Overview

As an accomplished UX leader with a track record of award-winning achievements, I bring over 24 years of comprehensive expertise in UI/UX, spanning from my roots as a designer and developer to my current role as a visionary design leader. My strengths lie in user-centered design, strategic planning, and innovative leadership, all aimed at cultivating world-class user experiences that seamlessly align with business objectives. With a proven history of driving results and a passion for empowering and mentoring teams, I've had the privilege of contributing my skills to renowned organizations such as CISCO, EY, McKesson and Cox Automotive. My dedication to fostering team success and consistently delivering value, sprint after sprint, is what fuels my professional satisfaction.

Experience

Design Executive
Innovation Harbor Inc. 

Alpharetta, GA,  Jul 2023 - Current

Innovation Harbor

• Founder and owner of a design consultancy, drawing upon extensive expertise in user-centered design and strategic planning. Committed to innovative leadership, with a focus on delivering world-class user experiences that seamlessly align with and drive business objectives. Dedicated to empowering and mentoring teams to consistently achieve successful outcomes.

Sr User Experience Manager
Cisco Enterprise Networking

Alpharetta, GA,  Nov 2021 - Jun 2023, Remote

Cisco DNA Center | Cisco ISE | Software-Defined Access

• Managed a team of 12+ designers responsible for a billion-dollar line of business. Continuously improved skill sets through individual evaluations, career goal setting, one-on-one coaching, team training sessions, mentoring, and proactively sought project opportunities to apply new skills acquired.

• Orchestrated the operational management of design timelines for 22 engineering teams, comprising over 110 developers, across multiple releases for the Cisco DNA-Center Networking platform, ensuring efficient project execution and on-time delivery.

• Designed and implemented a comprehensive design audit to systematically identify and document design inconsistencies across various applications and our design system. This initiative resulted in the creation of a backlog of defects and a clear path to achieving design consistency.

• Directed numerous usability sessions and design thinking workshops, totaling hundreds, addressing a wide array of business and market challenges. Leveraged research methodologies, design sprints, and design thinking to encourage innovation and collected valuable feedback from customers and cross-functional partners.

• Established and effectively managed a customer advisory board, enabling designers to directly obtain feedback from customers and spearhead user-centered design efforts for significant initiatives. This process complemented ongoing research conducted by our dedicated researchers.

• Collaborated closely with the leadership team to advocate for and promote the team's achievements and best UX practices, actively fostering a culture of innovation and user-centered design within the organization.

User Experience Manager
Cisco Security Business Group

Alpharetta, GA,  Jan 2016 - Nov 2021, Hybrid

Secure Network Analytics (StealthWatch)

• Led a high-performing team of designers and researchers, overseeing a multi-million dollar product line. Achieved a remarkable 10-quarter streak of consistently growing revenue and margins.

• Initiated and managed a two-month sales research project that yielded outstanding results, including a 46% increase in product sales the following quarter and an impressive 115% sales boost the subsequent year. The project employed a multi-faceted approach, incorporating surveys, internal and external interviews, sales personas, sales journey maps, and two design thinking workshops. This initiative aimed to enhance the selling process for the StealthWatch line of business.

• Pioneered the establishment of an early access program, granting customers the opportunity to actively shape the future of the StealthWatch line of applications. This program facilitated invaluable feedback on early research, ongoing design work, and insights into relaunch development efforts.

• Earned recognition by winning the Cisco Security Business Group's Play to Win Together Award in Q2 FY17. This achievement stemmed from designing a proof-of-value application for Cisco's network firewall application, contributing to increased sales and a reduction in time to value.

• Conducted extensive research and design work to create a visionary concept for a Cisco security platform, ultimately green-lighting the Secure X platform. This transformative platform seamlessly integrates all Cisco security and partner applications. The project spanned multiple quarters and involved surveys, customer visits, design workshops, and iterative rapid prototyping, all while managing current portfolio responsibilities.

• Streamlined and consolidated a set of security personas used across Cisco Security, enabling the organization to gain a deeper understanding of customer needs and preferences.

• My team invented "bad actor" personas to educate employees about network threats. Leveraging these personas and their corresponding use cases, effectively conveyed the intricacies of network threats through journey mapping, highlighting how teams navigate security breaches to fortify and safeguard the network.

