The winner of the 2015 Branding Leadership Award is Joseph Bajjalieh.
Joe originally was hired by the Cline Center for Democracy to do data management and analytics, but when he saw that their website was in need of an overhaul, he stepped into help.
Before Joe came on board, his nominator says that their only outward-facing communication vehicle was a webpage that was “fairly minimal and noticeably lackluster.”
Joe was able to completely transform their outward facing communications: a new website that was not only attractive, but also responsive and in compliance with Illinois identity standards. He researched peer institutions and designed a new site structure. He designed webpage templates. He updated content vehicles. He coordinated with LAS Advancement to add a “giving page.” He integrated the site with social media accounts on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Google+ and YouTube.
The fact that he did all of this while a part-time employee without any formal training in web design or visual communication, showcases his personal commitment to Illinois.
Joseph, thank you for being an Illinois brand leader.