Aaron Hawkins

Library Adventure Scratch Card Campaign

• Patron engagement campaign encouraging discovery of library services through self-guided activities and incentives.
  
  

Global Pharmaceutical Operations Intranet

• Designed and implemented a centralized communication and knowledge-sharing resource supporting departments across a global pharmaceutical division.
  
  

Newsletter Expansion Initiative

• Expanded library communications from a single monthly newsletter into multiple audience-focused publications while increasing subscriber engagement.
  
  

First Graduating Class

• Led academic program development and student success efforts culminating in graduation of the first cohort at a new campus.

Community Garden Initiative

• Supported expansion of the library's community garden program, helping increase annual harvests from approximately 25 pounds to 180 pounds while serving as liaison to local Master Gardeners.

Seed Library

• Helped develop and maintain a seed-sharing resource for local gardening enthusiasts.

Community Rock Garden

• Designed a community participation project that encouraged patrons to contribute, create, and engage with the library space. 

Staff Engagement Initiative

• Developed interactive content and activities for internal staff communication platforms.

Westmont Public Library, Westmont IL

Communication & Outreach Coordinator Apr 2024 – Present

• Collaborate with departments across the organization to translate programs, services, and initiatives into clear, audience-focused communications.

• Create and manage content across print, email, web, and social media channels while maintaining a consistent institutional voice.

• Manage editorial workflows for newsletters, digital communications, and promotional materials serving diverse patron audiences.

• Serve as a communications resource for staff by refining messaging, ensuring accuracy, and improving public understanding of library services and offerings.

• Support outreach and community engagement efforts through strategic communications, presentations, informational materials, and patron assistance.

Marketing Associate May 2018 – Mar 2024

• Collaborated with departments across the organization to develop and distribute patron-focused communications across print, email, web, and social media channels.

• Managed editorial workflows for the library's quarterly print newsletter, including content collection, editing, original article development, and publication review.

• Coordinated the creation and distribution of email communications, helping expand outreach from a single monthly newsletter to multiple audience-focused publications.

• Developed and maintained content for the library website, online calendar, social media platforms, and other digital communication channels.

• Ensured consistency, accuracy, and alignment of messaging across communications by refining content from multiple contributors and maintaining a cohesive institutional voice.

• Created audience-focused content that promoted programs, services, collections, and community initiatives while supporting organizational engagement goals.

Patron Services Associate Sep 2017 – Apr 2018

• Assisted patrons with accounts, checkouts, and locating materials.

• Registered new users and explained library services.

• Resolved account issues and supported circulation workflows.

La Grange Park Public Library, La Grange Park IL

Circulation Assistant Jun 2022 – Present

• Provide front-line customer service at the circulation desk.

• Maintain staff communication pages for internal updates.

• Process returns, prepare holds, and support daily circulation work.

Woodridge Public Library, Woodridge IL

Circulation Clerk Nov 2017 – Apr 2018
Circulation Clerk Apr 2015 – Jun 2016

• Assisted patrons with circulation needs and account questions.

• Directed calls and inquiries to appropriate departments.

• Supported daily circulation tasks.

Anexus Design Solutions, Greater Chicago Area

Graphic & Web Designer Jan 2012 – Jun 2016

• Designed print and digital communication materials for small businesses, community organizations, and special events.

• Collaborated with clients to understand communication objectives, define messaging priorities, and develop effective visual solutions.

• Created branding elements, marketing materials, website content, and page layouts tailored to client needs and target audiences.

• Managed projects from initial consultation through final delivery, balancing design considerations with usability and communication goals.

• Designed custom recognition plaques for a national automotive organization over three consecutive years.

Icon Enterprises, Kenosha WI

Marketing & Advertising Specialist Mar 2008 – Dec 2012

• Developed print advertisements, promotional copy, and customer-facing messaging supporting marketing and business development initiatives.

• Wrote and edited content for promotions, product highlights, and customer communications to improve clarity, consistency, and audience engagement.

• Designed, developed, and launched the organization's first website, including site structure, content development, and ongoing maintenance.

• Applied communication and design principles to strengthen brand presentation and improve the customer experience across marketing materials.

Abbott, Abbott Park IL

eLearning Consultant, Diagnostics Division Oct 2006 – Feb 2008

• Partnered with subject matter experts and stakeholders to develop online training programs supporting technical, operational, and compliance initiatives.

• Managed learning projects from initial discovery through deployment, including content organization, instructional design, multimedia development, testing, and implementation.

• Transformed complex technical information into engaging learning experiences by restructuring content, developing instructional strategies, and creating interactive training components.

• Designed graphics, multimedia assets, and user interactions that enhanced learner engagement and knowledge retention.

• Administered and deployed completed training modules within learning management systems while ensuring successful launch and accessibility for target audiences.

Multimedia Specialist, Global Compliance Jan 2005 – Sep 2006

• Collaborated with eLearning Consultants and subject matter experts to transform complex regulatory and compliance information into engaging online learning experiences for global audiences.

• Designed and developed graphics, interactive elements, and multimedia content supporting compliance training initiatives across multiple business functions.

• Served as a quality reviewer for online training programs by identifying inconsistencies, improving clarity, and ensuring content accuracy prior to stakeholder approval.

