Cherie J. Skilton 415-***-****

abgvhe@r.postjobfree.com 1186 City Park Avenue, Columbus, OH 43206

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Dynamic professional with unique expertise in creative, production and

process elements of business.

Creative Development & Brand Development Productivity Improvement

Execution

Re-Branding Multi-Department Process Development

Management

Direct Mail Programs Change Management Cost Reduction

Marketing Collateral Strategic Planning International Liaison

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PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

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SBC Advertising, Creative Services Director Columbus, OH; 2008 to Present

Full accountability for directing production design, print production,

traffic and proofreading departments in conjunction with developing

processes and procedures to increase productivity.

. Secured largest account, Bed, Bath and Beyond following successful

presentation of services and experience that positioned company as Agency

of Record. Directed final production of $18 million annual direct mail

programs.

. Revitalized Creative Service Department ranked "incompetent" to

"superstar" status. Instituted changes across multiple departments,

including introduction of a Project Management Department where none

existed to drive production improvement, and reversed silo type

atmosphere to a production-driven environment.

. Primary print buyer and print production manager on key accounts.

. Attend key press checks.

. Development and implementation of multi-departmental efficiency process.

. Collaborate with Account Management and Creative departments.

Walmart Stores US, Creative Services/In-Store Senior Manager Bentonville

AR; 2007 to 2008

Scope of responsibilities included directing and managing internal design

and photography with a staff of 28. Orchestrated projects including but

not limited to in-store signage, internal communications, print circular

and advertising.

. Credited with initiating and executing successful reorganization of the

Marketing/ Creative department within three-months, including recruiting

and hiring qualified designers to revitalize department that resulted in

world class advertising status within a corporate environment.

. Instituted workflow process and managed day-to-day activities of photo

studio. Decreased overhead by more than $100,000 by streamlining

procedures and eliminating excessive salary expenses incurred from over-

staffing and inefficient production.

. Pivotal in driving successful re-branding of company image and executing

nationwide launch of new brand.

. Developed Requests for Proposal (RFPs) to transition photo department to

outside agency.

. Photo art direct internal and external communication projects.

. Collaborate with marketing managers and merchants.

Blockware LLC, Design / Production Director San Francisco CA; 2004 to 2007

Recruited by absentee owner of company to run all aspects of the business

comprised of wholesale product design and production, including delivery of

wholesale private label merchandise, staff management, and vendor selection

and management.

. Empowered to and successfully achieved company objectives encompassing

branding, creative and production strategies for private label product

development, and coordinating international business concepts

encompassing relationship building, distribution and shipping procedures.

. Innovated key sales resources and fostered valuable relationships through

proactive industry affiliations and targeted advertising strategies.

. Continually met stringent project delivery schedules through effective

project management and leadership efforts.

. Created and developed KangaRooM storage brand, retail web site, and web

advertising and media buying.

. Communicate and manage oversees vendors.

. Manage project flow and insure timely completion.

. Estimate all creative and production costs.

Cherie J. Skilton -2- abgvhe@r.postjobfree.com

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Robert Mondavi Winery, Creative/Production Director Napa CA; 2003 to

2004

Challenged to create and produce marketing collateral for 18 brands and

entire corporate communications.

. Profitably managed annual budgets ranging from $10 million to $20 million

and staff of 18 internal and external resources comprised of junior

associates to managers.

. Recruited to manage dual position following dramatic reorganization of

Creative Department based on proven industry background and expertise.

. Evaluated existing print vendor benefits / costs and moved largest yearly

project to a Mid-Western printer for two major brands that saved company

more than $250,000 in costs without compromising quality / service.

. Insure corporate integrity.

. Negotiate all independent contractors' terms and contracts.

. Create and maintain all creative and production scheduling.

. Contribute to marketing strategy thru effective POP.

. Develop and implement internal procedures to achieve the highest level of

productivity and profitability.

. Supervise all press checks and art direct all photo shoots.

Eddie Bauer, Freelance Project Manager (Apparel Catalog) Redmond WA; 2002

to 2003

Coordinated multiple location apparel photography shoots for 12 annual

catalogs, including location scouting and model selection.

. Manage internal and freelance creative personnel consisting of design,

layout, copy and photography.

. Oversee all creative and production to insure concept integrity.

. Negotiate all independent contractors' terms and contracts.

. Create and maintain all creative and production scheduling.

. Client management.

Williams-Sonoma, Inc., Creative/Production Manager San Francisco CA; 2000

to 2002

Accountable for creative concept through execution and delivery of 13

annual direct mail catalogs.

. Within one year of hire, chosen by SVP/GMM to extend brand transitioning

to new product lines.

. Saved hundreds of thousands of dollars by accepting responsibility for

all marketing channels and participating in product design and

development initiatives.

. Hire and train all creative and production personnel.

. Manage a twelve-person team of internal and freelance personnel that

consists of design, layout, copy, production, styling, set design and

photography.

. Collaborate with merchandising, marketing, public relations and visual

departments to build a cohesive brand identity.

. Direct all photography, both in studio and on location.

. Scout private home photography locations.

. Manage facility aspects of corporate photo studio.

. Oversee all aspects of color corrections.

. Attend all press runs.

. Create and maintain production schedules and creative budgets.

. Negotiate all independent contractors' terms and contracts.

. Assist in the development of promotional direct mail and packaging

projects.

Earlier experience includes six years as Creative Director and owner of

Tara Graphics and five years as Sr. Art Director at Stiegler, Wells &

Brunswick.

EDUCATION

Attended private art schools in Pennsylvania

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