Steelhead Communications arose in 1999 when Chris Santella and Doug Levin -- old grad school chums -- surfaced in Portland, Oregon, and combined their diverse talents to form a writing services company. We deliver clear thinking and compelling copy crafted for audiences large and small.

Chris has worked in marketing communications since 1985. His experience ranges from print and radio advertising to direct mail, website creation, feature writing, and comprehensive branding for start-up companies. Before forming Steelhead Communications, Chris worked as a copywriter for several Connecticut advertising agencies, served as associate creative director for West Group, and as marketing director for Summation Legal Technologies. His writing has appeared in the New York Times, San Jose Mercury News, American Lawyer, Travel and Leisure, Golf, and Fly Rod & Reel, among many publications. Chris holds a Masters in Public and Private Management from Yale University. He likes to fly fish for steelhead whenever he can… though he's yet to miss a deadline due to fishing. Chris is the author of nine books:

• Fifty Places to Fly Fish Before You Die (Stewart, Tabori & Chang)
• Fifty Places To Play Golf Before You Die (STC)
• Fifty Favorite Fly Fishing Tales (STC)
• Fifty Places To Sail Before You Die (STC)
• Fifty Places To Go Birding Before You Die (STC)
• Fifty Places To Dive Before You Die (STC)
• Once in a Lifetime Trips (Clarkson Potter/Random House)
• Fifty MORE Places To Play Golf Before You Die (STC)
• Fifty Places To Hike Before You Die (STC—coming September 2010)

Chris is a founding member of theAposition.com, a network of golf and travel writing. Many of his essays and stories are featured there, and at www.chrissantella.net. Chris is also a member of Portland-based Catch & Release, a four-piece rock band that plays both original music and classic covers. Email Chris.

About Doug

A more modest and less accomplished man than his energetic, sleep-deprived business partner, Doug has written marketing, print and online media, and advocacy materials for clients ranging from small businesses to Fortune 50 companies, from non-profits to leading trade associations. His signed and ghostwritten work has appeared in numerous publications, including the Wall Street Journal, the New York Times, Chicago Tribune, the Chicago Sun-Times, Newsweek.com, PAC Professional, the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, the Oregonian, and many others. Prior to founding Steelhead Communications, Doug served as senior writer at The Direct Impact Company, the grassroots arm of Burson-Marsteller. Doug’s industry specialties include technology, health, insurance, and specialty chemicals. A onetime English professor, Doug received his Ph.D. in English from Yale University. He is a member of the Mystery Writers of America and the National Book Critics Circle. Doug has never caught a fish, but he enjoys visiting aquariums and eating seafood of all varieties. Email Doug.