• Developed and maintained a division-wide intranet resource that improved communication, access to procedures, training resources, and organizational information across departments.

• Provided creative and technical consultation throughout the instructional design process, contributing to training effectiveness and user experience.

Westwood College, Woodridge IL

Program Director Oct 2002 – Aug 2003

• Directed academic operations for graphic design, web design, multimedia, and animation programs, supporting student success from enrollment through graduation.

• Managed faculty hiring, onboarding, scheduling, evaluation, and ongoing instructional support.

• Collaborated with academic leadership to develop curriculum, improve course offerings, and support the implementation of bachelor's-level programming.

• Advised students on academic progress, career preparation, and program requirements while coordinating solutions to academic and administrative challenges.

• Oversaw classroom technology, software, and instructional resources while serving as a liaison among faculty, admissions, student services, and campus leadership.

Faculty Instructor Aug 2000 – Sep 2002

• Taught courses in graphic design, web design, multimedia production, and animation for students preparing for careers in creative and technology-focused industries.

• Designed and delivered project-based learning experiences that emphasized practical skills, portfolio development, and professional readiness.

• Mentored students through technical, creative, and professional challenges while supporting individual learning needs and long-term educational goals.

• Maintained instructional technology, software, and classroom resources in collaboration with campus technical support staff.

• Assumed leadership responsibilities as Acting Program Director, supporting faculty, students, scheduling, and program operations.

College of DuPage, Glen Ellyn IL

Adjunct Faculty Jun 1999 – Dec 2003

• Recruited by department leadership to teach Web Design, Advanced Web Design, Adobe Photoshop, and Adobe Illustrator courses for traditional and adult learners.

• Designed project-based learning experiences that emphasized practical skills development and portfolio-ready work while meeting departmental learning objectives.

• Guided students through concept development, technical challenges, and project execution, earning strong student evaluations for instructional effectiveness and accessibility.

• Provided individualized academic support both inside and outside the classroom, helping students overcome learning obstacles and achieve educational goals.

• Maintained Mac-based instructional computer labs and founded a cross-disciplinary student organization that encouraged collaboration among design and technology students.

Former students

• Aaron is by far the best and most gifted teacher at this school. He explains the material well and shows that he cares for all his students.

• The only problem with Aaron is that he can’t be cloned!

• Knows the programs like an expert, very intelligent and willing to help, really cares about his students, very approachable, makes class fun. Actually knows how to teach!

• …flexible, always in a good mood—excellent teacher—I wish he taught more classes!

• He is willing to explain why we do things, as well as why we don’t

• …demonstrates a mastery of the subject matter and takes an obvious pleasure in teaching his students. I greatly enjoyed his laid-back approach to a 3-1/2 hour Friday night class…he made coming enjoyable.

• When he took over (the class) he reorganized and made better use of class time.

• He is very interested in making sure the students understand what is being taught before he goes on to a new concept.

• Aaron was a great teacher! He went slow enough for me to understand, but fast enough that we weren’t falling asleep!

• Aaron REALLY went out of his way to explain one-on-one what I had problems with. Also, he always emailed back with LONG descriptive answers to any questions I had during the week…I have already recommended him to many of my friends.

• …an educator in the true sense of the word. Very patient, inspiring and presents the technical side with a sense of humor. I highly recommend him.

• Aaron is by far the best and most gifted teacher at this school. He explains the material well and shows that he cares for all his students.

VP of Operations

During my tenure as Vice President of Operations, it was my pleasure to have Mr. Aaron Hawkins as a member of my staff.
For the entire period of his employment he was efficient and conscientious in carrying out his duties.
In commenting on Mr. Hawkins' talents, it is appropriate to note his willingness to do whatever was required to expand and maintain the operations he was responsible for. He prepared effective memos to staff and letters to customers to handle various situations.
Additionally, he handled personnel and administrative manners in a very efficient and straightforward manner.
I consider Aaron to be a very intelligent and talented individual who is serious about establishing a solid career in the business world.

CEO

During his employment with us, Aaron always performed his duties in a professional manner and in accordance with the directions of his supervisor and in conformity with the standards of the Company. He worked well with others within the organization. His loyalty, honesty and integrity are above reproach.
As a management, we would be pleased to recommend Aaron for employment in any capacity feels competent to undertake.

Operations Manager

In addition to general operational functions, Aaron was responsible for employee supervision, as well as assisting in training and evaluation. A thorough knowledge of all accounts and procedures was a requirement for his position. His proficiency with our proprietary system and his professional attitude toward our clients and customers were valuable assets to this company. I would highly recommend him for any position he might wish to pursue.

• Master’s Degree (incomplete):
  Adult Education & Distance Learning, University of Phoenix

• Bachelor’s Degree:
  Applied Behavioral Science, National-Louis University

• Associate’s Degrees:
  Graphic Arts and Advertising; Design & Illustration, College of DuPage

• Best eLearning Program/Web Page Design, International Design Competition

• General Manager’s Recognition, Outstanding Customer Service

• Manager’s Award for Outstanding Service, Course Design & Development

• Adobe Certified Photoshop Expert