Resume

Experience

Feb. 2023 – Present
Brand, Design & User Experience Manager
Texas Dept. of Transportation, Communications Division

UX & Design Leadership

  • Lead a team of UX and graphic designers focused on digital transformation, ensuring alignment with accessibility, usability, and visual consistency standards.

  • Directed the creation and launch of TxDOT’s first-ever design system documentation.

  • Established and lead the Design Board, a governance body to bridge design and development, ensuring cross-functional collaboration, increased employee job satisfaction, and reduced rework.

  • Directed the creation of comprehensive documentation for the organization’s first digital design system—providing accessibility, authoring, and best practice guidance to improve usability and consistency across digital platforms.

  • Oversees the design strategy, daily operations, and execution of digital and visual projects within the Creative Services Section.

  • Established TxDOT’s first UX research program, implementing user interviews, surveys, and usability testing to inform data-driven design decisions.

  • Manages department to enterprise-level projects collaborating with stakeholders to understand business needs and develop solutions.

  • Drives UX adoption by serving as a domain expert on cross-departmental workgroups and committees, advocating for design best practices and accessibility standards.

Brand & Design System Strategy

  • Led TxDOT’s first brand refresh in a decade (Spring 2024), defining design principles and accessibility improvements for public-facing and internal platforms.

  • Launched new digital brand guidelines, receiving 18,000+ page views in the first 12 months (Spring 2023), improving design consistency across departments.

  • Established a cross-functional digital design team (Summer 2023), improving collaboration between UX designers, developers, and stakeholders to align with strategic goals.

  • Developed and implemented the organization’s first digital design system (Fall 2023), aligning UI components with UX best practices to enhance usability and scalability.

Jan. 2022 – Feb. 2023
Senior UX/UI Designer
Texas Dept. of Transportation, Communications Division

Some highlights include:

  • Created TxDOT’s first digital design system, reducing development, streamlining workflows, and ensuring scalable design across platforms.

  • Led user experience and interface design for TxDOT’s first public website and intranet redesign in a decade, improving usability, accessibility, and content discoverability.

  • Conducted user research to inform product decisions, translating findings into user flows, journey maps, wireframes, and prototypes.

  • Facilitated strategic decision making with low-fidelity wireframes and designed high-fidelity wireframes and prototypes to communicate interactivity.

  • Managed a range of projects (30+) UX projects, providing design expertise, usability consultation, and accessibility reviews.

  • Identified and solved UX/UI challenges, improving through iterative design and usability testing.

  • Built in WCAG 2.0 AA compliance in design system improving digital accessibility across platforms.

  • Evaluated and optimized internal workflows, tools, and governance structures, recommending process improvements to enhance user-centered design practices.improvements.

Apr. 2020 – Jan. 2022
Graphic & UX Designer (Team Lead)
Texas Dept. of Transportation, Communications Division

Highlights include:

  • Led graphic and UX design efforts, collaborating with Web and Media Production teams to create user-friendly, visually compelling digital and print materials for internal and external audiences.

  • Consulted with 25 districts and 34 divisions, providing design strategy and UX guidance for high-profile digital and print projects.

  • Reduced project turnaround time by developing design resources and templates, improving consistency and efficiency for team members.

  • Managed a monthly portfolio of projects, balancing print and digital design while ensuring brand compliance and accessibility best practices.

  • Introduced user-centered design principles into graphic design workflows, improving stakeholder engagement and content effectiveness.

  • Partnered with cross-functional teams to create ensuring alignment with organizational goals and user needs.

  • Ensured quality, accuracy, and adherence to brand guidelines, optimizing workflows for improved design production.

  • Fostered a collaborative, customer-focused team environment, mentoring colleagues and promoting design thinking practices.

Apr. 2017 – Mar. 2020
Associate Creative Director & Brand Manager
Dell Medical School | The University of Texas at Austin

Managed freelance design staff, interns, and all design and branding projects, encompassing digital, social media, and print initiatives.

