Julia Fekecs

Strategic and creative design professional with 20+ years of experience translating complex technical and scientific concepts into engaging, brand-aligned visuals. Skilled in building cohesive visual systems across print, digital, and motion graphics to drive engagement and elevate organizational storytelling. Experienced in federal, nonprofit, and commercial environments, with expertise in stakeholder engagement, creative leadership, and cross-functional collaboration.

Senior Visual Designer
National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD 

2011–Present (Contractor via Kelly Government Solutions and prior prime contractors,
11 yrs / Federal Employee 3+ yrs) 

• Lead visual design strategy and execution for NHGRI, producing high-impact graphics, scientific infographics, and visual collateral across digital, print, and motion platforms.
• Advisor and trusted creative partner to senior leadership, including the Director of NHGRI, scientists, communications staff, vendors, and cross-functional teams.
• Spearheaded the development of brand-aligned creative assets contributing to the engagement of 1.1M monthly web visitors and 50K+ social media subscribers.
• Designed 200+ posters, multiple journal covers, and high-profile collateral, achieving a 100% publication-ready approval rate and strict adherence to accessibility (508) standards.
• Provided creative leadership across multiple contract transitions, maintaining consistency in brand standards and expanding influence and access within the organization.
• Acted as the internal "graphics expert," delivering training, process improvements, and upskilling initiatives to elevate design thinking across NHGRI.

Graphic Designer & Visual Communications Specialist
National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI), 
National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD
2005–2011 (Contractor via Digicon)

• Delivered comprehensive print and digital collateral for key NIH events, including symposium signage, scientific presentations, and retreat booklets, balancing complex stakeholder needs and tight deadlines.
• Managed vendor relationships and led creative input in vendor selection processes for significant design projects and rebranding efforts.
• Introduced process improvements and creative best practices that streamlined production workflows and ensured consistent quality across deliverables.

Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA), Graphic Design
Frostburg State University, 2000

Certifications and Training 

• Advanced Adobe After Effects, 2024
• Mid-Level Management Training, 2024
• Intermediate Adobe After Effects, 2023
• Advanced Adobe InDesign, 2021
• Advanced Adobe Photoshop, 2021