CREATIVE DIRECTION, BRANDING & STRATEGIC COMUNICATIONS

EXPERIENCE

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Georgia Tech

Marketing & Communications, Student Engagement and Well-Being - 2022-Present

Serving as an assistant to the Senior Director of Marketing and Communications for the relatively newly-created presidential cabinet unit of Student Engagement and Well-Being. The unit is a collection of Student Life, Campus Services, and Art, Belonging & Community.
My role on the management team is to assist with the development of communications strategy and the team at large as well as build our client model concept and serve approximately 25+ units.
As creative director, I directly oversee a team of designers and photographers/videographers. Serving as captain of creative direction and concepts, project manager of all creative campaigns, and brand manager of all units. Our “clients” utilize my team for first-hand artwork, photography, and video creation. They also sometimes do their own work, so I must ensure that everything fits under the tightly enforced Tech branding guidelines. I have worked very hard to build a positive relationship with Institute Communications and Licensing to effectively accomplish these goals. 

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CONSULTANT/FREELANCE DESIGNER

Freelance/Self-Employed - 2003-Present

Always taking the opportunity to grow professionally, I worked for years on side jobs as a designer and marketing consultant.
From August 2021 to March 2022, I put my full attention into building my client base and focused on developing my own business. While I enjoy the aspects of teamwork, I wanted to explore the advantages of working for myself.
I have served several universities, civic organizations, athletics teams, and businesses - helping to direct creative and marketing strategies. I have utilized my skills to help develop success for organizations of varying sizes, with everything from marketing a boutique taking its first steps to designing artwork for universities looking to advance their brand to freelance trade show work with Home Depot. 

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SENIOR DESIGNER

HD Supply Facilities Maintenance - 2016-2020

HD Supply offered me an opportunity to develop in a corporate environment, which was a new setting for me. Joined a creative team that was similar to the environment of an agency, with intense deadlines and a large number of different stakeholders and internal clients for projects across the company. I was widespread in my role as a senior designer, assisting with strategy and project management as well.
Set a course for all legs of campaigns, helping to manage print, web, social, digital and whatever other elements were deemed necessary for the campaigns. Has experience with front-end management for UI/UX design and strategies as well. Worked to develop some of the company’s most forward-facing materials such as catalog, calendar, trade shows, branding, environmental, and large-format signage while managing and mentoring other design
team members.
In addition, I took on a role as one of the team’s lead communicators; managing concept presentations and marketing strategy meetings. I served as a face of the creative services team and a consistent go-to for upper-level management to look to for direction of other marketing team members.

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ART DIRECTOR

Georgia Tech Department of Athletics - 2012-16

Served as the art director and lead designer for Georgia Tech as it looked to grow in national influence and get it’s branding and identity defined. Directed all elements of the identity and brand management for print, digital, environmental, signage, and web-developed projects.
Held the role of creative director for athletics while also working to bridge together elements of the institute to help unify brand and design direction. Developed strategies for website re-design and ever-changing mobile outlets and front-end UI/UX concepts.
Led Tech in the creation of its first official set of brand standards for athletics. Managed a team of students and interns internally while directing contractors and vendors externally. 

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CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Nevada  Department of Athletics - 2002-12

Grew from a public relations contact, into the lead designer and eventually the creative director and brand manager.  Served as the overseer of all elements of the visual identity including a logo redesign and creation of the school’s first set of identity guidelines. Created and managed a wealth of final projects for all mediums and communication purposes, with all elements of athletics looking to me for direction and approvals. Oversaw or designed everything ranging from print, digital, experiential, web, mobile, special event, and environmental.
First experience managing due to a lack of leadership in the department. Took on the role of manager for not only creative services but event and communications teams as well. Oversaw fluctuating-sized teams, averaging 10-20 members of direct oversight.
Served as a representative and face of the athletic department to the larger campus organization, working to bridge the gap between the academic institution and its most popular and revenue-driving department. Elected as a member of the Nevada Faculty Senate and worked on committees researching issues for all campus employees.

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EDUCATION

BACHELOR'S DEGREE

California State University, Fresno

1996-2001