About

PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY

• Hands-on creative leader with more than 20 years experience driving teams and campaigns that place audience needs at the heart of every decision

• Expertise in branding, campaign development, content strategy and creative leadership

• Skilled at uniting creative and design partners to craft storytelling where words and visuals work in perfect harmony

• Equally comfortable digging in to shape concepts as I am developing and refining strategy and empowering teams to deliver exceptional results

• Thrives in the fast-paced, shifting landscapes of retail and B2B marketing, bringing decisive leadership, adaptability, and a deep command of voice, tone and visual storytelling across every format

EXPERIENCE

August 2019-June 2025   Hallmark Cards                    Kansas City, MO

Creative Director

• Coordinated with account and media teams to align creative strategy with business objectives and audience insights

• Led song selection and original music direction for dozens of radio and video projects annually

• Collaborated with national studios and production companies as well as Hallmark’s in-house studio to bring interactive experiences and related video content to life from inception to final delivery

• Responsible for copy development for national campaigns across digital, print, and video for product lines such as Mahogany, Shoebox, VIDA, Studio Ink, Just Because and Signature

• Recruited and managed a team of four writers and editors, guiding career development and navigating promotions

April 2017-August 2019                      

Associate Creative Director

• Partnered with art directors, strategists, and marketing managers to create integrated campaigns across broadcast, email, social media (including Meta, Snapchat and Pinterest) and digital banners and homepage takeovers

• Won competitive pitch against external, national agencies to transition broadcast video production in-house, resulting in an estimated 40-50% budget reduction, faster turnaround and increased creative control

• Directed editorial strategy across cross-functional projects involving design, research, product marketing, and social media teams

• Led culturally relevant content development in partnership with multicultural marketing teams and employee resource groups to develop culturally relevant messaging across diverse consumer segments

April 2015-April 2017                        

Senior Copywriter

• Crafted copy for TV, radio, digital and social ads across multiple client accounts

• Helped create a Shoebox Cards rebrand that gave the brand extensive, positive exposure, won a Gold Addy and helped drive sales 30% above plan

• Partnered with design and production teams on creative execution

• Mentored junior creatives, fostering a culture of experimentation and collaboration

July 2010-April 2015                      

Copywriter

• Wrote copy for Hallmark.com, emails and social content

• Won internal creative pitch competitions, resulting in full-scale campaign development

• Served as the sole editorial contributor for Hallmark digital apps and emerging technology

• Presented concepts to clients and participated in pitch development

Sept. 2009-June 2010   Sioba Advertising and Public Relations                     Bonner Springs, KS

Copywriter

• Performed all writing duties for the advertising and marketing needs of more than a dozen clients

• Provided conceptual oversight and copy for commercial, B2B and promotional websites

• Created new business collateral that assisted in the acquisition of multiple new clients

March 2008-Sept.2009 PTK Communications                                 Kansas City, KS

Junior Copywriter

• Created concepts and copy for numerous print and direct mail campaigns

• Responsible for the naming and renaming of various companies, products and events

• Led branding and rebranding efforts for clients including KBS Constructors, Victory Junction Camp, Chateau Avalon Hotel, and Belton Parks and Recreation

EDUCATION

Dec. 2007                 University of Missouri Kansas City               Kansas City, MO

Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies (Emphasis in Journalism and Mass Communication)

REFERENCES

References are available on request.