Curriculum Vitae
Michelle McAnally, MA
Michelle is a versatile journalist, content creator and travel specialist with more than 20 years of experience producing sparkling copy and images across multiple media platforms.
Having grown up in the Mississippi Delta, Michelle cut her teeth as a TV and print reporter, then after earning her MA, moved to the government sector, where she served as a Writer/Editor and Archaeologist for the U.S. Forest Service for seven years.
Yearning for more creative work, she embarked on a successful freelance career as a leisure writer for local and regional publications across the south, before joining one of the world’s leading restaurant industry publications as Food Editor.
Since moving to the West Highlands of Scotland with her Glaswegian husband in 2013, she delivers engaging and brand boosting marketing content on this side of the pond, focussing on culture, food and travel for print and digital clients, from major media companies to tourism direct marketing organisations to large & small businesses. Her strengths include SEO savvy website and social media content.
In 2017, Michelle and her husband, Rab, founded Imagine Alba, a Scottish travel media brand, which was nominated for the Scottish Rural Awards in Best Tourism Initiative and Best Start Up categories. She still works on the occasional archaeological dig and serves on the Board of Trustees for Friends of Historic Kilbride, a heritage conservation charity.
Volunteer Work
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On air personality, Oban FM
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Trustee and media director, Friends of Kilbride
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Content creator, Local Origins Rural Network
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Director, Taylor Farmers' Market
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ESL Tutor, Good Shepherd Community Centre
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Business Fundraiser, United Way
Imagine Alba, Co-founder and CEO
2017-present
Created a Scottish travel brand featuring a digital magazine, podcast, social media and website. Generate all media in-house as CAA approved drone pilot, photographer, videographer and musician. Offer guided driving tours and bespoke local experiences. Scottish Tourist Guide Association certified guide for Oban.
Freelance writer/editor, content creator, photographer, voice over artist and social media manager
2005-present
Including: The Oban Times, West Coast Review, Holiday West Highland, Scottish Field, Oban & Lorn Tourism Alliance, Mull & Iona Life, Lochaber Life, Delta Magazine, Oxford Town, Roseisle Luxury Campervans, Oxford Shakespeare Festival, Oxford Eagle, USDA,
PMQ Pizza Magazine, Food editor
2012-2013
Wrote and edited news and feature stories on the restaurant industry for one of the world’s largest restaurant trade publications, with a circulation of 40,000 issued ten times a year. Hosted weekly broadcast.
Classic Italian Desserts Generate Profits and Leave Customers Satisfied
Frozen treats create upsell opportunities and can spawn new profitable day parts for your pizzeria
Smithsonian Institution
2005
Collected oral histories by video for the Ralph Rinzler Folklife Archives and annual Folklife Festival. Served as a presenter and moderator at the festival in Washington D.C.
United States Forest Service
1999-2005
Acted as Writer/Editor and District Archaeologist. Generated all written reports, public relations materials, National Environmental Policy act compliance documents and rangers' communications. Conducted heritage surveys. Fire fighter and first aid qualified.
Education
Masters of Arts, Anthropology. University of Mississippi
Bachelor of Science, Broadcast Journalism. Mississippi University for Women