Experience

UIC School of Design
College of Architecture, Design, and the Arts
University of Illinois Chicago
Chicago, Illinois

August 2023 – present
Adjunct Instructor, Typography
Teach coursework to second- and third-year students on the aesthetics and mechanics of typographic form and usage. Imparting universal and essential qualities of typography in the context of design practice, my course serves as a foundation for upper level design classes and eventual professional practice.

Morningstar Sustainalytics
Chicago, Illinois

December 2021 – present
Head of Design
Head of Institutional Marketing
Leading the development of client-centric marketing strategy and programs, while also driving a design ethos across key functions of the business, connecting the strategic value of design across various aspects of the Sustainalytics’ business including data expression, technology, brand standards, product development, product marketing and other key functions.

Morningstar Inc.
Chicago, Illinois

May 2018 – December 2021
Head of Creative Design, Global Marketing & Brand
Led a creative team of UX & visual designers, content strategists, creative writers, and video/media producers responsible for the end-to-end global brand experience for Morningstar. This included the creation and deployment of brand systems and tools, awareness efforts that elevated the firm’s reputation, editorial-focused campaigns and experiences that drove engagement, global events that built strong client relations, and demand generation programs that drove leads and revenue. I also managed vendor/agency relationships that helped scale creative, tech, and production support as needed.

2013 – 2018
Design Director, Marketing & Brand, US
Directed a multidisciplinary creative team supporting cross-channel marketing initiatives to drive brand awareness, and support go-to-market readiness of our highest grossing products & solutions.

2003 – 2013
Design Manager to Senior Design Manager
Managed a small team of designers responsible for supporting brand initiatives and corporate communications. The main focus of the team was the development of a system of global company websites, along with accompanying print catalogs that brought cohesiveness to the brand and product capabilities story.

1999 – 2003
Designer to Senior Designer
Oversaw all aspects of design and production for Morningstar’s flagship print publications, and other web-based products geared towards individual investors. This included financial newsletters, hardcover books, data annuals, online reports, and web tools. Also led the design of print and digital marketing for these products.

American College of Healthcare Executives/Health Administration Press
Chicago, Illinois

1997 – 1999
Designer & Art Director, Communications Division
Led the design and production of all marketing and communication materials. Involved in the redesign of the company’s visual identity, leading the implementation of new communication and brand guidelines. Was also the art director and designer for the organization’s bimonthly magazine, Healthcare Executive.

Arthur Andersen/Andersen Consulting
Chicago, Illinois

1995 – 1997
Associate Designer
Involved in a variety of projects for internal groups and external clients. This included print collateral, brand/identity development, presentations, meeting and event planning, digital media, and video graphics support.

Honors

Society of Typographic Arts
Archive ’10 Design Competition Winner
Morningstar Catalog, Corporate Communication Category

AIGA
AIGA 365 Design Competition Winner
Morningstar Publications, Information Design Category

University of Illinois at Chicago, School of Design
Faculty Award for Graphic Design
Merit-based award chosen by faculty of the university’s School of Design.

University of Illinois at Chicago, School of Design
National Dean’s List

Community Activities

2019 Seek Conference, Chicago, Illinois
Introductory Speaker
Gave opening remarks at this local design student event coordinated by the Northern Illinois University School of Art and Design. 

Lane Tech College Prep
Speaker, Career Exploration Day
Presented to three large groups of soon-to-be graduating seniors about my educational background, career path, and day-to-day work.

University of Illinois at Chicago, Innovation Center & AIGA
Speaker, Distinguished Alumni Lecture Series
Presentation to design students and faculty. Theme was the connection of design fundamentals taught at the school and how they continue to impact my work today.

AIGA Chicago Chapter
Speaker, AIGA Small Talk Lecture Series
One of four presenters at an AIGA-hosted event. Focus was on Morningstar’s history, and design as a core competency of the firm.

Chicago Math & Science Academy
Speaker, Community Outreach Career Day
Made presentations to five groups of graduating high school seniors about my career path and knowledge in the field of design.

University of Illinois at Chicago
Judge, Senior Design Show
Along with University of Illinois faculty, I was one of five guest judges making selections for the School of Design’s Senior Show.

Skills

Craft and Process
• Typography and visual systems
• Data visualization
• Photography and illustration
• Editorial design
• Digital media and experience development
• Product marketing and brand campaign strategy
• Identity, branding, and naming systems
• Design thinking and workshop facilitation
• Ethnographic research and customer insights

Leadership and People Management
• Creative direction
• Design operations
• Recruitment and staff management
• Career development, coaching, and mentorship

Technical Platforms
• Adobe Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, AfterEffects)
• Adobe Dreamweaver
• Adobe Experience Manager
• Apple Keynote
• Microsoft Office Suite
• Sketch
• InVision
• Figma
• Marketing Systems (Eloqua, HubSpot)
• HTML, CSS