About

I lead product design and innovation at the intersection of user experience and business strategy. As Senior Product Designer and Product Innovation Manager at Verisk Analytics, I directed design across B2B and B2C products representing 65% of the company's $2.8B in annual revenue — spanning end-to-end claims solutions for major insurance and healthcare clients — while building and running an innovation program that engaged 10+ sponsors across every major division. Today I run CF Designs, my own product design and management practice, partnering directly with founders and executive teams from concept to launch.

My path into product leadership wasn't a straight line. I served in the U.S. Air Force from 2010 to 2017 maintaining munitions for fighter squadrons, and before that spent several years teaching — as a biology instructor at Salt Lake Community College and a student mentor to 90+ distance learners at Western Governors University. I hold a B.S. in Marine Biology from Texas A&M and a Master's in Criminal Psychology from Florida State University. In 2017 I moved into design through Devmountain's UX program, then spent the years since building products at Xactware and Verisk — mentoring the designers around me along the way.

How I Lead

  • Outcomes over artifacts

    I care about the business and user result a product creates, not just the pixels that ship.

  • Systems, not one-offs

    Six Sigma and process design taught me to fix the process behind a problem, not just the symptom in front of me.

  • Grow the people around me

    From mentoring junior designers to running an innovation program with 10+ sponsors, the multiplier is always the team.

  • Adapt fast, lead calm

    Military service, teaching, and design have all asked the same thing: walk into an unfamiliar room and find the next right move.

What people say

Corey is our top designer with a passion for the client's user experience (UX). When it comes to design, he is a jack of all trades and can handle anything thrown at him. Very proficient in designing and prototyping with a creative passion for whatever project he is working on.
Austin SmytheOwner, Right Angle Engineering
Corey is a fantastic designer who brings a scientific mindset to solving problems. I have taught Corey at DevMountain but also hired him on as a mentor to work with students and their projects. Corey would be a great asset for anyone looking for a personable, talented designer.
Brandon BeecroftStaff UX Designer, Lucid Software
Corey is a solid designer. He has sharp design thinking that lets him quickly identify problems and dive into solution-finding. He is a hard worker, with a personable and optimistic quality that make him a good fit for any team.
Greg SoperSchool Product Manager, Banzai Inc.

Outside of work: Eagle Scout, former varsity swim team co-captain, certified technical diver, and a lifelong athlete.