John Cornthwait

About John Cornthwait

I’m a designer and problem solver focused on making digital experiences more inclusive and effective. With more than 20 years in web and product development, I help teams bring clarity to complex challenges, blending UX, design, and accessibility to create products that work for everyone.As President and COO at Firefli, I work closely with designers, developers, and strategists to turn ideas into thoughtful, well-built digital experiences. My focus is on digital strategy and user experience, partnering with regional businesses, NGOs, and global brands alike.I’m also passionate about education, bringing real-world projects into the classroom as an interaction and web design instructor at Virginia Tech’s School of Visual Arts. I hold a Master’s in Information Architecture and UX from Kent State and am a Certified Professional in Web Accessibility (CPWA).Outside of work, I’m involved in community development and the arts. I serve on the Roanoke Arts Commission, helping shape the city’s next 10-year Arts and Cultural Plan, and as Vice Chair of Restoration Housing, a nonprofit focused on historic preservation and affordable housing.Let’s build something better—online and in the world around us.

Experience

1. Adjunct Instructor

   Virginia Tech College Of Architecture, Arts, And Design

   Aug 2021 — Present · Blacksburg, VA, US

   Teaching junior and senior level special topics courses (ART3574 and ART4504) that span the full web design process including research, concepting, testing, prototyping, and development hand-off.\"I thought that the professor did a great job, and I hope he continues to teach because this course was one of the best classes I took here at Tech.\"

Education

• Roanoke College

  Bachelor of Arts - BA, Psychology

  2001 — 2004

• Kent State University

  Master of Science - MS, Information Architecture and Knowledge Management, User Experience Design concentration

  2016 — 2018

Skills

• Online Advertising
• Creative Direction
• Adobe Creative Suite
• Graphic Design
• Baking
• Advertising
• Information Architecture
• Web Development
• User Experience Design
• Online Marketing
• Web Design
• T-Shirts
• Adobe Illustrator
• Logo Design
• Wordpress
• Cat Herding
• Social Media
• Social Media Marketing
• Photoshop
• Css
• Illustrator
• Xhtml
• Digital Media