Cesar Rivera

Exec Creative Director: Brand Systems, Strategy, Innovation

Cesar Rivera's profile photo
LocationTuckerGeorgia, United States
Current roleNational Board PresidentAIGA, the professional association for design · since Jul 2020
Government service5yrsCenters for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

About

Award-winning, innovative, and results-driven military veteran and creative executive with 20+ years design industry experience and 8+ years experience leading large and small multidisciplinary advertising and design creatives, scaling enterprise design systems, and driving brand strategy across public, private, and nonprofit sectors.

Proven success directing high-impact campaigns—including emergency responses and startup brand launches—while managing multimillion-dollar budgets and measuring brand performance through KPI development, adoption metrics, and audience insights.

Expert in translating strategy into award-winning visual identities, integrated campaigns, and multi-channel production, while building high-performing teams and operationally efficient processes, integrating emerging technologies (including generative AI), and navigating complex stakeholder environments and adept at collaborating with stakeholders, pitching concepts, and delivering creative solutions that balance impact, consistency, and audience engagement.

Executive presence shaped by leadership roles at national nonprofits, startups, and academia, with a consistent record of elevating brand impact, operational efficiency, and engagement. @ecesarrivera on most social media platforms such as LinkedIn. https://ecesarrivera.com/

Roles

Jul 2020–Present
Current role

National Board President

AIGA, the professional association for design

Board Member

  • Provided national creative leadership, guiding brand governance and visual identity across chapters.

  • Led strategic initiatives that returned the organization to profitability (first time in a decade).

  • Developed enterprise KPIs to measure brand performance, member engagement, and organizational impact.

  • Directed creative programs aligning visibility, engagement, and innovation with long-term brand strategy.

Jul 2020–Aug 2025
Former role

Executive Creative Director

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Office of Communications/Division of Digital Media/Visual Design Branch

Georgia

Brand ManagerUI DesignerWeb DesignerDesignCreative DirectorGraphic DesignAdministrativePrinting, Design, Publishing, Web

  • Directed G2C and G2G enterprise CDC visual identity and design system adopted across 20+ offices, ensuring brand consistency, accessibility, and measurable adoption.

  • Led high-impact, multichannel campaigns for public health emergencies (COVID-19, mpox), translating complex science into human, engaging visual storytelling for patients, HCPs, and the public.

  • Oversaw production of ≈4,000 digital and print assets annually, integrating creative craft with enterprise brand governance.

  • Introduced generative AI and Adobe Express to streamline workflows by 90%, maintaining brand fidelity and production quality.

  • Defined KPIs for creative operations, audience engagement, and adoption; achieved 97% client satisfaction and 95% on-time delivery.

Feb 2015–Jul 2020
Former role

Creative Director | Consultant

ecesarrivera.com

Texas

Brand ManagerUI DesignerWeb DesignerCreative DirectorGraphic DesignPrinting, Design, Publishing, Web

  • Directed B2C and B2B brand strategy, concept development, and multichannel visual storytelling for clients in healthcare, corporate, and nonprofit sectors.

  • Created modular, scalable design systems improving brand adoption and cross-channel cohesion.

  • Conducted brand audits, measuring clarity, accessibility, and engagement to guide data-driven creative decisions.

Feb 2014–Feb 2015
Former role

Chief Creative Officer

SioTex Corporation

Austin, Texas

Brand ManagerUI DesignerWeb DesignerCreative DirectorGraphic DesignPrinting, Design, Publishing, Web

  • Co-founded green-tech startup; developed B2B pitch decks, investor communications, and product storytelling, securing $250K angel investment.

  • Directed enterprise-level design systems and omnichannel creative strategy for startup brand positioning and market impact.

  • Represented executive leadership in client and investor meetings, using strategic storytelling to build trust and brand credibility.

Aug 2012–Dec 2023
Former role

Assistant Professor

Various Universities

Teacher / Professor

  • Led a team of student designers to develop retention-focused communications campaigns, contributing to 79% first-year student retention (above national average 70.57%).

  • Taught design, art direction, and storytelling to undergraduate and graduate students.

  • Mentored 300+ emerging creatives in portfolio development and professional readiness.

  • Developed nonprofit-focused MFA thesis pairing nonprofits with early-career designers for low-budget, high-impact creative output while collaborating with corporate partners to secure financial support for nonprofit creative solutions.

Jun 2006–Aug 2014
Former role

Art Director

Various Agencies

San Antonio, Texas

Graphic DesignPrinting, Design, Publishing, Web

  • Led B2C campaigns, including Miller Lite, WellMed, Texas State University, and Goodwill, ensuring cohesive visual identity across digital, print, and experiential channels.

  • Mentored creative teams, collaborated with clients, and elevated campaign craft to achieve measurable engagement outcomes.