Resume

I can do all kinds of things, here are just a few.

Summary

Good design is hard. Great design is invisible. The journey so far has taught me that great work is the result of passion, curiosity, consistency, conviction and skill.

Education

Iowa State University – Ames, Iowa
B.F.A. in Graphic Design, Graduated May 2001

  • Attended 1997-2001
  • ISU’s dedicated four-year Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Graphic Design program is a top-ranked program nationally.
  • Admission into the professional Graphic Design program depends upon GPA and relies heavily on acceptance of the competitive portfolio review after completing core design courses.

Strengthsfinder

  • Positivity
  • Woo
  • Developer
  • Adaptability
  • Empathy

Experience

  • Graphic Designer – Holmes Murphy
    December 2022-Present
    Waukee/West Des Moines, Iowa

    • Holmes Murphy is a large, independent, privately-held insurance brokerage and risk management firm with offices across the country. As a Graphic Designer, I work with Leaders,  Business Partners and our internal team (Enterprise Marketing) on a variety of materials to support all aspects of the company (Sales, Service, PLUS, and Enterprise), such as: PowerPoint presentations, flyers, advertisements, invitations,  proposals, brochures, placemats, web and intranet graphics, social media graphics, newsletters, pop-up banners, directional signage, annual reports, booklets, infographics, promotional materials, as well as a variety of materials for one-off events.
    • Enforce guidelines to for the company, as well as 9 subsidiary companies under the same umbrella. We look for quality and uniformity as defined in the corporate brand standards.
    • Connect with vendors to confirm specs for print and apparel projects.
    • DiscoverYou Presenter
      2023-Present
      I work alongside my co-worker to guide large groups of high school students through a creative marketing activity where they are divided into groups and are tasked with creating their own beverage. It can be water, sparkling water, juice, soda, energy drink, etc. They have to come up with a name and tagline, define their target audience, choose a color palette, tone-of-voice, photography style, cost-per-unit, and what differentiates them from their peers. It has been a highlight of the week for every group we’ve worked with.

 

  • Graphic Designer/Content Producer – Pella Corporation
    November 2017-December 2022
    Pella/Johnston, Iowa

    As a Content Producer on the MarComm team (2021-2022), I oversaw the DAM (digital asset management) system, which was the single-source of truth for all assets — company wide. I managed processes for asset upload and management, user interface and interaction, expiration and usage rights on all images, defined phased approaches for further use of the system’s capabilities. I owned all COB and rendering capabilities for Pella, working internally with engineers and product managers and externally with vendors – all to create the most accurate photographs and renderings possible. I also assisted in the retouching process when we were short on time or it was easier to keep the editing in-house. I supported the business by producing on-brand photo and video content that will be used by all segments to create impactful marketing pieces. I managed various parts of the production process, including compiling production teams, finding talent, stylists, cleaning crews, locations, scheduling and communication, creating shot lists and call sheets, providing input and feedback on set, locations management, craft services, homeowner communication, etc.

    As a Graphic Designer on the MarComm team (2017–2021), created engaging, aspirational print and digital design across the organization, including branding, advertising, web, and multi-channel product catalogs for B2B, B2C, and Trade audiences. Led the annual design and updates of line books, coordinating production and press checks with printers across multiple states to ensure accurate color and quality under tight timelines. Partnered closely with internal teams and external vendors to align concepts with brand standards and business goals while reducing redundancies and maintaining a clean, cohesive visual system. Contributed to high-impact, brand-forward initiatives for Pella’s distinction-seeking audience, including working with Australia-based vendor Auggd to create augmented reality windows and doors for our printed materials, experiential invitations for a product launch stunt at Grand Central Station in New York City, executive-level shareholder materials, and innovative self-mailing packaging for new product launches.

Additional Skills

In addition to working as a graphic designer, I’ve also picked up the following skills along the way.

  • Server at a popular local restaurant featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.
  • Barista-turned-Store Director at a crazy-busy, locally-owned coffee shop.
  • Enneagram 2 (How can I help you? – IYKYK)
  • Photographer (including event photography for all of my employers)
  • Hand Letterer
  • Coloring Book Author
  • Podcast Creator, Editor and Host
    • Launched Late Summer 2025
    • 17 Episodes
    • More to come!

Activities

  • Board Member – Lead DSM’s Board of Govenors
    Summer 2025-Present
    Lead DSM is a non-profit organization that develops, connects, inspires, and challenges community champions through life-changing leadership experiences. Since 1982, Lead DSM has graduated more than 3000 leaders from over 4 programs. Those civic stewards are now serving in leadership positions in more than 286 community organizations, helping to achieve our vision of a thriving community for all.

 

  • Chair-Elect – Lead DSM’s Community Connect Committee
    Summer 2025-Present
    Work closely with Lead DSM’s Executive Director, Learning & Programs Director, Committee Chair, and committee members to cover all details in planning the course for the upcoming year.

 

  • Member – Lead DSM’s Community Connect Committee
    Summer 2024-Summer 2025
    Work with Lead DSM’s Executive Director, Learning & Programs Director, Committee Chair, Committee Chair-Elect and other committee members to plan the course for the upcoming year.

 

  • Participant – Lead DSM’s Community Connect Program
    2023 Graduate
    Community Connect empowers participants to discover and leverage their purpose through values-based learning, goal setting, and meaningful connections with mentors (experienced community leaders) —strengthening both individual lives and the Greater Des Moines community.

 

  • Lutheran Church of Hope
    West Des Moines, Iowa
    Largest Lutheran congregation in America (average attendance well over 10,000 people per week)

    • Member
      2012-Present
    • Worship Team Member (Background Vocals)
      2012-Present
    • Mentors of Hope: Mentor and Mentee
      2025-Present
    • The Alpha Course (20 Sessions: 2 as Guest, 18 as host)
      2012-2024

 

  • MoveHER Participant
    April 2024-Present

 

  • Marketing Committee – Women Lead Change Conference
    2024

Certifications

IBM’s Introduction to Artificial Intelligence (AI) – Coursera

  • Currently Enrolled

Fun Fact

As a kid, I was looking out over downtown Chicago with my brother, grandma, and cousin in the Sears Tower when someone invited us to join them. From there, we watched the lights turn on at Wrigley Field for the first time ever.

The date? 8-8-88.

It ended up getting rained out, and we drove home in a torrential downpour.