Derrick W. Rivers

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Creative Director, Brand Engagement Specialist for African-American & Hispanic Advertising and Marketing Communications I have been a military brat, a filmmaker and a high school track record holder. I've flipped burgers, rolled pretzels and manned an air-belt line for a major parcel company. I am living proof that creative, corporate life and entrepreneurship can peacefully coexist in one brain. As a fine artist by trade, my first love was architecture, however, when my math and science scores proved me wrong, I reluctantly pursed a career in advertising and visual communications. In my leisure time, I enjoy experiencing the joys of parenthood and the pitfalls of being an occasional and talentless golfer. Also note, I can't survive a week without Mexican food and will drop everything to watch my beloved Dallas Cowboys.

Sr. Marketing Creative Manager at AT&T

2004 - 2010

Set creative direction for marketing programs and steer outcomes to ensure strong nationwide recognition of both new and existing products. Analyze market intelligence and present marketing strategies to executive team. • Organizational Leadership. Responded with agility to absorb 155% increase in creative department’s project workload without sacrificing budget, timelines, or quality. • Product Innovation. Strengthened company’s mobility position by leading product development and launch of GoPhone® prepaid wireless product. • Brand Revitalization. Launched rebranding point-of-sale campaign, “Rethink Possible” • Hispanic Marketing. Leveraged multicultural perspective to create and implement culturally relevant Hispanic messaging guidelines for bilingual POP and collateral. Led development of in-store marketing features for Hispanic stores. Launched “Viva Mexico Plan” for customers who frequently call Mexico, resulting in 8x higher than forecasted revenue results.

Sr. Art Director at WestWayne

2003 - 2004

Guided strategy development, project deliverables, and quality of creative product for client advertising campaigns. Delivered concepts for multiple platforms including print, web, out-of-home, television, direct mail, and viral. Partnered with copywriters to align art direction and visual presentation with messaging. • Accounts. Ad Council, BellSouth Yellow Pages, Publix, Russell Athletic, SunTrust, Toyota • Client Relations. Delivered presentations of advertising concepts and storyboards to secure client approval. • Team Leadership. Developed a high-performance team of designers, illustrators, photographers, and production artists skilled in completing successful projects across multiple channel initiatives.

Associate Creative Director at Monzo Marketing

2000 - 2003

Directed development of strategic advertising initiatives for agency clients. Created concepts, brand platforms, and advertising campaigns for top consumer brands, using print, OOH, direct mail, online, and point-of-sale platforms. Manage annual budget and creative team of three. • Accounts. Coca-Cola, LaQuinta Inn & Suites, Heineken, R.J. Reynolds & Co., Schwan’s • Client Relations. Teamed with Account Services to lead projects, secure contracts, and ensure client success. • Project Management. Completed 100% of projects on time and within budget through expert management of creative resources. • Effectively manage creative resources to ensure timely delivery of print, OOH, direct mail, online and point-of-sale • Reaching beyond the boundaries of the assignment to provide multi-channel ideas and leadership

Sr. Designer at Earthlink

1999 - 2000

Fueled brand recognition of company products and services by designing and producing print and web materials including advertisements, identity systems, collateral materials, POP/POS, and display items. Supervised a two-member production team.

Designer; Multimedia Designer at Bank of America

1997 - 1999

Drove success of strategic initiatives through design of print and online pieces and rigorous oversight of production process including vendor management and cost control. Leveraged knowledge of usability and information architecture to design intranet websites, interfaces, animation banners. Handled all aspects of print design including concept, layout, proof review, and approval.

Associate Creative Director at Publicis/Burrell

2011

Guided project deliverables for client advertising campaigns. Delivered concepts for integrated campaigns including print, digital and television. Partnered with copywriters to align art direction and visual presentation with messaging. • Accounts. Comcast, McDonald's, Procter & Gamble (Clairol, Gain, My Black Is Beautiful, Pantene & Tide) and new business. • Client Relations. Delivered presentations of advertising concepts and storyboards to secure client approval.

Kennesaw State University - Michael J. Coles College of Business

2008 – 2010

MBA

Portfolio Center

1998 – 2000

Concentration: Art Direction

Virginia State University

1992 – 1996

BFA

Concentration: Visual Communications & Advertising

Golf, soccer and biking