Work experience
Independnt consultant
Independent 2014 - present
I develop software, hardware, and strategy for some of the most innovative companies in the world. Depending on the project, I may work alone, or I may build an ad hoc team from my network of creative technologists. Clients include a fashion startup, a logistics startup, and a new take on themed entertainment. More updates as projects become public.
Director of strategy
IPG Media Lab 2015 - present
Leadership of a diverse strategy team providing research and analysis of emerging technologies, consumer behavior, and business strategy for Fortune 100 brands, including regular public speaking, press interviews, writing/editing, and creation of an annual trend report. Public face of the Lab in pitches, conferences, and innovation workshops for some of the largest accounts in advertising. Product development to provide education and actionable intelligence to brand C-suites, venture capitalists, and agency executives. Clients include Amazon, Coke, ExxonMobil, BMW, Kia, Nespresso, Uber, Royal Caribbean, SpinMaster, and award-winning work for NYX Professional Makeup and MillerCoors.
Co-Designer
Rewordable 2008 - present
Rewordable is a uniquely fragmented word-building card game, designed for making longer, quicker, and more colorful words. Initially designed in grad school at ITP, in 2016 we launched a Kickstarter to produce and distribute a professional version of the game, which raised 250% of our initial goal. We eventually signed with Clarkson Potter, an imprint of Penguin Random House, to publish Rewordable — their second game ever — which will be available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and independent game retailers in August 2017.
Chief Technology Officer
Avatron Park 2014 - 2016
Avatron is a bold new concept in theme parks which marries licensed IP from studios such as Lionsgate and Ubisoft with cutting-edge technology. Part of the founding team, I leverage my knowledge of consumer software and hardware to collaborate with ride designers and engineers, creating experiences never seen in themed entertainment. Creation of a full technology plan, including overall park architecture, partner and vendor sourcing, hardware and software planning, staffing plans, and budgets. Participation in pitches to IP owners, partners, and major investors. Avatron development is currently on hold due to the global political climate.
Director of Product
Refinery29 2013 - 2015
Refinery29 acquired Socialbomb to help build their next-generation media platform.
Thought leadership on innovative brand partnerships, particularly around bridging online with brick-and-mortar shopping. Conceived and led an initiative to build a mobile social platform for product discovery, including iBeacon-powered contextual content delivery for retail partners. Regularly a part of pitches to Fortune 100 executives. Creation of platforms for structured data around products, brands , and users on Refinery29, and product leadership on new features to gauge user intent, gather user data, and optimize product discovery.
Co-Founder & Chief Creative Officer
Socialbomb 2008 - 2013
Creative leadership and business strategy for a cross-disciplinary team of engineers and designers, building award-winning social software for web, mobile, and television platforms. Ownership of the creative process from ideation to UX to launch and beyond, including management of up to five direct reports and teams of up to thirty-five. Significant research and strategy insight on the use of mobile and social in domestic and developing markets, user experience design for media, and interactive platforms for television. Clients included HBO, BBC, Red Bull, Fisher-Price, Mars, Orbitz, FedEx, Pepsi, & MTV.
Game Producer, Wireless R&D
area/code 2007 - 2008
Development and deployment of hardware and software for Media Res Servers, which provide downloadable video and audio over local wifi networks. Management of software development for the Sharkrunners game, utilizing real world shark tracking data. Ongoing R&D for wireless deployment and location-based games.
Digital Media Producer
CBS 2005 - 2006
Management of media content for CBS entertainment websites, including live video streams, episodic video, and podcasts. Content programming for the CBS.com homepage, project management for movies and specials pages, and coordination of weekly site maintenance for series and microsites.
Digital Media Manager
Conductor 2005
Stage Manager & Production Assistant
Center Theatre Group 2003 - 2005
Awards
CLIO
Innovation Winner for Coors Lite Sounds of the City
Facebook Integrated Media Winner for True Blood Live Feed
WWD
Most Innovative Mass Beauty Brand for NYX Retail Stores
Webby Awards
Fashion & Beauty Category Winner for Refinery29
Email Newsletters Category Winner for Refinery29
People's Voice Winner for Refinery29
People's Voice Winner for True Blood Live Feed
Facebook Studio Award
Social Technology Winner for True Blood Live Feed
NYU Stern Business Plan Competition
9th Annual Winner for Socialbomb
Audience Choice Award for Socialbomb
Education
Masters in Interactive Telecommunications
New York University, Tisch School of the Arts / ITP
Graduate Thesis: Games as APIs for Social Interaction
Bachelors in Theatre, directing concentration
University of California, Los Angeles, School of Theatre, Film, & Television