LEE HOLMES

Washington, DC 20015 leeholmes@verizon.net 202-744-8281

STRATEGIC & INNOVATIVE CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Entrepreneurial Creative Director with over 15 years experience leveraging marketing leadership, knowledge and best practices to design
and implement pioneering solutions. Effective thought leader who utilizes vast expertise in Advertising and Broadcast Production to
progress marketing initiatives and brand recognition. Collaborates cross-functionally with executives and key stakeholders to build
captivating brands and campaigns. Proven track record of creative success across advertising, marketing, product launches and branding
initiatives. Embraces new technologies, with ability to conceptualize, plan, and solve problems. Solid expertise executing state-of-the-art
and visually appealing ad campaigns that targets wide-ranging audiences. Manages large projects within budgets and specified timeframes.
Builds and sustains lasting relationships with vendors and agencies. Effective interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills.
Strong leader and mentor who leads and inspires teams while successfully managing workflow. Highly analytical and organized problemsolver. Strong influencing and communication skills.
SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS
Creative Marketing Strategies
Vendor & Agency Relations
Global Advertising
Program/Project Management
Process Improvement Initiatives
Budgets Management & Cost Controls
Luxury Brands/ Products & Service Analysis
Team Leadership & Management
Marketing Communication (MARCOM)
Print, Broadcast, In-Store Communications
Campaign Development & Execution
Digital Media Communications
Consumer Insights & Data Analysis
New & Emerging Technology
Market Trends & Needs Assessment
Brand Development & Social Media Campaigns
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
FOUNDER | CREATIVE DIRECTOR, Art By Chocolate LLC, Washington, DC
2007 2015
Directed operations and design strategies for a boutique company specializing in high-end original chocolate designs tailored to luxury
market. Developed and oversaw strategies ensuring use of the finest chocolate and precious metals during product creation. Spearheaded
relationship building and marketing initiatives, acquiring national accounts with major brands; including Neiman Marcus and Dean &
DeLuca. Managed trademark filings and GS1 licensing protocols.
Built key alliances with Dress the Drink, earning coveted entry into Mandalay Bay, Aria, MGM and the Bellagio hotels.
Commissioned by Neiman Marcus to create their signature Mariposa Butterfly in chocolate for every store.
Directed website development, social media strategies, vendor relationships, in-store promotions, and appearances at prestigious
charity events such as Taste of the Nation/DC and Sweet Charity.
Invited to numerous interviews with bloggers, magazines, podcasters and television shows featuring companys top products.
WEBSITE PRODUCER | COPYWRITER, Independent Consultant, Washington, DC
Advised a variety of clients on visual layouts and content. Wrote and edited copy.
Engaged outside code writers and negotiated costs on behalf of clients.

2002 2006

FOUNDER | CREATIVE DIRECTOR, FilmMakersExchange, Washington, DC

1999 2000
Founded and headed creative strategy development and execution for FilmMakersExchange, a concept that targeted independent
filmmakers and musicians, offering international production database, professional resources and tutorials.
Secured funding and built strategic alliances industry-wide.
Utilized global advertising, film, and music production background to create strong entertainment industry alliances.
SENIOR PRODUCER, Ogilvy & Mather Advertising Worldwide, New York, NY
1990 1997
As Senior Broadcast Producer, oversaw radio and television advertising production for global clients. Created and managed budgets and
schedules, supervised casting, led creative executions, hired vendors and suppliers. Consistently recognized for stellar performance by
being chosen to Executive Produce large-scale new business pitches resulting in over 40MM agency revenue.
Headed national and global campaign executions for clients including American Express, IBM, and Jaguar.
Managed client expectations and fostered open communication between agency and client during the creative process.
Trained and mentored assistant producers
EDUCATION
B.A. in Film and Mass Media, University of Massachusetts at Amherst

Mid-Atlantic Arts Foundation

PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS
Montgomery Art Association

Amherst, MA

Women's Leadership
Exchange