Sallie Mae
2022 - present, Experience Director

In collaboration with executive leadership and the brand creative team, I manage the UI/UX and visual design for Sallie Mae's digital channels, encompassing both authenticated and non-authenticated areas. As Sallie Mae continues to expand through acquisitions and the integration of new services and team members, it has been essential to adapt quickly and strategically align with our business objectives. This includes overseeing SEO strategies, implementing new design systems, and coordinating with third-party partners to ensure cohesive and effective outcomes.

My role encompasses strategic visioning, brainstorming, road mapping, and developing creative concepts, along with presenting these initiatives to executive leadership. I work closely with development and content management teams to ensure the successful delivery and consistency of design. On a day-to-day basis, I manage staffing and recruitment for teams including copy, UX/UI, and visual design, while overseeing project forecasting, planning, and development. Our goal is to craft memorable and emotionally engaging experiences that create a strong sense of identity and connection for our end users.
Some of the best parts: jam sessions, doodle days, learning new things together

Rapid 7
2021-2022, Creative Director

I led the creative team, including freelance staff, providing comprehensive leadership and oversight. My responsibilities included reviewing work, facilitating brainstorming sessions, developing creative concepts, and managing the creation of presentation decks. In addition to supervising a small group, I actively contributed to conceptualization, UX design, and booth designs, while also implementing technology solutions to support all creative initiatives.

Collaboration with internal stakeholders and team members was crucial to ensure that usability constraints, deliverable expectations, and budgetary limits were effectively integrated into the overall design execution and timeline. In addition to pushing the boundaries of design, I managed relationships with third-party vendors specializing in animation, video, and booth construction.
Some of the best parts: the office, cyber events, meetings

Contract Life
2016-2021

I have significantly advanced my professional growth by working as a contractor across multiple agencies. This diverse experience has allowed me to learn new tools and methodologies, engage with a variety of professionals, and explore innovative approaches within different organizational contexts. By embracing these opportunities, I have broadened my skill set, expanded my network, and continually refined my expertise in creating impactful user experiences. Clients include: Allen & Gerritson, Forge Worldwide, DCR, Think Argus, Rubin & Rudman, TIEM amongst others.
Some of the best parts: meeting new people, exploring new ways to work, being uncomfortable, learning, flexibility

GYKA
2015-2016, Creative Director

Reporting directly to the Chief Creative Officer, my responsibilities include leading and mentoring the UX, UI and design teams to continually redefine and challenge creative standards. Being dedicated to shaping and maintaining a brand's unique vision across multiple platforms and channels, overseeing interdisciplinary roles as they integrate. This encompasses a broad spectrum of design areas, including branding, campaigns, social media, responsive web and mobile design, app design, and physical experience design, ensuring a cohesive and connected design approach.

As a manager of teams, I prioritize fostering individual creativity while valuing the benefits of teamwork and cross-disciplinary collaboration, inspiring innovation within the team. Staying abreast of cutting-edge digital design and experience trends and industry shifts, I embrace change and adapt swiftly to evolving challenges.

In overseeing interactive design aspects of project engagements, I ensure the client’s creative vision is realized, integrating technology from the outset to deliver exceptional web experiences. I also play a key role in new business initiatives, working closely with clients and team members to align usability constraints, deliverable expectations, and budgetary limits with project scope and timelines.
Some of the best parts: Watching people fly, forging new client relationships, seltzer water on tap

Sapient Nitro
2007-2015, Associate Creative Director

In my role as Associate Creative Director, I worked closely with clients and team members to integrate usability constraints, deliverable expectations, and budgetary limits into the overall design execution and timeline. I oversee the interactive design aspects of projects from implementing strategic initiatives in UX through to UI, overall design and development to ensure that the client’s creative vision is effectively realized. Thus resulting in a high-quality web experience that has legs to support all other areas of the creative experience.

A driving force and SME in Sapienets e-commerce practice, I lead the development and execution of compelling visual and interactive experiences that drive customer engagement and sales. My role involved crafting cohesive design strategies that enhance user experience, optimize site functionality, and align with brand objectives. I work closely with cross-functional teams, including marketing, UX/UI designers, and developers, to ensure a seamless integration of creative elements that captivate customers and elevate the overall online shopping experience. These experiences were in partnership with Demandwares NRF booth (now salesforce), Lane Bryant, Catherines, LL Bean, Sunglasshut, Abercombie and Fitch among others.
Some of the best parts: I grew up here, pitches, late nights, friends, collaboration, doing it live!

Mullen
2005-2007, Senior Art Director

Collaborating across Print, Direct Mail, and Broadcast channels, I provide interactive design contributions to comprehensive advertising campaigns, ensuring brand consistency and content integrity. I work closely with the Information Architecture team to integrate usability constraints into the overall design execution. Additionally, I manage the efforts of the interactive design team to successfully complete site designs and online advertising campaigns.

Insight Product Development
2003-2005, Interface designer

At an industrial design company with expertise in interface design, I contribute to both private and federal product development projects. These projects range from life-saving devices, such as artificial heart interfaces, to practical items like temperature gauge stickers. I collaborate closely with the research team to understand the physical product and human usability constraints, ensuring that our designs meet stringent functional requirements. I conceptualize innovative ideas to enhance human interaction with these products, developing physical prototypes through flow charts, UX, UI to test and refine these concepts before presenting them to clients.
Some of the best parts: People taking a chance on me, building my skillset, family, exploring tactile objects, changing lives