Jody Thomas

Jody Thomas is a seasoned design leader with extensive experience in user experience, design systems, and product strategy across various organizations. Currently, as Senior Director of Design, Design Enablement and UX Research at Northwestern Mutual since November 2020, Jody has been instrumental in scaling the design system and establishing the company's first Accessibility program. Previous roles include key positions at PowerSchool Group LLC and Schoology, focusing on design systems and product integrations. Jody has also held significant roles at Capital One, leading design teams in digital commerce and banking, as well as co-organizing the NoVA UX Meetup, the largest UX professional gathering in Northern Virginia and Washington, DC. Jody's foundational experience includes directing visual design at EightShapes, managing design at AOL, and contributing to innovative projects at Discovery Inc. Jody holds a BFA in Photography from Rochester Institute of Technology and furthered education at the Yale School of Management.