1428 20th Ave NE, Rochester, MN, US
I am an intuitive, remote-ready, digital design professional, human experience imagineer, brand expert, artist, maker, and creative leader with experience in the tech-driven sectors of healthcare, education, and advertising.
I possess a proven ability to lead creative teams, develop innovative user experiences, and drive significant initiatives. I possess a natural ability to translate complex concepts into compelling visual narratives, create and optimize brand systems, and foster innovation to achieve business objectives.
Ultimately, I'm a hands-on designer who employs systems and design thinking, striving to align the parts with the whole in ways that make sense to the end-user, customer, student, or patient. I love what I do.
Lead Visual Designer
Western Governors University | Full-time/Remote
Feb 2023 - Mar 2025
Led visual design strategy and set standards for all online courses, enhancing global user experience for over 150,000 students and streamlining course development.
Brand Strategy Manager
Olmsted Medical Center | Full-time/Hybrid
Apr 2020 - Feb 2021
Provided visual design solutions to marketing, communications, and administration, strengthening brand representation and optimizing brand systems.
Creative Director, Designer
Fuse Digital Creative | Full-time/On-site
Oct 2015 - Mar 2020
Directed comprehensive brand strategy and visual design initiatives for diverse clients, integrating quality design to achieve business objectives like increased brand awareness and sales.
Operations Manager/CSHCD
Mayo Clinic | Full-time/On-site
Aug 2013 - Sep 2015
Mayo Clinic’s Center for the Science of Healthcare Delivery (CSHCD): Collaborated with physician researchers to design and implement visual caregiver and patient decision-aid tools, improving patient understanding and care delivery efficiency.
Section Head, Creative Media
Mayo Clinic | Full-time/On-site
Aug 2001 - Aug 2013
Led 125 creative staff across three US campuses, overseeing the production of diverse marketing, scientific, and educational visual assets across all media.
Art Director, Special Effects Designer, Digital Compositor
Pixel Farm | Full-Time/On-site
Jul 1995 - Aug 2001
Designed motion graphics and special effects for television commercials, corporate video, and television news systems. National clients included Harley-Davidson, 3M, Target, BMW, ABC Television, Owens Corning, Timex, Best Buy, and many others. Also co-led digital effects, design, and compositing for major-label music videos of the era.
Business Management
Bethel University
3.95
Business Administration
Bethel University
3.9
Graphic Design/Illustration
Minneapolis Community and Technical College
4.0
Quality Improvement – Quality Fellow
Mayo Clinic College of Medicine
Marketing for Business Leaders
eCornell University
Cultivating an Innovation Mindset
Western Governors University
Co.D.E. (Connect Design Enable) Award
Mayo Clinic Center for Innovation
Award for my design of a novel pressure ulcer delay and prevention bed. Secured funding, wrote the IRB-approved protocol, built and tested the device on live human subjects.
Golden Lion Award
Bienale Cinema
Animated television commercial
Mayo Clinic Voting Staff
Mayo Clinic
Nov 2005
Select administrators are nominated and voted on to the Mayo Staff each year who “Exercise an unusual breadth of responsibility and enjoy a broadly acknowledged competence and institutional contribution.”
Creative & Design
Communication & Leadership
Standards & Strategy
Specialties & Tools
Sarah Berry
Jeff's work on WGU's educational design system has been inspirational, and I can't recommend him highly enough. His deep experience with design thinking gives him the ability to deliver on complex requirements quickly and accurately. I've been particularly impressed by his adept curiosity with emerging AI technologies and skill at adapting them to our workflows. He combines a quiet but authoritative skill set with an exceptionally collaborative spirit. Any organization would be fortunate to have Jeff on their team. He offers a rare combination of tested design talent, strategic thinking, and truly human- and student-centered intelligence. https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-berry-instructonal-designer/
Jessica Rodriguez
I've had the privilege of working with Jeff for 2 years now, and I can confidently say he’s one of the best colleagues anyone could ask for. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve started a conversation with, “Jeff, help!” and he comes through with exactly what’s needed every single time. Jeff brings a rare mix of kindness, patience, and curiosity to his work. He’s not just highly skilled and experienced in his field—though he absolutely is—he’s also genuinely passionate about what he does. I love listening to him share stories about his design work. You can see the excitement in his eyes and hear it in his voice. That passion translates directly into his work, where his creativity and attention to detail always elevate our projects. What stands out most about Jeff, though, is how much he cares about people. He’s always willing to lend a helping hand, offer advice, or brainstorm ideas, no matter how small or complex the challenge. He puts others first, inspiring everyone around him to do the same. Working alongside Jeff has been a highlight of my time at WGU. He’s not just a talented visual designer; he’s the kind of person who makes the workplace better for everyone. I’m lucky to call him a colleague and a friend. https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicarodriguez0710/
Brett Pauley
I could go on about Jeff's creative capabilities and talent, but I think it is important to share the type of person Jeff is. Jeff is an effective leader, strategic thinker, and all-around great person. Early in my career, Jeff always made himself available to offer counsel and guidance. I often find myself referencing lessons and applying the pearls of wisdom offered by Jeff. He is a selfless leader who seeks to improve all those around him. https://www.linkedin.com/in/brett-pauley-1641635/
Kurt Angel
I've worked with Jeff for many years and know his capabilities. He is one of the most talented artists I know. His skills as an illustrator, as an art director, and as a creative thinker are rare and extremely hard to find. His vast experience in print, 2D/3D animation, design, and post-production make him even more unique and valuable. I could go on and on about Jeff's artistic talents and unparalleled experience, but more importantly, he is an even better human being. This makes him a smooth, confident communicator with clientele, delivering automatic trust and chemistry to the relationship. Jeff is the complete package and would be a huge asset to any company or organization, and his leadership would instantly make an impact. https://www.linkedin.com/in/kurt-angell-84161517/