Resume

Lisa Parker MacKay has been recognized for editing, generating, and designing engaging copy for educational materials, newspapers, and various types of collateral material. She collaborates well in a team or independent setting, and also excels at analyzing, organizing, troubleshooting, and establishing new procedures in a fast-paced environment with critical deadlines.

Career Achievements

  •  Researched and analyzed state standards while monitoring the legislative approval process associated with standards’ updates, aiding in securing vendor RFP bid wins in 18 states.
  • Helped establish market presence for pre-IPO broadband company via media campaigns for Sales and Marketing. Established policies and procedures for Business Development Department. Designed and implemented 4-day training program for Business Development sales force.
  • Integral member of Brady Corp. team charged with the integration of stand-alone database systems (Yield Tracking System) with computer network. Wrote initial system plan overhaul and presented it to division managers, Brady IT officials, and an outside contractor.
  • Initiated and completed redesign of editorial pages at The Gainesville Sun and also redesigned the Op-Ed Page for The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. New York Times’ Chairman Award winner in 1989 for a series of articles that forced then University of North Alabama President Robert Guillot to resign. Awarded again in 1990 for exposing extreme levels of corporal punishment in the Florence City School System.
  • Developed and implemented the department’s first college internship program while assistant editorial page editor of The Gainesville Sun. Employee of the Month, December 1993.
  • Received Best Newswriting Award, The Tuscaloosa News, October 1991.
  • Created and administered a self-structured weekly extended-day program called Real Life 101 at Austin Academy for Excellence (2002-2004).
  • Using ADDIE instructional design methodology to achieve student passing rate of at least 85 percent on state’s standardized test. This is an increase of 9 percent since 2005 and includes students with limited English proficiency.
  • Austin Academy’s Regular Educator of the Year 2004 – 2005

Career Experience

Big Thought, Dallas, TX (March 2022 to Feb. 2023)
Instructor – Contract

  • Designed engaging and effective lessons for 50 K-5 students, utilizing Microsoft Suite to promote skill development.
  • Ensured age-appropriate instruction by aligning Big Thought’s instructional framework, resulting in successful student outcomes.

Rae’s Hope, Dallas, TX (Aug. 2021 to July 2022)
Executive Board Member – Secretary

  • Led a team that raised $2,958 in just five hours through a highly successful car wash fundraising event.
  • Conducted extensive research to develop marketing and fundraising strategies that resulted in increased outreach and donations.
  • Streamlined operations by implementing an efficient electronic filing system, maintaining accurate meeting minutes and editing relevant materials.

work/REFINED, Dallas, TX (Nov. 2021 to May 2022)
Senior Strategy Consultant – Contract

  • Devised a market strategy for entering the K-12 education sector, utilizing Google Suite and resulting in increased revenue.
  • Conducted SEO research and authored educational content for the company website to enhance organic traffic and engagement.
  • Co-created and promoted the first-ever education webinar of the organization, strengthening our brand presence and driving customer leads.

Istation, Dallas, TX (Oct. 2012 to Sept. 2021)
Instructional Designer | DEI Committee Lead

  • Collaborated with an Agile team to develop state-standard curriculum content, utilizing Jira tickets for effective project management.
  • Directed a team of seven curriculum specialists and facilitated knowledge-sharing through Confluence with Early Reading and Middle School team members.
  • Successfully secured vendor RFP bids in 18 states as a Standards and Correlations Specialist.
  • Led a cross-functional DEI team in generating diverse, equitable, and inclusive content ideas and resources that enhanced user experience.
  • Authored engaging middle school content and provided quarterly professional development training sessions for the curriculum team using Google Suite.

Nouveau Scribe, Rowlett, TX (Jan. 2001 to Oct. 2012)
Freelance Writer

  • Wrote online content based on specific SEO keywords under the direction of designers to improve search engine rankings
  • Edited various types of copy including educational materials, magazines, books, business letters, dissertations, theses, queries, etc.

Skyline High School, Dallas, TX (Nov. 2006 to Aug. 2012)
English Teacher

  • Created training materials based on user requirements and procedures from state curriculum planning guide (CPG). CPG is created by English Subject Matter Experts (SME).
  • Exceeded average district-wide student scores by more than 7% through creation of customized training curriculum for the 2011-2012 school year
  • Interpreted business needs and learning cases and translated into manageable and implementable requirements. Provided quality client support by answering questions, researching and analyzing multiple solutions to problems and fostering open communication between parents and school
  • Developed materials using mixed media such as PowerPoint, Word and various Internet sites, audiovisual and instructional tools to educate and motivate ninth- and tenth-grade students
  • Served in the following leadership roles:
    • Ninth-Grade Horizontal Team Leader: Provided instruction, guidance according to state curriculum planning requirements and resources for ninth-grade teachers
    • Consumer Services Pathway Leader: Coordinated cross-curriculum team which created and implemented meaningful, real-life projects for students
    • Supplemental Educational Services Liaison: Coordinated more than 50 internal and external vendors for state-funded (Texas Education Agency) tutoring program

Austin Academy for Excellence, Garland, TX (May 2002 to May 2006)
English Teacher

  • As part of a two-person team, developed curriculum annually. Responsible for 60% of content. This included:
    • Designing content that merged multimedia presentation (PowerPoint) with interactive, engaging student lectures
    • Developing and implementing merged content for three different levels
      (Regulars, Honors, Enriched Honors) of seventh-grade students
    • Applying and implementing The College of William and Mary’s Center for Gifted Education’s Utopia curriculum for the 2005-2006 school year
    • Developed an extended-day program “Real Life 101” with an average class size of 15 with multicultural student appeal.
    • Taught SAT practice class from 2002 – 2005. The skills were absorbed into the lesson plans for the 2005 – 2006 school years.
    • Served as representative for Language Arts portfolio audit, resulting in district-wide recognition for Austin Academy.
    • Served on Austin Academy’s Campus Improvement Team.
    • Developed cross-curriculum teaching methods with reading and science.

BroadbandNOW, Inc., Irving, TX (Feb. 2000 to Jan. 2001)
Business Development Manager

  • Managed Business Development Department’s remote field personnel nationwide and served as liaison between those sales staffers and relevant departments for pre-IPO broadband company
  • Provided consulting support and made recommendations to the vice president of Business Development regarding timely and necessary improvements for establishing market presence
  • Maintained new property database using Oracle
  • Performed the following marketing tasks:
    • Wrote brochures and text for invitations and post-trade show notes to prospective leads
    • Developed scripts for property advertisement and Realtors to build customer base
    • Directed trade show logistics
    • Researched competition and initiated methods for creating and filling new technology niches