Experience

It’s been a long and interesting journey that has brought me here, but I cherish every step of the way. The themes that have been consistent across the board are:

Leadership, Innovation, & Service.

Recruited to each new position due to exceptional customer service and a reputation for getting things done, I have been very fortunate to not have had to seek out new roles. Here are a few notes on my journey.

Owner+Designer

Brenda Levos Consulting & Design, 2007+

Providing Marketing and Design Consulting Services to a broad range of clients. From established companies looking to refine their marketing objectives and refresh their visual identity to startups who are looking for one person who could provide a wide range of services which include the following:

  • Marketing Strategy

  • Public speaking

  • Art direction

  • Graphic design for print and web

  • Event planning

  • Photography

Strategic Communications Project Manager

HDR Engineering, 2019 – 2024

Served as a project manager and strategic communications manager for multi-million dollar infrastructure projects. Working collaboratively with a matrix of more than two hundred communications professionals across the country to mitigate social and political risk while engaging stakeholders by educating and facilitating opportunities to provide input on projects in their community. Areas of expertise:

  • Project Management

  • Communications Strategy and Execution

  • Client Relations

  • In-person and Virtual Meeting Planning and Event Facilitation

  • Distilling complex data into plain language graphics and narratives

  • Facilitating conversations between technical staff and the public

Graphics Director

Concordia College, 2002 – 2007

Led a team of designers and students, partnering with college departments and the Concordia Language Villages, in conceptualizing and producing engaging marketing and informational materials as well as world-class events. Served on planning committees for major events at the college including: the Nobel Peace Prize Forum, National Book Awards, and the Presidential Inauguration. Taught Graphic Design (Art 370) as an adjunct instructor in the Art department.

Initiated a transition from traditional presses to a full color digital press, variable data integration and digital proofing systems. Directed the development and implementation of a searchable digital archiving system. Provided art direction and production oversight for a redesign of a quarterly alumni magazine.

IN-FORUM Producer

Forum Communications Company, 2000 – 2002

Job duties included conceptualizing the graphical interface and redesign of the company’s web site and web development product. Coordination and development of special packages with newsroom and editorial staff.

During the 9/11 terrorist attacks, facilitated the review and posting of AP photos and articles to ensure that updates were being published as many national news sites were overwhelmed with traffic.

Designer

Flint Communications, 1995 – 2000

Graphic design, project and print management for clients including; Bobcat, BCBS ND, NDSU Athletics and Dakota Heartland. Collaborative work garnered numerous Addy awards including a Best of Show.

System Administrator, Prepress, Color correction

Kaye's Printing 1994 – 1995

System administrator, graphic design, photo manipulation, scanning, pre-press film imaging.

Monitored and proactively maintained computer network including servers and film imaging, large format digital proofing, and scanning equipment.

Digital Imaging Manager

Monarch Photo 1993 – 1994

Managed the Digital Imaging department, production, product development.

Facilitated development of large format printing service, digital file to slide and negative film and digital image retouching.

Scitex Assembler & Desktop Prepress operator

Dakota Photo 1992 – 1993

Scitex Assembly and film output. Facilitated Mac/PC prepress development, customer service, file correction, and film imaging.