Introduction
Results-driven creative leader and designer with a proven track record of transforming ideas into powerful visual communications across nonprofit, healthcare, technology, financial services, church ministry, and commercial printing. Brings deep expertise in design, branding, art direction, and visual storytelling — with the ability to build brands from the ground up, elevate existing identities, and create work that resonates, inspires, and drives action. A strategic marketer with experience developing integrated campaigns, repositioning brands, and delivering measurable impact. Has developed brand identities and marks for organizations nationwide, led and mentored creative teams at every level, and held senior roles as Creative Director, Art Director, Communications Director, and Creative Lead. A proactive self-starter known for taking ownership, solving problems, and fostering accountability — leading initiatives from concept to completion across fast-paced, deadline-driven environments, on time, on budget, and beyond expectations.
Professional Experience
Independent Creative Director • 1994 - Current
Owner, Creative Director
Owner and Creative Director of an established independent creative practice, serving more than 70 clients across nonprofit, healthcare, technology, financial services, faith-based organizations, political campaigns, and commercial industries. Provides end-to-end creative and marketing services including brand identity development, art direction, graphic design, print and digital production, marketing collateral, direct mail, social media content and strategy, and large-format story-driven multi-page publications and materials. Partners with clients to develop and execute marketing plans, campaigns, and communications strategies that advance their goals and reach their audiences. Delivers strategic creative direction and hands-on design execution tailored to each client's brand, audience, and goals — consistently producing compelling, on-brand work on time and within budget. Also provides creative training, software instruction, web design support, and ongoing design guidance to clients and teams seeking to elevate their visual communications.
Free Wheelchair Mission • 2015 - 2023
Senior Manager, Creative Services (Creative Director and Brand Manager)
Served as the creative and brand leader for a $10 million humanitarian nonprofit, directing all visual communications, brand identity, and design strategy for an organization that has delivered more than 1.5 million wheelchairs across 94 countries.
Oversaw design and production of all marketing and branded materials across print and digital channels, ensuring consistency and quality at every touchpoint. Coordinated brand standards with dozens of global partner organizations worldwide. Led cross-functional creative teams in the execution of events, campaigns, and outreach initiatives — including direct mail and fundraising programs — managing vendors, timelines, and budgets to deliver high-impact results on every front.
Coast Hills Community Church • 2008 - 2014
Creative Director, Creative Lead, Communications, Graphic Design & Web
Creative leader for a large, corporate-structured nonprofit organization, with strong community ties that served over 5,000 Orange County families.
Directed all internal and external communications, brand identity, and public relations strategy for the organization. Led creative direction across departments — overseeing print collateral, large-format printing, stage design, photography, projected media, event campaigns, and fundraising initiatives. Maintained a leadership role with staff and volunteer teams spanning graphic design, photography, event management, logistics, and material fabrication.
Managed corporate social media presence, including teams responsible for content calendars, post scheduling, and photography. Developed and executed direct mail campaigns supporting outreach, engagement, and fundraising goals. Served as webmaster and designer for the corporate website, managing site architecture, artwork, and cross-departmental content updates. Oversaw daily workflow scheduling and project timelines across multiple concurrent initiatives. Cultivated and maintained relationships with local and national print, web, and digital vendors.
Cargo of Dreams • 2005 - 2010
Creative Director
Directed the creative development and production of all print marketing and communications materials for a South Africa-based nonprofit transforming repurposed shipping containers into schools, medical clinics, and community facilities. Developed branded collateral — including brochures, fundraising materials, donor communications, and campaign assets — that conveyed the organization's mission and impact to both local and international audiences. Ensured all materials aligned with brand standards and effectively supported outreach, awareness, and fundraising goals.
CME LLC [CMP Medica] • 1997 - 2008
Art Director
Drove creative and marketing direction across pharmaceutical, healthcare, and corporate clients — leading the development of integrated marketing communications plans, campaigns, and branded materials from concept through delivery. Directed photography sessions, concept development, and creative briefs, ensuring every project aligned with strategic objectives, target audience, and brand standards. Developed and executed direct mail campaigns contributing to customer acquisition, engagement, and measurable results. Championed innovation by continuously researching design trends and recommending new tools and processes to elevate creative output.
Led and mentored teams of graphic designers and creative staff across a high-volume portfolio of print, digital, web, and sales materials. Served as the key liaison between creative and internal departments, keeping projects on track against content goals, budgets, and deadlines. Managed software, hardware, and departmental budgets while maintaining team infrastructure to maximize efficiency and performance.
Printer’s Paper Chase • 1993 - 1999
Contract Art Director (1994-1999) • Art Director & Pre-Press Manager (1993)
Provided art direction, supervision, and leadership for artists across a variety of client campaigns — managing creative workflow, coordinating deadlines, and ensuring quality execution from concept through press. Served as the primary liaison between clients and internal creative, pre-press, and press departments, keeping projects on track and communication clear at every stage. Developed strong vendor and client relationships while maintaining brand consistency and meeting tight production schedules across multiple concurrent projects. Supported direct marketing and direct mail initiatives, both internal and for varied clients, contributing to campaign strategy, design, and production to drive customer acquisition and client engagement. Played an active role in growing the business through targeted outreach and marketing efforts that extended the company’s reach and client base.
• Earlier employment/additional employment details available upon request.
• References available upon request.
Career Highlights
• Creative Director and Brand Manager for a $10M global humanitarian nonprofit — 1.5 million wheelchairs delivered across 94 countries
• Independent creative practice spanning three decades, serving 70+ clients across nonprofit, healthcare, technology, financial services, and faith-based sectors
• Senior creative roles across Fortune-level corporate, large nonprofit, and agency environments — Art Director through Creative Director
• Brand identities and integrated campaigns developed for organizations nationwide, from startups to established institutions
Core Competencies
• Creative Direction
• Art Direction
• Concept Development
• Brand Strategy & Identity
• Publication Design
• Digital Asset Creation
• Typography & Layout
• Visual Communication
• Print & Digital Production
• Large-Format Production
• Environmental Design
• Photography & Direction
• Pre-Press & Print Production
• Adobe Creative Suite
• Brand Standards & Guidelines
• Content Development
• Web Design & Management
• Integrated Marketing Campaigns
• Social Media Management
• Corporate Communications
• Project & Workflow Management
• Team Leadership & Mentorship
• Cross-functional Collaboration
• Budget & Resource Management
• Vendor Relations
Education
South Torrance H.S.
El Camino College, Torrance, CA
CAREER CONTINUING EDUCATION
Courses for Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Premiere, Graphic Design, and Environmental Design taken through:
University of California, Irvine
California State University, Long Beach
California State University, Fullerton
Adobe Certified Expert Training
NAPP Training
KelbyOne Photoshop and Photography Training
California State University, Long Beach
California State University, Fullerton
Adobe Certified Expert Training
NAPP Training
KelbyOne Photoshop and Photography Training
Ongoing professional development through Adobe Creative Suite training, industry workshops, and continuous self-directed learning in emerging design tools and technologies.
Additional Leadership Experience
CURRENT
Advisory Board Member
Pacific Crest Youth Arts Association
Pacific Crest Youth Arts Association
Lions Club International • Nolensville
PAST
Board President, Member • ANHS Music Boosters
(2010-2013)
(2010-2013)
Board Member • Fort Tejon Historical Association
(1995-1999)
(1995-1999)
Board Member • Torrance Education Foundation
(1994-1995)
(1994-1995)