About me as a marcom director & managing editor
Blending creativity and business — innovation with results — is my sweet spot. With an artist for a mom and a CPA for a dad, I’ve always navigated both sides: from executive strategy to digital design. Over the years, I’ve held roles such as director of communications, senior graphic designer, marketing director, videographer, managing editor, entrepreneur, and consultant. Most just call me a "walking creative department."
As Director of Marketing and Communications and Managing Editor at the Arizona Dental Association (AzDA), I oversee branding, marketing, design, video production, podcasts, interviews, a monthly publication (reaching over 4,000 people), and social media (LI, FB, X, IG). Note that except for LinkedIn, the social media icons on this website's header and footer will take you to AzDA accounts (not my personal accounts). These are the accounts I manage, so it's appropriate for me to share what I am posting on them.
Essentially, I’m the association's voice to Arizona dentists, dental professionals, legislators, oral health stakeholders, and residents.
I’ve also run a video production company since 2014, filming for 100+ clients and conducting over 200 interviews. Directing video shoots sharpened my ability to think quickly, juggle multiple priorities, manage time, and problem-solve on the fly — because something always goes sideways on set.
I thrive in fast-moving environments where innovation drives results. Whether managing creative teams or executing design work myself, I stay engaged, finding new ways to move the needle. Leading by example and staying grounded in the work is how I operate — and I genuinely enjoy working.
Leveraging AI? Already doing it (I love efficiency; it feels like I am beating/outsmarting the system). I use AI to write articles, improve communications, proof publications, generate photos and video clips, and analyze data (NotebookLM, Google AI Studio, Adobe Firefly, Chat GPT, Hedra, and Elevenlabs). Where’s AI going next? We'll have to see, but I can promise that it'll be a fun ride, and I'll be in on it.
Pressure, deadlines, or tight timelines? Bring them on. If you’re looking for someone who can do it all, let’s connect!
As Director of Marketing and Communications and Managing Editor at the Arizona Dental Association (AzDA), I oversee branding, marketing, design, video production, podcasts, interviews, a monthly publication (reaching over 4,000 people), and social media (LI, FB, X, IG). Note that except for LinkedIn, the social media icons on this website's header and footer will take you to AzDA accounts (not my personal accounts). These are the accounts I manage, so it's appropriate for me to share what I am posting on them.
Essentially, I’m the association's voice to Arizona dentists, dental professionals, legislators, oral health stakeholders, and residents.
I’ve also run a video production company since 2014, filming for 100+ clients and conducting over 200 interviews. Directing video shoots sharpened my ability to think quickly, juggle multiple priorities, manage time, and problem-solve on the fly — because something always goes sideways on set.
I thrive in fast-moving environments where innovation drives results. Whether managing creative teams or executing design work myself, I stay engaged, finding new ways to move the needle. Leading by example and staying grounded in the work is how I operate — and I genuinely enjoy working.
Leveraging AI? Already doing it (I love efficiency; it feels like I am beating/outsmarting the system). I use AI to write articles, improve communications, proof publications, generate photos and video clips, and analyze data (NotebookLM, Google AI Studio, Adobe Firefly, Chat GPT, Hedra, and Elevenlabs). Where’s AI going next? We'll have to see, but I can promise that it'll be a fun ride, and I'll be in on it.
Pressure, deadlines, or tight timelines? Bring them on. If you’re looking for someone who can do it all, let’s connect!
Services
* Weekly/monthly MailChimp e-mail marketing newsletter
This is similar to what I’ve done for AzDA—keeping membership updated on upcoming events, spotlighting members, highlighting benefits, and keeping members engaged. My open rate with both members and non-members is 40–50% (most nonprofit associations see a 20–25% open rate), and my unsubscribe rate is just 0.02–0.04%.
The following link is an example of a sample email: https://mailchi.mp/azda.org/oklg9r54is-14233320
You can easily add new subscribers, and open, click, and unsubscribe rates can be tracked. Advertising space can also be sold in these emails—I can help with that.
* Interviews/spotlights
This is something I’ve done for years with AzDA members—spotlighting and interviewing members so they can be celebrated and featured on websites, social media, email newsletters, or printed publications. If you have members, employees, stakeholders, executives, or customers who you'd like to share their story on camera, I can help. Interviews can be done in person, via email, or over Zoom, and delivered as written articles, audio podcasts, or video features.
* Marketing collateral
While printing and mailing can add extra costs, designing marketing collateral—whether for print, web, or both—is something I can handle. This includes fliers, postcards, eBooks, event signage, case studies, logo redesign, infographics, and more.
