jim orr
ceo,
lead instructor
 

Jim “JD” Orr is known around the globe for his passionate approach to design. As the founder of the International Center for Creativity and author of the course curriculum, Jim has dedicated his life to igniting the creative capabilities of both students and professionals alike.

Jim graduated from the Center for Creative Studies in Detroit, Michigan. He spent ten years at General Motors as the Executive Director of Chevrolet, Pontiac, Oldsmobile and Cadillac design studios. Jim then spent an additional two years at General Motors as the Corporate Education Liaison Coordinator of Advanced Vehicle Operations and Director of World Car Vehicle Design at Opel Design Headquarters in Russelsheim, Germany.

After his storied tour with GM, which included creating the now famous mid-engine “Aerovette” Corvette concept car, Jim went on to serve as faculty professor with the Industrial Design Department at the Columbus College of Art and Design, and subsequently the Cleveland Institute of Art as well as teaching creativity and motivational workshops in his design studio.

Contact Jim Orr: 614-336-1944 or
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jim stevenson
president, university relations; 
supporting instructor

For over two decades, Jim has been providing marketing, branding, writing, communications and strategic leadership to some highly-recognized brands including Honda, Bob Evans, Scotts, Square D, Mettler-Toledo, Coldwell Banker’s Ohio NRT Companies, Columbia Gas, Real Living HER and Realty Services, Pinnacle Data Systems, MTV, Quaker State, Gatorade, Qwest/LCI, Mitel, Century Insurance Group and more. Further, Jim supported the authoring of the curriculum and oversees the university relations aspects of the ICC, and contributes business-related presentations, exercises and course content for juniors and seniors in the major.

Jim also has a background in professional sports marketing, primarily motorsports, as a consultant and as part of teams in the NASCAR Winston (now Sprint) Cup Series, the CART FedEx Championship (now merged with the IZOD IndyCar Series), the Firestone IndyLights Championship, the Michelin Super Touring Series, Grand American Road Racing, Toyota Atlantic Championship, the American LeMans Series and the Sports Car Club of America.

Jim is a national keynote presenter on the subjects of creativity, innovation and marketing, and has also been part of several new company launches, including Formula Marketing with ICC partner Tom Balliett.

Contact Jim Stevenson: 614-352-4602 or
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tom balliett
cfo, business operations;
supporting instructor

Tom graduated from The Ohio State University with BS in Industrial Design with a specialization in Product Design, and since has held senior-level marketing, management, operations and design leadership positions with various companies in the publishing, software, and medical equipment industry segments.

As an entrepreneur, Tom has been the part of four, highly-success company launches and has owned and operated two independent design consultancy firms, including Formula Marketing with ICC partner Jim Stevenson.

Balliett, a native of north Central Ohio, has a background in motorsports marketing assisting numerous IndyCar, NASCAR and professional Sports Car drivers, teams and sponsors with promotions, identity packages, web presence and sponsorship relations. He is in charge of ICC operations, finance and facilities, in addition to making guest presentations, project and student evaluations.

Contact Tom Balliett: 614-352-4601 or
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