I Do What I Love!

I’m currently traveling North America in my Airstream while working on photography projects, off-the-grid homesteading in Oregon, working and volunteering for community-building organizations, and doing design projects for small businesses and nonprofits. My photos are compiled into 19 books.

Background

In 2007, I was Publisher of the East Bay Express where I served for a decade running a George Polk Award-winning newspaper in Oakland, CA. The business of journalism is an incredible challenge, but I thrived on that challenge, speaking truth to power, and leveraging its reach to lift my community.

During that time, I co-founded Oakland Grown, a nonprofit that supports the independent business, makers, and arts community. I help start other similar organizations across North America, helping to shift billions of dollars from distant CEOs back to local Main Streets. I was recognized by Editor & Publisher magazine as one of the “Top 10 Publishers” in the country for this activist approach in using media to bolster healthy, sustainable communities.

I began doing my own consulting work for businesses and nonprofits such as the Bay Area Book Festival, NPR’s Snap Judgment Spooked Podcast, the City of Oakland, Rockridge District Association, Laurel District Association, Montclair District Association, West End of Alameda Arts District, Small Business Rising, Oaktoberfest, and many others.

My professional background stretches over 30 years in newspaper publishing, marketing, event production, podcasting, community organizing, graphics, and website design. Over the course of my career, I have led multi-million dollar companies with staff sizes ranging from 20-50 people. I have also worked independently, supporting teams and business owners on specific projects.

I’m excited to bring my experience to work for you. Let’s talk!

Professional History

Website & Graphic Designer, Self-Employed, 2016 - Current
Travel Photographer, Self-Employed, 2019 - Current
Marketing Manager, Rockridge District Association, 2019 - Current
Marketing & Design, Laurel District Association, 2021 - Current
Marketing & Design, North Shattuck Association, 2023 - Current
Marketing & Design, Oaktoberfest in the Dimond, 2022 - Current
Marketing & Design, West End Arts District, 2023 - Current
Marketing & Design, Montclair Sports Tennis & Pickleball, 2022 - Current
Marketing & Design, West Alameda Business Association, 2023 - 2025
Marketing & Design, The Fireside Lounge, 2023 - 2025
Founder/CEO, Oakland Grown | Oakland Makers, 2008 - 2019
Marketing Director, Bay Area Book Festival, 2017 - 2019
Project Manager, Snap Judgment's Spooked Podcast, 2017 - 2018
Publisher, East Bay Express, 2007 - 2017
Sales & Marketing Director, San Francisco Bay Guardian, 2000 - 2007

Noteworthy Projects & Awards

2025 - In Plain Site Climate Photography Festival
2022 - Ongoing - Live in The Laurel Concert Series
2022 - 2024 StopWaste reusable containers program
2021 - Ongoing Rockridge Rock-N-Stroll music series
2021 Small Business Rising launch featured in Wall Street Journal
2020 - 21 Published Jody Colley Photography Volumes 1 - 17
2020 Board member of the re-launched Bay Woof Foundation & Bay Area dog lover publication
2018 Project Manager of Oakland Small Business Week
2018 Produced Oakland's Bacon and Beer Festival
2017 Founded East Bay Independent Journalism Fund
2016 - 2017 Produced Mental Illness Happy Hour live audience podcast recordings at New Parkway Theater
2015 - 2019 Co-founder and publisher of the Good Money Guide for businesses to access good capital
2014 Recipient of Oakland’s “Spirit of the Town” award by Mayor Jean Quan for Plaid Friday initiative
2012 - 2013 Art + Soul Festival Stage + Entertainment Partner
2011 Crowdfunding Revolution and the Re-invention of Capitalism Panel Moderator
2011 Northern California Independent Booksellers Association (NCIBA) Award for support of independent businesses
2011 - 2012 Progressive Opportunities Conferences
2010 Best of the East Bay Party in Jack London Square
2010 SXSW Speaker on Media and Web Publishing
2009 Editor & Publisher magazine's "Top 10 Who Do It Right" for support of localization 
2008 Created National Make the Pledge Campaign
2008 Created viral Make the Pledge Video
2008 - 2009 Best of the East Bay Party at OMCA review