* Publication—print, digital, or both
For almost 15 years, I've been tasked with designing, editing, and sometimes writing a monthly publication that is read by thousands of dentists and dental team members in Arizona. If you're looking to start a publication or need someone to take over responsibilities, I can handle that. The following is a link to one of the journals I've put together: https://inscriptions.azda.org/2025feb/
* Rebranding initiative
I can help update your brand and give it a more polished, professional look. A refreshed identity can help re-engage members, employees, executives, and customers.
* Podcasts (audio and/or video)
AzDA now has a fully equipped podcast studio (for up to four speakers), and I’m responsible for both the live filming and post-production. If you're interested, we could explore using that space to create expert panels, educational content, or CE opportunities.
* Event videography, photography, and social media content
I can produce a highlight video reel, take high-resolution photos (using professional camera gear—not a phone), and shoot well-lit portraits of award recipients. I can also capture behind-the-scenes content on a smartphone and post to your social media accounts. Additionally, we can film video testimonials of attendees—perfect for your website or social media.
* Website rebranding
While I don’t write code, I can redesign your website to be more modern, polished, and professional. I would also rewrite the content to make it more compelling, authentic, and warm—while also focusing on member recruitment. I’d work alongside your web developer to bring the new design and messaging to life.
* Securing sponsorships and advertisers
While I’m not a traditional salesperson, I stepped into the role of business development manager during COVID (2020–2022) for AzDA. In addition to my marketing and creative responsibilities, I was responsible for bringing in advertising, exhibitors, and sponsors. I also created a media kit and established great working relationships with vendors who supported our association through advertising, exhibiting, and sponsorships.
This is similar to what I’ve done for AzDA—keeping membership updated on upcoming events, spotlighting members, highlighting benefits, and keeping members engaged. My open rate with both members and non-members is 40–50% (most nonprofit associations see a 20–25% open rate), and my unsubscribe rate is just 0.02–0.04%.
The following link is an example of a sample email: https://mailchi.mp/azda.org/oklg9r54is-14233320
You can easily add new subscribers, and open, click, and unsubscribe rates can be tracked. Advertising space can also be sold in these emails—I can help with that.
* Interviews/spotlights
This is something I’ve done for years with AzDA members—spotlighting and interviewing members so they can be celebrated and featured on websites, social media, email newsletters, or printed publications. If you have members, employees, stakeholders, executives, or customers who you'd like to share their story on camera, I can help. Interviews can be done in person, via email, or over Zoom, and delivered as written articles, audio podcasts, or video features.
* Marketing collateral
While printing and mailing can add extra costs, designing marketing collateral—whether for print, web, or both—is something I can handle. This includes fliers, postcards, eBooks, event signage, case studies, logo redesign, infographics, and more.
* Publication—print, digital, or both
For almost 15 years, I've been tasked with designing, editing, and sometimes writing a monthly publication that is read by thousands of dentists and dental team members in Arizona. If you're looking to start a publication or need someone to take over responsibilities, I can handle that. The following is a link to one of the journals I've put together: https://inscriptions.azda.org/2025feb/
* Rebranding initiative
I can help update your brand and give it a more polished, professional look. A refreshed identity can help re-engage members, employees, executives, and customers.
* Podcasts (audio and/or video)
AzDA now has a fully equipped podcast studio (for up to four speakers), and I’m responsible for both the live filming and post-production. If you're interested, we could explore using that space to create expert panels, educational content, or CE opportunities.
* Event videography, photography, and social media content
I can produce a highlight video reel, take high-resolution photos (using professional camera gear—not a phone), and shoot well-lit portraits of award recipients. I can also capture behind-the-scenes content on a smartphone and post to your social media accounts. Additionally, we can film video testimonials of attendees—perfect for your website or social media.
* Website rebranding
While I don’t write code, I can redesign your website to be more modern, polished, and professional. I would also rewrite the content to make it more compelling, authentic, and warm—while also focusing on member recruitment. I’d work alongside your web developer to bring the new design and messaging to life.
* Securing sponsorships and advertisers
While I’m not a traditional salesperson, I stepped into the role of business development manager during COVID (2020–2022) for AzDA. In addition to my marketing and creative responsibilities, I was responsible for bringing in advertising, exhibitors, and sponsors. I also created a media kit and established great working relationships with vendors who supported our association through advertising, exhibiting, and sponsorships.
Resume
AREAS OF STRENGTH
Brand creation, marketing strategy, corporate communications, content marketing/blogging, graphic design, front-end web design, video storytelling and video editing, interviews, email marketing (MailChimp), and social media (Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn).
Brand creation, marketing strategy, corporate communications, content marketing/blogging, graphic design, front-end web design, video storytelling and video editing, interviews, email marketing (MailChimp), and social media (Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn).
