TIMELINE

RESUME

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

NEWELL BRANDS, Kalamazoo, MI

Senior Manager - Gen AI Design (Dec 2024 - Present)

  • Built and scaled a cross-functional AI enablement program supporting over 200 designers (industrial + graphic) through monthly classes, advanced tool training, and design challenges

  • Created and launched an internal rotation program embedding industrial designers with our AI team to develop tool fluency across the various design groups

  • Rolled out the design center’s first AI video software and led staff training sessions.

  • Tested and launched new formats of AI backed internal innovation processes growing offerings and options for business teams with different needs for innovation.

  • Evaluated and piloted emerging AI tools (ChatGPT, Midjourney, Vizcom, Runway, Firefly, Adobe, etc.), leading proof-of-concept testing, legal/IT qualification, and enterprise rollout

  • Served as a thought partner and strategic advisor for how AI can enhance creativity, collaboration, and speed-to-market across the organization

  • Organized and co-hosted design wide annual Newell Brands Design Awards Ceremony

Manager - Gen AI Design (Aug 2023 - Nov 2024) 1 yr 5 mos

  • Built a team of experts from the ground up, growing from 1 to 7 in one year.

  • Identified AI software, tested, quantified, and then qualified software, pitching to design leadership for approval as well as working cross-collaboratively with IT and Legal teams for review and approvals.

  • Interviewed key stakeholders within ID, Graphics, Photo Studio, and Project Coordination to understand workflow bottlenecks then problem solved with AI tools offering new tools and/or workflows to improve efficiencies and/or creativity depth and breadth.

  • Partnered with sales to support trade partner initiatives by using AI tools to synthesize internal consumer segment data and trade partner aisle insights, informing shelf redesign recommendations; developed an AI-generated persona and video to humanize findings and communicate opportunities for improvement to retail partners.

  • Delivered Advanced Midjourney Training to over 50 Industrial designers

  • Created, tested, and implemented a new AI backed Innovation process; facilitated over 5 cross-functional innovation workshops with 16 to 20 participants including VPs, each delivering product concepts to consumer testing and directly back into product roadmaps.

  • Presented frequently to the CMO as well as VPs of multiple brands on AI strategy and team’s progress against initiatives.

  • Presented in multiple Quarterly Design Town Halls of 250+ design attendees.

  • Maintained multiple lines of communication back to design staff to educate and update staff on AI workflows including a Teams channel, shared Miro space, and weekly office hours.

Manager - Industrial Design (Aug 2018 - Aug 2023) 5 yrs 2 mos

EMEA & ANZ REGION

  • Managed remote team of 3 in Cheadle, UK with focus on Espresso, Kettles, and Toasters.

  • Managed creation of 3 new global espresso skus for Breville (UK), Sunbeam (ANZ), and Oster (LATAM) to further espresso offerings for Newell Brands.

  • Design lead on ‘Spark’ Espresso Innovation team responsible for next espresso innovation.

  • Led design and launch of new textured breakfast set (kettle and toaster)

ONE POT, HEATED COOKING, & CALPHALON

  • Managed a team of 2-4 designers through multiple design programs from creation to delivery.

  • Managed creation and implementation of Crockpot VBL program over the course of 2.5yrs. First new stoneware shape for crockpot in over 20yrs. First new VBL crockpot.

  • Led Oster VBL creation and rollout across multiple categories, as well as multiple overseas and domestic suppliers.

  • Partnered closely with Usability team to deliver best possible UI solutions for slow cookers, pressure cookers, countertop ovens, toasters, and more.

  • Developed Calphalon consolidation strategy and VBL to save company cost and implement new identity all in one program.

  • Managed design of new-to-world ‘Cool Touch’ Calphalon Oven.

Senior Industrial Designer (Oct 2017 - Aug 2018) 11 mos

  • Led and delivered multiple design projects for the home appliances group for brands including Mr. Coffee, Calphalon, Crockpot, and Oster.

WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION, Benton Harbor, MI

Senior Industrial Designer (Oct 2011 - Oct 2017) 6 yrs 1 mo

  • Lead and Contributing designer on multiple Advanced design team programs including Advanced laundry, Whirlpool VBL, and Gladiator Vision.

  • Led and delivered multiple design programs for the IBU (Independent Business Unit) group including Gladiator Garageworks, RevBrew, and Swash

  • Created and ensured multiple aspects of brand VBL across multiple major appliance categories including JennAir interiors and exterior details.

  • Led and delivered multiple design projects for KitchenAid small appliances brand winning multiple design awards and securing multiple design and utility patents.

Industrial Designer (July 2008 - Oct 2011) 3 yrs 4 mos

  • Led multiple KitchenAid small appliances projects, earning multiple design awards including a Best of the Best Red Dot Award and securing multiple design and utility patents.

EDUCATION

KENDALL COLLEGE OF ART AND DESIGN 2005-2008

Bachelor of Fine Arts - Industrial Design

3.8 GPA

Merit Award Winner 2008

CORE COMPETENCIES

AI Tool Integration · Innovation Facilitation · Cross-functional Leadership · Human-Centered Design · Strategic Planning · Visual Brand Language (VBL) · Consumer Insights Collaboration

SKILLS

Adobe Creative Suite, Solidworks, Rhino3D, Keyshot, Vizcom, Midjourney, Firefly, Krea, Kaedim, Runway, ChatGPT, Custom GPT’s, Custom AI models, MS 365, Google Suite