Long Bio
Carma Spence-Pothitt has more than 20 years experience in marketing communications, as well as writing and editing, in the fields of health care, food and wine, computers, business, television, biology and agriculture. She can research, digest and write highly technical material while making this same material comprehensible to people unfamiliar with the topic. She has built her career on helping people understand something that is new to them, taking information—from dry facts to common knowledge to scientific research—and making it sparkle with life.
Pothitt has an eclectic background: a Bachelor’s degree in Biology, a Master’s degree in Journalism from the number one public relations graduate program in the nation (according to U.S. News & World Report), and education in video production, science communication and dance. She has worked in marketing communications and public relations for City of Hope National Medical Center, Blue Shield of California, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas, Gracelyn & Burns (representing Champagne Deutz, The Bergkelder and Llano Estacado). In addition, she has worked in employee communications for City of Hope, KidsGrowth Professional and New Century Financial.
Circa 1998, she expanded her skills into the world of the Web. She’s created an internal website for the editorial board of a health plan’s Medicare-focused magazine, was the editor of KidsGrowth Professional, a website for pediatric professionals, and has written web copy for Arcturus, Inc., Pediatric Partners, BrainBench, Virtual University, New Century Financial and others.
In addition to taking courses in online marketing and social media, she is a student of search engine marketing and optimization (SEM and SEO), email marketing and direct marketing. She launched and manages an online travel magazine for science fiction, fantasy and horror fans, as well as several blogs, including one dedicated to pumpkins.
While at Blue Shield of California, she was the editor of eight newsletters, helped launch a magazine, and led the redesign on several other publications. During her tenure at City of Hope, she spearheaded the transition from a weekly letter-sized newsletter to a monthly, tabloid newspaper. This new publication was so successful that The Communicator Awards awarded it an “Award of Distinction” and it won two more awards, as well.
A Toastmaster for six years — earning her Competent Toastmaster (CTM) Award and working half-way to her Able Toastmaster (ATM) Award — she has developed excellent verbal communication skills. She also produced a 27-minute video introducing new and prospective members to the Toastmasters experience.
Pothitt blends her knowledge of science, marketing and communication, as well as a passion for the potential of the Internet, to create powerful and accessible copy. Her creativity, coupled with her superb organizational skills, enables her to take loosely defined projects and see them to fruition. A take-charge person with a “can do” attitude, her patient demeanor, attention to detail, tireless energy and enthusiasm make her a pleasure to work with.