COMPUTER/TECHNICAL SKILLS
Adobe Creative Suite: Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Premiere, Audition, and After Effects; videography, photography, writing, editing, and publishing. Leveraging AI: Chat GPT, Claude, Adobe Firefly, NotebookLM, Google AI Studio, and ElevenLabs.
Adobe Creative Suite: Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Premiere, Audition, and After Effects; videography, photography, writing, editing, and publishing. Leveraging AI: Chat GPT, Claude, Adobe Firefly, NotebookLM, Google AI Studio, and ElevenLabs.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
A) Director of Marketing and Communications / Managing Editor
Arizona Dental Association, Scottsdale — (7/10 – 7/13, and 5/14 - present)
• Honored by the American Dental Association in 2020 for outstanding leadership and innovation.
• Presented the 2014 AzDA President’s Award for innovation in marketing and video.
• Awarded nation’s top honor among dental editors in 2012 for the most improved monthly publication.
• Raised MailChimp email campaign open rates from 12% to 45-55%.
• Spearheaded a nationwide Facebook group for ADA creative professionals (23 states participated).
• Received AzSAE’s 2016 Award for Communications Excellence for video marketing.
• Volunteered to take on business development manager responsibilities during COVID; increased net income by 140%.
• Trained and managed AzDA’s Exhibit and Sales Coordinator.
• Managing editor/designer of monthly publication with over 5k readership: https://inscriptions.azda.org/2025apr
A) Director of Marketing and Communications / Managing Editor
Arizona Dental Association, Scottsdale — (7/10 – 7/13, and 5/14 - present)
• Honored by the American Dental Association in 2020 for outstanding leadership and innovation.
• Presented the 2014 AzDA President’s Award for innovation in marketing and video.
• Awarded nation’s top honor among dental editors in 2012 for the most improved monthly publication.
• Raised MailChimp email campaign open rates from 12% to 45-55%.
• Spearheaded a nationwide Facebook group for ADA creative professionals (23 states participated).
• Received AzSAE’s 2016 Award for Communications Excellence for video marketing.
• Volunteered to take on business development manager responsibilities during COVID; increased net income by 140%.
• Trained and managed AzDA’s Exhibit and Sales Coordinator.
• Managing editor/designer of monthly publication with over 5k readership: https://inscriptions.azda.org/2025apr
B) Video Production
TuberVideo.com, Scottsdale — (7/14 – present)
• Grew video business to $40K/year working weekends.
• Film 1–3 projects/month; outsource editing; contract production crews as needed.
• 60+ five-star Google reviews.
• Full equipment list: bit.ly/TuberVideoGear
TuberVideo.com, Scottsdale — (7/14 – present)
• Grew video business to $40K/year working weekends.
• Film 1–3 projects/month; outsource editing; contract production crews as needed.
• 60+ five-star Google reviews.
• Full equipment list: bit.ly/TuberVideoGear
C) Director of Communications and Marketing
Cornerstone Church, Chandler, AZ — (7/13 – 5/14)
• Managed team of 7 (designers, videographers, social media, web).
• Revamped team culture; increased output by 40% and eliminated turnover.
Cornerstone Church, Chandler, AZ — (7/13 – 5/14)
• Managed team of 7 (designers, videographers, social media, web).
• Revamped team culture; increased output by 40% and eliminated turnover.
D) Director of Marketing/Branding Consultant
OSR Physical Therapy, Valleywide — (2/04 – 10/09)
• Started as freelancer, transitioned to full-time employee.
OSR Physical Therapy, Valleywide — (2/04 – 10/09)
• Started as freelancer, transitioned to full-time employee.
E) Design Team Lead
KnowledgeNet, Scottsdale — (12/99 – 4/03)
• Managed 4-person design/dev team. Trained new graphic designers.
EDUCATION
• B.S. Business Administration/Marketing, University of Akron
• Completed 60+ LinkedIn courses in SEO, Analytics, AdWords, branding, and more.
• Professional Certified Marketer (PCM®), American Marketing Association — 2018
• Served as Vice President of the American Association of Dental Editors and Journalists (AADEJ)—2024
KnowledgeNet, Scottsdale — (12/99 – 4/03)
• Managed 4-person design/dev team. Trained new graphic designers.
EDUCATION
• B.S. Business Administration/Marketing, University of Akron
• Completed 60+ LinkedIn courses in SEO, Analytics, AdWords, branding, and more.
• Professional Certified Marketer (PCM®), American Marketing Association — 2018
• Served as Vice President of the American Association of Dental Editors and Journalists (AADEJ)—2024
This was a while ago, but I am so appreciative of it that I wanted to add it to the site. This is 2014 AzDA President Dr. Lisa Lear presenting me with the President's Award. In the 100+ years that AzDA's been around, only three other AzDA employees have ever received this award. Ugh...I really don't like this picture of me!