Joseph O'Leary

Summary

UX designer and full-stack engineer with 15+ years creating elegant, accessible digital experiences. Combines strategic design thinking with engineering rigor to solve complex user problems. Expertise in design systems, financial platforms, product strategy, and building products from conception through deployment.

Experience

UX Professional

Equitable | Jan 2019 – Present · 7 yrs 8 mos · Syracuse, NY

Led UX/UI design and front-end development for client, agent, and broker applications
Improved accessibility and performance to meet WCAG 2.1 AA standards
Optimized and increased page performance, enhancing client satisfaction
Advanced eDelivery initiatives to promote digital adoption and reduce paper reliance
Mentored junior designers and collaborated cross-functionally with development, product, and business teams
Corporate representative for DisabilityIN

Senior UX/UI Designer

AXA US | Jan 2014 – Jan 2019 · 5 yrs 1 mo · Syracuse, NY

Designed and developed user-centered experiences for marketing sites and client-facing portals
Conducted UX research to inform design decisions and improve user engagement
Transitioned AXA's digital assets to align with modern design principles and accessibility guidelines

Senior Web Designer / Consultant

Diversant, LLC | Sep 2013 – Dec 2013 · 4 mos · Syracuse, NY

Freelance UX and web design consulting

Production Manager - Senior Designer, Front End Web Developer

Total Advertising Inc | Apr 2004 – Aug 2013 · 9 yrs 5 mos · Syracuse, NY

Provided front-end development to all client sites using XHTML/HTML5, CSS3, jQuery with cross-browser compatibility
Developed custom design sites using WordPress as a CMS
Managed design and production of client work across print and digital formats
Communicated with clients and vendors to facilitate successful project completion
Developed and implemented department trafficking procedures for quality control
Trained, developed, and managed design and production staff

Skills

Design

Creative Direction
UX/UI Strategy
Design Systems
User Research
WCAG Accessibility
Prototyping

Frontend & Tools

React & Next.js
Angular
TypeScript
Tailwind CSS
Figma & Adobe

Backend & DevOps

Node.js & Express
PostgreSQL
Vercel & Render
Docker
Git

Education

Bachelor of Science, Studio Art

Nazareth University

Concentrations in Graphic Design and Philosophy

Self-Directed Continuous Learning

Advanced courses in UX research, interaction design, and web technologies
WCAG 2.1 Accessibility Specialist (practical expertise)
Modern frontend frameworks: React, Next.js, Angular, TypeScript
Active participation in design and engineering communities

Expertise