Creative Leadership Through Service, Strategy, and Execution
My path into creative leadership wasn't traditional. I didn't attend design school or begin my career at an agency. Instead, I built my experience through entrepreneurship, public service, and a commitment to continuous learning. A lot of late nights reading design books and watching tutorials. I started by launching Embie Design with my wife in 2011, building an online art business that taught me branding, marketing, customer experience, and entrepreneurship.
Those experiences led me into public-sector communications, where I helped establish the first structured branding system across 28 county departments, developed visual standards, and expanded photography capabilities. Today, I serve as a Graphic Design Manager within Creative Services at a Fortune 500 software company, helping guide creative strategy while remaining actively involved in design execution.
I believe strong creative leadership comes from balancing strategy, collaboration, and a willingness to stay connected to the work.
What I Do
My role combines leadership, creative direction, and hands-on execution.
I currently:
• Manage and mentor designers
• Help guide creative strategy for Corporate and State & Federal marketing teams
• Lead large-scale branding and marketing projects
• Oversee external creative partners and vendors
• Support video, photography, animation, and event production efforts
• Continue contributing as an active designer
Approximately half of my workload remains hands-on creative work, allowing me to stay connected to both the craft and the challenges my team faces.
Notable Leadership Experience
Tyler Connect Conference
As creative lead for Tyler Connect, a conference serving approximately 7,000 attendees, I oversee the event's visual identity and creative direction. In 2025, I facilitated the development of a new permanent event brand and continue to collaborate with stakeholders and production partners to shape the attendee experience.
Brand & Environmental Design
I lead ongoing office branding initiatives across dozens of locations nationwide, helping create consistent brand experiences while supporting broader corporate marketing efforts.
Vendor & Production Management
I frequently serve as a creative lead for external video, photography, and animation projects. From kickoff through final delivery, I help align stakeholders, creative partners, and business goals to ensure successful outcomes.
Highlights include:
• Tyler Technologies Management Development Program
• School of Motion Animation Bootcamp
• Digital Photography Certificate
These experiences have strengthened my skills in leadership, communication, creative strategy, and visual storytelling.
Looking Ahead
I'm energized by opportunities that blend leadership, design, branding, photography, video, and creative problem-solving. I enjoy building relationships, mentoring creative professionals, and helping organizations bring their stories to life through thoughtful, impactful design.
Personal Life
I grew up in the Pacific Northwest, and moved to the Deep South as a young adult, in search of warm weather and new adventure. After getting married, having three kids, and building a career, my family decided to move back home to Washington State.
When I'm not working, I love spending time with my family. My kids are in sports and we love to travel. I'm very musical too - I have a collection of vinyl records, I play drums, guitar, and have attended countless concerts.
During my time in the public sector, I found a deep love for photography. In that role, I was the official county photographer, where I captured events, supplied documentary style photos for press, took headshots, and lots more. I've shot professionally at concerts, and take clients for food and product photography. I also have a small collection of film cameras that I enjoy shooting with.
Thanks for taking the time to view my site. Please don't hesitate to reach out!