Kara Cronan

Experience

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  Becker College

  Sept 2007 - Dec 2009

  Graphic Design Department Assistant

  Served as a mentor in assisting students with Adobe Creative Suite and print production. Designed and produced print collateral for Becker College. Maintained and organized image library accessible to students.

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  Research Rockstar

  Jun 2009 - Aug 2009

  Market Research Intern

  Assisted Research Rockstar with a variety of projects, including: PowerPoint design, establishing a Zazzle account, creating promotional marketing materials, researching and evaluating other market research organizations, conceptualizing market research report cards, and promoting Research Rockstar's published works.

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  Go Graphix & WhiteStone Marketing Group

  Jul 2010 - Apr 2012

  Graphic Designer

  Began as an intern and was hired as a full-time employee after only a few months. Was responsible for all graphic design requests; specializing in brand identity, marketing collateral, and large format graphics.• Led design for all creative projects, ranging from logo design to full-coverage vehicle wraps – and everything in between!• Established strong client relationships with over 60 clients by demonstrating an understanding of their business needs and providing innovative design solutions.• Oversaw print production process to ensure client deliverables were completed to the highest achievable standard. Show less

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  Fitcorp

  Jun 2012 - May 2013

  Marketing Coordinator & Graphic Designer

  Spearheaded the creation and execution of multi-channel advertising campaign. Served as interim Marketing department lead during Manager’s maternity leave. Achieved the highest possible ratings during performance review.• Conceptualized and designed advertising campaign that spanned across different media channels, including digital, print, transportation, and television.• Created all sales and marketing collateral for fitness center members (B2C) and commercial partners (B2B).• Initiated and art-directed professional photo and video shoots with personal training staff that were featured in advertising campaigns and throughout marketing collateral.• Coordinated marketing initiatives including monthly promotional offerings, on-site events, and member engagement programs. Show less

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  Marsh McLennan Agency

  May 2013 - Oct 2016

  Recruited by former Manager from Fitcorp. Joined the team as Marketing Assistant and was quickly promoted to Marketing & Design Coordinator (2013), and then to Marketing & Brand Supervisor (2015) following a regional merger. Responsible for MMA’s visual brand identity across 10+ regional teams. Consistently received the highest ratings from management and colleagues during performance reviews.• Collaborated with fellow regional marketing leaders to ensure consistent national brand identity.• Selected by MMA’s national sales leaders to provide additional creative marketing support, following regional success and recognition.• Maintained brand and graphic standards by creating easy-to-use document templates, launching a well-organized shared marketing library, and leading training sessions on available brand resources.• Supported new business development through creating sales and marketing collateral, preparing prospective client proposals and presentations, and implementing integrated marketing campaigns. • Managed, trained, and mentored a team of direct reports, including Marketing & Event Coordinator, Marketing Technologist, and Marketing & Design Intern. Show less

  • Marketing & Brand Supervisor

    Jan 2015 - Oct 2016

  • Marketing & Design Coordinator

    Sept 2013 - Jan 2015

  • Marketing Assistant

    May 2013 - Sept 2013
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  The Architectural Team

  Oct 2016 - Feb 2017

  Marketing Manager

  Hired as Marketing Manager to facilitate launch of new brand. Led day-to-day marketing initiatives and was responsible for visual design, key messaging, media placement, email marketing, and social media. • Developed strategic marketing plan which included annual marketing budget, organic + paid media strategy, and campaign to drive internal brand adoption. • Created brand guidelines that maintained visual consistency across marketing channels, and standardized core brand elements, including: logo usage, color palette, typography, photography style, and document templates.• Managed workflow and relationships with external vendors including public relations agency, promotional advertising firm, and project photographers.• Organized quarterly team meetings with stakeholders (Partners, Project Managers, Architects, and Interior Designers) to ensure priorities were met, updates were shared, and clear, actionable next steps were outlined. Show less

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  PatientsLikeMe

  Mar 2017 - Feb 2019

  Joined PLM as the first in-house Multimedia Designer after being drawn to the company’s mission and commitment to putting patients first. Earned promotion to creative brand management role during first performance review. Chosen by leadership team to help define brand architecture and lead creative development for global merger with iCarbonX.• Served as creative lead during global merger transition. Worked closely with senior leaders, international partners (China & Israel), and ad agency to build global brand alignment strategy. Developed brand guidelines that elevated the corporate brand, integrated existing product brands, and introduced a new product line brand.• Led creative strategy for PLM rebrand. Designed new company logo, visual identity, and brand guidelines. Worked cross-functionally with UX visual designers and researchers to ensure brand adoption and satisfaction among members. Transitioned existing office environment (paint colors, wall graphics, furniture) to align with new brand. • Implemented new creative project management process that immediately improved workflow with streamlined requests and provided team members with timely communication and status updates.• Increased brand presence and improved conversion rates with creative concepts for digital ads and landing pages, including developing an identifiable illustrative style, leveraging visually-attractive infographics, and introducing the use of animated graphics.• Utilized exceptional design solution skills to produce effective B2B & B2C marketing collateral (print and digital), exhibit displays, research posters, presentations, and infographics; while always meeting project deadlines and demonstrating a commitment to accuracy and thoroughness. Show less

  • Manager, Creative & Brand

    Apr 2018 - Feb 2019

  • Multimedia Designer

    Mar 2017 - Apr 2018
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  Constant Therapy Health

  Feb 2019 - Apr 2020

  Drove creative brand strategy and execution of all marketing collateral and digital properties. Ensured a consistent and meaningful brand experience throughout the full customer journey. Worked with key stakeholders to build and communicate Constant Therapy's brand across multiple audiences. Developed brand guidelines that empowered the team to market our products consistently. Recruited by former executive team leaders from PatientsLikeMe.

  • Creative Marketing Manager

    Apr 2019 - Apr 2020

  • Creative Brand Consultant

    Feb 2019 - Apr 2019
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  Salt + Pep

  Apr 2020 - now

  Co-founder and Principal

  Co-founder of Salt + Pep, a boutique creative agency specializing in brand stewardship for the long-term wellbeing of your brand. As an extension of your team, we help you apply your existing brand attributes to the broadest array of materials, resources, and collateral to ensure enduring brand loyalty, dependability, and success.