Mark Kemp

About Mark Kemp

I am a top-level editorial creative who\'s rebuilt entire departments, launched successful TV series, managed large staffs, overseen the growth of print and digital audiences, and hired smart and ethical reporters who will not stop until a story is told, whether the story involves a rock star or a local government official. The key word is story: I place a premium on great storytelling, whether in a blurb, video, podcast or long-form journalism. Focused, self-directed, cooperative, and able to pivot quickly from executive negotiations to coaching writers and reporters to working synergistically with sales and marketing teams on new and novel ways to raise revenue. At SF Weekly, I rebuilt the editorial staff from the ground up and reduced print return rates from 6 percent to 2 percent. At Acoustic Guitar magazine, I launched an online video performance series, quadrupled social media engagement, and raised editorial standards, all on a limited budget. At Creative Loafing, I spearheaded a partnership with Huffington Post on coverage of the 2012 Democratic National Convention in Charlotte, NC. At MTV, I was part of an executive team that rolled out the popular show Total Request Live (TRL). I\'ve also authored a book, award-winning articles, and Grammy-nominated album liner notes.

Experience

1. Senior Editor

   Our State Magazine

   Mar 2019 — Present · Greensboro, NC, US

   Assign, edit, and write feature stories for magazine that\'s served North Carolina since 1933.

Education

• East Carolina University

  BA, English, Philosophy

  1978 — 1983

• New York University

  Certificate, Summer Institute in Book and Magazine Publishing

  1987 — 1987