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Skills and Qualifications

Viki DeMars of DeMars TechComm Services has the skills, qualifications, and expertise to provide consulting and technical communication services to businesses and organizations throughout the United States.

She is a seasoned professional communicator offering more than 20 years experience working in and with diverse industries including infrared, software, telecommunications, education, insurance, and electric utility. Her education, skills, and experience in using technology have allowed her to work independently and with “virtual teams” on both a national and international level.

This page lists her credentials in the following areas:

Technical Skills

Skilled with MAC OS, Windows 3.x through XP, MS Office Applications (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Access, Project, and Outlook), Microsoft Visio, SnagIt, SmartDraw, Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Acrobat Professional, Photoshop, Illustrator, ImageReady), Macromedia Dreamweaver, Macromedia Fireworks, Help & Manual, Sony Sound Forge Audio Studio 9.0, SalesLogix, FTP Programs, and advanced internet skills including HTML/CSS/XHTML, GoToMeeting web conferencing, Moodle course management system, and BugTracker.NET customer support issue tracker.

Familiar with ULead VideoStudio 10, Camtasia Studio, Macromedia Flash, QuarkXPress, Adobe FrameMaker, PHP, C++, XML, JavaScript, SQL Databases, and open-source CMS including Drupal, WordPress, and Joomla.

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Professional Experience

DeMars TechComm Services, Champion, MI
Independent Technical Communications Consultant
Provides consulting and professional communication services to help businesses and organizations achieve their business goals and objectives through innovative information solutions, based on solid user-centered design principles. Key services include:

Providing creative direction for marketing materials.
Creating graphics and illustrations for manuals, advertisements, marketing collateral, websites, and tradeshow displays.
Writing, designing, creating, and editing various types of project deliverables including technical manuals, websites, training and marketing materials, project plans, proposals, business correspondence, etc.

Wavelength Interactive Communications, Becker, MN
Partner/Web Developer
Provides technical leadership and promotion of user-centered information architecture and web design methodologies. Key services include:

Determining and setting standards for the overall look and feel of client websites, taking into consideration graphical elements, site architecture, navigation, page layout, and usability issues.
Building websites and using technologies that conform to international web development standards and guidelines.
Maintaining, coding, and providing ongoing development of the websites, HTML email campaigns, and banner ads.
Performing search engine optimization (SEO) functions.

Colbert Infrared Services, Inc., Seattle, Washington
Managing Director: Professional Thermographers Association
Defined, built, implemented, and managed new, cutting-edge communication strategies, programs, and resources for Colbert Infrared Services, the Professional Thermographers Association, and Thermal Trend. Key accomplishments included:

Developing, coordinating, and executing marketing strategies including branding, messaging, promotional activities, and communications campaigns, utilizing both print and electronic media.
Managing internal and external relationships and services; and participating in special events and trade shows.
Developing, implementing, and maintaining the necessary technology platform and content to provide on-line training, certification, and support services for thermographers.
Performing key administrative functions and system administration duties to ensure the effectiveness of all programs and services.
Developing, customizing, and instituting a software issue tracking system; and working with off-site programmers and others on software development issues/needs/wants.

Mikron Infrared, Inc., Oakland, New Jersey
Senior Technical Writer: Thermal Imaging Division
Designed, developed, and delivered, high quality information products for both internal and external use. Key accomplishments included:

Developing positive, ongoing relationships with media outlets; creating advertisements; negotiating agreements; and monitoring advertising budgets and projections.
Designing and developing software and hardware manuals, technical specifications, marketing materials, and presentations; also scripting, editing, and directing marketing videos to create awareness of thermal imaging technology.
Creating graphics and illustrations for manuals, advertisements, marketing collateral, logos, and tradeshow displays.
Designing, developing, and maintaining web pages and other electronic communication.

Michigan Technological University, Houghton, Michigan
Documentation Specialist (Contract): Department of Telecommunications Services
Created high quality information products and provided supportive services to further enhance the department’s identity as an innovative leader in providing telecommunication services for the campus community. Key accomplishments included:

Participating in strategic and project planning activities with the Director of Telecommunications Engineering and developing appropriate communication strategies.
Working with cross-functional teams and subject matter experts to identify business requirements and implement improvements in document standards, quality and usability. Serving on committees and providing support to other departments, as needed.
Serving as lead technical writer for all documentation projects; performing simultaneous task and project coordination for multiple projects; and supervising student employees.
Rebranding the department identity by creating a new logo, website, print collateral, and other marketing materials.

Additional Experience

Michigan Technological University, Houghton, Michigan
Computer Consultant and Coordinator of Consultants in Training: Center for Computer-aided Language Instruction (CCLI)

The Prudential Insurance Company of America, Houghton, Michigan
Registered Representative: Prudential Insurance and Financial Services and Pruco Securities

Upper Peninsula Power Company, Houghton, Michigan
Employee Relations Assistant

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Education

B.S. Scientific and Technical Communications with emphasis in Information Technology Michigan Technological University, Houghton, Michigan Graduated: Summa Cum Laude