Resume

Experience

Co-chair of Web Implementation Guideline Group (WIGG)

University of Illinois Center of Expertise, a cross-campus group of web experts
2020-present
webtheme.illinois.edu

• Collaborate online with web experts including directors, developers, user experience designers, content strategists, and accessibility to construct a web theme to be used for the majority of the university’s websites
• Put universal design principles into practice by collaborating on inclusive solutions and innovations for accessibility throughout the Illinois web product cycle including ux, design and development stages
• Create and review designs, mockups, prototypes, and final web components throughout the cycle to increase quality and compliance including accessibility specs and annotations
• Lead the WIGG design and UX teams to create accessible UI components, patterns, and documentation for the Illinois pattern library and shared components
• Translate industry standards, like Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), into understandable and approachable deliverables to uplevel designers and content creators
• Close knowledge gaps and increase technical expertise within the broad campus community by facilitating workshops, giving presentations, and inclusive design training

Director of Web Development

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences (ACES)
2019-present
aces.illinois.edu, 9 department websites

• Lead a web team of two web developers and two web content strategists within a larger marketing team that cross-collaborates
• Provide the online web strategy supporting marketing efforts in ACES to recruit students, increase revenue, and bolster reputation and engagement
• Upgrade the project management system, assess risks, issues, and priorities, and identify opportunities for strategic partnerships within ACES and across the university
• Collaborate with a web development team in another college to build and maintain the base framework for the Drupal framework including front-end and back-end web development
• Create evergreen processes for the improvement of web development, testing, and project management
• Implement SEO optimization techniques, user-experience design principles, analytics tracking systems, etc.
• Effectively communicate changes or updates as well as provide training to stakeholders, web editors, faculty, and staff in ACES
• Develop and execute plans to structure website navigation, assess content, aid content production and management processes, optimize performance, and enhance accessibility for all websites
• Manage the team’s budget to ensure the unit is adequately resourced including personnel, equipment, software, training, and supplies

Marketing Coordinator

University of Illinois – Campus Recreation
2014-2019

• Managed the transition of the existing website and staff intranet to a new content management system and visual identity, while adhering to new University branding guidelines
• Developed, managed, designed, and implemented effective content marketing strategies, projects, and communication to support programs, events, and awareness
• Utilized research-based insights to create persuasive and engaging content that resonates with target audiences, increased brand awareness, and drove conversions
• Supervised two full-time staff, a graduate assistant, and nine student interns



Entrepreneur, Graphic Designer, Photographer, and Instructional Educator

Posh Prints & Design, Melissa Waller Photography & Design
2011-2014

• Developed an online storefront and membership website for digital template sales and tutorials
• Planned and implemented targeted marketing campaigns with suggestions for related product sales and customer retention.
• Scripted and recorded tutorial videos and online classes to teach other photographers how to use photo software and digital templates for printed materials to increase their sales and business offerings.
• Photographed a wide variety of clients specializing in families, high school seniors, and infants. Proficient in studio and natural lighting with an emphasis on portrait photography.
• Produced superior editing and photo manipulation through Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom.



Media Communications Specialist

Division of Intercollegiate Athletics, University of Illinois
2005-2011

• Facilitated design and advertising projects between multiple departments within Athletics.
• Designed printed materials including event tickets, large posters, and media books.
• Monitored, bid, researched, and executed cost-savings measures for various printed projects through vendors for printing processes, materials, and projects.
• Managed brand identity, including logos, fonts, and colors on all printed materials.



Marketing, Design, and Web Coordinator

Ramshaw Real Estate
2002-2005

• Developed and designed web interfaces, graphics, layouts, brand identity, and logos for multiple new projects and replaced all existing collateral.
• Collaborated with project heads to determine client listing needs for company websites and printed materials.
• Bid, designed, and produced simple to complex booklets and printed materials.
• Designed templates and trained users for the development of future web pages and content.