Oh.Hello There!
Where to Start?
It was a dark, blustery night – a solid two months before my Halloween due date. My mother was in the back of an ambulance, rushing to the hospital in Providence, Rhode Island…
Oh….too far? Maybe just the highlights then.
Howdy. My Name’s Cody Silfies. I’m a 2005 graduate of the New England Institute of Technology, a 2009 graduate of the University of Vermont, and a 2014 graduate of Larry’s Online Institute of Hat-Trick Magic*.
My love affair for the web, tech, design and doodles (and how they can all mix together) began as a form of rebellion against my mother’s border-line amish sensibilities towards technology – which led me through long days in the high school computer lab and frequent nights in the public library; exploring the world wide web and self-teaching myself web design in the process. Many design programs, YouTube tutorials, and variety of classes later – I landed myself in Burlington, VT.
A not-so-brief stint as a 35mm projectionist put me through college (and saved me untold fortunes in free movies) and many freelance projects later, I eventually landed a full time job as Marketing and Technology Assistant for the UVM Department of Student Life – and later my then-supervisor’s job as Assistant Director for Marketing.
Don’t worry. There’s no drama there. We’re cool.
Today I’m a well-rounded, self-diagnosed nerd. I spend my days working hard to connect college students to the people and resources that’ll help set them up for success and create life-long memories. Sometimes that involves deep conversations. Sometimes it involves lots of Pizza. Sometimes both. Never a boring day.
When not working you can usually find me reading up on some intensely niche topic or blowing through an animated series from my youth. If I start going down a Pixar hole…forget it. You’ve lost me.
When the warm weather dictates I emerge from my apartment, I do enjoy a solid camping, kayaking, and/or biking trip. My top StrengthsQuest strength is ‘Empathy’, and despite that I’ve been known to take too much pleasure in YouTube videos of people falling down. Watch this, I dare you not to laugh. I’m also notoriously bad at being in photos, yet have a dedicated hashtag with #SilfiesSelfie. What can I say, contradiction is my middle name*.
*I can neither confirm nor deny that this is a true fact
Design Skills
Resumé
EXPERIENCE
Assistant Director for Marketing, 2016 – Present
University of Vermont Department of Student Life
Supervises full time professional and student employees, including graphic designers, art curators, and communicators. Manages annual marketing budget of roughly $131k. Leads communications strategy for the department and program areas and oversees brand adhere’s to the university style guide. Supports the marketing ethos of the Davis Center – making decisions and contributing designs that add to the building’s mission as a student-centered space. Expand digital signage network campus-wide while developing templates and content strategies. Provide marketing and strategy resources for over 200 clubs and organizations. Collaborates with departments to communicate the value of student involvement and share student success stories. Serves on the departmental leadership team to shape strategic plan of department. Oversees and develops brand for multiple high-profile programs such as move-in and week of welcome, including production of t-shirts, brochures, and associated materials. Produces and organizes photo and video assets with a specific lens towards diversity and inclusion.
Marketing & Technology Assistant, 2013 – 2016
University of Vermont Department of Student Life
Supported Orientation and first-year communication needs across web, email, social, and various digital platforms. Provided marketing and technology support for the Department of Student Life and Dudley H. Davis Center; managing a multi-department digital signage network, developing digital and print graphics, organizing digital assets, advising students, and strategizing technical efficiencies for the department.
Web Developer, 2007 – 2013
University of Vermont Dept. of Student Life
Responsible for the design and maintenance of department web space within the University template. Worked with assistant director and department programs to redesign their online web presence and streamline content strategy.
Web Coordinator / Graphic Designer, 2009 – 2012
Vermont International Film Festival
Modified pre-existing CMS to fit festival brand and needs. Collected, organized, and published film data. Created festival print ads and annual program guide for placement in local publications. Free Lance Web Developer, 2004 – Present Worked directly with clients to develop unique web environments that align with the needs of their industry.
EDUCATION
2005 – 2008
Bachelor of Arts, Studio Art
University of Vermont,
Burlington, VT
2003 – 2005
Associates, Multimedia & Web Development
New England Institute of Technology,
Warwick, RI
PROFESSIONAL INVOLVEMENT
Celebrating Diverse Voices at UVM
Development Committee
2020-2021
Division of Student Affairs Restorative Practices Curriculum
2019 – Present
UVM Melt Mitigation Committee
2018 – 2020
UVM MLK Week CelebrationCommittee
2016 – 2018
Participant, UVM Division of Student Affairs Diversity Series
2013 – 2016