Lisa Fischer thinks conceptually. Whether working as a designer, writer or account manager, her goal is successful visualization and integration of solutions for marketing and advertising projects. As a “seasoned” veteran of the industry, Fischer is well versed in both “old-school” and “new media” concepts and tactics. Having embraced digital immigrant status, she understands the social networking side of the industry, and its significance in advertising and establishing personal brands.

Fischer has worked with Strategic Campaigns, the senior-level capstone course in the Strategic Communications department at the University of Missouri-Columbia since 2006. Students in this course are in their final semester for undergraduate degrees. As student agencies, they work with “real-life” clients on designated projects requiring them to draw on knowledge learned from previous coursework. The end product is a professionally developed strategic plan, complete with formal presentation to the client for approval. Currently, she works exclusively with all the Strategic Campaign team designers in the creation and development of the client strategic plan books that contain all the semester’s research and plan development.

As the previous director of marketing for locally-based CheckmarcUSA, Fischer consulted with upper management in development and evaluation of annual marketing budgets; developed and designed integrated marketing strategies and campaigns; communicated with association partners, executive directors and related marketing staff. She assisted in identifying new vertical markets and lead generation as well as writing and developing press materials and articles for publication. Her responsibilities also included overseeing and implementing digital marketing efforts and special event participation.

Over the years, Fischer has worked in both advertising agency settings as well as an independent, free-lance graphic designer. She spent five years as co-owner of a book design studio that worked with national and university press houses turning author manuscripts into printed and bound books. Although formally trained as a graphic designer, she is proficient in implementing all aspects of branding, identity and campaign development. Her responsibilities have included the creation of strategic advertising campaigns for clients with local, regional, national and international interests. She’s coordinated and interacted with agency artists, copywriters, photographers and other specialists in the creation and production of print and broadcast materials. Other responsibilities included writing and editing copy for print publications, broadcast and NPR stations as well as coordinating special events.

Throughout her career, Fischer has been involved in several community organizations such as the Columbia and Jefferson City Chambers of Commerce, Women’s Network and the Voluntary Action Center. She is a 2005 graduate of Leadership Columbia and was a member of its steering committee in 2006. Fischer attended the University of Central Missouri and received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree with emphasis in graphic design.