Hiring Manager:
Joey DiGuglielmo and I met in the fall of 2006. I had recently been hired as publisher of the Washington Blade at the departure of Chris Crain as Editor and Publisher. Kevin Naff assumed the duties of Editor and hired Joey almost immediately to serve as news editor. As publisher, I respected the newsroom’s independence and judgment. Joey never failed that trust. A tireless worker, he was committed to a comprehensive approach to news of importance for the LGBT community both in Washington and nationally.
After the week’s editorial budget meeting Joey was responsible for assuring that all story assignments progressed in a timely manner, addressed all pertinent issues, and were written compellingly. His hard work brought the Washington Blade respect among readers and sources. During this time we became a recognized member of the White House Press Corps. Joey personally instituted a systematic approach to journalistic award nominations, keeping track of eligible opportunities and shepherding the stories through the nomination process. As a result, the Blade was not only recognized with awards from LGBT organizations, but also from the National Press Club and other broad-based and regional news organizations.
Under prior management the Blade had ceded coverage of arts and entertainment information to Metro Weekly, a quarterfold crosstown rival. I urged a new Blade effort to recapture readers and A&E sources which had abandoned us. Joey played a key roll in the planning and design that resulted in our new centerfold presentation of this news. Demonstrating his initiative and dedication, Joey also took a leading roll in the planning and execution of our debut party for this section, which attracted hundreds of luminaries to a venue we selected in the Adams Morgan neighborhood.
Due to Joey’s leadership in this initiative he eventually assumed leadership of the Blade’s features section. Since then his deft touch brought sparkle to its pages. Hands on when necessary, Joey never hesitated to call sources, fill in missing information, and even go on site to get pictures. Joey and I worked together to bring the Blade’s library and archives under control. This work probably saved those valuable records in the turmoil that awaited once the parent organization went into default.
While we have been separated by years and some distance, we have stayed in touch. I continue to be impressed by his efforts, and can assure any potential employer that Joey DiGuglielmo will prove to be key to the many successes that are bound to follow. In my 40 years in the publishing industry, I can count on one hand those people who I considered first quality. Joey is in that number.
Please do not hesitate to contact me with any question you may have regarding Joey’s suitability for your position.
Sincerely,
Jake Spencer
911 Binney Street
Baltimore, MD 21224
410-241-9309
Joey DiGuglielmo and I met in the fall of 2006. I had recently been hired as publisher of the Washington Blade at the departure of Chris Crain as Editor and Publisher. Kevin Naff assumed the duties of Editor and hired Joey almost immediately to serve as news editor. As publisher, I respected the newsroom’s independence and judgment. Joey never failed that trust. A tireless worker, he was committed to a comprehensive approach to news of importance for the LGBT community both in Washington and nationally.
After the week’s editorial budget meeting Joey was responsible for assuring that all story assignments progressed in a timely manner, addressed all pertinent issues, and were written compellingly. His hard work brought the Washington Blade respect among readers and sources. During this time we became a recognized member of the White House Press Corps. Joey personally instituted a systematic approach to journalistic award nominations, keeping track of eligible opportunities and shepherding the stories through the nomination process. As a result, the Blade was not only recognized with awards from LGBT organizations, but also from the National Press Club and other broad-based and regional news organizations.
Under prior management the Blade had ceded coverage of arts and entertainment information to Metro Weekly, a quarterfold crosstown rival. I urged a new Blade effort to recapture readers and A&E sources which had abandoned us. Joey played a key roll in the planning and design that resulted in our new centerfold presentation of this news. Demonstrating his initiative and dedication, Joey also took a leading roll in the planning and execution of our debut party for this section, which attracted hundreds of luminaries to a venue we selected in the Adams Morgan neighborhood.
Due to Joey’s leadership in this initiative he eventually assumed leadership of the Blade’s features section. Since then his deft touch brought sparkle to its pages. Hands on when necessary, Joey never hesitated to call sources, fill in missing information, and even go on site to get pictures. Joey and I worked together to bring the Blade’s library and archives under control. This work probably saved those valuable records in the turmoil that awaited once the parent organization went into default.
While we have been separated by years and some distance, we have stayed in touch. I continue to be impressed by his efforts, and can assure any potential employer that Joey DiGuglielmo will prove to be key to the many successes that are bound to follow. In my 40 years in the publishing industry, I can count on one hand those people who I considered first quality. Joey is in that number.
Please do not hesitate to contact me with any question you may have regarding Joey’s suitability for your position.
Sincerely,
Jake Spencer
911 Binney Street
Baltimore, MD 21224
410-241-9309