MATTHEW MICHELA 

Pittsburgh, PA   matthew.a.michela@gmail.com   matthewmichela.com

PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY Award-winning Communications Specialist and Emmy-winning Video Journalist with over 15 years of experience in visual storytelling and municipal communications. Expert in translating complex operational information into impactful multimedia content across digital, social, and print channels. Blends technical precision with creative mastery in video production, digital asset management, and crisis communications to drive brand engagement and organizational transparency.

TECHNICAL SKILLS

  • Creative Suite: Expert proficiency in Adobe Premiere Pro,  Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Canva and Lightroom.

  • Production & Media: Advanced video editing, multi-camera live production, motion graphics, photography, and Digital Asset Management (DAM).

  • Digital Platforms: Strategic social media management (Instagram, Facebook, X, LinkedIn, YouTube), Canva, and CMS tools.

  • Certifications: FAA Part 107 Drone Certified, COMT, PIO L0952, and ICS 100-800.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Pittsburgh Hires Veterans, Pittsburgh, PA  Business Development Specialist  2026–Present

  • Event Management & Media: Promoted the 2026 Hire-A-Veteran Day Job Fair at Duquesne University by designing marketing materials and capturing event photography, successfully doubling veteran attendance. Largest attendance since launch.

  • Community Outreach: Planned and marketed the 6th Annual Veteran Memorial Bike Tour along the Panhandle Trail, developing promotional press materials, organizing sponsor outreach, and securing local TV press coverage through the distribution of provided b-roll and video packages.

  • Marketing & Campaign Strategy: Prepared digital visual assets, social media campaigns, and video script outlines to drive engagement and operational timelines for the Pittsburgh Foundation grant opportunities,  receiving awards from donor advised funds.

  • Innovation & Digital Strategy: Built AI strategies into grant writing and communications workflows, and maintained digital asset organization to streamline content retrieval. Awarded two grants in the second quarter.

West Valley City, Utah | Communications Specialist | 2019–2025

  • Visual Storytelling & Live Production: Directed the filming, editing, and preparation of high-impact video content for government channels. Engineered and directed 4-camera livestreams for municipal events, executive messaging, and crisis updates. Received two regional Emmy nominations for public messaging content.

  • Media Relations & Brand Strategy: Launched and managed the Fire Department's social media platforms, establishing a unified digital brand. Acted as a primary liaison during press availabilities, managing media relations and coordinating multi-platform communication streams. In the last year, received positive media coverage for our new suboxone and whole blood programs.

  • Project Leadership: Produced high-priority "Notable Projects," including recruitment campaigns, motion graphics, and incident briefings, while collaborating with cross-functional teams (Police, Fire, and City Admin). Awarded Chief's award in 2022.

  • Technical Operations: Served as a Part 107 Drone Pilot to capture aerial photography/video and supported the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) with critical, real-time multimedia communications during active emergencies. Awarded Unsung Hero in 2021.

KUTV (Salt Lake City) | Photojournalist / Editor | 2014–2019

  • Content Production: Shot and edited compelling visual stories under tight daily deadlines in diverse, high-pressure environments, utilizing advanced camera operation, lighting, and audio techniques.

  • Innovation: Developed the "Mic'd Up" sports segment and trained staff on using motion graphics for dynamic visual enhancements. Regularly selected by reporters for complex and breaking news assignments.

  • Public Engagement: Produced short-form, platform-specific content for social media promotion to drive viewership and developed instant rapport with diverse groups in the field.

  • Recognition: Earned a Regional Emmy and NPPA Contest awards for excellence in visual journalism.

U.S. Naval Submarine Service | Nuclear Electrician 

  • Operational Excellence: Operated complex nuclear propulsion systems in mission-critical environments, ensuring 100% compliance with strict safety programs and SOPs. Awarded Navy Achievement Medal for troubleshooting operations underway.

  • Logistics & Adaptability: Managed high-value equipment transfers in demanding environments, requiring rapid adaptability to changing priorities and nonstandard hours.

EDUCATION & TRAINING

  • BA in Broadcast Journalism, University of Colorado

  • Certificate in Technology, Arts and Media, University of Colorado

  • Leadership Certificate, West Valley City (2025)

PORTFOLIO