Brittny Goodsell

Background

About Brittny Goodsell

I've spent more than 13 years as a professional communicator of some kind: governor's speechwriter, adjunct professor, technical communication expert for reports and proposals, media spokesperson, communications strategist, print and video journalist, Plain Language expert and trainer, document usability editor, and a member of communication teams across government groups. Oh, and the Oxford Comma is my jam even though the AP stylebook throws some serious shade. Some highlights: —I've written almost 1,500 bill speeches for Washington Gov. Jay Inslee, and worked with his experts (policy folks and the Governor's Office) for more than five years. Some of this time included managing his Medium.com site, writing hundreds of speeches, writing his 2019 and 2020 State of the State address, and executing events. —I bring 11 years of working with dozens of subject matter experts at the Governor's Office, his budget office (OFM), the Dept. of Revenue, and the Dept. of Ecology to translate complex topics into clear messaging and plain language. The subject matter folks I work with are brilliant and this process never works without their expertise. —I'm a plain language proponent, user, and trainer. I also helped the Governor's Office create its 2023 executive order on plain language (three of us were involved). —I've been involved with and written about a variety of topics: public health, criminal justice, K-12 education, higher education, climate change, clean energy, water quality and environmental issues, behavioral health, equity, human services, salmon protection, labor, housing and homelessness, civil rights, natural resources, general government, transportation, military, and racial justice. —I teach a technical writing university class (since 2018), mainly to computer majors. I'm in contact with many former students and will always chase a side gig that offers me the chance to teach. —I can teach an engaging university class, create written content quickly, and train people on how to write and communicate a complex topic. Over the years, I've taught people on communicating technical ideas, design principles, communication behavior styles, and creating engaging presentations. —I come from the journalism world and it remains my first love. On a personal note, I can speak in front of thousands and not feel nervous - in fact, it makes me happy. I thrive in creative freedom environments where I can lead, drive the task, teach, connect, and create. I throw dinner parties, send handwritten mail, and still print photos like it's 1989.