DEBORAH HANDLER
615 W. Briar Place #3
Chicago, Illinois 60657 dhandler1@earthlink.net
(773) 388-9019
I NTERACTIVE C OMMUNICATIONS S TRATEGIST
Accomplished communications professional supported by visible achievements, education and progressively responsible experience in web-based applications and Internet consulting environments. Demonstrated success in consumer research and market analysis as they relate to customer desire, perception and satisfaction - and the ability to bring the results of this research to fruition in the creation of market driven e-commerce strategies and compelling on-line experiences capable of building brand equity and supporting business objectives.
Blend unique combination of business savvy, technical acumen, analytical skills and creativity with strong planning and execution experience to deliver projects on time, within budget and without incident. Proven ability to lead, inspire, and mentor cross-functional teams to develop compelling online experiences that strengthen brand and support business strategies. Reputation for exceptional work ethic, versatility and commitment to quality deliverables at all times. Hold Master of Design (Communication planning and design), Master of Art in Education Technology
A REAS OF E XPERTISE
Research and Strategy
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Plan and conduct user research, market analysis, and competitive evaluation
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Strategic planning: Synthesis of research into product insights, e-commerce customer strategies,
Execution
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Execute the effective integration of various marketing tactics – education, public relations, sales force, and promotion campaigns
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Definition of website structure, navigation, conceptual frameworks, integrated product plans
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Gather, analyze, document and prioritize user / business / functional requirements
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Act as brand advocate to establish and maintain a consistent corporate image throughout all product lines, promotional materials, and events
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Sound understanding all aspects of the marketing mix: promotion, pricing, distribution, and product page layout, and visual design
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Visualization and interpretation of conceptual frameworks and strategies through rapid prototyping and mockups (Flash)
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Ensure that the product meets quality standards and customer requirements:
Usability testing, site visit metrics, surveys, developments and/or changes and ROI
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Guide preparation and present progress/process reports that communicate
Management
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End-end management for complex web-based projects
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Manage product development teams to ensure product is implemented on time and within budget
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Account generation and sales: RFP support, sales calls and bid discussions, schedule, resource allocation forecasts, budget control, vendor insights to internal and external stakeholders
Other
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Over 10 years experience in project management
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6 years experience working in on-line product development and e-commerce.
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Healthcare vertical expertise management, P&L
C AREER & A CHIEVEMENT S UMMARY
Fullhouse Media – Milwaukee, WI
S ENIOR C OMMUNICATIONS S TRATEGIST – December 2003 - Present
Conceptualize
, structure, articulate, and document communication strategy.
Deco – Chicago, IL
C OMMUNICATION / C REATIVE D IRECTION F REELANCE – January 2001 - Present
Conceptualize and structure compelling communication plans and deliverables

