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JOHN DONOVAN

Editor/Technical Writer 


Experienced professional with 30 years in editing and technical writing, alongside 15 years as a high- tech public relations executive, primarily in Hong Kong and Silicon Valley. Proven expertise in managing high-profile projects and teams, from semiconductor and low-power design to corporate marketing. Known for founding a successful online engineering magazine and managing large-scale PR campaigns for global tech firms. Skilled in semiconductor and electronics industries, with a focus on technical communications, media relations, and content strategy. Strong leadership, cross-functional collaboration, and a commitment to driving strategic growth in fast-paced, high-tech environments.

Contact



Email: jdonovan43@gmail.com

Website:  https://jdonovan43.com

Address: Austin, TX

Key Experience 



Port Aransas Conservancy

Web Designer/Webmaster / March 2017 - Present

As the web developer for the Port Aransas Conservancy, I built, marketed and still maintain the website for this coastal conservation non-profit.

  • Built the website Port Aransas Conservancy
  • Marketed it using Google AdWords and SEO techniques
  • Wrote and distributed 70+ newsletters to date to 2,200 on the mailing list built up with requests from newsletter recipients

Low-Power Design 

Editor/Publisher / May 2009 - September 2014

As Editor/Publisher of Low-Power Design I managed the creation and publication of technical content, ensuring accuracy and relevance to the engineering community. Founded an online magazine for engineers and engineering managers specializing in green/low- power design, achieving early success from the outset. Authored design articles and managed a team of 3 technician bloggers, driving the site to attract 45,000 visitors per month and a substantial newsletter following. Served as the technical chair for the ARM TechCon3 trade show and co-chaired the EE Times Designing with ARM virtual conference, expanding industry visibility. Led publicity efforts as co-chair for the IEEE International Symposium on Low-Power Electronics and Design and developed an "Introduction to Solar: Grid Connected" training course for Texas Instruments.

Portable Design 

Editor-in-Chief / May 2005 - April 2009

As Editor-in-Chief of Portable Design I led content strategy and managed a team to deliver high-quality articles on portable electronics and design. Edited a leading electronics design magazine with a circulation of 90,000 across various regions, significantly increasing brand visibility and engagement. Oversaw all editorial content, policy, planning, and execution, ensuring alignment with industry trends and maintaining high-quality standards. Authored monthly cover stories and editorials, while producing and conducting numerous video interviews, driving reader engagement and content variety. Moderated panels at several trade shows, including the Portable Design Conference & Exhibition, strengthening industry presence and fostering knowledge sharing.

Cypress Semiconductor  

Director, Worldwide Public Relations / November 2000 - December 2004

As Director of Worldwide Public Relations I led global PR strategies to boost brand visibility and reputation, managing media relations and communication campaigns aligned with corporate goals. Led worldwide public relations, managing a $680,000 budget, a team of three, and a network of ten agencies, resulting in 146 press releases and nearly 4,500 stories globally in 2003, surpassing competitors of similar size. Handled all media relations, building strong relationships with key outlets and securing consistent coverage to enhance brand visibility. Developed and managed an industry analyst program, positioning the company as a thought leader and increasing its presence in key markets. Launched and ran a contributed articles program, achieving the publication of 180 feature articles in 2003, boosting the company’s industry profile. Authored and successfully placed numerous technical articles in the engineering press, reinforcing the company’s position as an industry authority

Education 


San Francisco State University, 1987

          MBA in Marketing

University of California Berkeley, 1967

          B.A., English



Writing Credits 


Articles

Asian Wall Street Journal (two op-ed pieces), Asia Inc., Asia Computer Weekly, Asian Business, Asian Electronics Engineer, Byte Magazine (Asian correspondent), China Trade Report (covered IP piracy), Circuits Assembly Asia (Asian Editor), Eastern Express, EDN, EDN Asia, EE Times (numerous stories in US, China and Taiwan editions), Electronic Business Asia, Hong Kong Business, Hong Kong Electronics, Portable Design (numerous cover stories), Printed Circuit Fabrication Asia (Asian Editor), San Francisco Examiner, South China Morning Post.

Manuals

15 different user and technical manuals for MicroPro (WordStar 2000), Frame Technology (original FrameMaker User Manual), Metaphor Computer Systems (manual for C programmers), Silicon Graphics (architecture and admin chapters in the Iris 4D User Manual), Apple Computer (Advanced System Administration in A/UX) and the Singapore Institute of Management (tech writing courses).

Research Reports

The Market for Nano-Enabled Memory & Storage—2006 and Beyond. NanoMarkets LC, February, 2006

Books

Portable Electronics: World Class Designs. Elsevier/Newnes, Feb. 2009.
Advanced Techniques in WordStar 2000. New York: Sybex, 1987.

Awards

Won Cahners Merit Award in 1994 for Best How-To Article (on embedded programming using C/C++) in a competition among the editors of their 90+ magazines.


PR/Writing Clients 


Actel, Altera, Apple Computer, Asian Sources Media Group, Cadence Design Systems, Candescent, Chips & Technologies, Cirrus Logic, Cypress Semiconductor, Data General, DSC Consultants, EXAR, FileNet, FORE Systems, Hewlett-Packard (Components Group), Intarsia, Integrated Device Technology (IDT), Intel (Semiconductor Products Group), Lotus, Memec Hong Kong Ltd., Metaphor Computer Systems, MicroPro International, Motorola Semiconductor, National Semiconductor, Saqqara, Scientific-Atlanta, Seagate, Semtech, Silicon Graphics, Silicon Image, Stock Exchange of Singapore, Texas Instruments, Veridicom, Xilinx Asia Pacific, Xilinx Japan, Zi Corp (Chinese Internet software).


Sample Articles 


Industry 4.0 – What’s That About? 

https://www.mouser.com/applications/industry-40/

Low-Power Analog Design 

https://www.mouser.com/applications/low-power-analog-design

The Internet of Things Hits Its Stride 

https://www.mouser.com/applications/article-iot-hits-stride/

New Applications for Energy Harvesting 

https://www.mouser.com/applications/energy-harvesting-new-applications/

What’s Driving Electric Vehicles? 

https://www.mouser.com/applications/automotive-electric-vehicles/