CV
A comprehensive overview of my professional experience, academic appointments, creative work, and leadership in the design and marketing fields.
About RJ
RJ Thompson, MFA is an award-winning marketing and graphic design professional. Currently, RJ is the Manager of Digital Strategy in Pitt Health Sciences. He was most recently the Director of Digital Marketing in the Joseph M. Katz Graduate School of Business and College of Business Administration at the University of Pittsburgh.
Before joining Pitt, he was a tenured Assistant Professor of Graphic + Interactive Design in the Department of Art at Youngstown State University. Previous to Youngstown State, RJ taught at Carnegie Mellon University, La Roche University, and Edinboro University of Pennsylvania. Continuing his career in education, RJ has been an Adjunct Professor of Graphic & Interactive Design at Point Park University since 2019 where he was responsible for writing and teaching the interactive design curriculum. In 2020, he began teaching at the Community College of Allegheny County.
Outside of marketing, design, and teaching, RJ is also the Co-Principal and Creative Strategist for +Public, a Pennsylvania-based social enterprise that focuses on cultivating community and economic development impact through the creation of branded communication platforms, creative place-making, and storytelling initiatives for communities-in-revival.
Throughout his career, RJ has received many accolades for his creative works: In 2015, he was one of several recipients of the National Endowment for the Arts “Our Town” grant, valued at $100,000, for the INPLACE (“Innovative Plan for Leveraging Arts & Community Engagement”) project. In 2017, RJ received a “Best of Marketing Award” from the Ohio Economic Development Association for his efforts in rebranding the City of Youngstown, Ohio. In 2018, RJ was accepted into the prestigious Cohort 2 of the National Arts Marketing Project, a program supported by Americans for the Arts and the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts. In 2019, RJ also received a scholarship to join the National Arts Strategies Executive Program in Arts & Culture Strategy through the School of Public Policy at the University of Pennsylvania. In 2019, RJ was honored with the Ohio Governors Award in the Arts in Community Development, the state of Ohio’s highest recognition in the arts sector.
Recently, RJ was the recipient of a certification scholarship from the National Institute for Social Media and received accolades from GDUSA and the University & College Designers Association for several Pitt marketing projects. RJ is presently the Immediate Past President of the Pittsburgh chapter of the American Marketing Association.
Education & Academic Roles
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UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA
Graduate Certificate, Arts & Culture Strategy Executive Program; 2019
Graduate Scholarship Recipient
SAVANNAH COLLEGE OF ART & DESIGN
Master of Fine Arts, Graphic Design; 2011
Graduate Scholarship Recipient
CALIFORNIA UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA
Bachelor of Science, Graphic Design; 2007
INTERNATIONAL ACADEMY OF DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY
Associate degree, Visual Communications; 2005
Education
UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA
Graduate Certificate, Arts & Culture Strategy Executive Program; 2019
Graduate Scholarship Recipient
SAVANNAH COLLEGE OF ART & DESIGN
Master of Fine Arts, Graphic Design; 2011
Graduate Scholarship Recipient
CALIFORNIA UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA
Bachelor of Science, Graphic Design; 2007
INTERNATIONAL ACADEMY OF DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY
Associate degree, Visual Communications; 2005
Active Academic Positions
WEST VIRGINIA UNIVERSITY; COLLEGE OF CREATIVE ARTS AND MEDIA,
INTEGRATED MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS MASTER DEGREE PROGRAM
Adjunct Professor, Data Storytelling; Visual Information Design; Emerging Media and AI; 2023
UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH, COLLEGE OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
AND JOSEPH M. KATZ GRADUATE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS
Undergraduate and Graduate Adjunct Professor,
Brand Management; Advertising and Sales Promotion; 2020 to Present
POINT PARK UNIVERSITY, ROWLAND SCHOOL OF BUSINESS AND SCHOOL OF COMMUNICATIONS
Adjunct Professor, Rowland School of Business; Intro to Marketing Principles; 2022 to Present
Adjunct Professor, School of Communications; Interactive Design I and II; 2020 to Present
COMMUNITY COLLEGE OF ALLEGHENY COUNTY
Adjunct Professor, Graphic Design; 2021 to Present
Past Academic Positions
WESTERN KENTUCKY UNIVERSITY, SCHOOL OF DESIGN
Adjunct Professor, User Experience; 2023
YOUNGSTOWN STATE UNIVERSITY, CLIFFE COLLEGE OF CREATIVE ARTS & COMMUNICATION
TENURED Assistant Professor of Graphic + Interactive Design; 2013 – 2019
Full-time Temporary Assistant Professor; 2012-2013
EDINBORO UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA, SCHOOL OF ART
Full-Time Temporary Instructor, Graphic Design; 2011-2012
CARNEGIE MELLON UNIVERSITY, SCHOOL OF DESIGN
Adjunct Professor, Web Design; 2010-2011
LA ROCHE UNIVERSITY, SCHOOL OF THE PROFESSIONS
Visiting Professor, Graphic & Communication Design; 2009-2011
Adjunct Professor, Graphic & Communication Design; Summer 2009
Professional Experience
Current Positions
UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH, OFFICE OF THE SENIOR VICE CHANCELLOR FOR HEALTH SCIENCES
Manager of Multimedia and Digital Strategy, Strategic Communications January 2023 – Present
- Act as the initial contact for creating and executing inventive digital strategies that promote the strategic goals and objectives of the School of Medicine at the University of Pittsburgh.
- Manage a marketing and communications team consisting of three professionals, overseeing all personnel issues and operations, and regularly assessing employee performance.
- Develop, implement, and monitor annual marketing budgets that encompass all marketing activities, such as paid advertising, technology, vendor expenses, travel, professional development, and affiliate partnerships.
- Create effective marketing analytics frameworks to improve both internal communication efforts and external admissions campaigns.
PLUS PUBLIC LLC
Co-Principal and Creative Strategist, December 2017 to Present
Plus Public creates transformative stories of the revitalization of people and places by designing scalable and sustainable communication solutions for economically challenged communities in revival.
- As Principal, responsible for daily operations, staff and contractor management, client acquisition, customer relations, and creative direction of work product.
- Lead multi-point Design Thinking research and author strategic communications reports for municipalities.
Current Positions
UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH, OFFICE OF THE SENIOR VICE CHANCELLOR FOR HEALTH SCIENCES
Manager of Multimedia and Digital Strategy, Strategic Communications January 2023 – Present
- Act as the initial contact for creating and executing inventive digital strategies that promote the strategic goals and objectives of the School of Medicine at the University of Pittsburgh.
- Manage a marketing and communications team consisting of three professionals, overseeing all personnel issues and operations, and regularly assessing employee performance.
- Develop, implement, and monitor annual marketing budgets that encompass all marketing activities, such as paid advertising, technology, vendor expenses, travel, professional development, and affiliate partnerships.
- Create effective marketing analytics frameworks to improve both internal communication efforts and external admissions campaigns.
PLUS PUBLIC LLC
Co-Principal and Creative Strategist, December 2017 to Present
Plus Public creates transformative stories of the revitalization of people and places by designing scalable and sustainable communication solutions for economically challenged communities in revival.
- As Principal, responsible for daily operations, staff and contractor management, client acquisition, customer relations, and creative direction of work product.
- Lead multi-point Design Thinking research and author strategic communications reports for municipalities.
