Johnson County Community College
Overland Park, KS
Overland Park, KS
Creative Manager
November 2023 to October 2025
November 2023 to October 2025
■ Managed the JCCC Strategic Communications & Marketing (SC&M) department’s team of in-house creatives, consisting of five creative lead/designers and the college’s marketing photographer.
■ Worked with SC&M colleagues in areas of content, digital, advertising, and media relations to craft public awareness campaigns to support student recruitment and retention, credit programs, workforce development and continuing education, and other college priorities. Helped tell stories of student success and achievement. Contributed to communications highlighting the value of education, access to skillbuilding resources, and increased opportunities that a degree or certificate can unlock.
■ Ensured quality control and brand management for college marketing materials and informational resources, such as print collateral, digital assets, and campus signage and wayfinding.
■ Collaborated with a broad array of internal stakeholders to promote campus services and resources, academic programs, student activities, and community events. Facilitated client relationships and requests. Supported marketing efforts for Midwest Trust Center and Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art, both based at JCCC.
■ Managed projects and developed processes to increase efficiency and communication among team members and project partners. Created documentation for departmental operating procedures.
■ Enhanced workflows between SC&M production and on-campus Printing Services, which produces nearly all physical deliverables for the college. Worked with Printing Manager to develop new products and offerings that reduced costs, increased sustainability, and encouraged innovation.
Kansas City Public Library
Kansas City, MO
Kansas City, MO
Art Director
December 2015 to November 2023
December 2015 to November 2023
Lead Graphic Designer
August 2012 to December 2015
August 2012 to December 2015
■ Led the Library’s design projects and assisted in overseeing marketing efforts. Created original, high-quality promotional materials and content that informs, engages, and educates patrons. Developed messages and campaigns that highlight Library services and resources.
■ Grew and enriched the Library brand by building visual identity systems and creating assets for a wide collection of programs and services. Developed an internal SharePoint brand resource center with marketing assets, logos, and visual identity guide.
■ Oversaw design and production of print materials such as monthly event calendars, direct mail pieces, bookmarks and brochures, reports, large-format signage, and general merchandise. Produced digital graphics for websites, social media, videos, presentations, and other marketing channels.
■ Worked closely with Public Affairs colleagues on communications planning and strategy. Collaborated with Library leadership, internal staff, and external community partners, offering guidance on outreach tactics.
■ Wrote original content for Library communication platforms, including newsletters, website, and print materials. Contributed to social media channels and videos. Managed email and blog messaging strategies to connect with a diverse audience of 290,000 cardholders.
■ Produced and developed public programming and community activities, including signature events featuring notable authors and public figures.
■ Developed strategic partnerships with other community organizations, including the National World War I Museum and Memorial, local NPR affiliate KCUR 89.3 FM, the Kansas City Museum, and others.
■ Served as staff marketing liasion for the Friends of the Library and the Young Friends of the Library. Conducted identity refresh for the Friends, developed new promotional materials and resources. Oversaw reintroduction of Young Friends after years of inactivity, worked to recruit new members and steering committee leaders. Organized and executed events and activities, built strategic community partnerships.
■ Member of Patron Experience Council, a group of staff tasked with ensuring welcoming, informative, and inclusive experiences for all. Evaluated services and spaces through the patron lens, reviewed policies and procedures, and made recommendations to Library leadership on improvements and opportunities.
Mid-America Regional Council (MARC)
Kansas City, MO
Kansas City, MO
Public Affairs Coordinator
July 2011 to August 2012
July 2011 to August 2012
Public Affairs Specialist
September 2006 to July 2011
September 2006 to July 2011
MARC is a nonprofit association of city and county governments and is the metropolitan planning organization for the bistate Kansas City region. The agency works with community partners, elected officials and local municipalities to create a region that is connected, vibrant, healthy and sustainable.
As a member of the Public Affairs staff, I provided strategic communications guidance for a number of MARC's environmental programs. Among my roles and activities:
■ Implemented communications strategies for public outreach efforts on topics such as water quality, recycling, and bicycle and pedestrian safety.
■ Created various marketing materials: Print publications including reports, brochures, and posters; outdoor advertisements such as transit ads and billboards; digital ads for social media and websites.
■ Coordinated advertising in regional print, radio, internet, TV,and outdoor channels. Oversaw contracts and budgets.
■ Developed branding and visual identities for programs and initiatives.
■ Wrote content for publications, advertising campaigns, and public communications.
■ Supported and organized public events and activities.
University of Missouri–Kansas City
Kansas City, MO
August 2004 to September 2006
■ Part of a team that managed the daily operations of a fast-paced executive office and provided support to the university's leadership.
■ Ensured quality control of outgoing communications from the Chancellor, including editing and drafting letters and internal memorandum.
■ Other duties involved general office administration, project management, meeting coordination and facilitation, and providing customer service to internal and external constituents.
Peace Corps
Senegal, West Africa
March 2003 to June 2004
■ Collaborated with school teachers to develop environmental lesson plans.
■ Organized village steering committee to establish and oversee a community environmental action plan. Facilitated community trainings on topics such as seed storage, tree benefits and maintenance, and pest management.
■ Engaged in various cross-cultural community development activities, effectively working with diverse groups in coordinating successful projects and events.
Business Research & Information Development Group (BRIDG)
University of Missouri-Kansas City
Kansas City, MO
Project Associate
April 2002 to February 2003
BRIDG is a program of the University of Missouri Extension's Business Development Program. It provides Missouri's small business owners and entrepreneurs with research-based evaluation tools and resources. BRIDG initially was located on the UMKC campus, but has since moved to UM-Columbia; I was one of three staff members who set up the office in early 2002.
■ Worked with university staff to develop internal/external communication resources and promotional materials.
■ Grew a network of partners and collaborators for projects and events.
■ Designed and delivered informative research-based reports and marketing materials to internal and external clients. Helped develop surveys.
Bloch School of Business & Public Administration
University of Missouri-Kansas City
Kansas City, MO
Assistant to the Ewing Marion Kauffman/Missouri Chair in Entrepreneurial Leadership
April 2002 to February 2003
The position I held at BRIDG also involved a separate but related role supporting the Chair in Entrepreneurial Leadership at the university's Bloch School of Business and Public Administration. In this capacity I assisted with research, wrote and edited reports, oversaw office correspondence, and helped manage various projects and events.
EDUCATION
Truman State University
Kirksville, MO
Bachelor of Fine Arts
Other areas of study: English, Communications, Art History