  • Supervised team of 5 contractors and intern, overseeing the delivery digital and print marketing assets for 23 departments & institutes.

  • Graphic design project lead for organizations website redesign and digital magazine site projects.

  • Managed the development of brand guidelines and templates for faculty and staff.

  • Conceptualized and lead design strategy for marketing materials for diverse audience segments.

  • Administered digital asset library over 20,000+ resources.

  • Managed $20K annual budget.

  • Planned visual strategy for the enterprise.

  • Domain expert for between UT Austin and Dell Med to ensure consistent brand.

  • Managed brand review licensing request system for staff and vendors to ensure brand alignment.

  • Oversaw daily operations including including budgeting, time sheets, etc.

Jul. 2015 – Apr. 2017
Designer & Brand Manager
Dell Medical School | The University of Texas at Austin

In the start-up environment, I assumed multiple roles, primarily as a designer. I created most brand touchpoints in the school’s early years and successfully implemented the REthink campaign identity. I designed and developed visual systems, resources, and processes as needed.

  • Scheduled and managed photography shoots.

  • Created digital and print projects.

  • Managed project budgets and production processes.

  • Established and managed the licensing request process and workflow.

Previous Positions

  • The University of Texas at Austin, Office of Admissions

    I lead the bi-annual redesign of undergraduate recruitment materials for UT Austin. My annual production budget was $100,000+. One highlight was a recruiting cycle campaign that attracted the most successful freshman class in history of the university!

    Designed all brand/campaign touch points

    Managed vendors (print, photography, and production)

    Forecasted and managed project budgets and production timelines

    Scheduled photo shoots

  • Texas State University, Office of University Marketing

    My promotion to this position highlighted my passion for design and drive for success. As the office's lead designer, I consulted on most projects and mentored other designers. I successfully designed the university's first mobile iOS app which was custom built from scratch.

    Conceptualized and designed marketing materials for the university including: office of admissions, alumni association, philanthropy and other internal clients

    Collaborated with cross functional team of developers, writers, editors, etc.

