Continually pushing boundaries and working to improve how our company values, measures, understands and utilizes customer experiences to inform strategy. This includes:• Leading our team in exploration of customer journeys across touch points• Improving user experiences within a variety of internal and external systems• Utilizing design thinking to provide long term value - not just short term wins• Promoting accessibility, consistency and helping us realize efficiencies at scale

Our team is responsible for the UI/UX integrations and development for a variety of online systems at IMT Insurance. This includes public websites, mobile applications, intranet, agent/policyholder dashboards, content management systems and more. In order to generate meaningful experiences, we work to understand customer perspectives through research, analysis and testing - and use these insights to inform design decisions. As a UX Manager at IMT insurance, I have introduced and lead our team in the introduction and implementation of UX principles, including:• Development of UX integration roadmaps & schedules • Organizing, conducting and analyzing stakeholder research• Developing user flows, wireframes, prototypes, and final designs• Affinity mapping, persona development, observational studies• Usability testing, analysis, reporting• Creation and integration of design system components• Advocating for UX and accessibility with senior management and business units

Responsible for the design and development (HTML/CSS) of IMT systems including public websites, intranet, and customer dashboards. As I grew into this role, I advocated for the inclusion and implementation of UX practices to inform design decisions.

In my spare time, I design and develop web sites and marketing materials for small to medium sized businesses. I enjoy helping these businesses find cost effective ways to expand their reach, while staying in touch with their current customers.

Generate concepts and designs for new and existing clients. This includes initial wire-frames, design, the cut-up/optimization and implementation of all graphical materials, generation of CSS, and cross-browser compatibility testing and Search Engine Optimization (SEO). I work closely with the programmers to assist them in the implementing their materials cohesively into the site. Also branching into the world of Search Engine Optimization techniques and the use of Social Networking tools for business use including Facebook and Twitter.I've also spent time working for Spindustry Training as a professional trainer for the following programs: Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, HTML, CSS and Adobe Acrobat.I work daily with Macromedia Dreamweaver, CSS, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Acrobat & Quark Express.

Responsible for the design & daily content management for two websites, primarily - midlandannuity.com. Additional duties included creating HTML emails and printed marketing materials (including brochures, flyers, posters & forms). Worked with IT department to improve functionality and dynamic features of websites. Managed numerous deadlines across multiple design platforms & consistently met departmental goals. Worked daily with Dreamweaver, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Acrobat & Quark Express.

I was responsible for all aspects of marketing and graphic design from conceptualization to completion for the 2nd largest homebuilder in Iowa. This included designing materials for all methods of advertising including newspapers, magazines, billboards, television, brochures, model homes, trade shows and direct mail. Directed a cooperative marketing initiative with our vendors to increase the cooperative advertising budget by 1007% (from $10,000 a year in 2000 to more than $107,000 in 2001). Daily maintenance of website content while suggesting ways to improve functionality. Negotiated advertising schedules and programs with Iowa Realty on behalf of Jerry's Homes.

In this position, I worked to attract new customers by creating successful and attractive advertising campaigns for the newspaper, magazine, and Internet products. Also assisted with layout of special supplements, internal networking materials, digital photography, and copywriting for internal and external purposes. In addition, filled in for the sales department in a time of high turnover and started a very successful multi-week run center spread for Valley Junction.