Chanda Zimmerman Professional Bio

Professional Bio

I grew up as a corporation brat, which means I moved a lot. My father was a successful manufacturing executive in the computer industry. A natural trouble-shooter, he was sent to take over plants in distress or being set up. My mother was an accomplished artist, real estate pro, teacher and political activist. Although my father's career kept us on the move often, she made every one of our moves an adventure and taught me to look for the positive. During college, I went “home” to Scotland and Belgium where my father's work had taken him. I also had a chance to travel in Europe and even the still communist Soviet Union, and Uzbekistan. After college, I headed to graduate school at USC, intending to be a television writer. A major car accident shifted my course, and sent me home to recuperate. Soon afterward, I joined the advertising agency and life took a different turn.

Here's a snapshot of my career.

Professional Experience

Questing Moon™ Communications, Warrensburg, MO — Principal Consultant
I established QMC to provide expert writing and editing services. Clients valued my consulting and production knowledge as well. I also began doing small business seminars and workshops.

Adjunct College Instructor — University of Central Missouri, Park University, State Fair Community College
I've taught college level communication courses since 1996 for University of Central Missouri, Park University and State Fair Community College. I've designed courses, lectured, guided student projects, developed assessment tools, and worked one on one with struggling students.

Stock Imagery, Inc., Denver, CO — General Manager and VP of Marketing
Managing this international stock photo agency for an absentee owner, I turned it into an industry leader through aggressive marketing, unique catalogs and first-class customer service. I also managed a spin-off software company developing specialty software for visual image libraries.

Office of the Governor, Santa Fe, NM — Speech Writer
I joined the governor's office in mid-term, replacing earlier speech writers. Adapting to the governor's unique style, I developed an advance briefing system, provided strategic counsel, and researched and wrote speeches and speaking outlines as well as articles for the governor's byline and special publications.

Michigan Senate Republican Press Office, Lansing, MI — Senior Staff Writer
As the primary speechwriter to the majority caucus leadership, I managed a heavy load of keynote speeches, news articles, commentaries, brochures and press releases on everything from taxes to healthcare, agriculture to technology. I also initiatied a new a-v and video production program to open new lines of communication.

Kenyon & Eckhart Advertising, Detroit, MI — Copywriter
I specialized in TV and radio spots for Chrysler Corporation and its Regional Dealer Associations, blending highly creative concepts with specific sales points. My style favored humorous vignettes or miniature stories.

C. Zimmerman & Associates, W. Bloomfield, MI — Freelance Scriptwriter
I researched and wrote documentary scripts and multimedia projects, including corporate promotions and public exhibits for various private and government clients.

During grad school, I also worked as executive assistant to a senior agent at a leading literary agency in Hollywood and as a “reader” (story analyst) for a small Hollywood film company.