Résumé

Free The Idea / Founder / Creative Counsel / NYC / 2023-Present

A consultancy that applies the power of creative problem-solving to any challenge—be it personal, business, or organizational. We work with individuals and teams using creative strategies to invent and implement valuable ideas—all to help them stop overthinking and start doing.

FKTRY / Partner / Creative Director / NYC / 2019-Present

Creating and building with a passionate (and compassionate) team that provides creative capital to every type of organization, from startups and corporations to non-profits and brands. Our recent focus has been on creating apps that reverse the damages of social media; and building a legalized cannabis brand based in NY state.

BNY Mellon / Creative Director, Copywriter, and Director of Branded Content / NYC / 2019-2021

As the sole creative marketing writer in this 50,000-person company, I was also a creative director and head of branded content. Part of my purview was to help build a complete creative capability in-house for BNY Mellon (essentially, an internal advertising agency). Major projects included the first brand launch in five years, a total reboot of the company’s tone of voice, and a visual look/feel refresh for this 235-year-strong bank that operates in 35 countries, with $2.2 trillion under management, and $41 trillion under custody. Minor historical detail: Alexander Hamilton founded this bank.

GNOMIC / Co-Founder / Creative Director / NYC / 2014-2019

My partner Jason Koxvold and I worked direct-to-client and with agencies to provide deep experience in brand building and creative storytelling, strategy, brand voice/tone, product development, copywriting, creative direction, and production. Clients included: DuPont, Chase, Cadillac, Rolex, Gillette, Google, Uniqlo, Unilever, Etihad Airways, and Spotify. At these agencies and more: R/GA, Grey, J. Walter Thompson, McCann, Rokkan, Havas, and BBH.

Gotham, Inc. / Executive Creative Director & Managing Partner / NYC / 2013-2014

Co-managing director and lead creative of this former Interpublic Group agency. Responsibilities included improving the quality of work, creating a positive/humane/encouraging culture, managing the creative and production staff, rebranding the agency, and executing the design of new workspace.

Multiple Agencies / Creative Director & Consultant / NYC / 2012-2013

Created concepts and futurecasting projects at Co: Collective; at B-Reel for Google projects; and at Badger & Winters, playing a major role in winning the global AVON business.

StrawberryFrog / Creative Director / NYC / 2010-2012

Managed teams and created advertising campaigns for Jim Beam bourbon, Emirates airlines, and Smart Car.

Leo Burnett / Creative Director & Copywriter / Chicago / 2003-2009

Led creative efforts on several Kellogg’s brands, specifically Frosted Mini-Wheats, Special K, and Eggo. Also served as lead creative and principal copywriter for the U.S. Army’s web presence: GoArmy.com.

Other Agency and Brand Experience:

• Hanson/Dodge Design (Milwaukee), OgilvyOne (Chicago), Hill Holliday (Boston); working on Trek Bicycles, Mercedes-Benz, Samsung

EDUCATION

The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor / B.A. in Literature

ADVERTISING INDUSTRY AWARDS

Work recognized by D&AD, Clio, ADC, ANDY, and AICP