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.
Micah Hornung, Design
Director
Micah oversees the design department, keeping the team’s creative energy focused on the needs of the client. He manages all of Photonics’ print projects as well as specific Web development projects. Micah has 9 years experience in advertising design and a BFA from the Art Academy of Cincinnati.
Elizabeth Mariner, Senior
Designer
After a couple of years managing our Web and interactive
projects, Beth has returned to her first love – design. She
continues to assist clients post-launch with site maintenance and
Web marketing, and manages updates right here on the Photonics Web
site (Hi!). Beth began her career at Photonics after studying graphic
design at Antonelli College, (having received a BA in Art History
from the University of Missouri in a former life.) In constant pursuit
of artistic outlets, Beth has dabbled in mosaics, decorative painting,
contemporary dance, and creative writing.
Stacie Brown, 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.
Marijke Shaffer, Graphic
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.