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.
Education
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design, University of Illinois 2000
Professional Development
- IT Leadership Workshop, 2022 (competitive nomination process)
- An Introduction to Accessibility and Inclusive Design, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign