mesmilingposebkwht

“Ideas need landing gear as well as wings.”

 

“Any creative department is only as good as the talent within. I am often reminded of a great article on managing creatives with the title “Keep ‘em Safe and Warm” and the visual was a carton of eggs. I make sure my creatives are always getting my input and support. I am overjoyed when their ideas rise to the top. I don’t mean to get all YODA here, but I love when the “student surpasses the master.”  Because it means I am doing my job! It is a very exciting, proud moment.”

Over 25 years of marketing communications experience and a passion to create relevant yet memorable programs that really move the needle.

I began my career at Frankel on the Target account, where I designed point-of-sale and other in-store promotional programs, using antiquated tools called “markers”. I then spent six years at Schafer Condon Carter Advertising, where I worked on a variety of clients including Quaker, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, Cole Taylor Bank, Bill Knapp’s Restaurants, Paterno Wines and Bertucci’s. I lent my creative talents and vision to vehicles and tactics ranging from print ads and broadcast, to direct mail, promotions, brand development, in-store programs, packaging and collateral.

In 1999, I joined Davidson Marketing  (now Geometry) where I was the promotional project lead for several Kraft brands, and supervised a creative team on the Unilever business. Brand building assignments included the re-launch of Rave brands as well as the annual Suave Carnival multi-branded promotional event.

In 2004, I joined Anthem (formerly Seven Worldwide) as a Creative Director. With very few resources, I grew my department from two people to seven in under two years. My hard working team and I produced award winning creative for Kellogg’s, Cadbury Schweppes, JC Penny, Radio Shack and Accenture.

I joined Jacobs Agency in 2006 and over my 12 year tenure helped grow the agency from 6 people to just under 40. As the V.P. Executive Creative Director I proved my leadership skills by instituting an Agency voice and tone,  philosophy and pillars, a formal process, as well as an approach that focused on client objectives. The Agency’s impressive industry roster covered F&B, Technology, Financial, Business Services, CPG, Office Products, Healthcare, Telecom, Organization, and Manufacturing. My goal for every project was to establish a creative vision, ensure it was strategically relevant, and maintain creative excellence and consistency while trying to make an emotional connection with consumers. As we grew I continued to successfully cultivate and mentor a bright and talented team while managing projects from concept to execution, on time and on budget.

With my leadership, Jacobs Agency won more than 80+ various awards recognizing creative Marcom excellence. The Agency has also been consistently listed as one of the B2B top agencies of the year and also recognized by the Inc. 500|5000 list for three years in a row. It also won the silver winner in Stevie’s Best Agency of the Year award as well as Marketing Campaign of the Year in the food category in 2012.

On a more personal note, in between my crazy career, I’m a mom to a precocious teen daughter and a lifestyle/food blogger. If you wish to share recipes and talk about how well the tomato growing season is by you, stop by at www.urbandomesticdiva.com

Check out my complete list of clients.

For a list of awards my creative departments and I won, visit this page.