Alan Brown, President
As the founder and president of Photonics, Alan wears
many hats; one of them is Creative Director. Every project we undertake
must pass his critical eye and meet with his artistic approval. A
graduate of Syracuse University with a Communications degree (his
major focus being in Photography and Art History,) Alan has amassed
more than two decades of experience with all facets of visual media.
He is integrally involved with every project Photonics Graphics undertakes,
ensuring each client is provided with the solution that best fits
their design, marketing or programming needs. Alternate chapeaux
include: Executive Technical Advisor, Director of New Business Development,
Chief Installer of New Operating Systems and Troubleshooter Extraordinaire.
Pilar Zeglin, New Business Development
Pilar comes to Photonics with a varied history in the graphics world of Cincinnati. With an extensive background
in offset printing and account management ,she has acquired a broad spectrum of knowledge in traditional, digital
and environmental graphics. Her primary role is New Business Development and applying creative and unexpected ideas
to the business of selling Photonics to regional firms.
Stacie Brown, Studio Manager/Senior Designer
Stacie graduated from the University of Dayton, with
a BFA in Visual Communications Design. Like all of our designers,
Stacie works on a wide range of projects, both print and multimedia,
and is never afraid to tackle new applications as particular projects
require. Stacie decided in the seventh grade that she wanted to be
a designer when she grew up and never wavered from her plan. She is
an avid reader but loves outdoor activities as much as curling up
with a good book.
Michelle Markwell, Designer
Michelle is a Magna Cum Laude graduate of the University of Cincinnati’s College of Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning, with a BS in Design. She brings several years of print design experience, including work on logos, ads, brochures, and other marketing collateral, to the Photonics team. She is excited to apply this knowledge to Photonics’ print and multimedia projects. Michelle’s other creative outlet is playing the piano, and she has been a substitute keyboardist for local churches for several years.
Marijke Shaffer, Designer
Marijke (pronounced ma-RYE-ka) graduated from the School
of Advertising Art in Dayton, Ohio, with a Degree in Graphic Design
and Illustration. An integral part of our team, she has designed everything
from logos and corporate identity systems to Web sites and marketing
materials. She constantly wows one client in particular with her animated
medical illustrations. Multi-talented, she also plays the violin.
Cathy Crisenbery, Web Developer
Cathy joins Photonics with a broad range of IT and
project management experience working in varied environments, from
small privately held companies to large publicly traded firms.
Her skills include developing information delivery and tracking
systems utilizing current Web/database technology. Cathy works
closely with our design team, building interactive Web sites and
computer-based multimedia solutions. In addition to her years of
experience in the IT world, Cathy has a degree in Spanish and an
MBA in Marketing. In her spare time, she manages her family’s
home-based bakery, which specializes in handmade European pastries
and artisan breads.
Gregg Lair, Web Developer
Gregg comes to Photonics having spent the last 9 years with locally based companies doing design and web development. Before becoming a self-taught designer/web developer, Gregg was a local Executive Chef and also attended U.C. College Conservatory of Music in the Opera/Musical Technical Theater program. His diverse background also includes serving as Lead Designer for Special Effects Make-up at Paramount’s Kings Island Fearfest.
Christie Brown, Vice
President/CFO
Christie handles all of the accounting, insurance and
legal aspects of the company, in addition to assisting with marketing
and project management of the Optimum® educational software brand,
her own conception. She is a graduate of the University of Cincinnati
with a degree in Marketing. Christie has always been involved in groups
and activities that benefit the community. Our awareness is often
raised by her example, and by the design projects she occasionally
requests for these local organizations.