    Consulted for the athletic department to update visual identity

    Interpreted client's business needs and developed concepts to achieve their goal

    Wrote, posted, reviewed, and awarded project bids

    Received Texas State Rising Star Award

Education

Master of Fine Arts

  • Texas State University

  • Magna Cum Laude

  • Communication Design

Bachelor of Fine Arts

  • Texas State University

  • Cum Laude

  • Communication Design

    1. Practical Supervision

    2. UX Design 7 Implementation Planning

    3. UX Design 6 Paper Prototyping

    4. UX Design 5 Creating Scenarios and Storyboards

    5. UX Research Method Interviews

    6. UX Design 4 Ideation

    7. Learn Python 3

    8. Accessibility Auditing Websites for Compliance

    9. Accessibility for Leadership

    10. Accessibility for Purchasing

    11. Accessibility Testing in your Organization

    12. Accessibility as a Priority in Your Organization

    13. Accessibility with WCAG 2.1

    14. Figma for UX Design

    15. Accessibility Fundamentals for the Web

    16. Learning Jira Software

    17. Data Literacy Fundamentals

    18. Figma Essential Training Collaboration

    19. Figma Essential Training The Basics

    20. UX Design 3 Creating Personas

    21. UX Design 2 Analyzing User Data

    22. Computing in Python 3: Data

    23. Computing in Python 2: Control Structures

    24. Computing in Python 1: Fundamentals and Procedural Programming

    25. Learn Command Line

    26. Tableau Essential Training

    27. Programming Foundations: Databases

    28. Drawing Vector Graphics: Isometric Illustration

    29. UX Foundations: Information Architecture

    30. Learn Give Grown: Data Visualization and Intro to Tableau

    31. Figma for UX Design

    32. Persuasive UX: Creating Credibility

    33. Scheduling for Creatives

    34. Copyright for Creatives: Protecting Your Work

    35. Making Better Decisions

    36. Delegating Tasks To Your Team

    37. Adobe CC Libraries

    38. Adobe Draw for Illustration

    39. Learning the Concepts App

    40. Drawing Vector Graphics: Iconography

    41. Running a Design Business: Freelancing

    42. Running a Design Business: Pricing and Estimating

    43. Running a Design Business: Creative Briefs

    44. Running a Design Business: Starting Small

    45. Finance Essentials for Small Business

    46. Becoming a Thought Leader

    47. Leading with Emotional Intelligence

    48. Influencing Others

    49. Intellectual Property Fundamentals

    50. Communication Fundamentals

    51. Designing an Infographic

    52. After Effects CC Essential Training

    53. Creating a Responsive Web Design

    54. Adding Dynamic QR Codes

    55. Drawing Vector Graphics: Tribal Illustration

    56. Foundations of Photography: Flash

    57. Drawing Vector Graphics: Linear Line Illustration

    58. Stepping Up to Leadership

    59. Writing Marketing Copy

    60. Content Marketing Fundamentals

    61. Word for Mac 2011: Essential Training

    62. Up and Running with Astute Graphics for Illustrator

    63. Photography and the Law: Understanding Copyright

    64. Drawing Vector Graphics: Patterns

    65. WordPress Plugins: SEO

    66. Creating Infographics with Illustrator

    67. Artist at Work: From Sketch to Finished Vector Illustration

    68. Logolounge: Shapes and Symbols in Logo Design

    69. Drawing Vector Graphics: Color and Detail

    70. Foundations of Logo Design

    71. WordPress E-commerce: Easy Digital

    72. WordPress Essential Training

    73. CSS: Frameworks and Graphics

    74. Excel for Mac 2011 Essential Training

    75. Mobile Web Design & Development Fundamentals

    76. CSS Fundamentals

    77. JavaScript Essential Training

    1. Design Leadership Handbook, Aaron Walter & Eli Woolery

    2. Ethics: A History of Moral Thought, Robert Kreeft

    3. The Life and Times of Benjamin Franklin, H. W. Brands

    4. A promised land, Volume 1, Barack Obama

    5. Don't Make me Think, Revisited, Steve Krug

    6. Laws of UX, Jon Yablonski

    7. The Psychology of Graphic Design Pricing, Michael Janda

    8. The Psychology of Selling, Brian Tracy

    9. Storytelling with Data, Cole Knaflic

    10. Lean UX, Jeff Gothelf, Josh Seiden

    11. Impeach: The Case Against Donald Trump, Neal Katyal

    12. Design Systems Handbook, Marco Suarez, Jina Anne, Diana Mounter, Roy Stanfield, Katie Sylor-Miller

    13. This is Marketing, Seth Godin

    14. The New One Minute Manager, Ken Blanchard, Spencer Johnson

    15. Data for the people, Andreas Weigend

    16. Emotional Intelligence Resilience, Harvard Business Review

    17. Emotional Intelligence Mindfulness, Harvard Business Review

    18. Emotional Intelligence Happiness, Harvard Business Review

    19. Emotional Intelligence Empathy, Harvard Business Review

    20. Talent is Never Enough, John Maxwell

    21. The Creative Professional's Guide to Money: How to Think About It, How to Talk About it, How to Manage It, Ilise Benun

    22. Creative, Inc.: The Ultimate Guide to Running a Successful Freelance Business, Joy Deangdeelert Cho and Meg Mateo Ilasco

