Director of Interactive Technology
Transforming a print-focused design studio into a full-fledged website development company was no small task, but that was my role as Director of Interactive Technology at Agency CHIEF. I established the company’s first structured web development process, shifting the agency’s capabilities from static print campaigns to dynamic, content-managed WordPress websites for large non-profits and commercial clients.
Agency CHIEF - US Army National Guard HUMVEE School Program brought real-world adventure into high school classrooms
Bringing the Army National Guard Online
In 2009, the Army National Guard approached Agency CHIEF with a challenge: build two interactive websites to support youth education and fitness programs. One site would showcase the HUMVEE School Program, a mobile, hands-on automotive training initiative. The other would support the GUARD FIT Challenge, a program designed to help high school students improve their physical fitness. Both projects needed to be engaging, informative, and easy for schools to integrate into their curricula. The timeline was tight, and the National Guard had high expectations.
As the Creative Director and Lead UX Designer, I spearheaded the effort to create user-friendly, visually compelling platforms. I worked closely with National Guard subject matter experts to define key messaging, develop user journeys, and structure the information architecture. From there, I designed and built the WordPress-based content management system, ensuring that the sites were flexible, scalable, and easy to maintain.
These projects were about more than just technology—they were about impact. The Partners in Education program, which connected educators with National Guard resources, needed an intuitive platform to facilitate outreach.
The HUMVEE School Program required a site that could house multimedia content, lesson plans, and registration tools. Both initiatives became critical resources for schools nationwide, running successfully for nearly a decade.
Designing for the Real World
With the HUMVEE School Program, the challenge wasn’t just building a website—it was designing an interactive classroom experience. To achieve this, I collaborated with instructional designers and video producers to create a two-part curriculum that combined hands-on training with digital resources.
The website featured dynamic slides, discussion guides, and embedded video modules, all optimized for classroom use. A career mentor database connected students with National Guard professionals, adding a real-world dimension to the program.
I approached the UX design process strategically, starting with card sorting exercises to map out the core components of the site. This research led to a streamlined information architecture that balanced essential program details with interactive features. Once the wireframes were approved, I developed a working prototype using a LAMP-stack WordPress installation, refining the functionality through iterative testing.
When the final design was locked in, I managed the deployment, ensuring a seamless transition to the National Guard’s hosting environment.
Agency CHIEF - US Army National Guard HUMVEE School Program WordPress website prototype
A Lasting Impact
The success of these projects solidified Agency CHIEF’s reputation as a digital-first agency and set the stage for its expansion into web development. For me, this experience reinforced the power of UX-driven design—how simplifying complex processes and focusing on user needs can drive engagement and long-term adoption.
The HUMVEE School Program website ran for nearly a decade, helping thousands of students gain hands-on experience in automotive mechanics and career readiness. It wasn’t just a website; it was a gateway to real-world opportunities.
Agency CHIEF - US Army National Guard GUARD FIT CHALLENGE WordPress website prototype