Sports
Gilbert Verner
Boerne,TX
Summary
Design management and project leadership expert with a Master's degree in Design Management and nine years of project management experience. Proven track record in orchestrating complex digital initiatives, leading multidisciplinary teams, and optimizing workflows to enhance business impact. Skilled in applying human-centered design (HCD) principles to project execution, ensuring scalable, user-focused solutions that meet evolving customer expectations. Adept at aligning design, business strategy, and technology to drive innovation and deliver measurable results. Recognized as a leader in Agile methodologies and the SAFe Framework, utilizing tools such as Jira, Jira Work Management, and Rally to streamline collaboration, manage cross-functional teams, and oversee large-scale design and development projects. Known for strategic vision, hands-on leadership, and expertise in team development, process optimization, and stakeholder alignment.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
Work History
Creative Producer | Project Manager
USAA
01.2016 - Current
- Led cross-functional teams across design, product, business, development, and QA to streamline workflows and improve operational efficiency
- Established design management best practices, widely adopted across the Bank group to enhance creative execution and strategic alignment
- Defined and implemented design governance frameworks to ensure brand consistency, UX excellence, and seamless cross-team collaboration
- Spearheaded enterprise-wide digital initiatives, ensuring on-time execution within Agile SAFe environments
- Aligned design and product roadmaps with business objectives, securing executive buy-in and stakeholder support
- Partnered with C-level executives to develop customer-centric digital strategies, ensuring projects deliver measurable value
- Led design and development teams using Jira, Jira Work Management, and Rally for agile tracking, reporting, and execution
- Recognized for strong business acumen, with multiple 360-degree reviews highlighting leadership in program execution and strategic planning
- Led UX/UI enhancements for key financial products, including the Zelle UI/UX framework, collaborating with internal and external teams to drive completion
- Applied HCD principles to enhance user experience, increase engagement, and improve customer satisfaction
- Conducted user research, journey mapping, and empathy mapping to refine digital experiences and inform strategic decision-making
- Designed and implemented scalable operational procedures, optimizing communication and efficiency across design, business, and technology teams
- Leveraged Agile methodologies and SAFe Framework to drive enterprise-wide process improvements and successful project releases
- Championed continuous improvement initiatives, integrating Agile best practices into design and development workflows
- Mentored junior team members, fostering a collaborative and supportive work environment.
- Boosted team productivity with streamlined workflow processes for delivery and distribution of design projects.
Executive Creative Director
Wolfe, LLC
01.2006 - 01.2016
- Built, led, and nurtured a diverse team of graphic designers supporting corporate and e-commerce initiatives
- Created and maintained companywide branding standards across multiple digital properties
- Applied design thinking and HCD methodologies to enhance user engagement and product adoption
- Developed best practices for SAFe framework and Jira workflows to optimize creative project execution
- Collaborated with C-suite to develop MVPs and refine products using Agile development processes
- Played a key role in preparing the company for its $70 million sale to Black Hawk Industries by aligning design strategies with business objectives
- Led UI/UX design initiatives, including web development, usability research, and performance optimization
- Spearheaded video content strategy, producing quarterly leadership messages and digital help sections
- Elevated company reputation through consistent delivery of high-quality creative content.
- Monitored industry trends to keep creative materials fresh and engaging.
- Built strong relationships with clients, leading to long-term partnerships and repeat business opportunities.
- Increased brand visibility by developing innovative marketing campaigns and creative strategies.
Director of Creative Services, Customer Service Groups
Digital River | Direct Response Technologies Inc.
01.2003 - 01.2006
- Managed and mentored a high-performing team of 14 employees, including graphic designers and customer service representatives
- Conducted annual performance reviews, goal-setting sessions, and professional development plans
- Successfully transitioned the creative team into a client-facing, revenue-generating department exceeding $100,000 in monthly revenue
- Spearheaded end-to-end project execution, ensuring alignment with business objectives
- Designed and implemented client-facing training programs for the DirectTrack affiliate network software, increasing user adoption and satisfaction
- Led creative strategy sessions to drive innovation in marketing and branding initiatives
- Directed UX-focused design initiatives, leading the overhaul of the DirectTrack software UI, contributing to the Digital River acquisition
- Served as Lead Front-End Web Interface Designer, working with HTML, CSS, JavaScript, PHP, and Xtemplates to improve usability and user experience
- Earned Digital River's Employee of the Quarter award for problem-solving, innovation, and execution excellence
- Led trade show planning and execution, managing vendor relations, logistics, and brand representation
- Developed high-performing teams by providing mentorship, guidance, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Enhanced team collaboration through regular communication, goal setting, and performance evaluations.
Education
Project Management Professional (PMI)
Simplilearn
USAA06-2025
Master of Arts - Design Management
Savannah College of Art And Design (SCAD)
Savannah, Georgia11-2021
Associate Degree - Specialized Technology – Computer Animation Multimedia
Art Institute of Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania09.1998
Bachelor of Science - Art Education
Indiana University of Pennsylvania
Indiana, Pennsylvania05.1985
Skills
- Agile (SAFe)
- Project management
- Team management
- Team collaboration
- Jira
- Rally
- Jira Work Management
- HCD
- UX/UI Strategy
- Design methodology
- Adobe Creative Suite
- Figma FigJam Mural
- Reliability
- Work Planning and Prioritization
- Professionalism
- Production oversight
- Marketing strategies
- Employee Development
- Annual Reviews
- Mentorship
- Concept development
- Facilitation
- Mobile app development
- Web development
- Digital advertising
Work Availability
monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Certification
Masters Design Management
Teaching certification K-12
1993 bullshooter world champion
Affiliations
- Member of IUP alumni
Work Preference
Work Type
Full TimeWork Location
On-SiteRemoteHybridImportant To Me
Career advancementCompany CulturePersonal development programs401k matchStock Options / Equity / Profit SharingInterests
PDC Dart Circut
Cars in general
Timeline
Creative Producer | Project Manager
USAA
01.2016 - Current
Executive Creative Director
Wolfe, LLC
01.2006 - 01.2016
Director of Creative Services, Customer Service Groups
Digital River | Direct Response Technologies Inc.
01.2003 - 01.2006
Project Management Professional (PMI)
Simplilearn
Master of Arts - Design Management
Savannah College of Art And Design (SCAD)
Associate Degree - Specialized Technology – Computer Animation Multimedia
Art Institute of Pittsburgh
Bachelor of Science - Art Education
Indiana University of Pennsylvania
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