I consider myself a "left-brained designer." In graduate school, unlike most of my fellow students, fine artists who had turned to graphic design as a means to earn a living, I had a communications background but had discovered a strong interest in, and talent for, the visual element. I've been employed as a designer since the early 1990s but always bring my editorial skills to the table. Communicating a message relies on words, images, and their arrangement.

Outside of design, I am a card-carrying member of the Sierra Club and have been a member of both orchestral and choral organizations.

SUMMARY

Left-brained designer with extensive publications experience blends creative proficiency and editorial expertise.
• Technically skilled, detail-oriented innovator manages and contributes to all stages of a project, from conception through completion
• Highly involved, curious problem solver collaborates with colleagues and clients or works independently
• Self-motivated professional meets deadlines and fulfills multiple projects simultaneously


PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Creative Services Specialist
2011–present
OraSure Technologies, Bethlehem, Pa.
Develop medical device brand-specific marketing pieces that include sales and training literature, print and digital ads, trade show displays, presentations, information graphics, brochures, and posters. Coor­dinate with internal clients to acquire support data and materials to implement, enhance, or complete projects. Investigate sources of scholarly citations. Research and contribute to develop­ment of promotional messaging. Interface with outside vendors regarding cost and time estimates and appropriate file preparation for various collateral materials. (Initial two-month contract through Allied ­Personnel Services, Allentown, Pa.) 

Freelance Designer
1991–present
Recent clients:
• Northeastern Pennsylvania ­Philharmonic, Wilkes-Barre, Pa. 
Spot-color educational booklet and CD label, distributed among 4th–6th graders in advance of a Young People’s Concert (annual project since 2003)
• A Natural Alternative, Emmaus, Pa.
Custom-order flier for purveyor of hand-crafted soaps and toiletries
• Jim Steager/Jasper Springs, Emmaus, Pa. 
Logo for singer-songwriter/band 
• Dave Reber, Allentown, Pa.
Website and business card for ­hammered dulcimer player; business card for heirloom tomato enterprise
• House of Lilies, Walnutport, Pa. 
Business card
• Communication Systems, Inc., Allentown, Pa. 
Series of direct-mail cards and ­invitation postcard; campaign resulted in three new projects and a 12-to-1 ROI for company

Graphic Designer/Associate Editor
1997–2008
Office of Public Relations, University of Scranton, Scranton, Pa.
Conceived, designed, and prepared for printing 1- to 7-color publications, including variable data publishing, as a member of a production team. Maintained and regulated use of university’s graphic identity. Negotiated with staff and faculty from departments across campus. Edited copy submitted for ­publications. Art directed photog­raphers during shoots. Edited and retouched photos. Co-managed production and executed layout of undergraduate course ­catalog. Coordinated production with specialty vendors. Assisted with hardware/software purchasing decisions. Mentored students interested in graphic design. Contributed to training of ­communications coordinator and publications manager. Earned Insti­tutional Advancement divisional commendation for interdepartmental collaboration with the director of the President’s ­Business Council.

Director of Publications
1994–1997
Chatham College, Pittsburgh, Pa.
Operated as a one-person publications office. Designed, managed, edited, and prepared for printing primarily spot-color publications. Obtained print bids; negotiated with outside vendors and departmental clients. Reviewed proofs on press. Trained and supervised work-study students and interns. Devised and set annual departmental budgets and goals. Kept design of most publications in house and expanded scope of job responsibilities.

Graphic Designer
1992–1993 
Turman Art Gallery, Indiana State University, Terre Haute, Ind.
As a graduate assistant, created ­promotional materials for exhibitions, including invitations, postcards, ads, ­brochures, and a catalog.

Editor
1989–1991
Office of Publications Services, 
Cornell University, Ithaca, N.Y.
Edited copy; helped produce, check, and correct all production stages. ­Consulted and worked closely with designers and clients in ­preparing the production schedule and monitoring the publication process.


EDUCATION

M.S. in Graphic Design
Indiana State University, Terre Haute, Ind., 1993

B.S. in Communication ­(Public Relations/Adver­tising)
Cornell University, Ithaca, N.Y., 1988


PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

• Coursework towards Web Site Design Specialized Diploma, Northampton Community College, 2010–11 
• Online course, “Creating Web Pages” 
• Noncredit introductory courses in Dreamweaver and Flash
• Photography and software courses toward a Certificate in Media ­Technology


HONORS

Silver Award, Alumni Publications; Jesuit Advancement Administrators Conference

Merit Award, Catalog: School with 2,000-4,999 Students; Admissions ­Marketing Report Admissions ­Advertising Awards

Award for Excellence, Division IV; American Library Association Division of Rare Books and Manuscripts/Leab American Book Prices Current Exhibi­tion

Award of Honor; IABC/­Pittsburgh Golden Triangle Awards Competition

Honorable Mention; Printing Industry Association of ­Western Pennsylvania

Creating-with-Clipper Case History ­winner (two times); Dynamic Graphics

First prize, logo and ­identity ­package design student competition; New York State Veterinary ­Medical Society 


BUSINESS AFFILIATIONS

Greater Lehigh Valley Ad Club, 2010–12; 2011 & 2012 ADDY Awards committees

University College and Designers ­Association, 1997–2009

American Institute of Graphic Arts, 1992–93, 1994–97


COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

Sierra Club (Environment)
• Designer and assistant editor, Sierra Club of Pennsylvania Northeastern Group’s Northeastern Sierra Notes (group newsletter), 2005–12
• Layout editor, Sierra Club of Penn­sylvania Sylvanian (state ­newspaper), 2000–02
• Outings participant and leader

The Arts
• Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival Guild volunteer, summers 2009–12
• Lehigh Choral Union, 2012; Lehigh-Carbon Community College Tri-Cees (chorale), 2010 & 2011; University of Scranton String Orchestra, 2000-08
• Moravian College Community ­Orchestra, 2009; Marywood University Orchestra, 2008; University of Scranton Singers, 1997-2008

Education
• Student-portfolio reviewer, ­North­ampton Community College, 2010 & 2011
• Technical advisor, Chatham College Communiqué ­(student newspaper), 1994–96
• Volunteer tutor, Chatham College Adult Literacy ­Program, 1995


PORTFOLIO

Comprehensive physical portfolio ­available for in-person review