Rick Machanic

Rick Machanic has over 25 years of experience in UX design, digital consulting, strategy, and management. Rick is currently the VP of Product at Claira. Prior to this, they were the Founder and UX Consultant at Midland Line, where they provided sprint planning, facilitation, and UX design services to clients ranging from start-ups to Fortune 100 companies.

Rick also has experience working at Coding Dojo, where they held multiple roles including Lead UX/UI Instructor, UX/UI Sector Practice Lead, and Client Development Manager. In these positions, they were responsible for curriculum direction, creating and influencing the student experience, and leading business development for client project work.

Before that, Rick worked as the UX Program Manager and Lead Instructor at Burlington Code Academy, where they audited, refined, and redesigned the UX design bootcamp curriculum. Rick also led the seamless transition from in-person to online instruction due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Prior to their role at Burlington Code Academy, Rick served as the Digital Director at HMC Advertising, overseeing all digital initiatives and managing cross-functional teams for client engagements.

Rick's career began as the Founder and CEO of Tag New Media, where they led a team that blended design and technology for brands such as CNN, Microsoft, and GE Healthcare. Rick also managed research, strategy, information architecture, and UX practices.

Rick co-founded Frogeyes Studio and served as the Design Director for a brief period.

Overall, Rick Machanic has extensive experience in UX design, digital consulting, strategy, and management, working with a diverse range of clients and leading teams to deliver successful projects.

Rick Machanic attended the University of Vermont from 1981 to 1985, where they earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English. In addition to their undergraduate studies, they pursued further education in various fields. Rick obtained a Certificate in Hospitality Marketing from Cornell University and completed a Design Thinking Workshop at Stanford University. Rick also pursued coursework in Design Thinking for Innovation at the University of Virginia Darden School of Business. Additionally, they earned Professional Certificates in Leadership & Management and Project Management from the University of Vermont.