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Work Background
UXDXConference speaker
Dec. 2022 - Dec. 2022Webinar: Focus on the User as You Develop Your Product
Tech StartupHead of User Research
Mar. 2022 - Jan. 2023RemoteTapped for newly-created role to strategically direct UX research function. Planned and executed large and small-scale UX studies, refined UX processes and deliverables. Synthesized findings to inform product strategy, design, and Agile development. Provided valuable UX insights for RFPs and client presentations to bolster sales efforts. Fostered strong relationships with key clients. ► Stood up complete UX research function, processes, standards, tools and templates; defined
procedures to select, schedule, and interview research participants; built templates for deliverables. ► Evangelized research’s role in the organization, educating cross-functional stakeholders on what user
experience is and how understanding that supports the business’ mission to serve the membership. ► Amplified human- centered design in business development, marketing, and sales, so they were no
longer driven solely by data – which is important – but also shaped by real people with real stories and
real needs.
Health InsurerExperience Strategist
Jul. 2017 - Mar. 2022Remote
PerficientUX Research Director
Aug. 2013 - Feb. 2019RemotePrincipally guided research projects for consulting engagements serving national and multi-national
clients across virtually all industry sectors. Conferred with clients, planned large and small scale UX and
market research projects, defined deliverables, and led teams executing project assignments. Research
encompassed ethnographic studies, competitive analyses, focus groups, heuristic reviews, usability tests, surveys, cognitive walkthroughs, and contextual inquiry. Provided UX perspective to impact clients’
strategic marketing, sales planning, customer experience initiatives, business modeling, pricing, and
application development. ► Instrumentally contributed to 40% increase in sales funnel completion for Tracker Boats brand
owned by outdoor recreation retailer Bass Pro Shops in just 6 months. ► Directed research and conducted interviews and site visits to advise Stryker on how to optimally
share patient data with orthopedic surgeons globally, that most strongly aligned with providers’ needs. ► Led strategy and product planning efforts for clients in for-profit and nonprofit sector. Directed and planned projects, created business strategy and solutions. Developed processes to measure effectiveness of implemented programs. Recommend and implemented measurable steps to achieve growth and cohesion in disparate environments. ► Developed and implemented UX and product development standards and processes. Provided clear vision, expectations, training, guidance, career growth opportunities and prioritization for team members. ► Integral part of sales team, pitched work. estimated resources, wrote SOWs, hired and onboarded team members for projects. Managed workflow during projects and provided status reports to client. Established and delivered against metrics that show user acceptance, adoption, and promotion of the digital experience
SapientRazorfishLead Information Architect
Feb. 2012 - Feb. 2013
BGV ConsultingPrincipal
Nov. 2010Oak Park, Illinois, United StatesClients:
Pacific Life
GM Financial
Mohawk
Caterpillar
Cedars Sinai
Stryker
Lexmark Principally guided launch of this firm, specializing in market research, user experience, and strategic
growth initiatives for small and mid-sized businesses. Drove new business development, client
engagement management, and project delivery. Issued recommendations based on research findings.
Built and managed teams executing projects. Highlights: ► Directed research for financial services startup to identify small- and mid-sized, minority- and women
owned businesses in need of funding, then contributed to strategy surrounding portfolio of solutions to
offer. ► Built research plan and led ideation sessions with leadership of life insurance provider seeking new
markets to target. Identified woman and people of color, with research indicating income levels ideal for
the company. ► Led change management for manufacturer with 100,000 items spanning 6 systems. Engaged numerous stakeholders on 9-month initiative to consolidate to 1 system, and conducted research to design optimal user experience.
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois, Montana, New Mexico, Oklahoma & TexasLead UX Researcher
Aug. 2010 - Sep. 2011
Self-employedMuscian and Film Producer
Jan. 2010Independent musician and film producer. Work has been recognized by:
- Charlotte Black Film Festival
- Big Apple Film Festival Work has been featured at:
- Las Vegas Black Film Festival
- Queens Underground International Film Festival
- Chicago Indie Film Awards
- VAiFF Film Festival
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