Director of Usability
Lancope; (Acquired by Cisco, Dec 2015)

Alpharetta, GA,  Jun 2015 - Dec 2015, Onsite 

About Lancope | StealthWatch Overview

• Managed a team of Senior UX Designers at Lancope, Inc., achieving and maintaining 100% occupancy, demonstrating effective leadership and team management.

• Assumed responsibility for leading research and usability efforts within the UX team, collaborating with cross-functional partners and customers to gain insights into business challenges and opportunities. Fostered a culture of innovation by conducting over 100 usability sessions across multiple initiatives.

• Implemented agile design sprints to expedite the transformation of ideas into tangible and actionable products and solutions, enhancing the efficiency of product development processes.

• Spearheaded the redesign of primary workflows and initiated innovative projects, resulting in the development of a leading product line with an impressive 10 consecutive quarters of revenue and margin growth.

Associate Director of User Experience
Cognizant @ Ernst & Young

Alpharetta, GA, Aug 2014 - Jun 2015, Onsite

EY Canvas

• Collaborated with Cognizant and EY (a Big 4 consulting firm) in the co-creation of Canvas, EY's inaugural SaaS cloud-based auditing platform. This highly intricate systems integration application was deployed across 25 data centers, serving over 80,000 users. Utilizing full-stack web technologies, multiple production releases were successfully executed. Notably, the team's meticulous attention to design, implementation, and overall user experience led to a substantial reduction in internal auditor training, from two weeks to just two days. This efficiency improvement resulted in more effective audits and created room for further innovation.

• Assumed diverse responsibilities for Canvas, including the management of a global team comprising 50+ designers and developers. Leveraged a "follow the sun" design and development approach, combined with agile best practices. Provided Journey Maps, Prototypes, and Front End code to drive seamless project execution.

• Led program management for the UX/UI practice, overseeing operations and providing weekly reports to EY executive leadership, ensuring transparent communication and alignment.

• Designed and launched E&Y's pioneering atomic design system application, an adaptable design system encompassing design elements, specifications, and code. This initiative significantly boosted development velocity, established essential standards, including branding and code, and enhanced baseline accessibility, reducing technical debt while fostering a unified user experience.

• Achieved recognition by winning the Cognizant Best Design Project Award in 2014 for the exceptional work on the Canvas project.

• Spearheaded the recruitment and retention of top UI and UX talent for Cognizant teams, supporting various Fortune 500 clients across the Metro Atlanta area, contributing to the growth and success of these teams.

UX Architect
DealerMatch (A Cox Automotive Incubator)

Atlanta, GA, Jan 2012 - Jul 2014, Onsite

DealerMatch Overview | Portfolio

• Designed the inaugural DealerMatch application, an enterprise SAAS solution deployed on the Amazon Cloud. This groundbreaking application facilitated automotive dealers in trading, buying, and selling cars, with the entire design-to-deployment cycle completed within a remarkable two-month timeframe from initial design inception.

• Pioneered the design of DealerMatch's first iOS application, incorporating user research and usability testing upon its launch to enhance user-friendliness and gather valuable insights from early adopters.

• Conceptualized and designed a customer management application within Salesforce, empowering the Customer Success and Sales teams to effectively broker deals and manage customer interactions.

• Spearheaded the creation of DealerMatch's inaugural Android application, with a strategic focus on harnessing native Android patterns to deliver a superior mobile-first user experience.

• Collaborated on co-designing the DealerMatch vector-based icons and design system, ensuring a consistent and cohesive user experience across the entire application platform.

• Successfully established DealerMatch's initial brand identity and crafted marketing materials, enabling a polished and professional presence at sales and trade-show events.