Recent Positions
UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH, KATZ GRADUATE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS
Director of Digital Marketing, August 2021 – January 2023
- Serve as the first point of contact to develop and implement innovative digital strategies that advance the strategic priorities and objectives of the Katz Graduate School of Business and College of Business Administration at the University of Pittsburgh.
- Supervisory responsibility for a marketing team of three professionals; provide continuous support to all members of the team with respect to personnel matters and comprehensive operations; evaluate and report on employee performance.
- Strategize, build, and activate comprehensive annual marketing budgets that identify potential expenses in overall marketing operations, paid advertising, vendors, technology, travel, professional development, affiliate partnerships, etc.
- Administration, analysis, reporting, and strategic planning of marketing and admissions analytics.
- Develop optimized marketing analytics frameworks that inform and enhance internal communications efforts and external admissions campaigns.
- Met and exceeded enrollment quota for the first class of the Executive Doctor of Business Administration exclusively through Google paid search and display advertising campaigns.
- Lead the development and expansion of Pitt Business’ digital presence through paid and earned media.
- Conceptual development, graphic design, and execution of over twenty admissions campaigns for the graduate degree programs in Pitt Business.
- Lead marketing consultation with senior administrators in Pitt Business and the centralized marketing office.
- Consult with Dietrich School of Arts & Sciences and School of Health & Rehabilitative Sciences on digital marketing strategies for their graduate degree programs.
- Producer and webmaster of Business.Pitt.Edu, a nationally award-winning website, and CBA.Pitt.Edu, for both Katz Graduate School of Business and College of Business Administration.
- Negotiated and formalized several affiliate partnership marketing campaigns with local professional organizations.
UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH, COLLEGE OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
Associate Director of Student Engagement, August 2019 to August 2021
- Primary responsibilities include leading strategic marketing efforts and producing creative, engaging, and effective marketing deliverables across content marketing, digital advertising, social media engagement, website design and management, video-based media, and graphic design outputs.
- Completed research, design, development, and launch of the unified Pitt Business website.
- Producer of Pitt Business Backstory, a two-time nationally award-winning recruitment campaign.
- Negotiated and formalized several affiliate partnership marketing campaigns with local professional organizations.
- Provide effective professional mentorship to the Pitt Business marketing team, relevant staff, and interns.
- Utilize Salesforce and Pardot to create multi-layered and geo-targeted e-mail journeys utilizing the Pitt Business Backstory storytelling and recruitment initiative.
Past Positions
CONTENT GARDEN LLC
Creative Director, June 2016 – November 2017
- Client acquisition, contract negation, budgeting, and project management.
- Produce, manage, and mentor the quality of work completed by design staff to exceed client expectations.
SHIFT COLLABORATIVE, LLC
Co-Principal and Creative Director, September 2012 – September 2013
- As Principal, responsible for daily operations including management of staff, work products, client contracts, freelance staff, and sales generation.
- As Creative Director, produce high-quality design work that meets or exceeds personal standards and client expectations through hands-on mentorship with design staff.
UPTO KNOW GOOD, LLC
Principal, Business Strategy & Development, March 2011 – September 2013
- Led client acquisition, consultation, and project management.
- Drafted and designed organizational operations frameworks and business plans.
ZOLA DESIGN, LLC
Principal and Creative Director, August 2008 – August 2012
- As Principal, responsible for day-to-day operations– including budgeting, employees and freelancers, client, and vendor contracts.
- As Creative Director, oversee the quality of work completed by staff and freelance contractors and guide their work to meet or exceed client expectations.
PRISMA, INC. / H.J. Heinz Company
Graphic Designer, October 2007 – July 2009
- In-house designer for Heinz responsible for creating marketing materials for brands such as T.G.I. Fridays, Jack Daniels, Boston Market, Bagel Bites, and the Heinz stable of products.
- Specialized in product branding and advertising for military commissaries across the world.
PENNSYLVANIA EDUCATIONAL PUBLISHING ASSOCIATION
Graphic Designer, June 2007 – October 2007
- Design, layout, production, writing, proofing, editing, and interviewing for Y-PA Magazine.
- Coordinated with printing companies for magazine manufacturing and distribution.
CALIFORNIA UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA
Graphic Designer, January 2005 – October 2007
- Design and maintenance of promotional materials across multiple academic departments
DYMUN + COMPANY
Graphic Design Intern, December 2006 – May 2007
- On-Site designer for California University of Pennsylvania account.
- Specialized in internal communications and event promotion.
BLAIR CORPORATION
Freelance Graphic Designer, August 2005 – January 2007
- Page layout designer for product catalogs.
Leadership & Volunteer Service
Active Service
- Founding Chair, Bellevue Forward; August 2024 – Present
- Vice Chair, National Advisory; National Institute for Social Media; August 2023 – Present
- President Emeritus, American Marketing Association, Pittsburgh Chapter; June 2023 – Present
- President, American Institute of Graphic Artists (AIGA), Pittsburgh Chapter; Jan 2024 – Present; Program Director; Aug 2023 – Dec 2024
Active Service
- Founding Chair; Bellevue Forward; August 2024 – Present
- Vice Chair, National Advisory; National Institute for Social Media; August 2023 – Present
- President Emeritus; American Marketing Association, Pittsburgh Chapter; June 2023 – Present
- President; American Institute of Graphic Artists (AIGA), Pittsburgh Chapter; Jan 2024 – Present; Program Director; Aug 2023 – Dec 2024
Past Service
- President; American Marketing Association, Pittsburgh Chapter; June 2022 – June 2023
- Advisory Board Member; National Institute for Social Media; 2021 – 2023
- President-Elect; American Marketing Association, Pittsburgh Chapter; December 2020 – June 2022
- American Marketing Association – National, DEI Committee; 2021 – 2022
- Group Manager; MarComms by HigherEdSocial, 2021 – Present
- Chair, Competitions Committee; Higher Ed Social, 2020 – Present
- Founder; Bellevue Mural Arts Program, 2019 – Present
- Board Member and Chair of Marketing Committee; Bona Fide Bellevue CDC, 2018 – 2021
- National Endowment for the Arts, “Our Town” grant reviewer; 2019
- Ohio Arts Council, “Arts Sustainability” grant reviewer; 2018
- Pittsburgh East Rotary Club, Vice President; 2011 – 2012
- Volunteer, Get Involved! Baker Leadership; 2010 – 2015
- AIGA – American Institute of Graphic Artists, Board Member; 2007 – 2010
Certifications & Continuing Education
Current Certifications
- Certified Digital Marketing Professional, Digital Marketing Institute; 2022 – Present
- Certified Social Media Strategist, National Institute for Social Media; 2021 – Present
- Clifton Strengths Certified Coach; 2021 – Present
- Interaction Design Association, continuing education; 2020 – Present
Current Certifications
- Certified Digital Marketing Professional, Digital Marketing Institute; 2022 – Present
- Certified Social Media Strategist, National Institute for Social Media; 2021 – Present
- Clifton Strengths Certified Coach; 2021 – Present
- Interaction Design Association, continuing education; 2020 – Present
Past Certifications
- Sustainability Professional Certificate, Pitt Office of Sustainability; 2022
- K-6 Emergency Substitute Certification, Northgate School District; 2022
- Google Paid Ads Certification, 2022
- Digital Marketing Institute Certification, scholarship award; 2021
- Diversity and Inclusion Certificate, University of Pittsburgh; 2021
- Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Certificate, University of Pittsburgh, Pitt Business; 2021