    23. Extreme Ownership: How U.S. Navy SEALs Lead and Win, Jocko Willink and Leif Babin

    24. The Field Guide to Human-Centered Design, IDEO

Awards & Publications

47 Awards & 56 Publications

  1. AASHTO, Website Redesign (without consultant) | TxDot.gov

  2. AVA Digital Awards, Gold Award, Website Design | TxDot.gov

  3. AVA Digital Awards, Gold Award, Website Redesign | TxDot.gov

  4. AVA Digital Awards, Gold Award, Website Government | TxDot.gov

  5. Hermes Creative Awards, Gold Award, Website Design | TxDOT.gov

  6. Hermes Creative Awards, Gold Award, Website Redesign | TxDOT.gov

  7. Hermes Creative Awards, Gold Award, Website Government | TxDOT.gov

  8. American Business Awards, Gold Stevie Award for Transportation | TxDOT.gov

  9. American Business Awards, Gold Stevie Award for Web Design | TxDOT.gov

  10. American Business Awards, Gold Stevie Award for Navigation & Structure | TxDOT.gov

  11. LogoWave, Publication

  12. GDUSA, Health + Wellness Design Award Dell Med Class Demographics, Infographics Category

  13. GDUSA, Health + Wellness Design Award REthink Magazine, Publications Category

  14. GDUSA, Health + Wellness Design Award REthink Site, Online Design Category

  15. GDUSA, Health + Wellness Design Award REthink Site, Online Design Category

  16. GDUSA, Health + Wellness Design Award Livestrong Cancer Institutes Strategic Plan Brochure, Brochure and Collateral Category

  17. GDUSA, Health + Wellness Design Award Dell Med School Viewbook, Brochure and Collateral Category

  18. CASE Accolades, Gold Award REthink Site, Online Magazine Category

  19. CASE Accolades, Honorable Mention Viewbook, Viewbook Design Category

  20. CASE Accolades, Honorable Mention Viewbook, Design Improvement Category

  21. CASE Accolades, Honorable Mention Admissions Brochure, Design Improvement Category

  22. Logolounge Volume 10, South Fork Ranch

  23. CASE Accolades, Gold Award (Online Magazine Category) UT Austin, Dell Medical School, DellMedRethink

  24. GDUSA: American Inhouse Design Award, UT Austin, Dell Medical School, Development Viewbook

  25. GDUSA: American Inhouse Design Award, UT Austin, Dell Medical School, Founders Circle Logo

  26. In-House Printing and Mailing Association Award, Bronze (Cards/Programs Category), Dell Medical School Holiday Card, Holiday Greeting Card

  27. In-House Printing and Mailing Association Award, Silver (Magazines Category), UT Austin, Dell Medical School, Viewbook

  28. CASE Gold Award, Dell Medical School Viewbook, Cover Design

  29. CASE Bronze Award, Dell Medical Admissions Package, Specialty Advertising

  30. CASE Gold Award, Dell Medical Email Newsletter, e-Newsletter

  31. CASE Gold Award, UT Austin, Office of Admissions, Viewbook 2015-16

  32. CASE Bronze Award, UT Austin, Office of Admissions, College Guide Ad

  33. Logolounge Volume 9, Mad Batter

  34. Logolounge Volume 9, Electric Tattoo 1

  35. Logolounge Volume 9, Electric Tattoo 2

  36. Logolounge Volume 9, The Noble Pint

  37. Logolounge Volume 9, Coco Louvier

  38. PaperSpecs Gallery, UT Austin, Office of Admissions, Coin Package

  39. University & College Designers Association, Award of Excellence, Category: Recruitment ViewbookUT Austin, Office of Admissions, Viewbook Brochure

  40. University & College Designers Association, Award of Excellence, Category: Media Strategy UT Austin, Office of Admissions, Presidents Admitted Student Package

  41. Underconsideration: For Print Only, UT Austin, Office of Admissions, Challenge Coin Package

  42. Take my time: Creative Calendar Design, Emotical

  43. Take my time: Creative Calendar Design, Fuzzy Time

  44. Design: Logo: An Exploration of Marvelous Marks, Insightful Essays, and Revealing Reviews, Outdoor Lighting Perspective