Human Factors Engineer - Team Lead
McKesson

Alpharetta, GA, Jun 2011 - Dec 2011

Portfolio

UI Analyst - Team Lead (Promotion)      
McKesson

Alpharetta, GA, Nov 2010 - Jun 2011

• Enhanced Next-Generation Rich Internet Applications for Hospital & Ambulatory Enterprise Revenue Management Systems

• Revamped and implemented a User-Centric Design Methodology within the SCRUM framework

• Established and maintained a comprehensive Ext-JS 4.0 Widget Library accessible via SharePoint WIKI

• Pioneered and executed a Progressive Standards Initiative for seamless integration

• Initiated, crafted, and consistently updated a Progressive Standards Blog hosted on SharePoint

• Assembled and directed a high-caliber User Experience Team, overseeing the recruitment of Human Factor Engineers and Usability Analysis Specialists

• Crafted and fine-tuned User Experience Strategies, obtaining unanimous approval from Team Members, Clients, and Stakeholders

• Conducted Daily Stand-Up Meetings and design reviews with our dedicated design team

• Led interactive whiteboard design sessions involving SCRUM teams, design experts, and Leadership to drive continuous application improvement

• Established and managed the inaugural Usability Division within the User Experience Team

• Collaborated closely with McKesson's Usability Task Force to develop universal standards for all McKesson applications.

  Skills
  Design Systems, Design Leadership, Information Architecture, Agile Design, Scrum, Business Transformation, Photoshop, CSS, HTML, Illustrator, InDesign, Wire-framing, Prototyping, Presentations, PowerPoint, Sharepoint, EXTJS Designer

UX Design Lead
AutoTrader.com

Atlanta, GA, Aug 2008 - Nov 2010

Portfolio

Visual Designer (Promotion)
AutoTrader.com

Atlanta, GA, Sep 2006 - Nov 2010

• Launched an exciting endeavor at AutoTrader.com, pioneering Dealer Solutions, an industry-revolutionizing automotive platform. This project, my gateway into User Experience, ignited my passion for UX.

• Collaborated seamlessly across cross-functional teams to strategize and execute internal initiatives, aiming to reshape the automotive sales landscape.

• Analyzed complex business objectives and requirements, translating them into visually compelling and impactful design solutions.

• Provided precise time estimates, ensuring on-time project delivery, a testament to my project management skills.

• Crafted captivating design concepts, resonating with stakeholders and team members, consistently driving innovation and visual excellence.

• Championed and defended design choices throughout iterative review cycles, exceeding expectations and enhancing the user experience.

• Engaged in usability testing, reviews, and evaluations, catalyzing continuous improvement of the overall user experience.

• Maintained AutoTrader.com's visual design standards, refining the style guide and enterprise library for a polished visual identity.

• Collaborated with the User Experience research team, implementing forward-looking growth strategies driven by data-driven insights.

• Promoted a collaborative and open environment within the UX design team, fostering innovation, knowledge sharing, and teamwork.

• Efficiently coordinated project schedules with the Project Manager, ensuring timely milestone achievement.

• Lead the user experience design of multiple Private Seller lines of business, introducing groundbreaking initiatives that collectively contributed to a monthly revenue of 4 million, fortifying 

• AutoTrader.com's success in serving Automotive Original Equipment Manufacturers.

• Demonstrated exceptional leadership as head of the Private Seller design team, nurturing a culture of innovation.

  Skills
  User Experience, Visual Design, Interaction Design, Creative Direction, Rapid Prototyping, Design Analysis, Red Lines, Project Leader, HTML, CSS, Adobe Flash, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe InDesign, Design Critiques, Business Acumen, Personas, Design Rational, Rapid Prototyping, Agile, WaterFall, Design Analysis, AB Testing, Marketing, Pricing, Research, New Business Development, Innovation, Multidisciplinary Collaboration, Data Analysis, Automotive Marketing

Director of Communications
Sherwood Marketing

Atlanta, GA, Jun 2005 - Jul 2006 

Graphic Designer (Promotion)
Sherwood Marketing

Atlanta, GA, Jun 2002 - Jun 2005

• A strategic marketing consultancy driving brand success through innovative solutions and client collaboration.

• Oversaw corporate communications for Annual Home Depot campaign, including designing and developing annual marketing campaigns.

• Crafted and designed corporate apparel and promotional materials for renowned Fortune 500 entities, including NAPA, Home Depot, Bell South, and Georgia Pacific.

• Created the promotional cap and advertisement for NAPA's 4th of July Marketing Campaign, resulting in the sale of one million caps. Notably, my design served as the inspirational foundation for Michael Waltrip's Race Car Design during the Pepsi 500 Race in Daytona.