Awards, Scholarships, and Publications
Recognitions
- GDUSA Magazine, 2024 American In-House Design award, “The Oath campaign”
- GDUSA Magazine, 2024 Digital Design award, “The Explorers”
- GDUSA Magazine, 2023 Health + Wellness Design award, “Pitt Med Magazine Summer 2023”
- GDUSA Magazine, 2023 American Graphic Design award, “What I Needed To Discover campaign”
- GDUSA Magazine, 2023 Health + Wellness Design award, “Pitt Med Magazine Summer 2023”
- GDUSA Magazine, 2021 Best of Web Design award, “Business.Pitt.Edu”
- GDUSA Magazine, 2020 Best of Web Design award, “Pitt Business Backstory”
- University and College Designers Association, 2021 Annual Design Competition,
Honorable Mention for “Master Your Move Forward” - University and College Designers Association, 2020 Annual Design Competition,
Honorable Mention for “Pitt Business Backstory” - Phi Kappa Phi, Love of Learning Scholarship; 2021
- National Institute of Social Media; 2020 Scholarship Recipient
- Awardee of Ohio Governor’s Award in the Arts, Community Development; 2019
- The John F. Kennedy Center Citizen Artist Fellows Award – Finalist (Top 30); 2019
- University of Pennsylvania Executive Program in Art & Culture Strategies Scholarship; 2019
- Phi Kappa Phi, Love of Learning Scholarship; 2018
- Ohio Economic Development Initiative, Best in Marketing, Winner, “City of You”; 2017
- Youngstown State University Special Recognition in Research, “City of You”; 2017
- Awardee of Ohio Governor’s Award in the Arts, Community Development 2019
- The John F. Kennedy Center Citizen Artist Fellows Award – Finalist (Top 30) 2019
- National Arts Strategies & University of Pennsylvania Executive Program in Art & Culture Strategies Scholarship 2019
- Youngstown State University Special Recognition in Research, “City of You, 2017”
- Ohio Economic Development Initiative, Best in Economic Development: Marketing,
Winner, “City of You,” 2017 - California University of Pennsylvania Alumni Assoc. Under 40 Inaugural Class 2019
- Higher Learning Commission Annual Conference 2017, Finalist
- Higher Learning Commission Annual Conference 2016, Winner
- Mahoning Valley Young Professionals 25 under 35 Honoree, 2015
- CCAC Dean’s Award for Innovation, 2014
- YSU–OEA Service Award, 2014
- Rotary International Paul K . Harris Award Fellow, 2012
- Logo Lounge, Logo Lounge Volume 7, 2011, 2012 – “Flavor Spark,” “Route 19 Bowl & Lounge,” “H.J. Heinz Global Health & Wellness Logo,” “Foster Cat”
- City of Pittsburgh, Mayor Luke Ravenstahl’s Citizen Service Award, 2011
- Get Involved! Baker Leadership Service Summit, 2011
- 2011 Western Pennsylvania Rising Star
- GDUSA / Logo Lounge, Logo Trend Report, “H.J. Heinz Global Health & Wellness Logo,” 2011
- Logo Lounge Master Library: Animals and Mythology, “Hillview Tavern Logo,” 2010
- AIGA Context, Design Excellence Award, “Thompson Design Methodology,” 2099
- First place awards, Category: Graphic Arts, Illustration, and Photography GDUSA Magazine, Best of In-House Graphic Design, “Underground Cafe: Two Work Studies Short of a Clue, CD,” 2005
- Warren Art League, 2005
- “Doctor Octopus,” “Ainao the Amazing,” “Secretina”
Recognitions
- GDUSA Magazine, 2024 American In-House Design award, “The Oath campaign”
- GDUSA Magazine, 2024 Digital Design award, “The Explorers”
- GDUSA Magazine, 2023 Health + Wellness Design award, “Pitt Med Magazine Summer 2023”
- GDUSA Magazine, 2023 American Graphic Design award, “What I Needed To Discover campaign”
- GDUSA Magazine, 2023 Health + Wellness Design award, “Pitt Med Magazine Summer 2023”
- GDUSA Magazine, 2021 Best of Web Design award, “Business.Pitt.Edu”
- GDUSA Magazine, 2020 Best of Web Design award, “Pitt Business Backstory”
- University and College Designers Association, 2021 Annual Design Competition,
Honorable Mention for “Master Your Move Forward” - University and College Designers Association, 2020 Annual Design Competition,
Honorable Mention for “Pitt Business Backstory” - Phi Kappa Phi, Love of Learning Scholarship; 2021
- National Institute of Social Media; 2020 Scholarship Recipient
- Awardee of Ohio Governor’s Award in the Arts, Community Development; 2019
- The John F. Kennedy Center Citizen Artist Fellows Award – Finalist (Top 30); 2019
- University of Pennsylvania Executive Program in Art & Culture Strategies Scholarship; 2019
- Phi Kappa Phi, Love of Learning Scholarship; 2018
- Ohio Economic Development Initiative, Best in Marketing, Winner, “City of You”; 2017
- Youngstown State University Special Recognition in Research, “City of You”; 2017
- Awardee of Ohio Governor’s Award in the Arts, Community Development 2019
- The John F. Kennedy Center Citizen Artist Fellows Award – Finalist (Top 30) 2019
- National Arts Strategies & University of Pennsylvania Executive Program in Art & Culture Strategies Scholarship 2019
- Youngstown State University Special Recognition in Research, “City of You, 2017”
- Ohio Economic Development Initiative, Best in Economic Development: Marketing,
Winner, “City of You,” 2017 - California University of Pennsylvania Alumni Assoc. Under 40 Inaugural Class 2019
- Higher Learning Commission Annual Conference 2017, Finalist
- Higher Learning Commission Annual Conference 2016, Winner
- Mahoning Valley Young Professionals 25 under 35 Honoree, 2015
- CCAC Dean’s Award for Innovation, 2014
- YSU–OEA Service Award, 2014
- Rotary International Paul K . Harris Award Fellow, 2012
- Logo Lounge, Logo Lounge Volume 7, 2011, 2012 – “Flavor Spark,” “Route 19 Bowl & Lounge,” “H.J. Heinz Global Health & Wellness Logo,” “Foster Cat”
- City of Pittsburgh, Mayor Luke Ravenstahl’s Citizen Service Award, 2011
- Get Involved! Baker Leadership Service Summit, 2011
- 2011 Western Pennsylvania Rising Star
- GDUSA / Logo Lounge, Logo Trend Report, “H.J. Heinz Global Health & Wellness Logo,” 2011
- Logo Lounge Master Library: Animals and Mythology, “Hillview Tavern Logo,” 2010
- AIGA Context, Design Excellence Award, “Thompson Design Methodology,” 2099
- First place awards, Category: Graphic Arts, Illustration, and Photography GDUSA Magazine, Best of In-House Graphic Design, “Underground Cafe: Two Work Studies Short of a Clue, CD,” 2005
- Warren Art League, 2005
- “Doctor Octopus,” “Ainao the Amazing,” “Secretina”
Grant Awards, Grant Reviewing, and Fundraising
Notable Awards
- Co-Author & Investigator, “INPLACE,” Our Town grant. $150,000 award from the
National Endowment for the Arts; 2016 - Primary Investigator and Financial Manager, “City of You Rebranding” $103,000 award; 2016
- Year of Creativity, the University of Pittsburgh, Seriously Creative: The Business of LEGO, $2,000; 2019
- Bellevue Mural Arts Program 2019, ArtPlace America & IOBY, $5,000; 2019
- YSU University Research Council, “Digital-Interactive Branded Environments,” $5,000; 2018
Notable Awards
- Co-Author & Investigator, “INPLACE,” Our Town grant. $150,000 award from the
National Endowment for the Arts; 2016 - Primary Investigator and Financial Manager, “City of You Rebranding” $103,000 award; 2016
- Year of Creativity, the University of Pittsburgh, Seriously Creative: The Business of LEGO, $2,000; 2019
- Bellevue Mural Arts Program 2019, ArtPlace America & IOBY, $5,000; 2019
- YSU University Research Council, “Digital-Interactive Branded Environments,” $5,000; 2018
Professional Memberships
Active Memberships
AMERICAN MARKETING ASSOCIATION – PITTSBURGH [2020 – present]
- President Emeritus 2023 – Present
- President 2022-2023
- President-Elect 2021-2022
- VP of Partnerships 2020-2021
- Academic Member
- Webmaster, Communications Committee
National Institute of social media [2021-PRESENT]
- Certified Social Media Strategist
- Nominated to National Advisory Board 2021-2022
- Vice Chair 2023 – Present
HIGH ED WEB [2021 – present]
- Academic Member
- Member, Volunteer Committee
AMERICANS FOR THE ARTS [2018 – present]
Inducted as an honorary member of the National Arts Marketing Project
PHI KAPPA PHI [2017 – present]
- Inducted as an honorary member of Chapter 143, Youngstown State University
UNIVERSITY & COLLEGE DESIGNERS ASSOCIATION [2018-2023]
- Academic Member
- Communications Committee
- Considered for nomination to National Board 2021-2022
National consortium for creative placemaking [2018 – 2021]
- Academic Member
SOUTHEASTERN COLLEGE ART CONFERENCE [2017-2018]
- Academic Member
Board Member, American Institute of Graphic Artists, Pittsburgh
[Board Member: July 2007 – July 2010; General Member – present; Board member 2023 – Present]
- Director of annual Designer Dialogues speaking series
- Member, Young Professional & Student Development com.
