Chris O'Neill

CO

Open to opportunities

Chris O'Neill

@chrisoneill

Creative director and brand strategist blending big ideas with measurable performance.

What I'm looking for

I’m looking for full-time leadership roles where I can own brand strategy and messaging systems, direct integrated campaigns across channels, mentor teams, and use direct-response discipline to deliver measurable results.

I’m a creative leader with 20+ years of experience developing brands, campaigns, and high-performing messaging across industries and channels. I combine big-idea thinking with direct response discipline to create work that both builds brands and drives measurable results.

As Creative Director at Gas Powered Shark Creative (2010–Present), I lead creative strategy and messaging development across integrated campaigns. I partner with clients and teams across digital, print, and broadcast, and I establish and evolve brand voice systems that translate business goals into compelling messaging.

Earlier, I worked as a Senior Copywriter at Merkle Inc. (2005–2010), where I developed direct response campaigns focused on acquisition and performance. I wrote conversion-driven copy across CRM, digital, and direct mail, managing multiple projects while maintaining quality and consistency.

My background also includes copywriting and marketing writing roles at Cross Country Bank and PwC, strengthening my messaging systems, audience insight, and cross-functional collaboration. I’m also focused on AI-enhanced content and workflow optimization to help teams move faster without sacrificing craft.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

GC

Current

Creative Director

Current

Gas Powered Shark Creative

Jan 2010 - Present (16 years 5 months)

Led creative strategy and messaging development across integrated campaigns, partnering with teams across digital, print, and broadcast. Built and evolved brand voice systems, mentored creative teams, and translated business goals into compelling positioning.

Brand Strategy Brand Voice Development Creative Direction Copywriting Messaging Systems Direct Response Marketing Mentoring

MI

Senior Copywriter

Merkle Inc.

Jan 2005 - Jan 2010 (5 years)

Developed direct response campaigns focused on acquisition and performance across CRM, digital, and direct mail. Wrote conversion-driven copy and managed multiple projects to ensure quality and consistency.

Direct Response Copywriting Direct Mail Performance Marketing Project Management Quality Assurance

CB

Copywriter

Cross Country Bank

Jan 2004 - Jan 2005 (1 year)

Created acquisition-focused direct mail campaigns and lifecycle messaging strategies to support customer engagement. Produced campaign materials designed to drive responses across direct marketing channels.

Direct Mail Lifecycle Marketing Copywriting Campaign Development Messaging Strategy

PW

Senior Associate Marketing Writer

PwC

Jan 1998 - Jan 2004 (6 years)

Developed messaging for events and proposals and wrote marketing materials and executive communications. Produced polished written deliverables aligned to business objectives and stakeholder needs.

Marketing Writing Proposal Writing Executive Communication Messaging Strategy Content Development

Education

Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework

IC

Ithaca College

Bachelor of Science, Corporate Communications

Earned a B.S. in Corporate Communications from Ithaca College.

Tech stack

Software and tools used professionally

Gmail

Writer

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