  45. Design: Logo: An Exploration of Marvelous Marks, Insightful Essays, and Revealing Reviews, King Shake

  46. Design: Logo: An Exploration of Marvelous Marks, Insightful Essays, and Revealing Reviews, Specs Wine & Spirits

  47. Design: Logo: An Exploration of Marvelous Marks, Insightful Essays, and Revealing Reviews, John Burrough's High School

  48. Emblem Ornamental logos, marks, and labels, UT Scholars 1

  49. Emblem Ornamental logos, marks, and labels, UT Scholars 2

  50. Emblem Ornamental logos, marks, and labels, Blueberry Festival 1

  51. Emblem Ornamental logos, marks, and labels, Blueberry Festival 2

  52. Emblem Ornamental logos, marks, and labels, Blueberry Festival 3

  53. Emblem Ornamental logos, marks, and labels, Diamond Bakery

  54. ADWEEK: Talent Gallery, UT Austin, Office of Admissions, Profound Brochure

  55. Logolounge Volume 7, Mandy's Frozen Treats

  56. Logolounge Volume 7, Blueberry Festival 1

  57. Logolounge Volume 7, Blueberry Festival 2

  58. Paper Folding Templates for Print Design, Hexagon Brochure

  59. In Effect: Ground Breaking Finishes & Materials in Graphic Design, Sean Barnes Business Cards

  60. In Effect: Ground Breaking Finishes & Materials in Graphic Design, Cabin Book

  61. Underconsideration: For Print Only, UT Austin, Office of Admissions, Viewbook Brochure

  62. Underconsideration: For Print Only, Hexagon Brochure

  63. Underconsideration: For Print Only, Graduation Announcement

  64. Logology2, Delish

  65. CASE Silver Award, Texas State Univ. iPhone App

  66. CASE Special Award, Texas State Univ. Presidential Football Invitation

  67. Logolounge Master Book 4, Quik Print

  68. Logolounge Master Book 4, Delish

  69. Logolounge Master Book 4, Drive

  70. PaperSpecs Gallery, Strutters Invitation

  71. PaperSpecs Gallery, Hexagon Brochure

  72. PaperSpecs Gallery, Texas State Univ. Presidential Football Invitation

  73. Logolounge Master Book 1, Earth Tech

  74. Logolounge Master Book 1, Uncanny Paint

  75. Logolounge Master Book 2, Chaos Snowboards

  76. The Walk Activity Center: Poster Art Show, Corporate Warfare

  77. Graphic Design USA In House Design Award, Texas State Univ. Chancellor Invitation

  78. Graphic Design USA In House Design Award,

  79. Graphic Design USA In House Design Award,

  80. CASE Special Award

  81. Logolounge Volume 6, Olive Juice

  82. Logolounge Volume 6, Sin City

  83. 2010 Dallas Society of Visual Communication Student Show, Specs logo

  84. American Graphic Design Awards: Category First Place

  85. American Graphic Design Awards: Category Second Place

  86. Texas State University: Rising Star Award

  87. Calendar Graphics, Emotical

  88. Underconsideration: For Print Only, Texas State Univ. Presidential Football Invitation

  89. Type Player 2

  90. Communication Arts: Creative Exhibition, Texas State Univ. Presidential Football Invitation

  91. CASE Special Award

  92. Graphic Design USA: In House Design Award

  93. Graphic Design USA: In House Design Award

  94. STEP Inside Design 100 Student

  95. Good 50x70, Corporate Warfare

  96. Logolounge Volume 5, Uncanny Paint

  97. Underconsideration: For Print Only, Strutters Invitation

  98. Creative Summit

  99. Logolounge Volume 4, Gotham Gardens

  100. Art Directors Club Houston: Student Show

  101. CMYK Magazine No.30, Heather McHugh Poster

  102. Creative Summit: Coveted Memorial Ralph Award

  103. Creative Summit: Certificate of Excellence