• Designed prominent national promotional caps for NAPA, achieving sales of 250,000+ caps per promotional cycle.

• Engineered and maintained in-house corporate databases for efficient data management.

• Produced captivating multimedia and print presentations for esteemed Fortune 500 clients.

  Skills
  Project Management, Communications, Promotional Marketing, User Interface Design, Web Design, Product Marketing, Corporate Branding, Graphic Design, Application Development, Web Development, Database Development, Advertising, Marketing, HTML, CSS, Flash, Director 

Web Developer
See See Eye

Atlanta, GA, Jan 2002 - Mar 2002

• Website development for Arthur Andersen’s Annual Report

  
  Skills: Web Design, Web Development, HTML, CSS

Web Developer
Atlanta Chamber of Commerce

Atlanta, GA, Jul 2001 - Dec 2001

• Corporate Website Design and Development 

• Advertising Campaign for 2001 Peach Bowl

  
  Skills
  Graphic Design, Promotional Marketing, Marketing, Advertising, Creative Direction, Brand Corporate Branding, Web Development, HTML, CSS

Multimedia Designer
Commerce TV

Braintree, MA, Apr 2000 - Jun 2001

• Pioneered the development of a cutting-edge digital set-top box application prototype using Macromedia Director.

• Achieved a prestigious Banndi Award in 2000 for "Best New Commerce Solution" for my exceptional prototype of a digital set-top box demo in Flash.

• Collaborated with the Art Director and Marketing Director on developing dynamic demo prototypes in Flash, specifically tailored for digital set-top box applications.

• Conceptualized and delivered captivating applications and presentations for high-impact trade shows.

• Produced engaging, interactive corporate presentations for an array of Fortune 500 industry leaders, including COX Communication, Motorola, Scientific Atlanta, CBS, NBC, ESPN, and FOX.

  
  Skills
  Macromedia Director, Lingo, Macromedia Flash, Action Script, Start Up, Marketing, Rapid Prototyping, Presentations, PowerPoint, Graphic Design, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, Animation, Motion Graphics  

Graphic Designer
Inter Ad Agency

Sarasota, FL, Jul 1999 - Feb 2000

• Crafted the visually captivating Arthur Andersen bi-annual tax magazine.

• Designed attention-grabbing 3D pop-up and trifold advertisements for Arthur Andersen's investment initiatives.

• Produced a wide range of creative assets, including striking illustrations, distinctive logos, interactive maps, photo. enhancements, and other graphic elements, catering to the diverse needs of Art Type and Inter Ad Agency Clients.

• Benefitted from mentorship by Peter Paul, an award-winning Art Director with a record of winning 250 ADDY awards by the AMERICAN Advertising Federation.

  
  Skills
  Graphic Design, Promotional Marketing, Advertising, Print Design, Illustration, Design Layout, Design Critique, Art Direction, Web Graphics, Production Design, Adobe Photoshop, Quark Express, Adobe Illustrator

Graphic Designer - Internship
Snowshoe Mountain, Marketing Group

Snowshoe, WV, Jan 1999 - Mar 1999

• Graphic Design Intern at Snowshoe Marketing Group, where creativity took center stage.

• Skillfully designed captivating flyers and advertisements for diverse clients, including the ski resort, real estate firms, and local bars, restaurants, and hotels on the mountain, amplifying their market presence.

• Held the role of a mountain photographer, expertly capturing high-octane action shots of skilled skiers and snowboarders in their element.

• Created web advertisements and posters, demonstrating my prowess in creating compelling layouts and infusing my designs with artistic flair.

  
  Skills
  Graphic Design, Promotional Marketing, Advertising, Print Design, Photography, Design Layout

Education

West Virginia Wesleyan College
BS Major: Graphic Design and Fine Arts

Licenses & certifications

Expertise Design Sprint Coach

AJ&Smart, Issued Nov 2022

Enterprise Innovator

AJ&Smart, Issued Nov 2022

Innovation Mastery

Innovation Labs, Issued Jan 2021 - No Expiration Date

Cisco Design Thinking Facilitator

Cooper, Issued Jun 2019 - No Expiration Date

Cisco Security Ninja Green Belt

Issued 2017 - No Expiration Date

Honors & Awards

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