- Bridge the gap between student designers
and industry professionals - Student Chapter Leadership
- Membership Drives
- Program Management
- Reputation of design in Pittsburgh
MAHONING VALLEY YOUNG PROFESSIONALS [2015 – 2016]
Vice President, Pittsburgh East Rotary Club [2010 – 2011] Member [2010 – 2013]
Member, Pittsburgh Human Rights Network [2011 – 2012]
Member, Pittsburgh Young Professionals [2011 – 2012]
Member, Pittsburgh Advertising Federation [2010 – 2011]
Member, North Side North Shore Chamber of Commerce [2010 – 2011]
Active Memberships
AMERICAN MARKETING ASSOCIATION – PITTSBURGH [2020 – present]
- President Emeritus 2023 – Present
- President 2022-2023
- President-Elect 2021-2022
- VP of Partnerships 2020-2021
- Academic Member
- Webmaster, Communications Committee
National Institute of social media [2021-PRESENT]
- Certified Social Media Strategist
- Nominated to National Advisory Board 2021-2022
- Vice Chair 2023 – Present
HIGH ED WEB [2021 – present]
- Academic Member
- Member, Volunteer Committee
AMERICANS FOR THE ARTS [2018 – present]
Inducted as an honorary member of the National Arts Marketing Project
PHI KAPPA PHI [2017 – present]
- Inducted as an honorary member of Chapter 143, Youngstown State University
UNIVERSITY & COLLEGE DESIGNERS ASSOCIATION [2018-2023]
- Academic Member
- Communications Committee
- Considered for nomination to National Board 2021-2022
National consortium for creative placemaking [2018 – 2021]
- Academic Member
SOUTHEASTERN COLLEGE ART CONFERENCE [2017-2018]
- Academic Member
Board Member, American Institute of Graphic Artists, Pittsburgh
[Board Member: July 2007 – July 2010; General Member – present; Board member 2023 – Present]
- Director of annual Designer Dialogues speaking series
- Member, Young Professional & Student Development com.
- Bridge the gap between student designers
and industry professionals - Student Chapter Leadership
- Membership Drives
- Program Management
- Reputation of design in Pittsburgh
MAHONING VALLEY YOUNG PROFESSIONALS [2015 – 2016]
Vice President, Pittsburgh East Rotary Club [2010 – 2011] Member [2010 – 2013]
Member, Pittsburgh Human Rights Network [2011 – 2012]
Member, Pittsburgh Young Professionals [2011 – 2012]
Member, Pittsburgh Advertising Federation [2010 – 2011]
Member, North Side North Shore Chamber of Commerce [2010 – 2011]
Peer-Reviewed Conference Presentations
2025-2020
PITT DIVERSITY FORUM [JuLY 2022]
Topic: Operationalizing Social Equity Consciousness in Business School Education
Social fresh [June 2022]
Topic: Paid Social Storytelling
“momentum” American marketing association – pittsburgh [June 2022]
Topic: Creative Problem-Solving Methodology
Future of higher education – australia [2021]
Topic: University Branding
Graphic Communications Education Association Annual Conference 2020 [July 2020]
Topic: Talks with Thompson Podcast: Conversations about Career Development
during COVID-19
Social fresh x [June 2020]
Topic: Pitt Business Backstory
Social Media Strategies Summit: Higher Ed 2020 [June 2020]
Topic: Pitt Business Backstory
Hiram College Tech & Trek Conference 2020 [june 2020]
Topic: Talks with Thompson Podcast: Conversations about Career Development during COVID-19
2025-2020
PITT DIVERSITY FORUM [JuLY 2022]
Topic: Operationalizing Social Equity Consciousness in Business School Education
Social fresh [June 2022]
Topic: Paid Social Storytelling
“momentum” American marketing association – pittsburgh [June 2022]
Topic: Creative Problem-Solving Methodology
Future of higher education – australia [2021]
Topic: University Branding
Graphic Communications Education Association Annual Conference 2020 [July 2020]
Topic: Talks with Thompson Podcast: Conversations about Career Development
during COVID-19
Social fresh x [June 2020]
Topic: Pitt Business Backstory
Social Media Strategies Summit: Higher Ed 2020 [June 2020]
Topic: Pitt Business Backstory
Hiram College Tech & Trek Conference 2020 [june 2020]
Topic: Talks with Thompson Podcast: Conversations about Career Development during COVID-19
2019-2015
DOYO LIVE DIGITAL MARKETING CONFERENCE 2019
Webinar Topic: Community Branding & Storytelling Strategies (March 2019)
DOYO Live 2019: Community Branding & Storytelling Strategies (October 2019)
COMMUNITY CENTERED CONFERENCE [October 2019]
Topic: Community Branding & Storytelling Strategies
University & College Designers Association 2017 Design Educators Summit [SUMMER 2019]
Topic: Catalytic Communications & Connectivity Plan for Communities-In-Revival
Topic: The Youngstown Social Cause Poster Project
Topic: Designed To Vote Cross-University Collaborative Exhibition
Panel: Maximizing Value and Minimizing Chaos in Creative Collaborations
DESIGN ACROSS DIVIDES CONFERENCE AT WEST VIRGINIA UNIVERSITY [SPRING 2019]
Topic: Bellevue Believes: Branding Bellevue, Pennsylvania
Topic: Community Branding Workshop
National arts marketing project conference [FALL 2018]
Topic: Community Arts Center of Cambria County
2018 a2ru ALLIANCE FOR THE ARTS IN RESEARCH UNIVERSITIES NATL. CONFERENCE [Fall 2018]
Topic: INPLACE: Innovative Plan for Leveraging Arts Through Community
Engagement
2018 SECAC Conference [Fall 2018]
Topic: Plus Public: A Startup Social Enterprise Transforming
Communities via Design
University & College Designers Association 2017 Design Educators Summit
YOUNGSTOWN STATE UNIVERSITY [SUMMER 2018]
Topic: Plus Public: A Startup Social Enterprise Transforming
Communities via Design
2018 THE NATIONAL CONSORTIUM FOR CREATIVE PLACEMAKING
TWO SESSIONS: Northeastern corridor, new jersey, may 3 & 3, 2018,
DC/CAPITAL REGION, OCTOBER 2018
Workshop Instructor
Topic: INPLACE: Innovative Plan for Leveraging Arts Through Community
Engagement
2018 GrAPHIC COMMUNICATIONS EDUCATION ASSOCIATION “The Social Shift”
SPRING 2018 pittsburgh sTATE UNIVERSITY, pittsburg, ks
Keynote Speaker, topic Rebranding Communities-in-Revival
2017 SECAC Conference [Fall 2017]
Session Director, “Graphic Design Beyond”
Topic: OS Project
University & College Designers Association 2017 Design Educators Summit
Kutztown university of pennsylvania [SUMMER 2017]
Topic: Operating System Design Project: The Successful Integration of Interactive
Design & 3D Printing
Topic: Developing Creative Programming, Recruitment, and Retention High
School & University Partnerships
Topic: The Cross-Pollinated Graphic Design Curriculum: extending singular
projects throughout multiple courses
Design Principles & Practices 2017 Conference (Toronto, CANADA) [spring 2017]
