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.

Education

Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design, University of Illinois 2000

Professional Development

Recent LinkedIn Learning courses: