Dave Kooi
Summary
Experienced marketing and communications leader with more than 20 years of success driving brand growth, digital transformation, and creative strategy across corporate, nonprofit, and agency environments. My career spans leadership roles with The Walt Disney Company, Times Mirror, Freedom Communications, and most recently Digital4Startups, where I lead client strategy, internal operations, and external communications for a growing digital marketing agency serving national and international clients.
Throughout my career, I have guided teams through periods of technological and organizational change, bridging creative and technical disciplines to deliver measurable results. My work combines strategic insight with hands-on leadership, emphasizing collaboration, data-informed decision-making, and the creation of meaningful audience connections across every platform.
After returning to Illinois to care for family, I’ve continued consulting for local businesses and organizations, helping them modernize their online presence, refine brand identity, and develop digital fluency. I remain active in both agency and community-based work, applying the same principles of clear communication, operational discipline, and creative problem-solving that have defined my professional path.
Previously, as Vice President of Marketing and Technology at My Day Counts, a leading California nonprofit, I directed the agency’s rebranding, technology modernization, and donor engagement strategy—transforming its visibility, funding potential, and digital infrastructure. Earlier roles in journalism, design, and multimedia storytelling established my foundation in visual communication and strategic messaging.
My programs, campaigns, and partnerships have consistently emphasized active, two-way engagement—meeting audiences where they are and ensuring brands remain credible, visible, and relevant in a constantly shifting media landscape.
Skills & Expertise
Digital Strategy | Brand Development | Client Leadership | Integrated Marketing | SEO/SEM | Paid Media | Analytics | Social Media Strategy | Content Development | Public Relations | Storytelling | Creative Direction | Team Mentoring | Online Community Building | Agile & Kanban Methodologies | Communication Systems Design | Cross-Functional Leadership
Throughout my career, I have guided teams through periods of technological and organizational change, bridging creative and technical disciplines to deliver measurable results. My work combines strategic insight with hands-on leadership, emphasizing collaboration, data-informed decision-making, and the creation of meaningful audience connections across every platform.
After returning to Illinois to care for family, I’ve continued consulting for local businesses and organizations, helping them modernize their online presence, refine brand identity, and develop digital fluency. I remain active in both agency and community-based work, applying the same principles of clear communication, operational discipline, and creative problem-solving that have defined my professional path.
Previously, as Vice President of Marketing and Technology at My Day Counts, a leading California nonprofit, I directed the agency’s rebranding, technology modernization, and donor engagement strategy—transforming its visibility, funding potential, and digital infrastructure. Earlier roles in journalism, design, and multimedia storytelling established my foundation in visual communication and strategic messaging.
My programs, campaigns, and partnerships have consistently emphasized active, two-way engagement—meeting audiences where they are and ensuring brands remain credible, visible, and relevant in a constantly shifting media landscape.
Skills & Expertise
Digital Strategy | Brand Development | Client Leadership | Integrated Marketing | SEO/SEM | Paid Media | Analytics | Social Media Strategy | Content Development | Public Relations | Storytelling | Creative Direction | Team Mentoring | Online Community Building | Agile & Kanban Methodologies | Communication Systems Design | Cross-Functional Leadership
Experience
Director of Client Services
Digital 4 Startups Inc.
2021– Present
Chicago, Illinois
Digital 4 Startups Inc.
2021– Present
Chicago, Illinois
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Lead client strategy, internal operations, and external communications for a rapidly growing digital marketing agency specializing in integrated solutions across SEO, SEM, paid media, analytics, and social media marketing. Oversee both strategic planning and day-to-day execution, ensuring clients receive measurable results and consistent, high-quality service delivery.
Serve as a key bridge between leadership, pod teams, and clients—driving alignment, optimizing workflow, and strengthening team performance across the organization. Key Areas of Leadership
Enhanced team structure and operational clarity, reduced workflow friction, and strengthened proactive client service delivery. Helped position Digital4Startups for scalable growth by unifying cross-team operations and embedding a more strategic, data-informed approach to client success. |
Patient Access / Revenue Cycle
OSF Healthcare Saint Luke Medical Center
2019– 2021
Kewanee, Illinois
OSF Healthcare Saint Luke Medical Center
2019– 2021
Kewanee, Illinois
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Serve as the first point of contact for all emergency room patients and visitors, ensuring efficient registration, documentation accuracy, and compassionate service within a fast-paced hospital environment. Apply strong deductive reasoning and problem-solving skills to manage complex interactions across clinical, administrative, and insurance systems.
Key Accomplishments
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Manager, Service & Marketing
Johnson Heating & A/C, Inc.
2016 – 2019
Kewanee, Illinois
Johnson Heating & A/C, Inc.
2016 – 2019
Kewanee, Illinois
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Managed the service team and marketing programs for a busy, family-owned HVAC and appliance company serving three counties for more than 80 years. Oversaw operations, staff training, customer relations, and digital outreach for both residential and commercial clients. Continue to support the company’s online marketing and website as a freelance consultant.
Key Accomplishments
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Vice President, Marketing & Technology
My Day Counts / Orange County Adult Achievement Center
2014 – 2016
Anaheim, California
My Day Counts / Orange County Adult Achievement Center
2014 – 2016
Anaheim, California
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Led marketing and technology initiatives for a regional nonprofit agency dedicated to one mission: Making Life Better for People with Disabilities. Founded in 1951, My Day Counts is California’s leading provider of services for adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities.
Key Areas of Influence
Key Accomplishments
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It has been a unique pleasure working with Dave. Not only does Dave bring tremendous talent and dedication to the work place, but he has an ability to inspire others to perform a peak levels. His hard work and creative thinking helped transform our organization. ~ Patrick Faraday, S&O Executive
Manager, Internet Strategy and Business Management
Walt Disney Parks & Resorts Online / Disneyland Resort
2005 – 2014
Anaheim, California
Walt Disney Parks & Resorts Online / Disneyland Resort
2005 – 2014
Anaheim, California
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Served as a key contributor in product development, marketing, and public relations for Disney Parks & Resorts while coordinating cross-division synergy efforts across all Disney brands, including Studio, Broadcast, Music, Publishing, and Interactive. Played a core role on the award-winning public relations team responsible for unprecedented coverage of Disneyland’s 50th Anniversary celebration.
Provided strategic leadership in the creation and management of high-profile digital and interactive products that supported brand marketing initiatives and deepened guest engagement. Recognized for combining creative vision with technical execution to deliver projects that drove measurable impact. Core Strengths
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It is a pleasure working with Dave. He is extremely savvy and passionate about what he does which shows in the quality of his work. His appetite for knowledge and growth is infectious. ~ Tera Thomas, CSM
Team Leader, Content Center
The Orange County Register
2001 – 2005
Santa Ana, California
The Orange County Register
2001 – 2005
Santa Ana, California
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Led a cross-functional team of award-winning photo editors, imaging technicians, and interactive designers in transforming traditional newsroom storytelling into dynamic, multimedia experiences. Oversaw daily production, mentored creative staff, and advanced the integration of print and digital platforms through innovative design and workflow systems.
Areas of Influence
Key Accomplishments
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Dave brings to his work a sense of creativity and enthusiasm that is contagious and ongoing... whether its a small project or something huge and complex, Dave will bring tonnes of new ideas to the table. ~ Neil Pinchin, Online VP
Adjunct Professor
Central Connecticut State University School of Arts and Sciences
1999 – 2001
New Britain Connecticut
Central Connecticut State University School of Arts and Sciences
1999 – 2001
New Britain Connecticut
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Taught and developed intermediate and advanced photography courses grounded in both traditional and digital methods of image-making. Designed curriculum that balanced technical proficiency, creative exploration, and critical analysis, preparing students to engage with photography as both an art form and a communication tool.
Courses integrated darkroom and digital workflows, emphasizing camera operation, lighting techniques, image composition, post-production, and presentation standards. Instruction centered on the intersection of technique, design, and photographic history, encouraging students to contextualize their work within broader artistic and cultural movements. Collaborated with faculty across art and design departments to refine course sequencing, ensuring continuity between foundational and advanced studies. Provided individualized mentorship for student portfolios, graduate projects, and exhibition preparation. Core Teaching Areas
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Photo Imaging Specialist III
Hartford Courant
1994 – 2001
Hartford, Connecticut
Hartford Courant
1994 – 2001
Hartford, Connecticut
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Provided technical leadership and process management for an award-winning editorial photography team during the industry’s pivotal transition from analog to digital production. Ensured consistent color accuracy, ethical editing standards, and workflow integrity from camera capture to print and online publication.
Areas of Influence
Key Achievements
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Education
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Central Connecticut State University
Master of Science (M.S.) Art / Education 1995 – 1997 Graduated with Honors Bradley University Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Communications, Photojournalism 1983 – 1987 |
Accomplishments
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Rebranding OCAAC: 1951-2015
Feb 2015 – Present OCAAC 1951-2015 is a high-profile project dedicated to research, reflection and rebranding of The Orange County Adult Achievement Center to ( My Day Counts ) - a premier nonprofit serving adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities. The new moniker ( My Day Counts ) speaks to the philosophical attributes of the agency and the work they do to support adults with disabilities. Benefits of the project are holistic in intention and designed to instill meaning for all persons touched by the organization; Staff, Funders, Clients, Family and Community. My Day Counts and so does yours! Download Project Brief PDF My Day Counts Responsive Website Feb 2015 – Apr 2015 Rebranding requires many new tools to meet goals and targets. Replacing a ten-year-old website required more than a new look and logo but consideration of now agency employees, clients, guests and donors access our content and ultimately interact. Based on the principle (Content Is Like Water) with a mission of simplicity, we crafted a new My Day Counts website based on responsive responsive design accessible to all who seek our information. Use of forms and a new online store allow never before access for revenue generation but also instant access for those who seek and need our assistance. A key win to the site is the use of space to allow photography to set an emotional tone thus giving time the user opportunity to consume content. A suite of cul-de-sac landing pages and hefty use of analytics tagging assist with production of e-newsletters and development of social media content. See project My Day Counts Create Messages of Love and Support Feb 2015 – Feb 2015 At My Day Counts we recognize that people and values are our greatest assets as we aim at empowering the lives of individuals with developmental & intellectual disabilities. Through the power of social media we learned that a girl in a neighboring community wished to receive 2500 birthday cards for her 25th birthday so our clients and team members rallied to help Ashley Diaz from Whittier California make her birthday wish become a reality. Although My Day Counts clients did not directly know her, they were very happy to be a part of her journey and made hand made birthday cards and wishes will help tip the scale for Ashley to receive 2,500 cards on her 25th birthday. You see … Ashley has Down syndrome and her mother Cindy is hoping the abundance of cards will brighten her day. Cards from My Day Counts were delivered by hand for Ashley’s birthday and clients and staff alike met in person and online. #2500cardsforashley! The project received local and national media attention across major ABC & CBS affiliates. L.A. Philadelphia and NYC pushing the highest CPM value for the media hit. See project Cars Land Website & Holiday Overlay Apr 2012 – Jan 2014 Integrated website to support Cars Land, the Disneyland Resort’s newest Land at Disney California Adventure Park. Prelaunch, Launch and Sustain tactics for multi-year use allowed content updates and overlays to support pre-opening communication, cadenced messaging during first season of operation and a holiday overlay to supporting re-visitation. The first socially integrated interaction on Disneyland.com allowing customization, sharing and live game play against others. Welcome to Radiator Springs, customize your ride, cruise by fine shops and race to the finish! Disneyland Mobile Website Nov 2011 – Nov 2011 Disneyland Resort Mobile Website … not a facelift but a new mobile site made speed-to-market (eight weeks) using agile methodologies. Goal was to ultimately meet customer demand (requirements) for content available via smart devices that enhance the in park experience as well as pre-visitation research. Key wins were to reduce number of clicks to target, remove small targets, improve image quality and feature images and other seasonal content with geo-target CTAs. Winner of multiple travel and lifestyle online awards. Disneyland Resort Podcast Jun 2005 – Jul 2007 Ideation and execution of the first ever Podcast produced for the Walt Disney Company. The Disneyland Resort Podcast was designed to engage a vibrant and growing online fan community by providing unique content featuring behind the scenes interviews and storytelling to support the 50th anniversary celebration. This podcast series has been identified as one of the first successful corporate podcasts. See project Pirates of the Caribbean Live Webcast Jun 2006 – Jun 2006 Relation management between Disney and MSN for the first live online webcast showcasing the red-carpet arrivals for the premier of film 'Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest' which pushed over 1.5 million live feeds. Timed strategically, guests also enjoyed the re-launch of the enhanced "Pirates of the Caribbean" attraction at Disneyland Resort - just in time for Summer! See project UCLA - Student Media Course: New Media Feb 2005 – May 2005 As a visiting adjunct professor I taught senior level courses in New Media for the UCLA Student Media Department. With an emphasis in mass communication for the online and non traditional media user, the semester long courses focused on the unique characteristics of online presentation and story telling from the POV of a traditional print based discourse. |
Awards
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Addy, Bronze: Cars Land Micro Site
W3, Gold: Cars Land Interactive Site Interactive Media & Webby: Disneyland Mobile Site WebAward, Outstanding: World of Color Site WebAward, Outstanding: Soundsational Summer WebAward, Outstanding: Disneyland Celebration Central AD:TECH, Best Site People's Award: Dream Suite Virtual Tour Hermes Creative, Platinum: Dream Suite Virtual Tour TELLY, Silver: Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage CD Rom TELLY, Bronze: Pirates of the Caribbean Premiere CD Rom PRSA Prism, 1st Place: Pirates of the Caribbean Webcast PRSA Prism, 1st Place: Pirates of the Caribbean Media Kit SNDies, Multimedia: Lucha Libre & Toxic Treats SNDies, Multimedia: Mars Attracts & Doorway to Space City of Anaheim: Recognized as a founder and creator of the Art Crawl Experience |
Wait, There's More
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Please visit my full LinkedIn business profile for:
-Skills & Endorsements -Recommendations -Media Samples -Volunteerism -Certifications -Courses |