1. SHARON P. KESSINGER
13205 Queensgate Road, Midlothian, VA 23114 | spkess@gmail.com | 804.651.7107 (c)
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharonpkessinger
PROFESSIONAL
SUMMARY
Graphic Designer accomplished in both print-based and web-based design, with an emphasis on
creating visually effective and engaging material.
20+ years experience in graphic design, training development, corporate branding, design
management and vendor negotiation. 5+ years experience in visual design of e-learning
courseware.
SKILLS & ABILITIES Areas of experience: Project management, marketing communications, social media marketing,
logo design, document management, website design and maintenance, web content creation,
direct/email marketing, digital marketing, cross-platform branding, team management and
collaboration, vendor relations.
Extremely proficient in the following software: Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, InDesign,
Acrobat Pro), QuarkXPress, Wordpress, Joomla, Google Analytics, ACT! Swiftpage, Cvent, MS
Office Suite (Powerpoint, Word, Excel).
Working knowledge of the following software: Adobe Illustrator, Premiere, Flash, Captivate;
Articulate Studio Suite, Camtasia, Audacity, Interwoven/HP Teamsite (CMS).
EXPERIENCE GRAPHIC DESIGN MANAGER, MAPCOM SYSTEMS
AUGUST 2015 – MARCH 2016
 Responsible for creation and maintenance of both marketing assets and content created to
support company's software product. Improved user experience by ensuring brand
consistency across all various touchpoints, including printed and web-based materials.
 Contributed to all phases of development and production of visual materials. Created visual
concepts, comps, finished layouts, and performed all prepress activities for print
communication pieces including brochures, one-sheets, and other business-related pieces.
 Functioned as brand manager, developing and maintaining company's visual brand
standards and guidelines. Provided art direction for design and marketing projects
throughout the company.
 Served as point of contact for internal and external print vendors for digital, offset and
specialty print projects.
MARKETING & PUBLIC RELATIONS COORDINATOR, MAPCOM SYSTEMS
AUGUST 2009 – JULY 2015
 Responsible for developing and maintaining all internal and external sales and marketing
collateral through desktop publishing, graphic design, website content management, direct
mail and email campaigns, press release writing and distribution.
 Designed and produced various forms of tradeshow materials including event signage, booth
displays and branded promotional items.
 Provided additional design support for software training materials as needed.
SENIOR TRAINING DESIGNER, CIRCUIT CITY STORES
DECEMBER 2007 – JANUARY 2009
 Responsible for visual effectiveness for all training materials for the firedog Services division
of Circuit City Stores, Inc.
 Training media developed for approx. 2700+ techs/installers within nationwide chain.
 Produced various forms of training including web-based e-learning courses, New-Hire
training manuals, job-aids, flash-based presentations; all designed for the adult learner.
 Responsible for executing training-related photo shoots and audio recording sessions.
 Provided visual/audio design support for internal projects related to the firedog brand.

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SENIOR KNOWLEDGEBASE ADMINISTRATOR, CIRCUIT CITY STORES
JUNE 2007 – DECEMBER 2007
 Designed and produced training materials for new-hire classes with Call Center.
 Established new training document templates to be used by in-house trainers/facilitators for
creation of future components, maintaining a company-branded consistent theme.
 Supported the Call Center on-line KnowledgeBase with content reviews, updates to training
articles, and creation of new articles.
MEDIA SUPERVISOR – RETAIL TRAINING, CIRCUIT CITY STORES
AUGUST 2005 – JUNE 2007
 Supervised team of graphic designers, providing visually effective training materials for retail
associates across chain. Materials included development of web-based e-learning courses,
training guides, and job-aids.
 Responsible for creative input/approval of all visual content.
 Delivered e-learning course packages to online LMS contractor via FTP site, including
revisions and new content deploys.
 Managed all human resource functions including recruitment, hiring, training, supervision,
leadership, and staff performance appraisal.
 Partnered with management across organization for kickoffs of training initiatives, and other
projects requiring visual design services.
 In Fall 2005 & Fall 2006, supervised production of and coordinated procurement & delivery of
all Seasonal training materials for retail chain (approx 12,000 associates per year), including
Seasonal Hire Training Guides for various product categories.
EDUCATION VIRGINIA COMMONWEALTH UNIVERSITY, RICHMOND, VA
BACHELOR OF FINE ARTS, 1978-1982
Communication Arts & Design, 3.4 GPA
INTERESTS VCU Alumni Member, VCU Athletics Supporter,
Volunteer for BSA, Heart of Virginia Council, Huguenot Trail District
Volunteer for Central Virginia Foodbank
Participant in Susan B. Komen's Race for the Cure 5K, Richmond VA
Participant in Monument Ave 10K, Richmond VA
Participant in Richmond Half-Marathon, Richmond VA
REFERENCES
& PORTFOLIO
Available Upon Request