Director of Communications & Creative Strategist

25+ years of hands-on experience with a proven ability to adapt to emerging technologies. Deep industry expertise combined with a commitment to staying ahead of the curve.

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Derrick Dedmon

Building Brands & Leading Teams

I am a communications and creative leader with deep experience in digital strategy, brand development, and web experience for faith-based organizations and small businesses. I began my career as a designer and developer, and over time have moved into roles where I guide teams, shape messaging and visual direction, and connect content, design, and technology to support organizational goals. My work has focused on building clear, cohesive communication ecosystems—websites, databases, and social channels—that serve real people well, while mentoring creatives and developers to deliver consistent, high-quality work.

  • 25+ Years
  • 7 Organizations
  • 8 Roles
  • 50+ Projects Delivered

Professional Experience

A track record of growth from graphic design to executive communications leadership.

2023 – Present
The Woodlands, TX

Director of CommunicationsCurrent

The Woodlands Methodist Church
Leadership Areas

Consulting, Project Management, Web Development, App Development, Database, Social Media

As Director of Communications for a large, multi-campus congregation, I lead the strategy and execution of digital communication and brand expression across the organization. I focus on setting direction, aligning teams, and ensuring that our website ecosystem, RockRMS database, and social media presence clearly support the church’s mission and ministries. Drawing on my background in web and creative direction, I oversee daily operations, guide priorities, and help the team deliver consistent, high-quality work that engages members, guests, and the wider community.

2018 – 2023
The Woodlands, TX

Web Development Manager

The Woodlands Methodist Church
Leadership Areas

Consulting, Project Management, Web Development, App Development, Social Media

As Web Development Manager, I led the planning and delivery of the church’s digital experience, including primary and secondary websites built on RockRMS and LAVA. I managed a team of developers and content contributors, defined standards for UX and visual quality, and coordinated requirements and timelines across ministries. In this role, I was responsible not only for the technical implementation of features but for ensuring that our digital tools served people well—translating organizational needs into clear, usable, and reliable online experiences that supported communication and ministry goals.

2014 – 2018
The Woodlands, TX

Senior Web Developer

Woodlands Church / Kerry Shook Ministries
Leadership Areas

Consulting, Project Management, Web Development, App Development

At Woodlands Church and Kerry Shook Ministries, I played a key role in shaping the organization’s digital presence by designing and developing custom WordPress themes and plugins, along with PHP- and JavaScript-based applications. I collaborated closely with ministry leaders and creative teams to define requirements, test solutions, and ensure that our websites effectively supported content, outreach, and engagement. This experience strengthened my ability to bridge technical work with broader communication objectives and laid important groundwork for my later leadership roles.

2008 – 2014
Houston, TX

Creative Director

Iconix Marketing
Leadership Areas

Consulting, Project Management, Web Development, Graphic Design, Ad Design, Marketing

As Creative Director at Iconix Marketing, I led a multidisciplinary studio providing branding, web, and marketing solutions for small businesses. I guided clients through positioning and identity decisions, oversaw concept development and design across digital and print, and ensured that every project—from logos and collateral to full campaigns and websites—reflected a clear, compelling brand story. Balancing strategy, design, and execution, I managed both internal creative workflows and client relationships so that our work drove visibility, consistency, and business growth.

2006 – 2008
Houston, TX

Senior Art Director

AlphaGraphics
Leadership Areas

Web Development, Graphic Design, Ad Design, Marketing

At AlphaGraphics, I served as a Senior Art Director responsible for developing visual concepts and brand materials across print and digital projects. I worked closely with creative and brand leads to translate client goals into cohesive visual strategies and campaigns. The role demanded strong multitasking and communication as I managed multiple projects at once while maintaining quality, meeting deadlines, and ensuring that every piece supported the client’s overall message and brand.

2001 – 2006
Humble, TX

Senior Graphic Designer

Minuteman Press
Leadership Areas

Consulting, Graphic Design, Ad Design, Marketing

As a Senior Graphic Designer at Minuteman Press, I created marketing and promotional materials for a broad range of clients, helping translate business needs into strong visual communication across print and early digital formats. I collaborated with account and brand leads to ensure each project aligned with the client’s objectives and visual identity. Working in a fast-paced production environment, I learned to manage several projects simultaneously while keeping design standards high and deadlines on track.

1998 – 2001
Humble, TX

Graphic Designer

Houston Community Newspapers and Media Group
Leadership Areas

Consulting, Graphic Design, Marketing

In this role, I developed print advertising concepts and executed campaigns for local and regional advertisers. I worked directly with clients and internal stakeholders to understand goals, present layout options, and refine creative based on feedback. The work sharpened my skills in audience-focused communication, concept development, and client collaboration, and helped build the foundation for my later roles in brand and marketing leadership.

1998 – 2000
Vicksburg, MS

Graphic Designer

The Vicksburg Post
Leadership Areas

Consulting, Graphic Design, Marketing

At The Vicksburg Post, I worked on newspaper layout, front-page design, and advertising for both large retailers and local businesses. I refined and organized editorial page layouts and crafted ads that balanced storytelling, hierarchy, and visual impact. This early experience taught me the discipline, speed, and design fundamentals that have continued to influence my approach to branding, digital communication, and creative leadership throughout my career.

Academic Background

Bachelor of Arts in Marketing
Minor in Project Management
The University of Arizona Global Campus

My studies combined marketing strategy, audience insight, and digital communication with formal training in project planning, execution, and stakeholder management. That foundation continues to shape my work as a creative and communications leader by helping me connect brand thinking, team alignment, and practical execution.

Skills & Capabilities

Leadership & Strategy

Creative Strategy Project Management Art Direction Team Leadership Brand Management Budget Management Vendor Relations Content Strategy

Web Development

MongoDB Express.js React Node.js WordPress HTML5 CSS3 JavaScript PHP Responsive Design SEO Web Accessibility Google Analytics

Design & Creative

Adobe Creative Suite Photoshop Illustrator InDesign UI/UX Design Typography Print Design Video Production

Marketing & Communications

Digital Marketing Social Media Strategy Email Marketing Content Marketing Public Relations Campaign Management Analytics & Reporting

Development Tools

VS Code Git & GitHub Claude Code Cursor AI-Assisted Workflows Command Line Build Tools

Church Technology

Rock RMS Content Channels Church Website Development Database Administration Finance Integration Backend Implementation ChMS Platforms

Selected Work

A selection of web projects I've designed, developed, and managed.

Featured Publications

My work has been recognized across leading church technology and design publications.

The Best Church Websites of 2022

My Codeless Website2022

Top 100 Best Church Websites of 2022

Reach Right Studios2021

30 Beautiful Church Website Designs

Vandelay Design2020

Top 100 Best Church Websites of 2020

Reach Right Studios2019

Best Church Websites 2019

Vandelay Design2019

Top 100 Church Websites of 2018

Reach Right Studios2018

Church Websites — 70 Most Inspiring of 2017

ShareFaith Magazine2017

18 Beautiful Easter Church Websites

Tech Church2017

8 Of The Best Church Websites This Easter

Steve Fogg2017

40 Beautiful Church Website Designs

Vandelay Design2016

Church Websites — 70 Most Inspiring of 2016

Share Faith2016

11 Of The Best Church Websites

Steve Fogg2016

Let's Work Together

Open to communications leadership, creative direction, and web projects. Let's connect.

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