Meet the Team
DAVE WEICH | PRESIDENT AND CHIEF STRATEGIST
Dave builds brands and directs communication strategy on behalf of nonprofits, foundations and public agencies across the Pacific Northwest. A published author and award-winning filmmaker, he has interviewed thousands of subjects for screen and print, from Annie Leibovitz and Malcolm Gladwell to local ecologists, engineers, teachers and students. He founded Sheepscot Creative in 2010 after eleven years leading marketing and development efforts at Powell’s Books.
BENNA GOTTFRIED | SENIOR ACCOUNT DIRECTOR
Benna has worked with and for Portland-area nonprofits for more than 15 years. Her experience ranges from branding, video, and print and digital production to large-scale public events. When not at Sheepscot, Benna is an active volunteer and community advocate, serving on the board of directors for My Voice Music and investing in intergroup dialogue and action through Emily’s Fund of the Oregon Jewish Community Foundation. She’s also a founding member of ninety-nine girlfriends.
BAILEY CAIN | MARKETING MANAGER, EDITOR
Bailey’s passion lies in forging meaningful connections within communities. Her career began in television and film production, and then found focus in the nonprofit sector, first in a development role at the Northwest Film Center and, subsequently, as the Public and Digital Programs Manager at the San Diego Museum of Art. A video editor, website developer, copywriter, and artist in her own right, Bailey serves a variety of Sheepscot’s clients in vital day-to-day roles.
MICHAEL NIPPER | DIRECTOR OF VIDEOGRAPHY/PHOTOGRAPHY
Michael brings deep technical savvy and practical knowledge to every choice of equipment and shot. A licensed drone pilot, seasoned photographer and experienced editor, he has contributed to hundreds of Sheepscot’s videos. His work integrates original illustration, digital graphics and animation to educate and inspire audiences young and old.
ELENA CRONIN | ART DIRECTOR
After spending six years in an agency setting working with big brands, Elena refocused her work around small businesses, nonprofits, and cause-driven projects, believing that the best design collaborations are built upon a shared ethos. She specializes in branding, print design and illustration. Her portfolio includes work for Clackamas Water Environment Services, Travel Portland, Project Youth+ and Clean Water Services.
ROSIE STRUVE | ART DIRECTOR
A multi-disciplinary designer and art director, Rosie's experience ranges from print publication to website development and brand identity. She brings a research-based, collaborative approach to projects, ensuring that the end product not only looks great but solves key communication challenges. Her work consistently blends pragmatism with delight. Rosie’s portfolio includes work for Wired, Willamette Week, Jesuit Volunteer Corps Northwest, Oregon Parks and Recreation Department, Clean Water Services and the Redwood Foundation for Education.
DEREK RUTKAI | ANIMATOR
Derek discovered a passion for motion graphics and animation while earning a degree in graphic design. Working mostly in After Effects and Cinema 4D (and more plugins than we can list here), his work has served Snapchat, XBOX and General Mills, as well as Sheepscot clients such as Clean Water Services, Project Youth+ and the Kuni Foundation. His favorite projects present technical challenges that push him to use new techniques and processes.
JOHN CUNNINGHAM | WEB DEVELOPER
John is fluent in a host of digital mediums, building and designing websites, apps and motion graphics. Equally important, he has a foundation in core design disciplines such as hand-drawn typography and signage, so his digital solutions remain grounded in timeless design principles. He’s worked on websites for the Kuni Foundation, Topaz Farms and Willamette Week, to name a few, using platforms ranging from WordPress to Squarespace and Wix.
