MAKER AT MY CORE. CREATIVE LEADER BY PRACTICE.

What I do today→ I CREATE CONDITIONS FOR AWESOME WORK.

I'm an Associate Creative Director at Boston University, where I co-lead a 20-person Interactive Design group. My work extends beyond digital, connecting brand strategy, design, storytelling, and technology across a complex institution. Much like an agency environment, I build and maintain client relationships, navigate diverse stakeholder needs, present and sell creative ideas, and bring multidisciplinary teams together to create meaningful experiences that make an impact.

“He's an amazing mentor and teammate who constantly inspires others to grow and thrive via his extreme talent, positive attitude and collaborative nature.”

Deb Grant
VP Creative Director, Verndale

“He protects the craft and the people doing it while keeping both anchored to the work’s real purpose.”

Nate Trueblood
Lead Interactive Designer, former direct report at Boston University

HOW I WORK → I LOVE A MESS TO SOLVE.

Give me something that isn't completely figured out yet, and I'm usually more interested, not less. I love untangling complex challenges, finding the opportunity inside them, and bringing the right people together to make something great. I've worked across industries, disciplines, and mediums. That experience has taught me to approach every challenge with an open mind, a clear purpose, and the belief that the best ideas can come from anywhere.

I'm always exploring new ways to think, create, and collaborate. I integrate AI into that process, helping me synthesize research, challenge assumptions, explore ideas, and develop creative strategies. I see it as an extension of my creative toolkit, not a replacement for human instinct, experience, or judgment.

“He brings to the table purposeful vision with a plan to get there, and is a valuable resource across every step of the process.”

Dan Gillan
Senior Operations Executive, Ember Gardens

LEADERSHIP → I BUILD TEAMS AROUND PEOPLE, NOT JOB TITLES.

One of my strengths as a creative leader is recognizing what people are really good at and creating the conditions for them to thrive. I believe in trust, collaboration, curiosity, and giving people room to contribute. My job isn't to have every answer. It's to help talented people find better ones together, challenge the expected, and make work they're proud of.

“He leads with expertise while making room for others to contribute. I always felt comfortable sharing ideas, asking questions, and exploring possibilities with him. Gary is the kind of creative leader who raises everyone’s game, and knows when to pass the ball.”

Lisa DuBois
Senior Content Strategist, Boston University

HOW I THINK → BRANDS CREATE CULTURE.

I've spent my career moving between disciplines because I've never seen them as separate things. A website, advertisement, package, retail space, or live experience can all shape how someone feels about a brand. Every interaction contributes to the story. To me, the experience is everything.

“In addition to his ability to deliver exceptional experiences for customers, Gary was heavily involved in supporting new business development through the creation of preliminary strategy, user research and design based activities.”

Ryan Moltenbrey
Senior Vice President, Sales & Alliances, Verndale

WHAT I’M ABOUT → I like when things are a little different.

Design is ultimately a huge part of my life, but so are music, art, culture, and the strange little things that inspire unexpected ideas. I grew up surrounded by skateboard graphics, album covers, punk rock, and counterculture. Those influences shaped how I see the world and continue to fuel my curiosity today. I believe creativity comes from paying attention, staying curious, and never losing the desire to make something new.

What’s Next→ The canvas keeps getting bigger.

I'm interested in what happens when brand, storytelling, technology, physical space, digital experience, and culture come together. I want to keep making meaningful work, growing as a creative leader, developing great teams, and exploring new ways to connect ideas and people. There's always something new to learn, something different to try, and another opportunity to make something awesome.

Selected Creative Leadership Work

A selection of work spanning brands, platforms, products, campaigns, and experiences across digital and physical environments.

Selected Clients & Collaborations

I've worked with and contributed to organizations across industries, from global brands and institutions to independent businesses, artists, and entrepreneurs.

Aegens / Armstrong Ambulance / Avaya / Bauer / Berkley Place / Big Blue Banshee Recording Studio / Bostitch / Boston Harbor Hotels / Boston Public Schools / Boston University / Blue Cross Blue Shield / Casino Productions / City Fresh Foods / Coalition for the Homeless NYC / Cognetra / Concentra Healthcare / The Cornerstop Eatery / Corning University / CRTV / Cubist Pharmaceuticals / Dan Gillan Photography / Delta Dental / Edison Beer / Elephas Creative / Ember Gardens / Fishbone / GE Healthcare / Georgia Pacific / Greg Hren Photography / Herbwell Cannabis / Honeywell / Hull Public Schools / JS Puffer Electrical / IEWC / Jackrabbit Design / Jordan’s Furniture / KHJ Brand Activation / Massachusetts General Hospital / Mesirow Financial / The Mighty Mighty Bosstones / MIT / Moonshot Beer / Nantasket Beach Resort / Poker Central / Sallen Cycles / Scrubology / Shepard Fairey / Stanley Tools / Swan Boats / Taco Party Truck / 360 Communications / TJX Companies / Toad the Wet Sprocket / Unisys / Untold Brewery / Winsper / Woodworks / Work ’N Gear / Verndale

Awards

• CASE Circle of Excellence (2023, 2022)

• IHAF Gold & Silver (2023)

• UCDA Award (2023)

• University & College Designers Association (2020)

• Horizon Interactive Award (2016)