Stefanie Gunning

About Stefanie Gunning

I’m a writer, creative director, and speaker who helps brands and teams think clearly, tell compelling stories, and move people to action. My work sits at the intersection of strategy and craft, whether I’m shaping a positioning deck, leading a global launch, or presenting ideas that get bought in the room.As the advertising and communications industry evolves, many creative teams are still figuring out what AI actually means for their work. I apply AI as a strategic multiplier, not a shortcut. I use it to streamline workflows, automate repeatable tasks, and accelerate high-quality creative and strategic output without flattening judgment or taste. I’m fluent across the core AI skills shaping modern work, including prompt design, critical evaluation, ethical use, and human–AI collaboration, and I’m known for helping teams integrate AI responsibly to work smarter, faster, and at scale.If you’re looking for:∙ thoughtful creative leadership∙ big-picture strategic thinking∙ writing that resonates deeply…then we should talk.Connect with me here, or:∙ Portfolio (password on request): ∙ Essays: https://workingwithoutanet.blog

Experience

1. Creative Director

   Mckinney

   Sep 2023 — Present · New York, NY, US

   Co-leads a multidisciplinary team of 10 full-time and freelance copywriters, art directors, and designers to create impactful campaigns for health, wellness, and pharmaceutical clients, ensuring alignment with business goals and audience needs.• Develops and executes bold, insight-driven programs for HCP, ECP, and DTC audiences, delivering measurable results across paid, earned, shared, and owned channels.• Spearheads innovative storytelling techniques to produce culturally relevant campaigns that push creative boundaries.• Partners with executive leadership on high-stakes new business pitches, crafting and presenting transformative, insight-driven creative concepts that secure key client wins.• Oversees the creative development of integrated campaigns, ensuring high-quality deliverables that align with strategic objectives and client expectations.• Fosters a culture of curiosity, respect, and inclusivity, champions diversity, equity, and belonging in all creative work and team dynamics.• Mentors and develops a world-class creative team, providing guidance and feedback to nurture talent and promote professional growth.• Builds strong client relationships as a trusted creative partner, driving innovation and expanding the scope of work through organic growth opportunities.• Stays ahead of industry trends, leveraging emerging platforms and technologies to deliver cutting-edge creative solutions.• Demonstrates expertise in integrated campaigns, combining strategic insights, storytelling, and innovative execution to achieve impactful outcomes.• Achieves success in new business development, leading creative direction and collaboration with strategy teams to craft pitches that resonate with prospective clients.• Cultivates a team environment that encourages bold thinking, risk-taking, and the delivery of transformative creative ideas.

Education

• SUNY Geneseo

  BA, English / Theatre

• Innovation Learning (2023)

  Innovation & Design Thinking Facilitator Program

• State University of New York at Oswego

  Communications

• Smart Blogger (2022, 2023)

  Content Writing, SEO Strategy, Headlines Masterclass, and AI + ChatGPT Prompting

Skills

• Facebook
• Blogging
• Editing
• New Media
• Video
• Interactive Marketing
• Copy Editing
• Marketing
• Social Media Marketing
• Advertising
• Interactive Creative Direction
• Creative Writing
• Editorial
• Digital Marketing
• Concept Development
• Copywriting
• Online Marketing
• Content Development
• Interactive Advertising
• Online Advertising
• Digital Media
• Creative Direction