PRODUCT DESIGN LEAD & PRINCIPAL DESIGN SYSTEM ARCHITECT

SUMMARY
Highly accomplished Product Designer and Design System Architect with over 18 years of experience. Currently leading and maintaining U.S. Bank's Shield Design System for React, supporting more than 250 teams, nearly 500 User Experience designers, and multiple brands. Proven track record in spearheading major initiatives, managing cross-functional teams, and delivering measurable results. Expert in crafting and implementing both simple and complex components and patterns in Figma, leveraging design tokens to create user-centered, accessible, and scalable design solutions.

SKILLS

  • Design systems architecture

  • Product design

  • Figma expertise

  • Design token management

  • Team leadership

  • Cross-functional collaboration

  • User research and testing

RECENT ACHIEVEMENTS

  • Recognized for exceptional contributions through U.S. Bank's "The Best in Us" program, receiving multiple "Platinum" awards that highlight significant impact and leadership.

  • Received top marks for our Design System when compared to Adobe Spectrum, Carbon, and others in a Forrester Research evaluation.

  • Consistently earned "Extraordinary performance" ratings during year-end reviews throughout my career at U.S. Bank.

  • Completed Deque University accessibility training and certifications.

EXPERIENCE

U.S. BANK
June 2022 - Present

Aug. 2021 - June 2022

Jan. 2019 - Aug. 2021

The TJX Companies
Feb. 2017 - Aug. 2018

Sierra Trading Post
May 2007 - Feb. 2017

Lanformation Inc.
Sept. 2006 - May 2007

Principal System Architect for the Shield Design System, Manager, VP

  • Led and delivered the first major Shield Design System upgrade across code, design, and documentation, reimagining component libraries, tokens, and props across code and design.

  • Developed and documented new standards, processes, and "definitions of done," as well as for training Shield designers on the effective use and creation of Figma components.

  • Conducted an extensive audit of design system components, identifying and addressing over 270 discrepancies between previous code and design assets through close collaboration with developers and content strategists.

  • Created a "Spot Check" tool to boost designer efficiency in maintaining design consistency and design system adoption.

  • Actively supporting almost 500 designers across the bank through our support channels and tailored 1:1 sessions to educate, unblock, and problem-solve.

  • Educating stakeholders and upper leadership about current Design System capabilities in order to align organizational objectives while highlighting potential risks and challenges in upcoming initiatives.

  • Driving the continued evolution of Shield’s capabilities and features in collaboration with our developers for the next major React version, aligning to new Bank requirements, goals, and needs through refined primitive, semantic, and component-specific design tokens.System Architect for the Shield Design System, Manager, VP

Design Lead and Manager for the Shield Design System, Foundations, VP

  • Led and managed the Shield Design System’s Foundation team, implementing best practices, standards, ways of working, and helping drive our UX roadmaps, refinement, and sprint planning.

  • Co-orchestrated U.S. Bank’s Figma pilot program and subsequent enterprise-wide rollout, developing comprehensive templates and training initiatives to ensure smooth adoption across the organization.

  • Created and maintained all Design System core component libraries, tokens, and templates within Figma.

  • Set up and hosted both Design System and Figma Open Office Hours for designers across the bank.

  • Improved team culture and repaired Shield’s reputation within the design community by rebuilding trust through empathy and approachability.

Senior UX Designer & UX Lead for Retail Payment Solutions, VP

  • Guided, mentored, and led my team in creating usable and accessible interface designs across multiple projects related to credit cards for U.S. Bank’s primary consumer mobile apps and website. 

  • Successfully led the ExtendPay project, delivering innovative payment solutions on schedule despite tight deadlines and limited resources. Navigated challenges through effective cross-functional teamwork, user-testing, smart resource management, and open communication with leadership.

Senior UX Designer for Sierra Trading Post at The TJX Companies, Inc.

  • Led user experience and interface design for desktop, mobile web, and apps for Sierra following the TJX acquisition.

  • Provided user experience guidance and support for TJX brands such as T.J. Maxx and HomeGoods.

  • Guided the digital implementation of a major rebrand for Sierra.

User Experience and UI Design Manager

  • Founded the User Interface and Experience team after being promoted to hire and manage a team of designers, focusing on improving website experience for end users.

  • Led creative direction, interface design, and user experience for major site redesign.

  • Contributed to growing e-commerce revenue by $100M+ through site improvements, catching the eye of TJX -t a $133B company - that acquired Sierra Trading Post in 2012 for our web presence.

  • Produced training, design, and front-end code templates for the creative team.

Lead Web Designer & Front End Developer

  • Helped launch in-house web design team and small e-commerce site.

  • Designed and developed websites and printed materials for clients.