Summary
Dynamic Creative Director with over 10 years of experience leading high-performing teams in developing innovative digital marketing creative. Expertise in full-funnel tactics, including web design, social media, email campaigns and photo/video direction, driving significant engagement, lead generation and conversion. Enhanced team productivity by 15% through implementation of a DAM system and scaled SEO content production 7x. Ready to leverage unique skills to enhance brand impact and drive growth within a forward-thinking organization.
Spearheaded a high-performing creative team of writers and designers in developing and executing comprehensive digital marketing strategies within the highly-regulated ed tech sector for prestigious clients including the University of Kansas, Carnegie Mellon University, and the University of Texas at Austin.
Oversaw the messaging and design of all creative marketing assets encompassing website and landing page design, email campaigns, paid search ads, digital display ads, social media campaigns (both paid and organic), and video content.
Integrated AI tools such as ChatGPT, Claude, and VEED into workflows to enhance efficiency and maintain exceptional creative quality.
Collaborated cross-functionally with SEO, SEM, and data analytics teams to optimize campaigns by leveraging A/B testing and performance data for continuous improvement.
Managed vendor partners and freelancers for outsourced creative services.
Drove measurable increases in lead generation, engagement, and conversion through data-informed creative strategies aligning with institutional goals.
Scaled SEO blog production from 6 articles per month to 40 articles per month for the same cost by establishing new external partnerships and processes.
Implemented a Digital Asset Management system that boosted team productivity by 15% through streamlined file access and search functionality.
Orchestrated shopper marketing creative for Unilever personal care brands (Dove, Suave, Axe, TRESemmé, Vaseline, Nexxus and more) across major retailers including CVS, Walgreens, Rite Aid, and Ulta.
Supervised digital quality control for omnichannel activations encompassing ice cream, condiments, and personal care across club, grocery, and value channels.
Directed a team of art directors and copywriters in executing dynamic digital and in-store touch points—web banners, microsites, push notifications, circulars, displays, and more.
Led shopper marketing creative campaigns for Dollar Shave Club product launches at Walgreens, CVS, and Rite Aid.
Developed agency-wide creative workflows utilizing Sizmek Ad Suite for offsite media management.
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
Led a 20-person team of designers, writers, developers, and associate creative directors in delivering innovative marketing solutions for Ace Hardware.
Oversaw extensive omnichannel campaigns across web, mobile, social, shopper, print, outdoor, video, and environmental design.
Directed photo and video shoots, producing visually compelling content.
Cultivated strong client relationships while driving both creative excellence and strategic partnerships.
Established a digital and print creative department to expand services beyond production capabilities.
Created a brand-focused intake process, which included developing briefs, style guides, and workflow standards.
April 2014–May 2016: Associate Creative Director, Sears Holdings
Managed a team of full-time and contract creatives in producing print and digital campaigns for national brands including Sears, Kmart, Craftsman, Kenmore, and DieHard.
Oversaw staffing, partnered with internal photo and video teams, and established strong cross-functional relationships to deliver integrated, omnichannel creative solutions.
Facilitated the growth of the in-house agency from 7 to over 60 by winning work from external agencies.
Developed internal workflows to streamline the creative process and enhance output quality.
July 2013–April 2014: Senior Designer/Art Director, OfficeMax
Created impactful in-store signage and product displays to enrich the retail experience.
Directed photo shoots and delivered shopper marketing solutions from concept through execution.
Produced effective out-of-home advertising and social media content aligned with brand and campaign objectives.
August 2005–July 2013: Art Director, Queue Brand Communications
Created concepts and designs for diverse marketing channels, including shopper marketing, digital campaigns, brand identity, social media, corporate communications, packaging, advertising, and environmental design.
Collaborated with both in-house and freelance teammates in a fast-paced environment, delivering award-winning work for national brands such as Mrs. Fields, TCBY, Weber, Mazola, and YoCrunch.
Directed photo and video shoots, establishing an in-house content studio that significantly reduced outsourcing costs.
Feb. 2003–Aug. 2005: Sr. Designer/Project Manager, Swimmer Design
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.
Interacted closely with clients and vendors to carry projects from inception to delivery. Managed freelancers and third-party partners on a variety of successful projects.
Dec. 2001–Aug. 2002: Experience Designer, Emercent Solutions
Creative concept and design of client websites and UI/UX, as well as html coding.
Worked closely with clients to achieve effective user experiences and information architecture.
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 • Workfront
Figma • Instapage • Brightspot CMS • VEED AI video platform • Workfront
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