Holly Pennebaker
Writing & Editing | Storytelling | Digital Content Management | Audience-first Communications

About Me
At Work:
I’m an award-winning content and communications professional with 15 years of experience helping organizations tell the right stories, to the right people, and at the right moment - to make a big impact and long-lasting difference for those they serve. My commitment: Adding value to my team and building relationships with people so that their lives are better because I'm a part of them.
I began my career in journalism, covering news and events that required accuracy, care, integrity and trust. I covered the Boston Marathon bombing, the Sandy Hook Elementary School shootings, got an exclusive interview with Ludacris at Atlanta's Music Midtown Festival, and broke the sentencing of former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich. The responsibility of providing the most recent and relevant information that audiences need to know is something I'm forever grateful for.
From journalism, in 2016 I transitioned to human capital strategy and business leadership education, partnering with 120 companies to develop their stories, align content with business goals, and advance marketing and communication achievements. I also developed internal and external communications and partnered with executive leadership to refine and enhance messaging.
Today, I serve niche audiences with purpose-driven information that helps them solve problems, advance their missions, elevate their brands and celebrate more wins - whether through writing, editing and storytelling, strategic communications, content management or content marketing strategy.
I'm known as a trusted partner who puts others first, meets the tightest deadlines, brings energy and intention to collaborative work, and who's always ready for a good laugh and the occasional happy hour.
CliftonStrengths Top 5: Empathy • Arranger • Woo • Achiever • Futuristic
At Play:
I'm a dog mom to my beloved 8-year-old rescue pup, Captain - he's my everything! I practice yoga, Pilates, somatic movement and healing, and on the daily, take a self-care walk. I go down the research rabbit hole discovering all-things wellness, including for physical, mental and emotional health. I hike trails, get lost in deep woods and climb the highest mountains from state to state.
I volunteer frequently, lending a hand to organizations, communities and neighbors.
I'm often on the hunt for the best smoothie shops (and sports bars!), and when free time allows, I love spending time with friends near and far.
Saving the best detail for last: As a lifelong Kentucky Basketball fan, during March - early April, "Sorry, I can't. I'm busy." becomes the default.
Specialties and Strengths
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Strategic Writing, Editing and Digital Content Production
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Executive and Brand Communications
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Editorial Planning & Calendar Management
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Simplification and Translation of Complex Topics into Accessible Information that People Actually Want to Read
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High-volume Content Production that Meets Deadlines
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Creation and implementation of organization-wide style, voice and brand guides, webinar and podcast prep guides, and FAQ's
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Telling the Right stories, to the Right People, at the Right Moment
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Ethics, Inclusion, Growth Mindset and Innovation Combined with Legacy Values
Work Seen In:
Louisville Magazine, Louisville Bride, Bellarmine Athletics, The Red Line Project, Raw Signal, everyblock.com, Patch, Crain’s Chicago Business, NBCChicago.com, USA TODAY, Muck Rack, 11Alive.com, Kare11.com, WLTX.com, WMAZ.com, WCPO.com, WLWT.com, WEWS.com, WPTV.com, KNXV.com, WFTS.com, Naples Daily News, others

