As the senior creative professional and most experienced marketing leader in the university, I participated in an advisory role for a team that included various campus marketing managers and the VC of Marketing. My leadership significantly contributed to the team’s successful transition of five websites to one while rebranding the university.
I was also responsible for crafting Google ad programs and their respective landing pages, and acted in an oversight advisory role for the University’s promotional initiatives.
I mentored the team of younger marketing managers, instructing them on landing page and SEO best practices, and lifestyle marketing.
Received a citation by the Chancellor for the work I accomplished to help the university through challenging times.
Lead the creative with a focus on strategic marketing for all state and national marketing initiatives across web, print advertising, direct mail, and event marketing programs for all product lines.
Identified need to strengthen the umbrella corporate brand and led initiatives achieving an across-the-board upgrade to the quality and consistency of branding.
Directed and mentored a staff of five graphic designers and two copy writers.
Introduced the use of social networking and viral marketing to drive web visits and prospect inquiries, leading to the development of their youtube channel which became a highly successful lead generator.
Led the creative for opt-in email blast campaigns resulting in significant sales leads.
Identified amazon.com as a challenging factor in year-over-year decreases in sales for their publishing division, which led to a restructuring of the division.
Conceived of a “Program-finder” app to guide school administrators to the program offerings that best fit their needs, while also generating sales leads for the organization.
This post-graduate healthcare professional training event promotor had seen a significant drop-off in website traffic and a subsequent decline in event attendance.
I oversaw the redesign of the main hub websites, and international event sites, while managing the rewrite of content, establishment of an online newsletter, and an expansion of an online video library. As a result, the traffic exploded to 30% more visits than the previous record high.
Oversaw the promotion of the new cancer center and joint replacement center, resulting in two Tele awards for the TV campaigns I wrote and directed. I also won Lamplighter Marketing award for a direct mail piece welcoming newbies to the region.
Was the art director and principal designer for three toy lines, one of which “went viral”, selling millions of units. Toy Awards included: Openheimer, Parenting Magazine, and Dr. Toy.
Directed all creative in the company and managed on-staff designers and freelancers.
Brookstone had recently lost its creative leadership. The acting CD brought me in to help with packaging, store signage, and web banner ads. I was later credited by the him for “saving the holiday season”.
Beth Obermiller
Former Executive VP, Kid Galaxy
Kendra Fowler
Former Marketing Director, Staff Development for Educators
Michael J. Metcalf
Former Marketing Manager, Antioch University
Laura Andrews
Antioch University Director of Institutional Advancement
Dave West
Former Vice President, Staff Development for Educators
Douglas Gerwin, PhD
Executive Director, Center for Anthroposophy
Dave Weisberg
Former Online Marketing Manager, Staff Development for Educators
As Marketing Director of Just Pretend, Kid Galaxy and then Dolls Unlimited, I worked with Vernon on a number of projects. At Just Pretend, our task was to repackage and reposition Stardust Classics, a collection of dolls and books based on fairytale characters. Challenged by an insane deadline and a complete redo, Vernon’s leadership, focus and inspirational vision ultimately captured the essence of the line and set the stage for acclaim and marketplace success. The collection launched to garner such awards as Parents Magazine’s Best Toy of the Year, a Teacher’s Choice featured finalist, and Associated Press’ Best Toy of the Year. This secured the line’s position as a winner with key retail buyers and consumers. Weathering the challenges of any start-up, fast-paced environment, Vernon successfully and enthusiastically launched and positioned a new company, division and several product collections. He was always a source of encouragement and foresight and juggled numerous projects with ease. One of Vernon’s most valuable and unique leadership qualities is his ability to take many opinions and diplomatically shape them into one focused and successful creative vision. Vernon is well respected, talented, kind and highly professional. Truth be told: If I had my own business, I would hire Vernon as my Creative Director in a heartbeat.
Gayle Calistro
Former Director of Sales, Marketing & Product Development, iDolls