About

Publisher & Managing Editor: Diane Egner successfully transitioned from a career in public broadcasting and daily newspapers to online journalism as the publisher and managing editor of 83 Degrees. Her previous work as Content Director at WUSF Public Broadcasting received special recognition by the Tampa Bay Association of Black Journalists and she won the top award for editorial writing from the Florida Society of Newspaper Editors while at The Tampa Tribune. A graduate of Leadership Florida, she earned a BA in journalism from the University of Minnesota. She serves on the boards of directors of the Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce and the Florida Kinship Center. She lives in South Tampa, travels whenever possible with laptop in tow and feels comfortable writing and editing from wi-fi cafes throughout the world.

Managing Photographer: Julie Busch is a multimedia photojournalist based in the Tampa Bay region. Before joining 83 Degrees as managing photographer, she worked as a multimedia journalist with The Tampa Tribune, TBO.com and News Channel 8. Prior to arriving in Tampa, she freelanced in the Seattle area, working on national and international stories. She earned a BA in photojournalism from Western Kentucky University. When not on assignment, she's likely to be found hiking, kayaking or snorkeling her way around Florida and its unique waterways.

Job News Editor: Mandy Erfourth is a senior at the University of Tampa majoring in Communications and minoring in Writing. She is also Arts and Entertainment Editor for UT's The Minaret. She was born and raised in Florida and has grown up going to Busch Gardens and Adventure Island, both in Tampa. Mandy is hoping to write for many publications in her career and also write many novels.

Innovation News Editor: Nancy Vaughn brings more than 14 years of writing experience and an enthusiasm for smart growth and progress in the Tampa Bay region to her position as Innovation News editor. From magazine articles to marketing copy, Nancy's fascination with the written word and interest in all things "new'' and creative has been a lifelong pursuit. She earned an MA in communications and a BA in journalism from the University of Northern Colorado and is the Principal at White Book Agency, a public relations, marketing and special event firm based in Tampa. She is particularly interested in issues surrounding diversity, culture, fashion and beauty.

Development News Editor: A native of Clearwater, Missy Kavanaugh holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Florida's College of Journalism and has accrued nearly 20 years of professional writing experience as both a freelancer and a travel writer for such Florida-based publishing entities as AAA Going Places magazine and VISIT FLORIDA travel guides. Missy is passionate about ideas and creativity and is committed to sharing stories about development and growth throughout the Tampa Bay area. When not writing for adults, Missy enjoys writing stories for children and advocating for creativity in the classroom.

In The News Editor: Matt Spencer is a Florida native and current resident of Tampa. He completed his BA in magazine journalism at the University of South Florida. While earning his degree, Matt enjoyed writing about the work of marine biologists at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, members of the Tampa Bay Area community, and local business owners. He is most interested in music, an enthusiasm that was fostered through an internship at Creative Loafing. He enjoys playing guitar, cooking, sampling the variety of ethnic cuisine that Tampa has to offer, and visiting Busch Gardens and MOSI.

Operations and Media Contact: Paul Schutt

Web Site and E-Newsletter Technology: Matt Lehman and Mark Walz, Fluent Consulting

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