Topic: Rebranding Youngstown, Ohio: A City in Revival
DESIGN INCUBATION COLLOQUIUM KENT STATE UNIVERSITY [SPRING 2017]
Topic: Rebranding Youngstown, Ohio: A City in Revival
2016 SECAC Conference [Fall 2016]
Session: The Beauty of the Mark: Logo & Symbol Design
Topic: City of You: Rebranding Youngstown, Ohio
IEEE PROFESSIONAL COMMUNICATION SOCIETY (PROCOMM) [Fall 2016]
Topic: Remote Usability Testing For Cross-Functional Teams
SPECIAL INTEREST GROUP FOR DESIGN OF COMMUNICATION (SIGDOC) [Fall 2016]
Topic: Content strategy service-learning partnerships with nonprofit organizations:
A guiding heuristic and overview of deliverables
AIGA Nuts & Bolts [Summer 2016]
Topic: STUDY: Customized Online Learning Management System
United States Distance Learning Association 2016 Conference (St. Louis, MO)
Topic: Designing Mobile Apps for Education
University & College Designers Association 2016 Design Educators Summit
(KEAN UNIVERSITY, UNION, NEW JERSEY) [SUMMER 2016]
Topic: Rebranding Youngstown, Ohio: A City in Revival
Panel: Interactive Design Technologies for the Classroom
Intersections: YSU Biennial Faculty Show [Spring 2016]
Discussion on the City of Youngstown branding & advertising campaign
TryMyUI Webinar [Fall 2015]
Topic: Designing Mobile Apps for Education
Hiram College [Fall 2015]
Topic: Creative Services Entrepreneurship
United States Distance Learning Association 2015 Conference (St. Louis, MO)
Topic: STUDY: customizable analytics-driven learning management system
University & College Designers Association 2015 Design Educators Summit
(University of South Dakota, Brookings, SD)
Topic: Youngstown Design Works: Pop-Up Student-Run Design Shops Drive
Business and Economic Development
Topic: Youngstown Design Works: Community Rebranding
Topic: STUDY: customizable analytics-driven learning management system
Design Principles & Practices 2015 Conference (Chicago, IL)
Topic: Youngstown Design Works: Pop-Up Student-Run Design Shops Drive
Business and Economic Development
Youngstown Business Incubator Start Smart Series [Summer 2015]
Topic: Designing Your Business: 3 part series
City of Youngstown [Summer 2015]
Topic: City of You
2014-2011
Power of the Arts [Summer 2014]
Topic: Copyright and Trademarks in Design
YSU Faculty Development [Spring 2014]
Topic: Gamification
Uncharted: YSU Biennial Faculty Show [Spring 2014]
Retrospective discussion on selected portfolio works
Art Institute of Pittsburgh [November 2012]
Topic: Design Entrepreneurship & Portfolio Review for Associate Degrees
Art Institute Online [October 2012]
Topic: Design Entrepreneurship & Portfolio Review
Baker Leadership on TV: Get Involved! Pittsburgh [October 2012]
2012 Get Involved! Baker Leadership Service Summit [April 2012]
Art Institute Online [October 2011]
Topic: Design Entrepreneurship & Portfolio Review
Get Involved! Baker Leadership Morning Mix [September 2011]
Podcamp Pittsburgh [October 2010]
Topic: Kullu Valley Bike Project
R.I. Lampus Company Distributor conference [January 2011]
Topic: How to utilize social media marketing to increase business and sales
Course Portfolio
UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH
- Intro to Marketing
- Brand Management
- Advertising and Sales Promotion (Undergraduate and Graduate)
UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH
- Intro to Marketing
- Brand Management
- Advertising and Sales Promotion (Undergraduate and Graduate)
WEST VIRGINIA UNIVERSITY
- Emerging Media & AI (Graduate)
- Data Storytelling (Graduate)
- Visual Information Design (Graduate)
WESTERN KENTUCKY UNIVERSITY
- Intro to User Experience
POINT PARK UNIVERSITY
- Interactive Design 1
- Interactive Design 2
- Intro to Marketing
- Advanced Digital Marketing
COMMUNITY COLLEGE OF ALLEGHENY COUNTY
- Publication Design
- Intro to Web Design
YOUNGSTOWN STATE UNIVERSITY
- Graphic Design Practicum
- Senior Projects
- Intro to Interactive Design
- Intermediate Interactive Design
- Advanced Interactive Design
- Motion for Interactive Design
- History & Theory of Graphic Design
- Intro to Typography
- Intermediate Graphic Design
- Interactive App Design
CARNEGIE MELLON UNIVERSITY
- Intro to Web Design
- Web Portfolio
PENNWEST UNIVERSITY – EDINBORO
- Intro to New Media
- Intro to Graphic Design
- Graphic Design One
LA ROCHE UNIVERSITY
- Advanced Web Design
- Multimedia One: Web Design
- Digital Fine Art
- Graphic Design Methodologies
Curriculum & Program Development
Education
UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA
Graduate Certificate, Arts & Culture Strategy Executive Program; 2019
Graduate Scholarship Recipient
SAVANNAH COLLEGE OF ART & DESIGN
Master of Fine Arts, Graphic Design; 2011
Graduate Scholarship Recipient
CALIFORNIA UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA
Bachelor of Science, Graphic Design; 2007
INTERNATIONAL ACADEMY OF DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY
Associate degree, Visual Communications; 2005
Course Author and Subject Matter Expert
Youngstown State University
- Graphic Design Practicum (aka Youngstown Design Works)
- Intro to Interactive Design
- Intermediate Interactive Design
- Intermediate Graphic Design
- Advanced Interactive Design
- Motion for Interactive Design
- History & Theory of Graphic Design
- Intro to Typography
- Special Topics: Interactive Application Design
- Summer Honors Institute: City of You
- Senior Projects
- Junior Portfolio Review
- Graphic Design Studio Problems
Edinboro University of Pennsylvania
- Intermediate & Advanced Web Design (not implemented)
LA ROCHE COLLEGE
- Multimedia One: Web Design
- Design Methodologies
- Online Special Topics: Corporate Identity (not implemented)
- Special Topics: Graphic Design Studio
- Graphic & Communication Design Web Design Minor
Point Park University
- Interactive Design One
- SME, Course Author, Inaugural Instructor
- Interactive Design Two
- SME, Course Author, Inaugural Instructor
COMMUNITY COLLEGE OF ALLEGHENY COUNTY
- Design curriculum consultant
Committee Appointments
Education
Youngstown State University
- Member, Digital Humanities Center Ad-Hoc Committee [2018-2019]
- Member, Chair’s Advisory Committee [2018-2019]
- Chair, Dept. of Art Lecture Series [2018-2019]
- Chair, Assessment Committee [2018-2019]
- Member, Distinguished Professorships College Committee [2017 – 2018]
- Chair, Recruitment & Retention Committee [2017 – 2018]
- Advisor, Student Art Association [2017 – 2018]
- Member, Dept. of Art Lecture Series [2017 – 2018]
