A multi-skilled professional with more than 20-years of experience in project management, creative services, design, publishing, pre-press, digital, management and creative leadership. I have a superb track record of managing complex functional projects in various environments. Able to manage stakeholder expectations and willing to take full responsibility for the delivering of project objectives. Excellent conflict management, problem solving and prioritization skills. Consistent history of producing award-winning work in healthcare marketing in a variety of formats, with exceptional project management, leadership, and design skills. Highly proficient in Adobe Creative Suite, Mediaware Center CMS, AdForce, WordPress and Shopify. Passionate, resourceful and committed to problem solving and achieving effective results.
September 2016 – Present
Blue Chip Marketing Worldwide | Senior Project Leader, Digital Specialist
- In this role I am a key internal and client team Senior Project Leader with responsibility for Procter & Gamble; Brown-Forman brands including Jack Daniel’s, Chambord, Gentleman Jack, Woodford Reserve and Old Forester; B+G Foods including Bear Creek Soup, Cream of Wheat and Ortega; Fischer Nuts; McCormick Seasoning and Pirates Booty.
- I have the ability to approach projects with flexibility and resourcefulness
- I demonstrate well-developed communication skills (verbal and written), including ability to articulate creative concepts and rationale to other team members and stakeholders
- With the added aspect of Digital specialization, this role oversees digital project leadership needs for banners, emails and social media
- I lead the project planning process and determine necessary next steps, manage deliverables within Basecamp, create and manage timelines using Smartsheets
- Identify potential risks by identifying work breakdowns and scope changes and proactively works to mitigate these risks
- Work with internal & external partners to execute, optimize and track expenditures for all programs.
- Traffic all project-related digital work including final digital files for media placement.
- Ensure that all completed work aligns with the objectives and strategies for the program.
- Manage resource allocation and priority lists for the digital development and design team.
- Identify potential project-related risk and work proactively to understand, control it.
- Work to resolve project-related conflict by educating team members, account and clients about the needs of the campaign and also how we work.
- Stay on top of changing digital landscape and make relevant recommendations for application in projects and new business opportunities.
- Work collaboratively with people at all levels within the organization
- Motivated ability to learn quickly and have an entrepreneurial spirit
- Manage 2 direct reports
October 2015 – September 2016
Lighthouse Marketing Services | Project Manager
- Responsible for delivering projects against agreed scope, budget, schedule & customer expectations.
- Review incoming print and digital production requests with client and team members to asses needs.
- Initiates and coordinates request-for-printing estimates and tracks print production jobs.
- Traffic all proofs for review and approvals.
- Ensure that all completed work aligns with the objectives and strategies that are included on SOW.
- Manage technical process and resolve technical issues.
- Maintain and improve workflow processes for efficiencies.
- Bring new ideas to the table, inspire the team and cultivate an environment of collaboration.
- Lend a critical eye to all creative and technical output.
- Deliver top-quality projects on-time and within budget.
- Create marketing materials for clients such as Siemens, Batavia Enterprises, Water Street Studios, UR the Answer and AWANA.
- Approved color proofs prior to first run of print production for accuracy.
2005 – August 2015
OnCourse Learning (formerly Gannett Healthcare Group) | Hoffman Estates, IL
2011 – 2015| VP/Creative Director, Creative Services
- Project Manager of 1,500+ monthly requests from up to 40 managers nationwide.
- Solely responsible for project management and approval of all design company-wide, with end-to-end direct oversight of major projects for clients such as Band-Aid, LIVESTRONG, and Coca-Cola
- Managed a staff of 12 art directors and designers in the conceptualization, development, and publication of six monthly magazines and marketing materials for 40 product managers for a leading provider of eLearning tools used in the healthcare industry, including Nurse.com, Today in PT, and Today in OT
- Provided extensive training and coaching of all creative staff, with direct responsibility for ensuring quality and accuracy of all materials
- Launched the company’s first digital media kit, managed the launch of responsive design email marketing, and created the company’s corporate site and Nutrition Dimension blog
- Led Nurse.com to selection as “Publication of the Year” by the American Society of Healthcare Publication Editors, and received Gannett’s “Best Client Solution” Award in April 2013 for a customized creative marketing campaign that resulted in the strengthening of a multi-million dollar client relationship
- Launched a new quarterly e-book series on Nurse.com which was selected as a finalist selection by Folio for a 2014 Eddy & Ozzie Award, and as Grand Award Winner at the 2015 APEX Awards
2008 – 2011 | Creative Director , Creative Services
- Created and hired initial design team, centralized all of Gannett Healthcare Group’s design functions across the country at the Illinois office, and created the company’s first-ever graphic standard guidelines
- Established and enforced a firm 10-day deadline for completion of all incoming design projects, a standard that was met on 100% of projects.
- Cross-trained all designers on all areas of common design requests to ensure constant coverage for all presentation, publication, and marketing design projects at all times
2007 – 2008 | Production Manager
- Managed layout staff of eight in the production of six bi-weekly regional magazines with a combined circulation of more than a million registered nurses across the United States
- Negotiated a major contract for 20 licenses for the use of royalty-free photography
- Approved color proofs prior to first run of print production for accuracy.
2005 – 2007 | Senior Production Associate
- Developed and created marketing materials, collateral, and online advertising and content for a Nursing Spectrum and NurseWeek magazines, two nursing recruitment publications acquired by Gannett in 2007
- Assisted with all aspects of production closings, and managed advertisement type setting, design, and layout
2002 – 2005
Noreen Francis Design | Freelance Designer
Provided comprehensive freelance design for a variety of non-profit organizations across the Greater Chicago area, including creation of advertisements, newsletters, and collateral marketing pieces
1998 – 2002 (Business closed)
McLeod-Smith Graphics | Pre-Press Manager & Designer
- Ran the pre-press department at an offset printer.
- Prepared files for film and plate.
- Worked closely with other designers to train the team how to properly prepare files for press. From converting images to setting up pagination for press forms.
- Approved color proofs prior to first run of print production for accuracy.