Cecily Markland, Editor-in-Chief Photo by John Power, Biltmore Photo

Cecily Markland remembers how excited she was when, in elementary school, she wrote a story and her teacher told Cecily’s mom how good it was. Cecily has loved writing ever since and has pursued it as both a hobby and a career.

Since 1998, Cecily has been the managing editor of The Beehive. Cecily writes several stories and her own column for each issue and works with the other writers, editing the stories they submit. Cecily says The Beehive has been a great addition to her life and she enjoys hearing about the accomplishments and the incredible acts of service performed by Latter-day Saints in Arizona.

Cecily has a wide range of experience as a writer—from writing for two city newspapers, to working full-time as a technical writer and director of corporate communications. She has written more than 450 newspaper and magazine articles, and is the author of Hope: One Mile Ahead. Cecily has worked as a ghostwriter, book editor and publication consultant. She currently works as a marketing assistant for a Tempe-based book publisher and a nutrition company in Chandler.

Cecily enjoys teaching and has taught various writing courses and workshops. She was recently released as a Primary nursery teacher in her ward and now teaches Relief Society.

Born and raised in California , Cecily graduated from high school in Las Vegas , then attended BYU, studying English and Journalism. She continued her education at Weber State University in Ogden, Utah, where she lived for 12 years before moving to Arizona.

Cecily has six grown children—one boy and five girls. She also has six grandchildren and one on the way. She thinks being “Nana” is one of the best things she’s ever had a chance to do.