My career has been marked by lessons from remarkable colleagues. I've been lucky to have experiences that have sparked my creativity, challenged my ideas, and taught me the importance of practical problem-solving. However, in design, it’s not done until it’s beautiful.
As a design team leader, I focus on building a positive team culture that fosters trust, collaboration, and a shared love for design. This approach to team culture, along with the right tools and processes, ensures my teams deliver experiences that connect with customers. I maintain a strong interest in the intersection of science, technology, and art, and how these influence our changing culture and society. I bring this knowledge with me into the projects I lead and the problems my teams solve.
Work with me
Brands, Agencies, & Studios
I’m looking to collaborate with like-minded teams and brands. If you're passionate about making a positive impact on your customers, I'd be interested in exploring how we can work together.
Projects
I'm available for project-based assignments and I've got a great network of creative pros for tackling larger initiatives.
Consultation
One of the most rewarding aspects of my career is the opportunity to consult with entrepreneurs, business leaders, and marketers at all stages. Let's share ideas and learn from each other—I look forward to hearing from you.
Community
I've had the opportunity to serve on boards for various industry organizations and mentor students. If an opportunity aligns with my experience, please reach out.
Resume
Previous Employment
Amazon Halo: Principal Brand Design Director — July 2020 - May 2023 | Seattle, WA
I led a team of designers, project managers, producers as well as oversaw external agencies for the go-to-market launch of 3 hardware products and 20+ marketing campaigns of all sizes focused on Amazon Halo. I worked closely with every product and business team at Halo to ensure a consistent brand experience and message for customers and partners. I managed the design process, stakeholders, budgets, and oversaw the delivery of all branded materials. My focus on trust, teamwork, and transparency led to consistently high job satisfaction in the top 5% rankings of teams at Amazon. We achieved operational excellence through effective project and digital asset management and clear processes and milestones.
Products launched: Halo Band, Halo View, Halo Rise
Amazon Global Brand Team: Design Director — Sept 2015 - July 2020 | Seattle, WA
I was hired at Amazon as a Sr. Designer, and was promoted to Assoc. Design Director, and then Design Director in 2019. As a Design Director, I managed a team of 10 designers and spearheaded the development of the Smile Brand System. We successfully applied this approach to 80+ Amazon brands, making a significant impact on Amazon’s brand recognition worldwide. Furthermore, I implemented mechanisms and systems that enabled other teams to independently apply the smile brand system and run with it, fostering consistency and amplifying the brand's reach and impact across businesses and around the world.
Primary Brands: Prime, AWS, Echo, Alexa, FireTV, Kindle, 70+ more, MARS, Climate Pledge Arena
Leo Burnett Worldwide: Sr. Designer — May 2009 - Aug 2015 | Chicago, IL
During my tenure at Leo Burnett Worldwide, I worked with 4 primary clients (McDonald's, Hallmark, Norton Antivirus, Samsung), and contributed to creative and design projects for 50+ clients. Being hands-on with every detail improved my technical skills, ability to adjust to change, and grew my understanding of design at scale.
Primary Clients: McDonald’s, Allstate, Blackberry, Samsung, Norton, AOL, Hallmark
Arnold Worldwide: Designer — May 2007 - Apr 2009 | Boston, MA
As a Designer at Arnold Worldwide, I worked with 4 main clients and their creative teams. I supported pitching new business, which won new clients and enabled agency growth. This experience gave me the opportunity to learn from seasoned advertising professionals and taught me the value of design strategies tailored for each client’s goals and customer targets.
Primary Clients: Truth Anti-Smoking, Fidelity, Volvo, Ocean Spray
Education
Art Center College of Design — May 2004 - Apr 2007 | Pasadena, CA
Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree, with a focus on branding, graphic design, packaging and advertising.
McIntosh College School of Visual Arts — May 2002 - Dec 2003 | Dover, NH
Associate of Arts Degree, focusing on visual communications.
Volunteering
American Advertising Federation: Panelist — 2012 - 2014 | Chicago, IL
For two years, I had the opportunity to serve as a panelist for the American Advertising Federation in Chicago, where I provided guidance to students interested in pursuing a career in advertising as a designer or creative. I shared my personal experiences and provided answers to their questions, aiming to help them succeed in this competitive field. It was a fulfilling experience that I hope to engage in more frequently in the future.
AIGA Mentor & Speaker — May 2012 - Dec 2013 | Chicago, IL
During my involvement with AIGA in Chicago, I volunteered as a mentor and speaker for programs that aimed to promote design education among underprivileged youth. Working closely with young designers and students from diverse backgrounds has been a rewarding experience, and I am eager to continue this work.