Amy McVey
branding • campaigns • experiences

Resume

Amy McVey
Creative Director/Writer

Experience

AUGUST 2023 - PRESENT

MERGE - Creative Director

  • Develop and execute bold, FDA-compliant campaigns for a global pharma brand, adhering to guidelines, fair balance requirements and HIPAA standards.

  • Drive creative strategies to support patient acquisition for leading hospital systems.

  • Lead award-winning retail experiences for retail clients.

JULY 2021 - AUGUST 2023

Millig Design Build, Kansas City - Director of Marketing, Partner

  • Co-founded the firm, spearheading the development of its brand identity and voice.

  • Directed comprehensive marketing strategies, overseeing all creative deliverables.

  • Advanced thought leadership in green and net-zero carbon building solutions.

AUGUST 2016 - JULY 2021

VML, Kansas City - Creative Director

  • Secured the Intel global brand account in 2020, one of the industry’s largest wins; developed new brand tagline, shaped brand tenets, and launched the Intel brand through human-centric campaigns.

  • Provided creative leadership for Boehringer Ingelheim’s equine division, culminating in a Clio-winning campaign honoring veterinarians.

  • Guided teams in creating award-winning digital experiences for United Rentals, including overseeing the launch of their mobile ordering app.

  • Directed digital creative initiatives for Frigidaire, Phillips 66, and Tennessee Tourism.

  • Oversaw website creative for First Horizon Bank.

FEBRUARY 2012 - AUGUST 2016

Keypath, Kansas City - Associate Creative Director

  • Built and mentored a cross-functional creative team.

  • Led integrated campaigns across web, TV, print, and social platforms, delivering data-driven creative solutions for colleges and universities.

JUNE 2010 - FEBRUARY 2012

Deluxe, Kansas City - Content Manager

  • Built and led a content team responsible for developing content strategies for small business clients.

JUNE 2008 - JUNE 2010

Payless ShoeSource, Topeka - Senior Copywriter

  • Defined and maintained brand voice and tone for Payless and partner brands (American Ballet Theatre, Patricia Field, Lela Rose, Abaeté), writing across web, print catalogs, and in-store signage.

  • Represented Payless at New York Fashion Week—conducted interviews with designers.

MAY 2003 - JUNE 2005

Target, Minneapolis - Copywriter

  • Crafted persuasive copy for weekly ads, in-store signage, and digital promotions—ensuring consistent brand messaging across all customer touchpoints.

  • Collaborated with design and merchandising teams to optimize promotional strategies.

FEBRUARY 1999 - MAY 2003

Ogilvy, Minneapolis - Copywriter

  • Developed integrated campaigns for high-profile clients (Starwood Preferred Guest, Disney, National Car Rental), blending brand storytelling with data-driven targeting and direct-response copy techniques.

JANUARY 1997 - FEBRUARY 1999

Carlson Marketing Group, Minneapolis - Copywriter

  • Created engaging marketing copy for Northwest Airlines and Dayton’s, enhancing promotional materials with clear value propositions and calls to action.

Education

AUGUST  1993 - MAY 1997

University of Kansas, Lawrence - Bachelor of Science

Awards

  • Platinum Hermes Creative Award Winner, VMX, Elanco, 2025

  • Addy, Thoughts of a Blind Man, 2025

  • Best in Show, VMX, Elanco, 2025

  • ADC Award, United WE Rebrand, 2021

  • Clio Award, Boehringer Ingelheim Film, 2020

  • Acquia Engage Awards, United Rentals Digital Experiences, 2020

  • Langston Hughes Writing Award (Short Story), 2011

  • Hermes Awards (Gold & Platinum), Payless ShoeSource, 2008

  • Ambit Awards (Gold x2, Bronze x3), Starwood Preferred Guest, 1999

  • Freddie Awards (x21), Starwood Preferred Guest, 1999

Client Experience

AmericInn, Beauty Brands, BioMarin, Boehringer Ingelheim, Cabela’s, Cabot, Clayton Homes, Elanco, Essense of Australia, First Tennessee Bank, Ford, Frigidaire, Intel, Kemper Museum of Art, Kettering University, Kohl’s, Launch KC, LG, Millig Design Build, National Car Rental, North Mississippi Health Services, Northwest Airlines, OceanX, Olathe Medical Center, Payless ShoeSource, PetSmart, QuikTrip, Radisson Hotels, Rightful Roast, Sherwin-Williams, SPX, Target, Tennessee Tourism, The Tennessee Theatre, University of Kansas, Waymaker Group