Alison Ashton

Hi, I'm Alison Ashton. I'm a digital producer and content strategiest who helps people tell their stories.

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As an experienced content creator, I've covered everything from a cruise aboard a Russian research vessel to Antarctica to the versatility of hot sauce in the pantry. My work has appeared in Cooking Light, Vegetarian Times, Natural Health, Weight Watchers, Lifescript, Sharecare, Working Mother, CNN, and other national outlets. I've produced video and other digitial content for a top health site, managed staff at the country's top food magazine, and assigned and edited lifestyle features as the features editor for a national wire service. My specialties are food and cooking, health and fitness, and travel. In addition to producing digital content, I am available for recipe development and food photography.

Senior Producer/Editor at RealAge, Inc.

August 2011 - February 2012

Editorial/Social Media Director at Nourish Network

September 2009 - August 2011

Oversaw editorial content for website devoted to eating sustainably for the health of body, soul, and planet. Planned editorial coverage, assigned stories to freelancers, wrote features, developed recipes, shot images. Worked with founder to develop strategic growth initiatives and partnerships. Planned and executed social media campaigns to grow the Nourish Network brand and online community.

Senior Food Editor at Cooking Light

March 2004 - October 2008

o Oversee staff of five food editors to develop, assign, and edit stories and recipes for the magazine (the well and all back-of-book departments) o Develop a balanced story lineup for each issue (working 12 to 18 months in advance to take advantage of seasonal produce and locations) o Define and execute long-term goals for the magazine's food coverage o Develop, assign, and edit stories and recipes contributed by freelance writers and recipe developers o Top edit all feature and back-of-book stories o Write features o Develop recipes

Senior Healthy Living Editor at Cooking Light

September 2002 - March 2004

o Managed staff of two editors to develop, assign, and edit all front-of-book departments o Developed, assigned, and edited health, nutrition, and travel features contributed by freelance writers

Features Editor at Copley News Service

1988 - 1996

Deputy Producer, Video at Sharecare, Inc

October 2012

Deputy Editor/Producer, Wellness at RealAge, Inc. (a subsidiary of Sharecare)

February 2012

Freelance writer/editor/photographer at Self-Employed

October 2008

I'm a freelance writer/editor/photographer specializing in food, health, fitness, and travel. Clients include Nourish Network, LifeScript.com, Vegetarian Times, Natural Health, and National Education Association Member Benefits. For more information, visit: http://www.mediabistro.com/AlisonAshton.

Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts

2009 – 2009

Diploma

University of Southern California

1982 – 1986

Bachelor of Arts

Concentration: English

In my free time, you'll almost always find me planning what I want to cook, shopping for what I want to cook, or at the stove -- yep -- cooking.