provided by the experience in my first professional chapter of life.
I served as the Associate Director of Development for the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign for seven years. During that time I was the manager of 150+ major donor prospects resulting in gifts ranging from $10,000 to $1 million. I developed materials and secured gifts for the College’s first capital campaign which raised $115 million. I also wrote and managed the production of numerous publications during this time.
I also worked as the Alumni and Development Assistant for the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture. Over a two-year period, I launched the first annual funds program to solicit 9,000+ alumni of the College. I also initiated the re-design of their alumni newsletter, wrote the publication, and managed the printing process.
My love for the agriculture industry is founded in being raised on a cow/calf family farm in Western Kentucky where we also grew corn, soybeans, and tobacco crops.
Farm girl, non-profit fund raiser, professional volunteer, and freelance writer … all these roles and responsibilities enable me to address a wide variety of writing needs and opportunities. I’ve been crafting documents and producing publications for more than 30 years. Ask me how I can make a difference for you today!