I'm a UX and product design leader who's weathered every fleeting design philosophy from skeuomorphism to flat design and back again. I deliver world-class product experiences not through mystical design thinking ceremonies, but by ruthlessly championing users while occasionally reminding executives that their mother isn't the target demographic.

My collaborative approach is less 'design by committee' and more 'guided democracy' – ensuring business goals are met while preventing my team from staging a creative coup.

About me

In my career, I've answered to many titles – creative director, interface designer, pixel perfectionist – each one a fashionable label for what ultimately matters: creating experiences that don't make users want to throw their devices out windows.

Today, I'm a Design and UX leader who transforms technical labyrinths into intuitive journeys – not because I possess magical powers, but because I've developed an ability to see digital products through users' actual-human eyes.

I lead with integrity, empathy, and a healthy skepticism toward design trends that inevitably cycle back every seven years. My teams thrive because I create environments where creativity and innovation are encouraged.

My particular talent? Converting vague business manifestos into tangible UX projects while ensuring designers aren't reduced to mere decorators of product managers' fever dreams. I believe in empowering teams to experiment within safe constraints – knowing full well that experiments occasionally explode, yetthey provide the best learning opportunities and office anecdotes.

When not dismantling departmental silos, I'm the UX evangelist at executive meetings, advocating and clarifying the ROI of user-centered design.

Beyond the professional veneer, I harbor inappropriate levels of enthusiasm for animals 🐶, art 🎨, and cheese 🧀 – the holy trinity of a well-balanced existence.

Experience

2023 - present

Senior Director of Product Design and UX

data.world

2021 - 2023

Senior Director of Product Design

New Relic

2013 - 2021

2010 - 2013

2006 - 2010

Director of UX

SolarWinds, Inc.

Creative Director

Idera

Creative Director

Tidal Software / Cisco Systems

  • "I worked under Veronica at SolarWinds. She was an exceptional leader who delicately balanced the needs of the company with the needs of her team. She helped us make sense of what was going on with the business while also ensuring we could focus on doing our best work as designers. Her leadership style was inclusive, and she was able to bring out the best in everyone on the team. I highly recommend Veronica as a design leader."

    JOSEPH B

  • “Veronica is a wonderful design leader. No matter how hectic things got, Veronica always kept a cool head and was able to provide the perspective the team needed to weather the storm. I always knew Veronica was in my corner and would do anything to help me grow and develop as a designer or a manager. Her people-support skills are exceptional and I was constantly learning from Veronica every time I had the opportunity to interact with her. I am so grateful for the time that I got to work with Veronica!"

    KELTSON H

  • "...what would Veronica do? That is often a thought that crosses my mind when I need to give coaching advice on team dynamics, executives, relationship building, conflict management and many other aspects that make being a manager challenging. Veronica always knows how to get the best from her team, with style and class. I have always enjoyed working with Veronica and appreciate the constant support and guidance she has given me. A great person to have on your team."

    CARA B

  • I have no idea how she does it. Veronica is one of the sharpest Art Directors I've ever met, somehow managing to keep a department running like a precision machine while simultaneously working up artistic magic using nothing but a handful of pixels. It's rare to find outstanding design skills and solid management skills in one multilingual package. Frankly, I'm not sure she isn't some form of robot. I also suspect sorcery.

    J. KEVIN T.

  • "Veronica has been a colleague, a mentor and a manager to me in UX at SolarWinds over our years there together. When she managed me directly, I grew both by watching and observing her in action and by her direct management. As a manager, she manages individuals differently according to their personality and needs. For example, she’ll be very hands-off with some people and very good at hands-on coaching with others. She intuits what a person’s communication style is and can context-switch to best serve her employees (or for that matter management). She also excelled at helping people by asking the right questions to help them come to conclusions about issues or direction on their own. She still plays that role for me today, years after I no longer directly report to her."

    KELLIE M

  • “Veronica is an empathetic, bold, and level-headed manager who prioritizes helping her team achieve the best of their abilities! She enabled me to do great work and at anytime I was able to express my authentic thoughts and feedback to her. I would recommend Veronica as a great people manager who is able to develop top team chemistry!"

    JOE DM

  • "I had the pleasure of working under Veronica as my manager and it was a wonderful experience. She was compassionate and personable, always making sure to support us through any challenges. During a particularly difficult time in my personal life, Veronica was there to help me navigate work and provided valuable guidance. She was also great at giving feedback on designs, pushing me to improve and grow as a designer."

    DEVIN N

  • From the near real-time turn around on last minute requests to “find imagery to convey ideas” for this presentation to the development, socialization and publishing of a corporate branding guide Veronica does it all. Her work is always creative, top-notch, deadlines are met, and she skillfully manages both internal staff and external vendors to produce results. Veronica is without question the most gifted Creative Director I have ever had to pleasure to work with.

    THOMAS H

  • Veronica is a gifted art and creative director. She approaches every project with professionalism and she not only works through all the angles and potential pitfalls, but she consistently brings her unique perspective to the table. Veronica also directs others so effectively that the result is a thoughtful final product that never fails to grab attention! Her creativity and work ethic are obvious strong suits and she is a pleasure to work with and is a clear mentor to her team.

    AMY K.M.

  • Veronica is an absolute power house. She has a phenomenal vision and consistenly returns high quality work. Her admirable work ethic and ability turn projects over quickly have made her indispensable to the company.

    ROCHELLE C.

  • Veronica is the most talented designer I have ever worked with. She has the ability to take very general requirements and turn out draft designs that are almost exactly what is needed, but are much better than you had ever hoped for even as a finished product. Further refinements end up producing a masterpiece.

    GRANT M. HOWE