May 2021–June 2025: Creative Director, Everspring Inc.
At Everspring, I led a high-performing creative team of nine writers and designers in developing and executing full-funnel digital marketing tactics for top-tier higher education clients, including the University of Kansas, Carnegie Mellon University, University of Texas at Austin, and others. I oversaw messaging and design of all creative marketing assets including website and landing page design, email campaigns, paid search ads, digital display ads, social media campaigns (paid and organic), and video content. I integrated AI tools such as ChatGPT, Claude, and VEED into workflows to boost efficiency and maintain exceptional creative quality. I collaborated cross-functionally with SEO, SEM, and data analytics teams to optimize campaigns, leveraging A/B testing and performance data to drive continuous improvement. I also managed vendor partners and freelancers for outsourced creative services.
As a leader, I excel in fostering positive creative environments and employee retention, and in working with my team members to get the best results out of their talents. I believe in progressive, inclusive work environments, transparent communication and doing great work while having fun along the way.
Key Accomplishments:
Contributed to measurable increases in lead generation, engagement, and conversion through data-driven creative strategies aligned with institutional goals.
Increased our SEO blog production from 6 per month to 40 per month for the same cost by finding and implementing new external partnerships and processes.
Implemented a Digital Asset Management system that increased team productivity 15% by streamlining file access and search functionality.
During my time at Wunderman Thompson, I worked primarily on the portfolio of Unilever brands. As the Digital and Drug channel lead for an integrated agency team comprised of cross-functional roles within WPP partner agencies (called Team Unilever Shopper), I led shopper marketing creative for brands such as Dove, Suave, Axe, TRESemme, Vaseline and Nexxus for retailers including CVS, Walgreens, Rite Aid and Ulta. I also oversaw digital quality control for all TUS shopper marketing activations, from ice cream and condiment brands to personal care brands for club, grocery and value retail channels. I led the creation and development of high visibility concepts and campaigns for our retail clients, along with shopper activations including web banners, microsites, push notifications, digital and print circular ads, in-store displays and more. I managed a team comprised of art directors and copywriters who are both digital and print creative specialists.
Key Accomplishments:
Led shopper marketing creative for Dollar Shave Club launches at Walgreens, CVS and Rite Aid.Developed agency-wide creative processes for using Sizmek Ad Suite, our third party software for creating, publishing, tagging and tracking offsite digital banner ads.
November 2017–July 2019: Creative Director, RR Donnelley
May 2016–November 2017: Associate Creative Director, RR Donnelley
May 2016–November 2017: Associate Creative Director, RR Donnelley
As a Creative Director for RRD Marketing Solutions (the creative agency division of RR Donnelley), I managed a team of 20 designers, writers, developers, art directors and ACDs in developing creative marketing solutions onsite for Ace Hardware. I oversaw a large number of omnichannel marketing projects that included integrated marketing promotions, consumer-facing campaigns, responsive web and mobile design, prototyping, social media marketing, email and digital campaigns, shopper marketing, outdoor advertising, environmental design and video projects. I worked very closely with our clients and pride myself the strong relationships I built with them, selling in both our creative output as well as our value as a partner.
Key Accomplishments:
Developed a digital and print creative department in our group at Ace, to add creative service offerings beyond existing production capabilities.
Developed a brand-centric intake process for the client side, including creative brief structure, creation of a new brand style guide, and intake best practices.
April 2014–May 2016: Associate Creative Director, Sears Holdings
As an Associate Creative Director for Evoke Productions, the internal marketing agency for Sears and Kmart, I lead a team of full-time direct reports and contractors in developing consumer-facing communications in both print and digital formats. I created impactful designs for highly visible national brands including Sears, Kmart, Craftsman, Kenmore and Diehard for omnichannel executions. I lead the staffing of our agency’s contractors and participated in staffing full-time creatives as well. My team worked closely with our internal photo/video studio to develop successful integrated campaigns. I had extensive interaction with our clients and internal teams, and built strong relationships in both areas.
Key Accomplishments:
Alongside our SVP and CD, grew the in-house agency from 7 to over 60 people by winning new business within Sears that was previously held by external agencies.
Established the creative team’s internal workflow and processes to maximize efficiency and quality of our creative work.
July 2013–April 2014: Senior Designer/Art Director, OfficeMax
As a senior member of the OfficeMax innovations team, I brought in-store messaging to life with impactful interior signage and product displays. I directed photo shoots and crafted successful shopper marketing solutions, from brainstorming through production. I also created effective out-of-home advertising and social media messaging.
August 2005–July 2013: Art Director, Queue Brand Communications
My experience included advanced concept and design of a wide variety of marketing channels, such as shopper marketing, web and digital campaigns, integrated marketing promotions, identity systems and rebranding, social media, corporate communications, packaging, advertising campaigns, environmental design, and many other strategies. In a fast-paced environment, I managed freelancers and in-house designers, with award- winning results, on national brands such as Mrs. Fields, TCBY, Weber, Mazola and YoCrunch. I directed photo and video shoots and created an internal video department. I also built an in-house photo/video studio for original content creation, saving the agency thousands of dollars in outsourcing fees.
Feb. 2003–Aug. 2005: Sr. Designer/Project Manager, Swimmer Design
I developed senior level design, production and project management skills while creating a variety of marketing projects, including direct mail campaigns, identity systems, advertisements, corporate marketing, and other print and digital materials. I interacted closely with clients and vendors to carry projects from inception to delivery. I also managed freelancers and third-party partners on a variety of successful projects.
Dec. 2001–Aug. 2002: Experience Designer, Emercent Solutions
My work included creative concept and design of client websites and UI/UX, as well as html coding. I worked closely with clients to achieve effective user experiences and information architecture. I also gained extensive experience in advanced branding strategies, including logo and identity design and guidelines, as well as full branding execution of corporate identity packages.
SOFTWARE
Adobe Creative Suite • OpenAI/ChatGPT • Microsoft Office Suite • Google Suite
Figma • Instapage • Brightspot CMS • VEED AI video platform
Figma • Instapage • Brightspot CMS • VEED AI video platform
EDUCATION
Bradley University • BS in Advertising
AWARDS
BrandSmart Integrated Campaign Award
MarCom Employee Publication Award
GD USA American Graphic Design Award (twice)
GD USA American Package Design Award
Sears Holdings Super Star Award
MarCom Employee Publication Award
GD USA American Graphic Design Award (twice)
GD USA American Package Design Award
Sears Holdings Super Star Award