Hi! I have over 15 years experience in design and audience innovation, specializing in visual storytelling, design and engagement. I empower my teams to experiment, iterate and be creative designers and storytellers to engage and grow audiences, meet KPIs and get results. My first passion is design, and the intersection of visual storytelling with journalism. As Creative Director for Audience at USA TODAY, I set the creative direction of our industry-leading and powerful landscape of off-platform visuals, visual-based storytelling and new initiatives. As Deputy Managing Editor for Social, I develop the strategy for editorial content across branded social + emerging platforms, including Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, YouTube, Threads, Twitter/X, Post, Pinterest. This led to audience growth across key social platforms including increased vertical/social video consumption. Previously, I was deputy managing editor for storytelling with a focus on social media after serving as the senior audience and social visuals manager at USA TODAY. It all coms back to the intersection of design and journalism – I've been a data reporter, interactives editor, designer and reporter. I've shot, coded, photographed and produced video, photo, and interactive at the PBS NewsHour and CGTN America. I manage teams with mentor-style leadership to create audience-focused work. I have a master’s degree in multimedia from the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism at Arizona State University. I’ve taught at the University of North Carolina, teaching graduate students visual communication and data visualization. I’ve guest taught at Maryland University and ASU, and lead design trainings for news foundations. I speak at conferences about the need to elevate social media design. Outside of work you'll likely find me birding or leaning into my gardener era.