Hal DeKeyser
Writer, Editor, and Real estate
For more than 25 years, Hal DeKeyser led news organizations in Arizona and Nevada as a reporter, photographer, editor, Opinion Page editor, columnist and publisher. A primary role has been to advance editorial quality and profitability.
The publications he headed consistently earned statewide recognition as the best in their categories, and he was won individual awards for reporting, column writing, opinion and advertising innovation, including the Society of Professional Journalists Phoenix Chapter’s Lifetime Achievement Award.
He also headed Hal DeKeyser & Associates, a media and community relations firm, and he has been an editorial adviser to online news operations and newspapers in California Arizona, and Nevada.
He is co-author of the book “Bite the Waxed Tadpole – America’s Guide to Hosting International Visitors.” He also authored six other books, including: DumpCal, RetireNV, Buying New, When Loved Ones Die, and FSBOresource.
Hal spent 3½ years as chief of staff for Phoenix City Councilman Sal DiCiccio, working on policy, communications and presentations, and was the speechwriter for Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer.
He then was Director of Product Development for the Las Vegas Review Journal, in charge of content and development for Luxury Las Vegas magazine, FashionTrend.Vegas, Las Vegas Business Press, Real Estate Millions, El Tiempo, Drive, Best of Las Vegas, Home and Real Estate. Other online blogs or sites he has created include Scottsdale Digital Realty, LiveWellVegas.com, and local news sites, plus sites about Gratitude, Self-development, and Writing.
Community involvement has included stints as chairman of WESTMARC, Scottsdale Education Foundation, Chandler Tomorrow Conference, West Valley Arts Council plus campaign or director volunteer roles with Sun Health, Westside Food Bank, various chambers of commerce and economic development entities.
Hal is a licensed real estate agent in Arizona and Nevada, a graduate of Arizona State University, a Vietnam veteran, and a former U.S. Navy photographer.