ABOUT ME
Designer, leader, systems thinker, and lifelong work-in-progress.
I work across craft and strategy—zooming out to see the system, then getting close enough to the work to improve it.
Personal
The stuff that keeps me grounded.
Outside of work, I’m a husband and proud dad of two daughters who keep me grounded, laughing, and constantly learning. Much of our family life revolves around volleyball tournaments, school activities, and the occasional chance to actually sit down for dinner together.
My family has shaped a lot of how I show up at work. They’ve taught me to listen, stay curious, have patience when things don’t go according to plan, and never take myself too seriously. Those lessons have probably influenced my design practice as much as any framework ever has.
Professional
Where craft and leadership meet
Much of my career has been spent in complex product spaces—enterprise software, HR and payroll, customer care, analytics, and security—where seemingly simple interactions often hide complicated systems, workflows, and customer needs.
I enjoy turning that ambiguity into something clearer: understanding the problem, mapping workflows, exploring ideas, making concepts tangible, and partnering with Product and Engineering on not just what we should build, but why.
As my scope grew, so did the leadership side of my work—building teams, coaching designers, influencing strategy, and improving how organizations operate. Staying close to the craft makes me better at that job. It sharpens the questions I ask, the critique I give, and the decisions I help teams make.
AI has made that connection even more important. I’m actively experimenting with AI-assisted research, concept exploration, prototyping, and workflow design to understand firsthand how the practice is changing—and where human judgment still matters.
Leading design teams
Build the conditions for great work
I believe the primary job of a design leader is to remove obstacles, create clarity, and build an environment where talented designers can do their best work. That means clear ownership, explicit expectations, and consistent feedback, delivered with care and directness in equal measure.
Performance with humanity
Psychological safety and high standards aren't in tension — they're complementary. The teams I've led know exactly what's expected, and they feel supported enough to take creative risks. I address gaps early and directly, because that's what genuine respect for someone's career looks like.
1:1s
Structured coaching cadence
Weekly 1:1s with explicit growth frameworks, not just status updates. I coach designers on career development, communication, and craft in equal measure.
Stretch
Strategic deployment
I deliberately position team members in roles that help them grow: customer interviews for designers who need to strengthen their storytelling skills and strategy work for those ready for leadership.
Critiques
Feedback frameworks
I've introduced structured critique frameworks at every team I've led. Good critique is a learnable skill, not just "I like/don't like this."
Visibility
Organizational advocacy
I make my team's work visible to leadership. Design impact shouldn’t be a mystery, so I document and communicate it consistently.
WHAT PEOPLE SAY
Colleagues & Collaborators
"For two years, I had the opportunity to be on the team that Alex was a director of. During that time, Alex was deeply committed to the growth and success of our team, leading with empathy and support. He led the team through major product changes and always kept a positive outlook despite any challenges. He made deep connections with our cross-discipline partners, and consistently fostered a collaborative environment so that we could all reach our goals. I have no doubt that any organization he is a part of will benefit greatly from his skill and dedication."
Isabelle Zhang
Senior Product Designer
"I learned so much from working with Alex at Sprout Social. He is an empathic, intelligent, wise, communicative, inclusive, and highly collaborative colleague who established many impactful means of partnership during his time with us, while ensuring the work his team delivered was user-centered and reflected business priorities. He also supported a range of individual contributors to grow into their best selves at work, often while they faced many stressful challenges, including deeply entrenched silos. I am hoping we will work together again in the future - I miss working with him already!"
Lise Latorre
Senior Director of Product Design
"I had the opportunity of having Alex as my manager for two years at Sprout Social. During that time, he led a team of product designers working in an integral part of the business. He also partnered closely with product management and engineering leaders to inform roadmaps and business strategy. As a first-time manager, I learned a lot from Alex and truly appreciate his commitment to my growth and development. He genuinely cares about those he supports, and I felt that impact throughout our time together. Alex was always willing to jump on a call to discuss challenges, brainstorm collaboratively, or ask insightful questions that enhanced my work. He is a thoughtful, empathetic, and supportive manager and team member. Anyone would be lucky to get the chance to work with him."
Jennifer Zettinger
Product Design Manager
"Alex brings a remarkable amount of empathy, energy and optimism to his work. He cares deeply about his team – he's a stellar collaborative partner and goes above and beyond to support and guide his reports – and leads with perspective, grace, and kindness. He's a culture add to any team lucky enough to have him as a member!"