- Member, McDonough Advisory Committee [2017 – 2018]
- Chair, Curriculum Committee [2016 – 2017]
- Member, Assessment Committee [2016 – 2018]
- Chair, Elections Committee, YSU-OEA [2016 – 2019]
- Chair, Planning & Research Committee, YSU-OEA [2016 – 2018]
- College Advocate, CCAC [2015 – 2017]
- Ohio Youth Entrepreneurship Program [2016]
- Adjunct Interactive Design Faculty Search Committee [2016 – 2017]
- Chair, Recruitment & Retention [2015 – 2016]
- Chair, Creative Industries Collaborative [2015 – 2016]
- Chair, Teaching with Technology Committee [2015 – 2016]
- Chair, McDonough Advisory [2014 – 2015]
- Chair, Elections Committee, YSU-OEA [2015 – 2019]
- Member, Academic Vice President of Research Search Committee [2015 – 2016]
- Member, Digital Media Faculty Search Committee [2015 – 2016]
- Library Liaison [2013 – 2015]
- Senator [2014 – 2016]
- Member, ITAC [2015 – 2016]
- Member, Launch Lab [2014 – 2019]
- Member, Creative Industries Collaborative [2014 – 2016], Chair ’15 – ’16
- Committee Member, YSU-OEA, Web Development [2014 – 2015]
- Member, McDonough Advisory [2013 – 2014]
- Member, CCAC Assessment [2012 – 2013]
- Member, Marketing Committee [2012 – 2013]
- Member, Recruitment Materials [2013 – 2014]
- Member, Recruitment & Retention [2014 – 2015]
- Member, Governance Committee [2014 – 2015]
- of Art Representative, Associate Degree & Tech Prep Committee [2014 – 2015]
Edinboro University of Pennsylvania
- NASAD Committee [2012]
- Web Committee [2011- 2012]
LA ROCHE COLLEGE
- Faculty Development Committee [2009 – 2011]
- Graphic Design Web Minor Committee [2010 – 2011]
Committee List and roles
Community college of allegheny county
- Member, AI Committee [2024-present]
Youngstown State University
- Member, Digital Humanities Center Ad-Hoc Committee [2018-2019]
- Member, Chair’s Advisory Committee [2018-2019]
- Chair, Dept. of Art Lecture Series [2018-2019]
- Chair, Assessment Committee [2018-2019]
- Member, Distinguished Professorships College Committee [2017 – 2018]
- Chair, Recruitment & Retention Committee [2017 – 2018]
- Advisor, Student Art Association [2017 – 2018]
- Member, Dept. of Art Lecture Series [2017 – 2018]
- Member, McDonough Advisory Committee [2017 – 2018]
- Chair, Curriculum Committee [2016 – 2017]
- Member, Assessment Committee [2016 – 2018]
- Chair, Elections Committee, YSU-OEA [2016 – 2019]
- Chair, Planning & Research Committee, YSU-OEA [2016 – 2018]
- College Advocate, CCAC [2015 – 2017]
- Ohio Youth Entrepreneurship Program [2016]
- Adjunct Interactive Design Faculty Search Committee [2016 – 2017]
- Chair, Recruitment & Retention [2015 – 2016]
- Chair, Creative Industries Collaborative [2015 – 2016]
- Chair, Teaching with Technology Committee [2015 – 2016]
- Chair, McDonough Advisory [2014 – 2015]
- Chair, Elections Committee, YSU-OEA [2015 – 2019]
- Member, Academic Vice President of Research Search Committee [2015 – 2016]
- Member, Digital Media Faculty Search Committee [2015 – 2016]
- Library Liaison [2013 – 2015]
- Senator [2014 – 2016]
- Member, ITAC [2015 – 2016]
- Member, Launch Lab [2014 – 2019]
- Member, Creative Industries Collaborative [2014 – 2016], Chair ’15 – ’16
- Committee Member, YSU-OEA, Web Development [2014 – 2015]
- Member, McDonough Advisory [2013 – 2014]
- Member, CCAC Assessment [2012 – 2013]
- Member, Marketing Committee [2012 – 2013]
- Member, Recruitment Materials [2013 – 2014]
- Member, Recruitment & Retention [2014 – 2015]
- Member, Governance Committee [2014 – 2015]
- of Art Representative, Associate Degree & Tech Prep Committee [2014 – 2015]
Edinboro University of Pennsylvania
- NASAD Committee [2012]
- Web Committee [2011- 2012]
Union Memberships
Education
UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH
- Faculty Advisor, Corporate Connections at Pitt Business [2023-present]
YOUNGSTOWN STATE UNIVERSITY
- Founder, Interaction Design Association [IxDA] Youngstown [2014 – 2019]
- Co-Advisor, Student Art Association [2018 – 2019]
- Advisor, Student Art Association [2017 – 2018]
- Co-Advisor, AIGA Student Chapter [2012 – 2014]
LA ROCHE COLLEGE
- Faculty Advisor, “Praxis” student design organization [2009 – 2011]
- Studio Director, La Roche College Graphic Design Studio [2009 – 2011]
Union Memberships
- Pitt Staff Union, United Steelworkers [2024 – present]
- The Newspaper Guild of Pittsburgh, CWA Local 38061, Point Park University [2019]
- OEA: Ohio Education Association [2012 – 2019]
- APSCUF: Association of Pennsylvania State College & University Faculties [2011 – 2012]
Student Organization Administrative Experience
Education
UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH
- Faculty Advisor, Corporate Connections at Pitt Business [2023-present]
YOUNGSTOWN STATE UNIVERSITY
- Founder, Interaction Design Association [IxDA] Youngstown [2014 – 2019]
- Co-Advisor, Student Art Association [2018 – 2019]
- Advisor, Student Art Association [2017 – 2018]
- Co-Advisor, AIGA Student Chapter [2012 – 2014]
LA ROCHE COLLEGE
- Faculty Advisor, “Praxis” student design organization [2009 – 2011]
- Studio Director, La Roche College Graphic Design Studio [2009 – 2011]
Faculty Advisor Appointments
UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH
- Faculty Advisor, Corporate Connections at Pitt Business [2023-present]
YOUNGSTOWN STATE UNIVERSITY
- Founder, Interaction Design Association [IxDA] Youngstown [2014 – 2019]
- Co-Advisor, Student Art Association [2018 – 2019]
- Advisor, Student Art Association [2017 – 2018]
- Co-Advisor, AIGA Student Chapter [2012 – 2014]
LA ROCHE COLLEGE
- Faculty Advisor, “Praxis” student design organization [2009 – 2011]
- Studio Director, La Roche College Graphic Design Studio [2009 – 2011]
Exhibitions and Jurying
Education
UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA
Graduate Certificate, Arts & Culture Strategy Executive Program; 2019
Graduate Scholarship Recipient
SAVANNAH COLLEGE OF ART & DESIGN
Master of Fine Arts, Graphic Design; 2011
Graduate Scholarship Recipient
CALIFORNIA UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA
Bachelor of Science, Graphic Design; 2007
INTERNATIONAL ACADEMY OF DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY
Associate degree, Visual Communications; 2005
Exhibitions
- The Borough of Bellevue in Brick Form LEGO Exhibition [upcoming 2022]
- So Much More Than Home: Youngstown, Ohio [upcoming Summer 2018]
- Featured in the McDonough Museum of Art during the University & College Designers Association Design Education Summit at Youngstown State U.
