Resumé

Communications Specialist,
Aptia Insurance Services, LLC

March 2024 – March 2025

Managed the creation of high-impact benefit communication materials, ensuring consistency and accuracy.

  • Developed and designed templates for Open Enrollment communications, strictly adhering to Aptia and client brand guidelines.

  • Deployed AI technologies, leading to more succinct and readable language to describe insurance concepts to our clients’ employees.

  • Coordinated client-specific edits to print and email templates, meticulously reviewing materials for completeness and accuracy.

  • Proactively managed ad-hoc communication requests, securing necessary approvals to meet tight deadlines.

  • Interfaced with vendors to ensure timely delivery of all communications. In 2024, successfully managed the delivery of over 40,000 mail pieces and emails.

  • Provided one-on-one troubleshooting support in Microsoft Office and Adobe Creative Suite, enhancing team productivity and efficiency.

  • Actively engaged with teammates by participating in training sessions, meetings, and collaborative projects, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and knowledge sharing.

Communications Coordinator,
Mercer Health & Benefits, LLC

July 2019 – February 2024

Oversaw the creation and distribution of employee communication materials via print and email during Mercer's busy Open Enrollment season and for ongoing communications throughout the year. Served as subject-matter expert by:

  • Facilitated presentations of Mercer product offerings while educating clients on content and delivery while using outstanding communication and client service skills.

  • Developed training guides for team members and contractors on Standard Operating Procedures for creating communications.

  • Communicated and managed client expectations by clarifying timelines and due dates.

  • Maintained flexibility with last-minute changes while updating materials accurately.

  • Trained in-coming contractors on workflow and procedures and developed multiple training guides.

Freelance Graphic Designer

July 2005 – April 2020

Marketing and editorial design with a focus on direct mail and business-to-consumer communications.

  • Conceptualized, wrote, illustrated, and designed Quick & Easy Quilt Block Builder, published by C & T Publishing.

  • Originated control-beating packages for MORE and Diabetic Living magazines as well as direct mail pieces, cover wraps, insert cards, emails and landing pages for Boston, Philadelphia, Yankee, Old Farmer’s Almanac, New England Journal of Medicine and Make magazines.

  • Produced Strategic Planning PowerPoint presentations for Meredith Books, Meredith Newsstand sales and Home Depot. Designed Meredith Corporation’s Annual Report for five years.

Advertising and Promotions Manager, Landauer Publishing

January 2016 - April 2018

Wrote and designed catalogs, sell sheets, magazine ads, weekly e-newsletters, and blog posts for quilt making book publisher.

  • Grew and maintained social media presence on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest.

  • Worked closely with Editorial on product development, reviewing submissions, recreating projects for step-by-step photography, and providing fresh-eye proofreading.

  • Upgraded the consumer website for improved SEO.

  • Coordinated company presence at biannual trade show, including authors' promotional schedules.

Adjunct and Visiting Assistant Professor,
Department of Art and Design, Drake University

January 2003 - May 2018

Taught Graphic Design I, Motion Graphics, Illustration, and Printmaking courses.

  • Developed syllabi and content for all classes taught.

  • Created lessons, demos, tests, and handouts on design skills for diverse student abilities.

  • Mentored students in securing internships.

Education

  • M.F.A. in Printmaking, Cranbrook Academy of Art

  • B.A. in Art History, Mount Holyoke College

Pattern created in Illustrator