Kelly Oden

Kelly Oden

Editorial and Creative Director

19 Years | 2,000+ Publications | 100+ Notable Interviews

For nearly two decades, I’ve led editorial and creative direction for print and digital publications across city lifestyle magazines, business journals, military and community newspapers, professional newsletters and cultural programs. I assign stories, edit articles, conduct the high-profile interviews, write the big features, direct the photo shoots and shape the design. From first pitch to final cover, I lead the complete reader experience.

CONSUMER & LIFESTYLE

Pensacola Magazine

Executive Editor/Editorial & Creative Director | 2007–Present
Monthly premier city magazine | 228 issues and counting

EDITORIAL DIRECTION
  • Complete editorial oversight—assign, edit and approve every article
  • Conduct high-profile interviews including celebrities, politicians, business leaders and cultural figures
  • Develop story concepts, editorial calendars and workflow processes for all monthly content
  • Manage editorial team and freelance writers and photographers
  • Define and maintain editorial voice for the region’s premier lifestyle publication
CREATIVE DIRECTION
  • Lead art director in shaping publication design
  • Conceptualize covers and direct photo shoots
  • Plan, ideate and direct fashion shoots, multi-page wedding features, food photography, editorial portraits and product & lifestyle spreads
  • Oversee visual identity and brand evolution with multiple redesigns
  • Final approval on all creative, design and copy
IMPACT
  • 228 issues of consistent editorial and visual excellence
  • Grew digital engagement 500+%
  • Increased page counts by 100+%
  • Hundreds of high-profile celebrity and political interviews
  • Highlighted hundreds of nonprofits, small businesses, artists and entrepreneurs
  • Regional authority on arts, culture, dining and coastal lifestyle


Downtown Crowd

Executive Editor/Editorial & Creative Director | 2007–Present
Monthly arts and entertainment newsprint | 228 issues and counting

EDITORIAL LEADERSHIP
  • Oversee special publications editor and staff writer with dedicated responsibility for publication
  • Create story lineups and develop editorial concepts
  • Edit every article and approve all content
  • Contribute design direction and approve final layouts
  • Manage editorial team and freelance writers and photographers
  • Define and maintain editorial voice
CREATIVE DIRECTION
  • Lead art director and editor in shaping publication design
  • Conceptualize and approve covers and photo shoots
  • Oversee visual identity and brand evolution with multiple redesigns
  • Final approval on all creative, design and copy
CAREER PROGRESSION

Earlier in my tenure, I handled complete editorial and production responsibilities for both Downtown Crowd and Northwest Florida’s Business Climate Magazine before building and managing the editorial team as Executive Editor.


Coming of Age

Executive Editor/Editorial & Creative Director | 2007–Present
Quarterly senior lifestyle magazine | 75+ Notable Interviews
Published for Council on Aging of West Florida | 76 issues and counting

Editorial direction for quarterly glossy targeting senior audiences across Northwest Florida. Content includes health and wellness, financial planning, legislative issues and lifestyle features. High-profile interviews have included national figures like Al Roker, Art Garfunkel and Pat Benatar. Balances editorial excellence with mission-driven content serving the aging community.


BUSINESS & PROFESSIONAL

Northwest Florida’s
Business Climate Magazine

Executive Editor/Editorial & Creative Director | 2007–Present
Quarterly regional business journal | 76 issues and counting

Complete editorial and creative direction for the region’s premier business publication. Oversee managing editor while maintaining hands-on editorial control. Conduct CEO interviews, develop content strategy, edit all articles and approve final design. Coverage includes economic development, industry trends, executive profiles and market analysis.


NEWS & COMMUNITY

Summation Weekly

Executive Editor/Editorial & Creative Director | 2015 – present
Community newspaper in collaboration with Escambia/Santa Rosa Bar Association | 416 issues and counting

Weekly publication serving dual purposes: legal notice publication and community newspaper. Editorial content balances news for the general community with coverage of legal issues, legislative updates and professional development for association members. Editorial partnership balancing journalistic standards with professional association needs and legal notice requirements.


Rosemary Thymes

Executive Editor/Editorial & Creative Director | 2018-present | 32 issues and counting
Quarterly town newspaper for Rosemary Beach, Florida

Complete editorial and production services for luxury beach community publication. Content includes community news, real estate features, dining and entertainment, and profiles of residents, artists and local businesses.


Gosport

Executive Editor/Production Editor | 2010-2020 (no longer in print)
Weekly military newspaper for Naval Air Station Pensacola | 520 issues

Executive and production editor in collaboration with Naval Air Station Pensacola’s Public Affairs Office. Co-supervised two editors covering Navy and base news, military family resources, deployment information and community events. Edited every issue and oversaw all ad placement and prepress quality control.


Cooperative Newsletter DEVELOPMENT & PRODUCTION

The Healthy Alternative

Executive Editor | Ever’man Cooperative Grocery | 2007 – 2019
Quarterly health and wellness publication | 48 issues

Developed and produced quarterly newsletter for cooperative members focusing on healthy living, nutrition, sustainable practices and community wellness initiatives. 12-year editorial partnership supporting co-op’s mission and member engagement.


PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER DEVELOPMENT & PRODUCTION

The Summation Quarterly (2018 – present)
Cornerstone Magazine (2022 – present)

The Summation Quarterly:
Executive Editor/Production Editor | 2015-present | 40 issues and counting
Quarterly newsletter for Escambia/Santa Rosa Bar Association

Member communications, legislative updates, professional development

Cornerstone:
Executive Editor/Production Editor | 2022-present | 20 issues and counting
Monthly newsletter for Homebuilders Association of Northwest Florida
Industry news, regulatory updates, member resources

Ongoing newsletter production for professional organizations. Editorial and creative services range from complete content development and design to production oversight and proofreading depending on client needs. Content provided by client.


Professional Association Directories

Greater Pensacola Chamber Directory (2008 – present)
ESRBA Bar Association Directory (2015-present)
Medical Association Directory (2014-present)

Executive Editor/Editorial & Creative Director | 46 issues (combined) and counting
Member listings, legislative updates, business news, professional development

Complete editorial and design direction in close collaboration with client organizations. Produced publications balancing organizational and member needs with editorial and production standards.


Arts & Cultural Programs

Pensacola Opera (2017-present)
Pensacola Symphony Orchestra (2016-present)
Ballet Pensacola (2017-present)

Executive Editor/Production Editor | 75 programs (combined) and counting

Oversee layout, production and prepress quality controls for regional arts organizations. Content provided by clients.


PARKS & RECREATION PROGRAMS

The Playbook

Executive Editor/Production Editor | 2021-present | 40 issues and counting
City of Pensacola Parks & Recreation quarterly program

Mix of production and prepress services for seasonal municipal guides. Content provided by client.