Overview

Courtney Allison Brown is a Design, Research and Business Operations Leader and with over a decade of experience driving operational excellence and optimizing creative processes. Proven track record in implementing innovative solutions, enhancing team productivity, and delivering exceptional design outcomes across diverse industries.

Experience

CarMax | Head of Experience Design Operations

Richmond, VA | 2021 - Present

As a senior leader at CarMax, my role is to spearhead the implementation and optimization of design operations within the company's product and experience design organization. 

Key Responsibilities:

  • Scale design team strategically, aligning with company objectives

  • Implement quality measurement systems for design outputs

  • Lead DEI initiatives and talent acquisition/retention strategies

  • Optimize design processes and manage cutting-edge tool ecosystem

  • Spearhead thought leadership and educational programs

Achievements:

  • Orchestrated migration of 60+ design professionals to Figma, significantly enhancing collaboration and efficiency

  • Implemented streamlined design workflows and talent development processes, boosting team performance

  • Established cross-departmental partnerships, amplifying design impact across the organization

  • Launched mentorship program connecting CarMax creatives with underserved high school students, fostering community engagement

  • Designed and maintained robust onboarding experience for new associates, optimizing talent integration

Impact:

  • Elevating CarMax's design capabilities, fostering collaborative work and innovation, while ensuring peak performance to drive business success.

Capital One | Head of Design Operations, Experience Strategy

Richmond, VA | 2016 - 2021

Led multifaceted design operations initiatives across various business lines, fostering innovation and driving organizational success.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Streamlined onboarding, designer-business alignment, and organizational challenges

  • Developed design strategy and provide operational support for team and projects

  • Managed team to produce scalable deliverables

  • Fostered partnerships between design and external teams

  • Supported executive and leadership needs

Previously Held Capital One roles:

  • Experience Designer / Design Operations Lead: Experience Strategy

  • Head of Design Portfolio Management Community of Practice

  • Design Operations Lead: Practice Analytics & Finance

  • Design Operations Lead / Design Manager: Gravity Design System

22Squared | Senior Integrated Producer

Atlanta, GA | 2011-2016

Spearheaded digital and integrated campaigns across multiple platforms, orchestrating diverse teams to deliver cutting-edge solutions.

Key Achievements:

  • Led cross-functional teams in executing digital and integrated campaigns across websites, banner ads, mobile, social media, and email projects

  • Managed multiple productions simultaneously, expertly balancing schedule, scope, and budget constraints

  • Secured and managed external vendors, ensuring seamless project execution

  • Developed comprehensive project documentation, including scopes, plans, and contracts

  • Championed and tested agency processes and technology initiatives, driving continuous improvement

Clients:

Home Depot, Southeast Toyota, Costa Rica Tourism Board, Dunkin Brands, Publix, Mizuno, American Standard

Bella Vita Creative | Post-Production Producer & Motion Graphics Artist

New York, NY | 2009-2011

Managed diverse projects for corporate and broadcast clients, optimizing workflow and ensuring timely delivery.

Key Accomplishments:

  • Devised and implemented a tracking system for a 5000+ element, 3-year project, enhancing project management efficiency

  • Managed company's digital presence across website and social media platforms, boosting online visibility

  • Crafted compelling still and motion graphics for EPIXHD network, elevating brand aesthetics

Bionic Media | Design Producer & Creative Director

New York, NY | 2009-2011

Produced captivating motion graphics and design packages for broadcast and advertising clients, consistently meeting deadlines and often under budget.

Key Achievements:

  • Curated a network of top-tier freelance talent, resulting in a 30% increase in project efficiency

  • Optimized project budgets and schedules, leading to a 15% reduction in overall production costs

  • Pioneered creative solutions to complex challenges, resulting in award-winning campaigns

  • Developed a comprehensive "black book" of creative freelancers, boosting department productivity by 25%

Education

The Art Institute of Atlanta

Atlanta, GA | 2000-2004

  • BACHELOR OF ARTS 

    Concentration in Digital Media Production

  • ASSOCIATE OF ARTS

    Concentration in Video Production

Brevard College

Brevard, NC | 1998-2000

  • BACHELOR OF ARTS

    Concentration in Photography