Experience

Development Manager — BlackStrap | Bend, OR

Dec 2024 – Present

Leading product development and category expansion to drive company growth.
Build full tech packs, bill of materials, construction and product details.
Optimize seasonal capacity and resource allocation across product lines.
Partner with sourcing and vendors to integrate new materials and ensure quality.
Drive process improvements to streamline workflows and support product launch.

Director of Design — Incase | Remote

Aug 2023 – Jun 2024

Led design across hard goods, soft goods, and consumer electronics, driving innovation aligned with brand and user needs.
Directed key product lines, including laptop and smartphone protective cases, contributing significantly to revenue growth.
Collaborated with factory partners to develop production-ready CAD models and finalize tooling specifications.
Developed product strategies supporting global market expansion and Asia-specific initiatives using regional insights and premium materials.
Managed end-to-end product development, launching new soft goods within eight months while balancing speed and quality.
Fostered a collaborative design culture and partnered with supply chain teams to ensure consistency and delivery.

Senior Designer → Design Manager, Soft Goods — Hydro Flask + OXO | Bend, OR

Jun 2018 – Jan 2023

Led soft goods design, 5× business growth through user-driven innovation.
Aligned design strategy with cross-functional teams.
Conducted ethnographic user research to inform insight-led design decisions.
Translated concepts into detailed CAD drawings and production-ready specs, including plastic injection and compression molding.
Managed overseas manufacturing partners from initial prototypes to production.
Advocated for inclusive design and served on the company’s DEI committee.

Senior Industrial / Soft Goods Designer — Incipio Group | Irvine, CA

Nov 2013 – May 2018

Designed consumer electronic accessories for in-house and licensed brands (Kate Spade, TUMI, Rebecca Minkoff).
Created rapid concept iterations and prototypes for device and power categories.
Developed precise CAD models for plastic injection tooling using SolidWorks.
Led fashion soft goods design balancing aesthetics and functionality.
Managed end-to-end product development, tech packs and material specs.
Mentored interns, junior designers, and product managers to promote skill development and alignment.

Lead Designer / R&D Manager — Finn Technologies | Busan, South Korea

Jun 2009 – May 2012

Led a 12-person R&D team at a product incubator in Busan, South Korea, managing design, prototyping, and production execution.
Designed performance footwear and welded soft goods, including outsole tooling and high-frequency welded components.
Directed material development and hands-on testing, ensuring feasibility and durability in real-world applications.
Collaborated with global innovation teams to translate advanced material concepts into production-ready designs.
Stepped into operational leadership, optimizing production layout and quality control processes to support successful product launches.
Authored a comprehensive SOP manual, detailing construction methods, testing protocols, machinery requirements, production flow, and QA standards to ensure repeatable excellence in manufacturing.

Contract Designer — LTN Design

May 2012 – Aug 2023

Education

B.S. Product Design (Honors) — ArtCenter College of Design, Pasadena, CA
INSEAD Exchange Program (France) — MBA coursework in marketing, product ventures & strategy
B.S. Psychobiology — University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
Textile Fundamentals Certificate — North Carolina State University (Online)