Our People

Lili Vianello 
“Top Dog”
Lili Vianello is Visionworks’ head honcho, fearless leader, top dog. She snagged a J-School degree from the University of Missouri-Columbia, worked long enough as a retail manager to realize it wasn’t for her (four months), and then hit the streets looking for a job in marketing. After eight years in a cushy job as the Director of Communications for a McDonald’s franchise, she started Visionworks on a whim. Seventeen years later, she still longs for the “glory days” of working for someone else. But at least here, she gets to bring her dog to work!

Jeff Zimmerman
“Creative Wizard”
To graphic designer Jeff Zimmerman, nothing beats the scent of fresh ink on paper… except maybe the smell of gasoline and burning rubber. As a lifelong car fanatic, Jeff demonstrated his talent for design at a young age, custom-painting his Matchbox cars in more visually appealing colors and designs than what came in the box. Since then, he’s further developed his eye for layout and design through his education at Wichita State University and experience in everything from advertising to identity and product design. While he still remains a self-proclaimed “car nut,” Jeff also enjoys pursuing his passion for photography in his spare time.

Cara Owings
“Fortune Hunter”
Cara is one of the newest additions to the Visionworks Marketing Group team, but you’d think she’d been best friends with everyone on staff her whole life. She has an extensive background in print, radio, and web, which might lead some to believe she doesn’t know what she wants to be when she grows up… but we think it makes her the perfect marketing and sales specialist! She has a bubbly personality and wicked eye for fresh, innovative marketing opportunities.

Valerie Zumwalt
“Director of Getting Things Done”
Valerie is Visionworks’ go-to girl for just about everything. Her dynamic background includes graphic design, writing, editing and event planning, and that’s just the start. Don’t tell Lili, but Valerie is the one who really makes things happen around here!

Hazel Schlottach
“Money Maven”
Every company needs an accountant, but not everyone can have a money maven like Hazel on their staff. Hazel oversees all the numbers and dollar signs and helps us make sure more comes in than goes out of the office. She even manages to make it look easy. (We know better!)

Dan Corkery
“V.P. of Being Brilliant”
Dan may be Visionworks’ only hot air balloon owner and pilot, but his resume certainly doesn’t blow any hot air. As the agency’s resident broadcast pro, he brings more than 20 years of experience to the table. Think his voice sounds familiar? Columbia residents may recognize it from his years as a local radio and TV personality.

Samantha Devereux
A self-proclaimed “geek,” Sam enjoys finding solutions to Internet marketing challenges and developing innovative communication strategies for clients. She has 10 years of experience in search engine optimization, application and design, social networking, and web-based sales. Plus, she’s figured out how to actually make money on the Web.

Julie Willbrand
“Freelancer in Training”
This public relations intern loves running, reading and red wine, and she will never stop California dreamin’. From interning at various strategic communication agencies to teaching a graphic design lab at MU, Julie brings a variety of experiences to the position. She hopes to pursue a career or her master’s in Los Angeles after her graduation in May.

Charlie Duber
“Freelancer in Training”
Charlie’s title may include “in Training,” but he actually has plenty of freelance graphic design work under his belt already (despite being just a sophomore in college!). Hailing from Geneva, Illinois, Charlie brings design experience in everything from website logos to custom videogame covers to the graphic design intern position. What can’t he design? We haven’t come across anything yet!

Clementine
“Ambassador of Bonding and Rapport”
Sure, she’s not actually human, but Clemie doesn’t know that. She makes up for her lack of any real training with her large, expressive eyes, soft basset ears, and personality plus! She’s always the first to give a warm welcome at the door (especially to Lili, her obvious favorite) and make sure that no one has a bad day. One look at her puppy-dog eyes and you’ll understand why she’s everyone’s favorite co-worker!