Overview

Courtney Allison Brown is a Design, Research and Business Operations Leader and with over a decade of experience driving operational excellence and optimizing creative processes. Proven track record in implementing innovative solutions, enhancing team productivity, and delivering exceptional design outcomes across diverse industries.

Experience

Best Buy | Director, Design Enablement

Minneapolis, MN | 2025 - present

CarMax | Head of Experience Design Operations

Richmond, VA | 2021 - 2025

As a senior leader at CarMax, my role is to spearhead the implementation and optimization of design operations within the company's product and experience design organization. 

Key Responsibilities:

  • Scale design team strategically, aligning with company objectives

  • Implement quality measurement systems for design outputs

  • Lead DEI initiatives and talent acquisition/retention strategies

  • Optimize design processes and manage cutting-edge tool ecosystem

  • Spearhead thought leadership and educational programs

Achievements:

  • Orchestrated migration of 60+ design professionals to Figma, significantly enhancing collaboration and efficiency

  • Implemented streamlined design workflows and talent development processes, boosting team performance

  • Established cross-departmental partnerships, amplifying design impact across the organization

  • Launched mentorship program connecting CarMax creatives with underserved high school students, fostering community engagement

  • Designed and maintained robust onboarding experience for new associates, optimizing talent integration

Impact:

  • Elevating CarMax's design capabilities, fostering collaborative work and innovation, while ensuring peak performance to drive business success.

Capital One | Head of Design Operations, Experience Strategy

Richmond, VA | 2016 - 2021

Led multifaceted design operations initiatives across various business lines, fostering innovation and driving organizational success.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Streamlined onboarding, designer-business alignment, and organizational challenges

  • Developed design strategy and provide operational support for team and projects

  • Managed team to produce scalable deliverables

  • Fostered partnerships between design and external teams

  • Supported executive and leadership needs

Previously Held Capital One roles:

  • Experience Designer / Design Operations Lead: Experience Strategy

  • Head of Design Portfolio Management Community of Practice

  • Design Operations Lead: Practice Analytics & Finance

  • Design Operations Lead / Design Manager: Gravity Design System

22Squared | Senior Integrated Producer

Atlanta, GA | 2011-2016

Spearheaded digital and integrated campaigns across multiple platforms, orchestrating diverse teams to deliver cutting-edge solutions.

Key Achievements:

  • Led cross-functional teams in executing digital and integrated campaigns across websites, banner ads, mobile, social media, and email projects

  • Managed multiple productions simultaneously, expertly balancing schedule, scope, and budget constraints

  • Secured and managed external vendors, ensuring seamless project execution

  • Developed comprehensive project documentation, including scopes, plans, and contracts

  • Championed and tested agency processes and technology initiatives, driving continuous improvement

Clients:

Home Depot, Southeast Toyota, Costa Rica Tourism Board, Dunkin Brands, Publix, Mizuno, American Standard

Bella Vita Creative | Post-Production Producer & Motion Graphics Artist

New York, NY | 2009-2011

Managed diverse projects for corporate and broadcast clients, optimizing workflow and ensuring timely delivery.

Key Accomplishments:

  • Devised and implemented a tracking system for a 5000+ element, 3-year project, enhancing project management efficiency

  • Managed company's digital presence across website and social media platforms, boosting online visibility

  • Crafted compelling still and motion graphics for EPIXHD network, elevating brand aesthetics

Bionic Media | Design Producer & Creative Director

New York, NY | 2009-2011

Produced captivating motion graphics and design packages for broadcast and advertising clients, consistently meeting deadlines and often under budget.

Key Achievements:

  • Curated a network of top-tier freelance talent, resulting in a 30% increase in project efficiency

  • Optimized project budgets and schedules, leading to a 15% reduction in overall production costs

  • Pioneered creative solutions to complex challenges, resulting in award-winning campaigns

  • Developed a comprehensive "black book" of creative freelancers, boosting department productivity by 25%

Education

The Art Institute of Atlanta

Atlanta, GA | 2000-2004

  • BACHELOR OF ARTS 

    Concentration in Digital Media Production

  • ASSOCIATE OF ARTS

    Concentration in Video Production

Brevard College

Brevard, NC | 1998-2000

  • BACHELOR OF ARTS

    Concentration in Photography