Christopher Damon, Partner

Founder of GX Creative Communications, Christopher specializes in public event execution, including graphic and multimedia exhibits, presentations for tradeshows, conferences and ceremonies. His clients include Superwraps and Behavioral Health Centers of America (formerly Cedar Crest Foundation). Under Christopher’s guidance, GX Creative was named "Small Business of the Year" by the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce in 2001.

Prior to founding GX Creative, Christopher launched OnPatrol Magazine, a news and features publication targeted at the law enforcement community. During his tenure as editor and publisher, Christopher managed the creative team, editorial department, circulation, and advertising, resulting in the publication’s growth to 32,000 subscribers in nine months.

Chris is a graduate of Southwestern University and Leadership Georgetown. He has also served on the board of directors of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce.

Judith Manriquez, Partner

Judith oversees all client accounts and works closely with SETON Healthcare Network, JPS Health Network, North Texas Tollway Authority, and many other organizations on marketing and strategic planning, research, analysis and performance metrics. She leads business development and account management.

Prior to joining GX Creative Communications in 1999, Judith was a principal at Public Strategies, Inc., one the nation’s foremost public affairs firms. There, she specialized in community affairs, human service issues and research services. Among her clients were the San Antonio Spurs (stadium strategy/public affairs), EDS (government relations) and Seton Healthcare Network.

Previously, Judith was with the City of Austin Mayor's Office and Texas Department of Human Services. During that time, she led the Teenage Parent Council, Austin’s largest nonprofit serving teens and families in crisis, through a $7 million merger, spearheading creation of the agency, Lifeworks. Today, Lifeworks serves more than 10,000 youths and families in Austin, providing a complete network of services to help them develop the life skills necessary for safe and successful futures.

A graduate of Leadership Austin, Judith received her Master's degree from the LBJ School of Public Affairs and her Bachelor's of Business from Southwestern University.

Ellen Weimer, Operations Manager

Ellen manages physical operations at GX Creative, tracking project flow, working with print vendors and coordinating client projects. She is responsible for systems maintenance and procedure and policy implementation. She also oversees the agency’s intern program.

Before joining GX Creative, Ellen spent 15 years developing Yellow Pages advertising programs for national clients such as Ryder Truck Rental, Pearle Vision, Sylvan Learning Centers, Mary Kay Cosmetics, Radio Shack and United Van Lines. She also spent eight years coordinating non-profit youth programs.

Ellen majored in business and finance at University of Wisconsin before making her home in Texas.

 

 

Jim Hickman, Creative Director

Jim serves as the overseer of all creative activities within GX for clients such as the North Texas Tollway Authority (NTTA), Ampy Metering, Association of American Publishers, Seton Healthcare, REAL Software, Michael Angelo’s Gourmet Foods, and Southwestern University.

Hickman comes to GX with a vast experience base in advertising, print collateral, Web and multimedia, and corporate identity, with an emphasis on conceptual design. Prior to joining GX, Jim spent two years as an art director with BtB Marketing Communications, Inc. in Raleigh, NC. Previously, Hickman worked for EURO RSCG DSW Partners and iD Communications, both agencies in Salt Lake City, UT. Hickman also attended the University of Utah focusing on Fine Arts and design.

Over his 10-year career in the creative industry, Hickman sports clients like Red Lobster, InFocus, Agilent, Intel, Sports Instruments, Carrera, The Canyons Resort, Cree, Paxar, Raytheon-JPS Communications, Ziptronix, TT Electronics, and the University of Utah. Hickman has received several awards, including two American Graphic Design Awards for his work with Paxar.

Jennifer Rushing-Smith, Art Director

Jennifer brings a creative spark and original execution to GX’s outstanding team of creatives. Adept in both tactile art media and computer-aided design, her work reflects an intuitive understanding of the rules governing effective design – and when to break those rules to deliver the most dynamic results. Jennifer has been an integral part of the GX creative team and has helped develop outstanding design for Michael Angelo's, Southwestern University, Chisholm Trail Communities Foundation among many other GX clients.

While with VM Foundry, renowned internationally for its outstanding web design, Jennifer honed her skills in graphic web-based communications. With the advertising agency McGarrah/Jesse, she developed her branding and logo creation talents. She also assisted in designing materials for clients such as Whataburger, Hyatt Hotels, Frost Bank and H.E.B.’s Central Market Grocery.

Jennifer received her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Texas State University, where she graduated Magna Cum Laude.