I have a wide range of writing, editing, and communications skills. How can I help?
Reach out at dsmcnair@gmail.com.
What others have said…
McNair’s story “Meeting Ricky Jones” is a “...story of remarkable tenderness and dexterity, never sentimental and full of surprise. There is such a gift for the unstated here, and the quiet multitudes that fill out depths of our lives.” – novelist Brandon Taylor, judge for the Sewanee Review fiction contest
“We are so appreciative of David’s willingness to work with us. And he has definitely achieved rock-star status with us in the quality and quantity of creativity and content he provided in helping us get this website up and running with such short notice!” – Kay Jenkins, Central Virginia Advance Directives Collaborative.
“This is an excellent retrospective by David McNair on The Crossings, a decade into its existence.” – Dave Norris, former Mayor of Charlottesville
“David is effective at using all JABA communication platforms to disseminate information about topics impacting JABA clients and caregivers that align with organizational events and priorities. David carefully balances all communication channels including newsletters, social media, the website and written articles to promote JABA services and programs while sharing our client’s stories and the resulting beneficial impacts. David’s keen ability to understand the balance of information and how to share it affords positive publicity for JABA and strengthens its brand.” – JABA CEO Marta Keane
“I recently reached out to David for a second time to be a guest editor for a 64-page magazine in the health care space. I was not disappointed. David’s experience as an editor really elevated our content. He was easy to work with, punctual, and very responsive over email whenever I had questions. Our magazine wouldn’t be where it is today, without David’s expertise and guidance. I would recommend him to anyone who’s seeking input from an experienced writer and editor.” – Richard Alblas, Special Sections Editor, The Daily Progress
“This video is fabulous!! I am going to see if I can show it to my staff in our next staff meeting to give them a better idea of what the ACC is all about so they will feel comfortable broaching the subject with caregivers.” — Maggie Short, head of Nursing Operations & Development at UVA, on video created for an Adult Care Center.
“Dave McNair’s cover story, “Celebrity, Suicide and the Etiquette of Envy” raised the writing standards locally to Pulitzer levels. Insightful, deliberate, poignant, and brutally honest. The title foretold it all and made me want to turn the pages. The article taught me something about the music industry I didn’t know– in a non-judgmental way– and gave us all something to ponder.” —author Sally Honenberger
background
Communications specialist/publicist; Years employed (2014 – 2025) JABA (Jefferson Area Board for Aging), Charlottesville, Virginia. Handle strategic marketing, publicity, writing copy, video production, website creation & management, media relations, and social media efforts for award-winning non-profit area agency on aging.
Contributing writer; Years employed (2014 – 2018) Takepart.com, Beverly Hills, California. Contribute global reports and feature stories for global digital news and social action platform.
Reporter, Editor; Years Employed (2005 – 2013) The Hook, Charlottesville, Virginia. Report and edit for award-winning news and arts weekly.
Web/Publications Editor; Years Employed (2001-2004) The Rutherford Institute Charlottesville, Virginia. Oversee all web and print publications for nationally known non-profit legal organization devoted to defending civil liberties and human rights.
education
University of Virginia, MFA in Creative Writing
University of Massachusetts, BA in English
David McNair 