DEBORAH HANDLER 2
Key Contributions / Projects
* Account management, communication plan, creative direction of identity and associated collateral for global organizational management consulting firm based in Chicago. (Website is currently underway)
* Identity and collateral development for a company focused on estate sales looking to grow their local presence in the Chicago area. (in progress)
Quarasan – Chicago, IL
M ANAGER (P ROJECTS AND COMMUNICATIONS ) – October 2002 – October 2003
Responsible for leading and executing projects through entire development process.
Key Contributions / Projects
* Lead creative teams (copywriters, product developers, interaction designers, art directors, etc.) making sure creative goals are met, the brand maintained and all production deadlines are met
* Complete scheduling and budgetary accountability including projection, analysis, and negotiations
* Manage product development (print and non-print materials) from inception through completion
* Build and maintain strong client and vendor relations
* Product management for company website (not let launched)
- Developed product line positioning and business requirements for company-based web sites (Intranet, Internet).
- Conducted internal brand audit and developed site style guide that outlined brand attributes and creative direction
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Creative direction for visual extension of brand to website design
- Led editorial team to develop editorial platform and content
- Functioned as interaction designer to develop website architecture, navigation, and low-fidelity flash prototype
Scient – Chicago, IL
D IRECTOR , C USTOMER E XPERIENCE A RCHITECT (CEA) – October 2000 to July 2001
Scope of responsibility was diverse and included: Brand strategy development, branding, and team leadership.
Guided experience teams through research, concept development and final project delivery.
Key Contributions / Projects
* As Director I was responsible to provide sales support for all marketing efforts
* Coach, motivate, and develop team of creative, editorial and production employees
* Internal / external education of the importance and need for customer experience strategy across multiple
touch points.
* Redesign of www.Servicemaster.com to build awareness and improve conversion rate
1. Directed and implemented all research activities
2. Worked with team to position brand
3. Led strategy and design efforts to integrate multiple Service Master brands into one commonly branded site
4. Assisted in development of on-line promotion and merchandising strategies
5. Negotiated contracts for online services
Zefer – Chicago, IL
S ENIOR A SSOCIATE : B USINESS S TRATEGY C ONSULTANT – June 1999 to October 2000
Charged with performing project management and client relationship functions, business analysis and strategy, establishing creative direction.
Key Contributions / Projects
 Identified need for and created strategic design practice and associated competency role
(Experience Strategist) within company to promote more integrated, efficient process and strategic base for development of quality-driven experiences across all customer touchpoints.
 Tagged to lead $1M health-care startup website project; managed cross-functional team of
12, and delivered first phase of project on time, leading to approximately $2M of additional project work.
 Led research and strategy to create portfolio of five Internet initiatives for global electromechanical manufacturing company; guidelines enabled executives to prioritize and make

DEBORAH HANDLER 3 decisions regarding the effective deployment of capital for Internet/intranet development activities within their firm (3 of 5 initiatives were implemented for client resulting in approximately $1M in revenue).
 Led team of three to validate strategic direction of proposed spin-off venture for executive recruiting firm; encouraged client to refocus efforts internally to avoid costly investment based on research findings with regard to new venture.
Institute for Research on Learning – Palo Alto, CA
S TRATEGIC M ARKETING C OMMUNICATIONS (1998 to 1999)
(Non-profit organization examining what constitutes successful knowledge creation and
management in the workplace)
Direction for internal and client-based communication projects. Provided communication planning, brand strategy and collateral development for consulting practice. Performed indepth analysis/research on customer, company, industry and competition.
 Developed marketing communication tool for use in conveying new ethnographic-based environmental planning discipline called “Community-based Planning” for large global furniture company
 Teamed to prototype new business consulting effort called Strategic Practice Group focused on using ethnographic research methodologies to help companies understand and develop new business practices to support strategic objectives.
Lexant – Health Learning Product Development – Seattle, WA
P RODUCT M ANAGEMENT (1996 to 1998)
Product direction and management leading to product launch for web-based learning wellness tool.
Contributions / Projects
* Complete responsibility for the growth and profitability of the weight management product line
* Researched and developed product line positioning and business requirements/design based on customer needs, market analysis and competitive environment.
* Developed monthly/annual budget forecast and scope for product line.
* Defined initial brand identity/design language
*Designed and implemented user interface design concepts, guidelines and specifications.
* Assisted in implementation of strategic marketing and education initiatives.
* Enhanced and directed promotional efforts in the area of e-marketing, medical education, and direct mail communication and development.
* Created and delivered business presentations on new products and strategic plans
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E DUCATION , A CTIVITIES & S KILLS
Master of Design – Institute of Design, Illinois Institute of Technology – Chicago, Illinois – 1996
Master of Education – California State – Los Angeles, California – 1991
(Education theory and instructional technology)
Bachelor of Science, Nursing – DePaul University – Chicago, Illinois, 1985
S OFTWARE
PC and Mac platform proficient: Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop, Adobe Acrobat, PageMaker, Quark, Basic Flash,
Front page, Dreamweaver, Director, Basic HTML, Word, Project, Power Point, Video and Sound recording and editing tools
O N LINE P ORTFOLIO

DEBORAH HANDLER
Please feel free to peruse my on-line portfolio at http://home.earthlink.net/~dhandler1/portfolio/ best viewed with an
Explorer browser at resolution 1024 x 768 or 1152 x 768.
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