Manager, Digital Strategy

Follett School Solutions | McHenry, IL
February 2020 – Present
Follett-powered technology helps administrators maximize resources. We equip educators with the tools and resources they need to support every student, from library collections and digital learning platforms, to classroom libraries, book fairs and beyond.

As the Digital Strategy Manager (DSM), I managed multiple facets of the company’s online marketing presence to ensure all digital channels are optimized and key performance indicators (KPIs) are established and tracked to measure two definitions of ROI: return on investment (cost) and return on influence (social media).

My role is to oversee the development of a competitive advantage in the digital age of online marketing by both organic and paid rankings through search engine optimization (SEO), search engine marketing (SEM), pay per click (PPC), online advertising both text-based and display, digital asset management (DAM), digital analysis and reporting, short message service (SMS), and in-app messaging.

A results-driven role that owns the direction and execution of our strategic digital efforts to increase brand awareness, qualified lead generation, and sales.

I focus on growth and communicate with Marketing, Sales, IT, Software Development, and Leadership to support our digital transformation.

Manager, Marketing Communications

Follett School Solutions | McHenry, IL
October 2017 – February 2020

• Overseeing a Multidisciplinary Team of Designers, Front-end Developers, Copywriters and Proofreaders
• Providing Creative Direction, Brand Systems, Inspiration and Expertise
• Developing Relationships Between Teams and Departments
• Improving Work Processes and Manage Team Operations

 In-house Director, Marketing & Design

Impact Networking | Lake Forest, IL
April 2015 – September 2017
350+ Employees, 12 Midwest Branches with 4 Service/Product Portfolios

• Promoted to Direct In-house Marketing, Design and Logistics at Headquarters
• Management of Production Team and Go-to-market Strategy for Peru, IL Print Center
• Coordination with Chicago Web Development Team on Web Updates & Digital Marketing Tactics
• Design and Implementation of Multi-channel Ad Campaigns for Recruitment and Sales
• Developed Corporate Social Media Presence, Managing On-going Strategy & Content Marketing
• Evaluating New Technologies and Channels for Advertising in Both Digital and Print

Senior Designer, Creative Services Group

Impact Networking | Lake Forest, IL
December 2011 – April 2015
Agency Services – Branding, Print Design, Online Marketing & Web Development for Small-to- Medium Sized Businesses

• Created Concepts & User Experience (UX) for Responsive (Desktop, Tablet & Mobile) Layouts
• Designed New Corporate Branding and Worked within Existing Identities
• Lead Designer and Coordinator on Multiple On-going Design Retainers
• Established New Services Offering of Online Marketing to New and Existing Clients
• Hired and Trained Team Members for Online Marketing Team

Graphic Designer / Front-End Web Developer

INT, Inc. | Buffalo Grove, IL
March 2004 – December 2011
Managed Service Provider – Design & Web Services for Small Businesses

• Creating custom designs and working with existing branding identities.
• Front end development of static and dynamic website using HTML, CSS, Javascript and PHP.
• Oversee the development department, staff and vendors.
• Network through local groups, handling entire sales process and presentations to new clients.
• Plan, coordinate and implement print design and web development projects.
• Implement strategic planning and updates of Social Media, Email Marketing and Online Advertising.
• Developed and execute online PR campaign for National Marketing projects.
• Photograph clients, products, live events, locations and enhancing images for Advertising uses.
• Responsible for communications and maintaining over 100 clients and 60 websites.
• Working on between 10 – 15 client and internal projects at a time.

Freelance Designer

Terlato Wines International | Bannockburn, IL
October 2003 – January 2004
Premium Wine Sales & Marketing Firm

• Premium Wine Label Re-design Concepts
• Custom Design Folder & Dye Cut with Informational Inserts
• Quarterly Sales Contest Flyer Designs

Design Internship

Island Press | Washington, D.C.
February 2003 – September 2003
Nonprofit, Environmental Publisher

• “The Kruger Experience” by Johan Du Toit – Book Cover Design
• “Alone” by Admiral Byrd – Designed Interior Front and Back Matter
• Cover Art Proofing – Reviewed, Adjusted/ Corrected Multiple Covers for Print
• Photo Research – Organized, Logged and Book Cover Images