About Me
I’m Jill, a creative director with a passion for blending big-picture strategy with stand-out creativity that connects. Since I started as a copywriter nearly two decades ago, I’ve spent my career leading teams to bring memorable concepts to life, always with an eye on how to improve the work — and how we do it — in the process.
Whether I’m leading brainstorming sessions, building out creative campaigns or refining team workflows, I believe in the power of a positive environment where everyone feels motivated to bring their best.
Outside of work, I keep my creative mind sharp by playing bass in a punk rock band, volunteering with young musicians and competing in short-film races with my long-term group of friends.
Check out my work and see how your team could benefit from a creative director who leads with heart and gets results.
PORTFOLIO
"Check the source, of course!"
Client: Iowa Department of Homeland Security
Role: Creative director, jingle writer and producer
"No one's a good unsafe driver"
Client: Drive Smart Iowa
Role: Creative director, copywriter
"The spirit of innovation"
Client: Iowa State University
Role: Creative director, copywriter
"Acne is human"
Client: Neutrogena
Role: Associate creative director, copywriter
"Jennifer Aniston tries ASMR"
Client: Aveeno
Role: Associate creative director, copywriter
"Duck Derby training day"
Client: Youth Emergency Services and Shelter (pro bono)
Role: Copywriter, duck trainer, stylist :)
"Here for every moment"
Client: Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield
Role: Creative director
"Blue helps you be you"
Client: Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield
Role: Creative director, copywriter
"Ask me"
Client: Iowa HHS
Role: Creative director
"Camp Iowa State (Cyclone Welcome Weekend)"
Client: Iowa State
Role: Creative director, copywriter
"Keep it IPR" digital, social and out-of-home campaign
Client: Iowa Public Radio
Role: Creative director, copywriter
"No one's a good unsafe driver" multi-media campaign
Client: Drive Smart Iowa
Role: Creative director, copywriter
"Doctors in the House!" Casey's Center Executive Suite
Client: The Iowa Clinic
Role: Creative director, copywriter
"Vasectomies take balls" digital and social campaign
Client: The Iowa Clinic
Role: Creative director
"Healthy rear" colonoscopy emails
Client: The Iowa Clinic
Role: Creative director, copywriter
"Don't risk it" print campaign
Client: John Deere Parts
Role: Concepter, copywriter, producer
Note: These images were created practically, using minimal Photoshop
"Mealtime how you like it"
Client: Mom's Meals (pitch work)
Role: Creative director, copywriter
"Building for Success" trade e-book
Client: Pella Windows and Doors
Role: Associate creative director, copywriter
"Driven by the Craft" trade print ad
Client: Pella Windows and Doors
Role: Associate creative director, copywriter
ZLR Ignition Positioning Refresh
Client: ZLR Ignition
Role: Creative director, copywriter
Resume
ZLR Ignition
Creative Director 2022 to 2025
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Led efforts on the leadership team to determine the direction of the company mission and culture.
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Guided a team of art directors, copywriters and video specialists to develop memorable and effective campaigns.
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Concepted and wrote effective advertising campaigns that included social media, TV and radio, print advertising, website development, email marketing, out-of-home advertising, on-site signage and collateral.
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Created and implemented training and development opportunities across the agency.
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Developed and championed new processes for clear and efficient collaboration.
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Advocated for a positive and constructive environment that fostered creativity, collaboration and hard work.
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Developed and presented persuasive and informational presentations for clients and prospects.
Clients: Iowa State University, Iowa Public Radio, The Iowa Clinic, Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield
The Integer Group
Associate Creative Director 2019 to 2022
Senior Copywriter 2017 to 2019
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Led creative concepting for compelling and effective retail campaigns.
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Developed and pitched presentations to clients and retail partners, including Target, Costco, Lowe's and Ulta.
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Collaborated with accounts and insights teams on strategic direction.
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Built strong relationships with clients and guided them on yearly communications plans.
Clients: Neutrogena, Aveeno, OGX Beauty, Pella Windows & Doors, Michelin and BFGoodrich, Johns Manville
Two Rivers Marketing
Copy Director 2014 to 2017
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Developed concepts and copy for product and retail campaigns for John Deere dealerships.
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Collaborated with art directors to concept and create digital, print and video/audio projects.
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Led internal company initiatives, like fundraising for Crohn's and Colitis Foundation and the Marketing for the Future kids program.
Clients: John Deere, Principal Financial Group, Renewable Energy Group, Juvenile Diabetes Research Fund
John Deere
Copywriter 2007 to 2014
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Collaborated with marketing on communications plans and strategic briefs.
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Worked with art director on campaign concepting and creative development for John Deere retail campaigns.
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Produced and directed video and radio spots.
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Traveled to dealerships and customer locations to conduct audience research.
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