Christopher Ream
Three distinct careers. One commitment to excellence, adaptability, and technical problem-solving.
Career Timeline
Journalism
Built foundation in deadline-driven work as news editor and award-winning designer at daily newspapers. Selected, assigned, and designed section fronts including Page A1. Conceptualized news illustrations, information graphics, and promotions. Led newsroom redesigns and maintained daily production workflows under constant time constraints.
Software Development
Transitioned to full-stack development, creating custom enterprise solutions across multiple organizations. Worked with stakeholders on business analysis, database design, and application lifecycle management. Specialized in Microsoft stack (C#, ASP.NET, SQL Server) and Oracle Cloud. Built web applications, automated workflows, and integrated legacy systems with modern ERP platforms.
Instructional Design & Learning Systems
Currently Senior Instructional Design Specialist at Portage Learning. Build and maintain LMS courses, create learning engagement features, and develop graphics. Established processes, automations, and standards for growing ID team. Led evaluation, implementation, and administration of company's first Digital Asset Management system (Bynder). Focus on accessibility compliance, technical support, and cross-departmental collaboration. Train and coach team members.
Cross-Career Skills
Core Competencies
Professional Strengths
- Scratch-coding semantic HTML — granular compliance for Accessibility
- Cross-functional Collaboration
- Process Automation
- Documentation & Training
- Stakeholder Analysis
- Rapid Learning & Adaptation
Design & Communication
- Information Design
- Typography & Branding
- Visual Problem-Solving
- User Experience Design
- Technical Writing
- Instructional Systems
Technical Skills
- Canvas LMS Administration
- Microsoft Stack (C#, ASP.NET, SQL)
- JavaScript, jQuery, APIs
- Adobe Creative Suite
- H5P Interactive Content
- Digital Asset Management