I’m a Chicago-based writer and creative director with over 17 years of agency experience.
For seven years I led creative and production at the second largest independent B2B agency in the U.S. (sixth globally, through partnership). We were named B2B Marketing’s Agency of the Year during that time.
In a previous era, I edited trade books at the world’s largest independent publishing house, focused on health and wellness, cooking and fitness, and general nonfiction (one of which debuted at #1 on the New York Times Bestsellers List).
Today I am a fractional creative leader, writer, and mentor. I get hired to help agencies elevate their people and processes to create better work (and a better work environment). If you're interested in working together, let's talk.
If you're a creative in the industry looking for a chat about your career or portfolio (or whatever is on your creative mind), you can find me at Talk to a Creative Director.
B2B Marketing’s Agency of the Year 2022
Horizon Interactive Awards, 15 golds, 8 silvers, 4 bronze, 5 best in category since 2018
AVA Digital Awards x2
ANA B2 Award x3
B2B Marketing Elevation Awards finalist x4
Killer Content Awards x6
B2 Awards judge 2021, 2023, 2025
“Emily is the kind of leader who transforms creative ideas simply by being in the room. Her quiet strength, fierce advocacy for young talent and unwavering support for her team make her a rare gem in advertising. I've seen her champion bold ideas with humility and heart — always putting people first. Anyone lucky enough to collaborate with Emily is inspired to create better work, because they know the power of being seen, heard and uplifted.”
SARAH LATZ, FOUNDER OF book180 PORTFOLIO SCHOOL
“Finding talented creatives in advertising is difficult. Finding true leaders is practically impossible. Emily is both. More importantly, she builds both. I've seen her balance the goals of her team, agency and the brief simultaneously. She opened my eyes to aspects of team dynamics I'd never considered even after half a career leading creative teams. And she cares. In an industry where each day seems to bring more challenges than solutions, that may be the most important quality of all.”
BEN LEVY, PRESENTATION AND PITCH COACH, SELL IT GREAT
“I've had the privilege of working with Emily both on the agency and client side. Her ability to simplify the complex, develop compelling brand concepts, and lead creative teams is something I’ve counted on for nearly 15 years. Emily is not just a skilled brand builder and communicator, she's also a strategic storyteller who brings systems thinking to solve brand and business challenges.”
RICK SEBOK, CMO OF ZEKELMAN INDUSTRIES