Hi, I'm Derek.
Combining 14+ years in digital marketing, brand identity and community building with a lifelong passion for technology and its potential to improve people’s lives, I turn big ideas into elegant low-code apps, time-saving multi-app workflows, and even the occasional smart home automation — always with an eye for process efficiency and rock-solid UX.
Have a project that deserves thoughtful strategy and seamless execution?
My Core Principles
- Put people first. Everything I design – be it a campaign, event, automation or app – prioritizes user experience and community impact.
- Solutions should support the user, not supplant them. To paraphrase an old IBM adage, decisions shouldn’t be made by anything that cannot be held accountable for the outcome. Tools should empower people, not replace their agency.
- Stay humble, stay curious. No matter how much you know, never stop tinkering, learning, and asking, “What if?” Curiosity is the fire in which all great solutions are forged.
An Inexhaustive List
Services I Provide
Whether you need a sharp message, a seamless system, or a standout visual identity, I bring clarity and craft to every project. Here are a few of the ways I can help:
Copy & Editing
Clear messaging is the foundation of every great idea. Let me help refine your language, shape your narratives, and craft copy that connects, informs, and inspires action.
Web & Graphic Design
A strong visual identity builds trust and communicates values before a single word is read. I design clean, intentional experiences that put clarity first and elevate your brand.
Workflow Automation
Technology should make work easier, while staying out of the way. I build low-maintenance automations that streamline processes, reduce friction, and give you back your time.
SAAS Webapps
I build intuitive, purpose-driven webapps that help teams work together more efficiently, even when apart. Every solution is designed to make real work feel lighter.
Photography
Images have the power to anchor a story in memory. I capture clean, intentional photography that communicates emotion, identity, and purpose.
Checkout My Latest Work
This is just a taste of the types of work I can do.
My Experience
Present
PROMOTION
Director of Marketing & Communications
June 2023 – Present
- Developing and executing comprehensive marketing and communications strategies for the Jewish Federation and JCC, and all sub-brands, effectively managing an annual budget exceeding $130K.
- Directing a team of four full-time marketing professionals and up to two part-time interns, driving innovative campaigns that have generated over $3.98 million in charitable funding.
- Managing high-level stakeholder relationships and partnerships to amplify organizational reach.
- Pioneering digital transformation initiatives to optimize community engagement and donor interactions, and to streamline departmental and organizational processes.
- Overseeing production and distribution of a bimonthly community newspaper with a 10,000+ household circulation.
NEW POSITION
Marketing & Communications Manager
May 2022 – June 2023
- Steered multifaceted marketing and communication projects, significantly boosting brand visibility and deepening community engagement.
- Coordinated cross-functional teams to deliver successful campaigns and events.
- Analyzed and reported on the effectiveness of marketing initiatives, driving continuous improvement.
SPEARHEADED NEW DEPARTMENT
Program and Development Associate
February 2019 – May 2022
- Supported programming and development activities, including event planning, donor research, and CRM management.
- Fostered partnerships with local businesses and community groups, enhancing organizational outreach.
- Collaborated with the marketing department to promote events, significantly boosting attendance and engagement.
ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES
NextDor/Young Adult Engagement Coordinator
June 2018 – February 2019
- Orchestrated 4-6 events per year to engage young adults, increasing NextDor program attendance by over 50%.
- Built strategic alliances with local organizations like YJP and the Slifka Center, expanding community reach.
ENTRY POSITION
Digital Marketing Specialist
June 2018 – February 2019
- Implemented targeted digital marketing strategies, resulting in a 150% increase in email open rates and a 200% rise in click-through rates.
- Redesigned websites and newsletters, enhancing user experience and engagement.
- Streamlined online donation and event registration processes, significantly improving efficiency and user satisfaction.
JOINED NEW COMPANY
Jewish Federation of Greater New Haven
June 2018 – Present
2018
CONSULTING GIG
Digital Marketing Consultant
June 2016 – June 2018
- Enhanced the organization’s fundraising efforts by modernizing marketing and communications strategies, significantly boosting online donations and event participation while improving payment processes.
STARTED WITH NEW COMPANY
Literacy Volunteers of Greater New Haven
June 2016 – June 2018
2016
VOLUNTEER POSITION
Founding Resident & Community Organizer, Moishe House Hartford
June 2013 – June 2016
- Founded and expanded the Moishe House Hartford chapter, organizing 8-12 programs per month for a community of over 300 Jewish young adults and overseeing a substantial programs budget.
- Served as a leader in the young professional Jewish community by developing a welcoming event space and encouraging participation from peers
- Collaborated with a team of residents in creation and planning of monthly programming, as well as partnered with other local organizations to promote each of our missions and grow our community base
- Designed and oversaw organizations social media presence by creating facebook events and posting creative updates to engage followers
- Managed a monthly budget of up to $600 by allocating among planned programming
- Wrote grant proposals in order to secure supplemental funding for programs and completed reports on the impact of funds used
FULL-TIME ROLE
Marketing & Communications Coordinator, Jewish Federation of Greater Hartford
June 2014 – December 2015
- Executed marketing and corporate communications across organization, as well as provided administrative support to VP of Marketing and Communications: maintaining schedules/calendars, overseeing event logistics, blasting weekly newsletters to a database of over 3500 prospects, fielding telephone calls and resolving complex inquiries.
- Researched and developed content for invitations, events and campaign messaging and timely communication on all information platforms Facebook, website, Twitter, community calendars, etc)
- Led marketing support for upcoming events by working with appropriate staff in advance to determine needs for a particular event and then coordinating with all outside institutions
- Acted as webmaster for Federation’s website: jewishhartford.org -writing web copy, uploading new information; copyediting staff additions to site; updating materials and testing new digital resources
- Executed on timelines for events and campaigns by collaborating with staff from each department, lay leaders and partners; supervising print and online roll-out of messaging and advertising; and contacting key media for bureaus
- Interacted with and supported top staff and lay leaders, partner organizations and outside institutions to ensure events were well-attended, well-staffed and properly run from start to finish.
PART-TIME ROLE
Hebrew School Teacher, Toratenu at B’nai Tikvoh Sholom
November 2013 – June 2015
- Taught one year-long Sunday school class for 3rd and 4th graders as well as two weekday classes to 3rd through 6th graders, ranging in topics from Jewish history to culture and holidays.
- Developed group-based, experiential learning curricula to keep students interested and engaged
- Designed immersive holiday programs, blending educational material with food, crafts and games
- Provided one-on-one tutoring in Hebrew prayers as needed, both in-person and via FaceTime
2015
NEW BUSINESS
President/Owner
August 2011 – January 2015
- Purchased an existing promotional products distributor, rebranded as an end-to-end marketing solution and grew existing client-base by expanding offerings to include multi-channel brand awareness campaigns, incorporating promotional products, direct marketing, social media marketing and more.
- Built websites, landing pages and e-commerce portals for clients
- Designed flyers, banners, handouts and other promotional materials
- Facilitated brand recognition through merchandising campaigns
STARTED NEW COMPANY
Custom Impressions Marketing Solutions, LLC.
August 2011 – January 2015
GOOD WORK DESERVES TO BE BUILT WITH CARE.
I bring a builder’s mindset to everything I do — blending strategy, design, and execution into solutions that feel seamless. Whether it’s a complex system or a simple idea, my work stands the test of time.