- Immersions: YSU Biennial Faculty Show [Spring 2018]
- Selected works from professional design portfolio
- INPLACE Exhibition: Changing Views II [Summer 2017]
- City of You posters, advertisements, conceptual work
- City of You: Visual Stories of Youngstown [Summer 2016]
- M Gallery, Youngstown, Ohio
- Soap Gallery [Summer 2016]
- City of You posters
- Intersections: YSU Biennial Faculty Show [Spring 2016]
- Selected works from professional design portfolio
- Uncharted: YSU Faculty Show [Spring 2014]
- Selected works from professional design portfolio
- YSU Assessment Presentations
- Topic: Youngstown Design Works: Assessment of Students and Clients,
Winner, Best Design [Spring 2016] - Topic: STUDY: customizable analytics-driven LMS [Spring 2015]
- Topic: History & Theory of Graphic Design Quiz App [Spring 2014]
- Topic: Youngstown Design Works: Assessment of Students and Clients,
- AIGA Pittsburgh, Context, Entry: “25 Book Covers” [2010]
- AIGA Pittsburgh, Ho Ho No Logo, Entry: “Gallery Espresso” [2010]
- AIGA Pittsburgh, Context, Entry: “Thompson Design Methodology”, Winner [2009]
- AIGA Pittsburgh, Ho Ho No Logo, Entry: 52 for 51 logos [2009]
- California University of Pennsylvania, “The Intercollegiate” [2005 – 2007]
- California University of Pennsylvania, Vulcan Student Gallery, Vector Show [2007]
- Jozart Studios, “Idea-Mechanics”, solo show [2006]
- Warren Public Library, Works of RJ Thompson and Maria Papalia [August 2005]
JURYING
- 2019 American Advertising Federation, Joplin, Missouri chapter. Annual Competition
- 2017 & 2018 Next Best Art Holiday Exhibition
- 2016 Regional Governor’s Youth Art Exhibition
- 2014 Boardman High School Art Show
- 2014 InteractYO YSU Interactive Design Exhibition
- 2014 Regional Governor’s Youth Art Exhibition
- 2013 Boardman High School Art Show
Service
Education
UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA
Graduate Certificate, Arts & Culture Strategy Executive Program; 2019
Graduate Scholarship Recipient
SAVANNAH COLLEGE OF ART & DESIGN
Master of Fine Arts, Graphic Design; 2011
Graduate Scholarship Recipient
CALIFORNIA UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA
Bachelor of Science, Graphic Design; 2007
INTERNATIONAL ACADEMY OF DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY
Associate degree, Visual Communications; 2005
Current Service
- Bellevue Forward, Founding Chair [2024 – present]
- American Marketing Association, Pittsburgh, President Emeritus [2023 – present]
- American Institute of Graphic Artists, Pittsburgh, Program Director [2023 – present]
- University of Pittsburgh Staff Council, Chair of Pitt Day of Giving and Mentor Awards [2023 – present]
Previous Service
- American Marketing Association, Pittsburgh, President [2022-2023]
- American Marketing Association, Pittsburgh, President-Elect [2021-2022]
- HigherEd Social, Chair, Competitions Committee [2020-2022]
- American Marketing Association, Pittsburgh, Webmaster [2020-present]
- Board Member, Bonafide Bellevue CDC [2018-2021]
- Grant Reviewer, 2019 “Our Town” Grant, National Endowment for the Arts
- Grant Reviewer, 2018 “Sustainability” Grant, Ohio Arts Council
- Board Member, Next Best Art [2018-2020]
- Pitt Business Social and Service Committee [2019 -present]
- Director and Founder, Awesome Foundation Youngstown [2017 – 2019]
- Director, Interaction Design Association (IXDA) Youngstown [2014 – 2019]
- Advisor, Mahoning County Career & Technical Center [2015 – 2019]
- Advisor, Columbiana County Career & Technical Center [2015 – 2019]
- Advisor, Trumbull County Technical Center [2017 – 2019]
- Board Member, The Legal Creative [2014 – 2018]
- Advisor, YSU Student Art Association [2017 – 2018]
- Volunteer, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation [June 2007 – present]
- Volunteer, Special Olympics District of Columbia [2015]
- Board President, New Sun Rising [2012 – 2013]
- Mentor, Career Connections Charter High School [2011 – 2013]
- Vice President, Pittsburgh East Rotary Club [2011 – 2012]
- Founding Member, Pittsburgh Hostel Project [2012 – 2013]
- Marketing Chair, Coalition to Affirm Real-Estate Management [2010 – 2012]
- Volunteer, Pittsburgh Cares [2012 – 2012]
- Volunteer, Special Olympics of Western Pennsylvania [2010]
- Volunteer, United Way of Allegheny County [2011 – 2012]
- Volunteer, Get Involved! Baker Leadership [2010 – 2015]
- Volunteer, Pittsburgh Public Schools [Aug 2011 – August 2013]
- Volunteer, East End Cooperative Ministry Shelter Meals [2011 – 2013]
- Co-Founder, Kullu Valley Bike Project [July 2010 – Sep 2011]
Client Portfolio
Education
UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA
Graduate Certificate, Arts & Culture Strategy Executive Program; 2019
Graduate Scholarship Recipient
SAVANNAH COLLEGE OF ART & DESIGN
Master of Fine Arts, Graphic Design; 2011
Graduate Scholarship Recipient
CALIFORNIA UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA
Bachelor of Science, Graphic Design; 2007
INTERNATIONAL ACADEMY OF DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY
Associate degree, Visual Communications; 2005
Graphic Design
| Applications2U | Jamsonic | Star of India/Yuva India |
| BASIC | Jaxson’s Jog Charity Walk | TLC Wash & Vac |
| Bailey Chiropractic | Kaplan Career Institute | The Affective Computing Company |
| Baker Leadership | Keystone Public Affairs | The Gathering Place at Darlington Lake |
| Bishop Leonard Saint Mary of the Mount Academy | Mike’s Melanoma Militia Charity Walk | Three Rivers Underground Brewers |
| Broudy Printing | Moringa Living LLC | University of Pittsburgh Men’s Study |
| CMMI/ClearModels, SEPG Conference | Mr. Magic Car Wash | Youngstown State University |
| California University of Pennsylvania | North Hills Grille | Zimmer Kunz |
| Children’s Hospital Research at UPMC | Orange Arrow | The Barnes Group |
| Colebrook Management | Passavant Hospital Foundation | Community Art Center of Cambria County |
| Cystic Fibrosis Foundation | Peppers USA | Revival on Lincoln |
| DeRose Disaster Pro | Pittsburgh Parking Day | Lincoln Avenue Brewery |
| Edge Associates | Providence Heights Alpha School | Crown Exteriors |
| ExperiLearn LLC | RenewU | Unified Forecast System |
| Friends Specialty Coffees | Scalient LLC | National Oceanic & Atmospheric Association |
