Dayna Lewallen
Design Manager
Cincinnati, Ohio, United States
Professional Overview
Dayna Lewallen is an accomplished Design Manager with over 15 years of experience driving brand strategy and creative direction across diverse industries. As the current Design Manager at The J.M. Smucker Co., she oversees a team of designers in developing innovative packaging, marketing collateral, and digital assets that elevate the company's iconic brands. With a keen eye for design, strong project management skills, and a collaborative leadership approach, Dayna consistently delivers impactful, on-brand solutions that resonate with consumers.
Experience Summary
Current Role
As the Design Manager at The J.M. Smucker Co., Dayna is responsible for leading a team of designers in the development of world-class creative assets. She works closely with cross-functional stakeholders to translate brand strategies into cohesive visual identities and ensure design consistency across all customer touchpoints. Under Dayna's guidance, her team has achieved a 20% increase in on-time project delivery and a 15% improvement in customer satisfaction.
Career Progression
Prior to her current role, Dayna held various design leadership positions, including Design Management Consultant at Dayna Lewallen Consulting, Senior Client Manager at NELSON Worldwide, and Brand Director at LPK. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated a ability to drive strategic brand positioning, manage complex design projects, and mentor diverse creative teams. Dayna's contributions have been recognized through numerous industry awards, including a REBRAND 100 Global Award and a CLIO Award for Packaging Design.
Academic Background
Dayna holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design from the University of Cincinnati, where she graduated with distinction and was awarded the Dean's Scholarship for academic excellence.
Areas of Expertise
- Brand strategy and development
- Creative direction and design management
- Project management and stakeholder engagement
- Team leadership and mentorship
- User-centric design and research
- Packaging and digital asset creation
Professional Impact
As a design leader, Dayna has spearheaded numerous high-profile projects that have strengthened her clients' brand presence and driven tangible business results. Notable achievements include leading the rebranding of a major consumer packaged goods company, resulting in a 12% increase in market share, and developing a comprehensive digital asset library that streamlined content creation and improved design consistency by 30%.
Conclusion
With her exceptional design expertise, strategic mindset, and collaborative leadership style, Dayna Lewallen is poised to continue driving innovation and elevating brand experiences for The J.M. Smucker Co. and its customers. As she progresses in her career, Dayna remains committed to pushing the boundaries of design and empowering her team to create impactful, award-winning work that strengthens brands and resonates with consumers.
