SUSAN LEVINE
Susan Levine is an Emmy-nominated Executive Creative Director with a fearless approach to brand building, activism, and creative leadership. Her career spans global campaigns, start-up launches, and purpose-driven work—each shaped by a belief in creative disruption, big ideas, and the power of getting uncomfortable.
She began her career at BBDO/NY, rising from Art Director to SVP Creative Director while shaping award-winning campaigns for powerhouse brands like Visa and Pepsi. From there, she led global rebrands, built and scaled content and production teams, and took the helm at a Dallas-based indie agency—landing 12+ AOR wins and more than 55 creative industry awards during her tenure. She even launched a charitable line of dog apparel, blending entrepreneurship with impact.
With Gabby Giffords at the Chicago Peace and Unity Rally
In 2018, Susan took on the NRA with a viral campaign that received national attention. That moment sparked a bold detour into full-time activism, partnering with Giffords and Change the Ref before joining the Democratic National Committee as Creative Director—leading the in-house team through a high-stakes election cycle and a people-first rebrand.
Now based in the East Bay, she leads Digital, Content, and Packaging for Clorox’s in-house agency, Electro, where she oversees omnichannel creative across a wide portfolio of CPG brands. From building integrated full-funnel systems to mentoring cross-functional teams, she’s driven by the belief that strong creative is always fueled by strong culture—and that the best work lives outside of your comfort zone.
A native New Yorker, dog lover, advocate, entrepreneur, and avid cyclist, Susan brings a sharp eye, quick wit, and relentless curiosity to everything she does—whether she’s launching a new brand, fighting for a cause she believes in, or chasing Strava segments before breakfast.
HOW I GOT HERE:
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From global powerhouses to indie shops, I’ve led award-winning teams and created iconic work for some of the world’s most beloved brands.
Cliff Freeman & Partners NY - Freelance Jr. Art Director
I cut my teeth at the legendary Cliff Freeman & Partners, where—fresh out of school—I helped pitch the award-winning Sauza Commemorative Tequila campaign and worked on Sony Gaming and Little Caesar’sBBDO (NY, Sydney, London) – Art Director to SVP, Creative Director
– Created award-winning campaigns for Visa, Pepsi, Doritos, AOL, and more
– Gained global brand experience through overseas assignments in BBDO’s Sydney and London offices
– Earned an Emmy nomination and multiple industry accolades
– Built foundational leadership skills by collaborating across cultures and teamsSapientNitro - Creative Director
– Led the global rebrand following Sapient’s acquisition of Aussie creative shop Nitro, crafting a new story that fused innovative tech with big-idea creativity
– Partnered closely with the CMO to define the agency’s new positioning at the intersection of brand and technology
– Spearheaded a high-profile SXSW activation that brought the rebrand to life in an immersive, story-led experience
– Helped reposition the agency as a future-forward leader in digital transformationSlingshot, Dallas - VP, Executive Creative Director
– Transformed the agency from project-based to full AOR partnerships
– Won 12 AOR accounts like Susan G. Komen and Texas Tourism, more than doubling agency size
– Built the internal production studio from the ground up
– Grew and mentored the creative team with a 90% retention rate
– Delivered 55+ industry awards for integrated campaignsNew business is in my bones. Growing talent and shaping creative cultures is what drives me.
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My in-house experience gave me a front-row seat to the inner workings of Fortune 500 brands—and the opportunity to build high-performing teams, content engines, and creative systems from within.
Clorox | Group Creative Director, Electro Creative Workshop
Lead a multi-disciplinary team overseeing packaging, digital, and content for a portfolio of iconic brands including Burt’s Bees, Hidden Valley Ranch, Fresh Step, Kingsford, and Glad
– Own the end-to-end creative ecosystem, from visual identity and packaging to all digital and content
– Architected an internal content studio to streamline production and atomize content creation
– Integrated AI tools to enhance workflows and extend creative impact
– Partner cross-functionally with Marketing, R&D, and Sales to deliver seamless campaigns that drive resultsDemocratic National Committee – Creative Director
As the DNC’s first in-house Creative Director, I:
– Led the creative team in a 24/7 newsroom environment during a pivotal election year
– Directed all content across video, digital, social, and rapid response
– Led a full rebrand rooted in a people-first narrative to build back trust and energize voter engagement.
– Spearheaded the Get Out the Vote campaign that contributed to the highest midterm turnout in U.S. history
– Partnered with leadership, strategy, and comms teams to deliver real-time, high-impact creative -
Builder. Brand Architect. Creative Swiss Army Knife.
Whether launching from a white canvas or defining a brand’s voice and presence, I thrive in roll-up-your-sleeves environments.– Brought to market Champ’s Pet Kitchen, a high-protein, clean-ingredient dog treat brand—leading brand identity, packaging, Amazon PDPs, DTC site, marketing, and breakthrough retailer pitches
– Consulted with a blockchain startup (confidential) to brand and craft a compelling brand narrative around Bitcoin transaction acceleration tech
– Led GTM creative for Blitzn', a fintech startup focused on commercial real estate
– Co-founded TORU, a charitable dog apparel brand combining purpose and style to raise funds and awareness for rescue orgs
– Thrive in fast pivots, lean teams, and translating complexity into clear, ownable storytellingStartups demand speed, focus, and imagination. This is where I’m at my scrappiest—and most energized.
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Creative Director, Advocate, Disruptor
What started as a passion project turned into a defining career chapter.
– Concepted and launched a PSA activation taking on the NRA, which gained national media attention and sparked real conversation around gun reform
– Partnered with Manuel Oliver (Change the Ref) and Giffords as a creative advisor and confidant on high-impact, award winning campaigns
– Stepped away from the private sector to lead the in-house creative team at the Democratic National Committee during the 2018 midterms
– Mentored student activists from March For Our LivesThis cemented my belief in the power of design and storytelling to shift culture and drive action.
Shiny Things & Talking Points:
AWARDS: ADDY, CA, Cannes, Clio, Effie, EMMY nomination, London Int’l, Lurzer’s Int’l Archive, NY Festivals, Obie, One Show, OMMA, PDN, Telly, W3, Webbys
JUROR: The One Show, Tellys, ADDYs
SPEAKER: The One Club, The Wing, and IHA
PRESS: NY Times, AdWeek, AdAge, CA, NBC, FOX, CBS, Shoot, Campaign, WSJ +