| Haitian Families First | Special Olympics Pennsylvania | The Barnes Group |
| JC Dick Geographic Services | Special Olympics District of Columbia | YSU Digital Humanities Center |
Web Design
| AIDS Cure Research Collaborative | New Sun Rising |
| Airheads Balloon Art | Orange Arrow |
| Allegheny Imaging | PERSAD Center |
| Applications2U | Penn Forest Cemetery |
| Bishop Leonard Saint Mary of the Mount Academy | Pittsburgh Cares |
| Blind Association of Butler & Armstrong Counties | Pittsburgh Youth Leadership |
| Braddock Redux | Program for Offenders |
| CMMI/ClearModels, SEPG Conference | Rock Mulch & More |
| DeRose Disaster Pro | SCORE Youngstown |
| Dept. of Art, Youngstown State University | Special Olympics District of Columbia |
| Echo Strategies | TeamX Communications |
| Edge Associates | The Gathering Place at Darlington Lake |
| Elliott & Davis, PC | The Rich Center for Autism, Youngstown State University |
| ExperiLearn LLC | Three Rivers Association for Professionals in Infection Control |
| Friedman & Friedman, PC | Three Rivers Community Foundation |
| Friends Specialty | Three Rivers Waterkeeper |
| HP Technologies | United Way of Allegheny County |
| Jamsonic | Warren County Chamber of Business & Industry |
| Jefferson Behavioral Health Systems | WordFabric LLC |
| Keystone Public Affairs | Youngstown Area Jewish Federation |
| Madacsi | Youngstown State University Dept. of Art |
| Mr. Magic Car Wash | Youngstown State University Ohio Educators Association |
Supporting Materials and Resources
Education
UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA
Graduate Certificate, Arts & Culture Strategy Executive Program; 2019
Graduate Scholarship Recipient
SAVANNAH COLLEGE OF ART & DESIGN
Master of Fine Arts, Graphic Design; 2011
Graduate Scholarship Recipient
CALIFORNIA UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA
Bachelor of Science, Graphic Design; 2007
INTERNATIONAL ACADEMY OF DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY
Associate degree, Visual Communications; 2005
Links
Talks With Thompson Podcast
https://talkswiththompson.transistor.fm/
RJ Thompson: Living life to the fullest
https://pittnews.com/article/157211/silhouettes-2020/rj-thompson-living-life-to-the-fullest/
How to boost the Bellevue economy? Paint murals.
https://www.nextpittsburgh.com/city-design/how-to-boost-the-bellevue-economy-paint-murals
Bellevue mural project hopes to add art to business district
https://thecitizen.us/news/4105/bellevue-mural-project-hopes-to-add-art-to-business-district/
Cal U’s 40 under 40 Inaugural Class
http://caliunivofpenn.imodules.com/s/1854/interior.aspx?sid=1854&gid=2&pgid=766
The Mind Behind “The City of You”
https://www.wkbn.com/news/local-news/the-mind-behind-the-city-of-you-marketing-strategy/1755154357
Announcing the 2019 Governor’s Award in the Arts winners
https://oac.ohio.gov/governorsawards
Professor earns Governor’s Award for City of You
https://ysu.edu/news/prof-earns-governors-award-city-you
YSU Professor earns Governor’s Award for “The City of You”
http://www.wfmj.com/story/39855692/ysu-professor-earns-governors-award-for-city-of-you
YSU Professor wins Governor’s Award
https://www.thejambar.com/ysu-professor-wins-governors-award/
OEDA 2017 Annual Summit – Economic Marketing Medium Community
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5MTO1p8Ei6s
University Research Council Grant for Digital Signage in Branded Environments, Technology Tests 1 & 2
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-raam2x7q1c&t=3s
Design Edu Today Podcast, 2-Part Episodes
RJ Thompson & Melissa Hackett on Recruitment and Retention
RJ Thompson on INPLACE at Design Incubation Colloquium – Kent State University
The City of You – Branding & Marketing the City of Youngstown
http://www.doyolive.com/content-marketing/the-city-of-you-branding-marketing-the-city-of-youngstown/
“City of You” campaign proposed for Youngstown
http://www.wfmj.com/story/30092988/city-of-you-campaign-proposed-for-youngstown
The City of YOU
http://www.thejambar.com/the-city-of-youngstown/
Branding to put ‘YOU’ in Youngstown
http://iamrjthompson.com/image/126508164966
City of YOU presentation
“The City of You” at UCDA Design Education Summit 2016
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6OvCc5jzvsc&index=12&list=PLaI1MF1Dn02OfaKBmkq7NaTMCFiNKrZer
Tell it to Neil podcast: The myth of a package deal:
When tenure and promotion go sideways
https://tellittoneil.com/rj-thompson/
Get Involved – cityofyou.org
http://cityofyou.org/get-involved/
City of You: Rebranding Youngstown, Ohio by RJ Thompson
http://iamrjthompson.com/post/140688251711/city-of-youngstown-podcast-episode-5-rj-thompson
City of YOU presentation at Design Incubation Colloquium
https://www.dropbox.com/s/ja6s0q0w6yn9kxh/thompson_dic_cityofyou.pdf?dl=0
http://designincubation.com/publications/abstracts/the-city-of-you/
City of YOU presentation at SECAC 2016
https://www.dropbox.com/s/452a1y8kv01fm27/secac_thompson_coy.pdf?dl=0
The City of YOU Podcast (150+ episodes)
https://soundcloud.com/cityofyou
https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/city-of-you-podcasts/id1092349422?mt=2
https://play.google.com/music/listen?u=0#/ps/Itepqrd5vjgj3tky5u3aydgbqqa
YSU Summer Honors Institute: “City of You”
http://cityofyou.org/uncategorized/ysu-summer-honors-institute-city-of-you/
“Youngstown Public Arts Opportunity Initiative”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EdALrsIUzKg&index=17&list=PLaI1MF1Dn02OfaKBmkq7NaTMCFiNKrZer
YSU Hits ‘Home Run’ with $100,000 NEA Grant
http://businessjournaldaily.com/ysu-hits-home-run-with-100k-nea-grant/
YSU Awards Grants for Five Art Installations
http://businessjournaldaily.com/ysu-awards-grants-for-five-art-installations/
INPLACE selects projects under NEA grant
http://www.ysu.edu/news/inplace-selects-projects-under-nea-grant
Youngstown Economic Action Group – City of You
http://www.eagyo.org/portfolio/projects/
Class Blogs and Videos
Designing. Teaching. Leading. Delivering.
With over 16 years of teaching experience, nearly 2,000 students taught, and more than 100 courses developed across seven institutions, my career bridges education, design, strategy, and community impact.