Courtney Ulrich Smith

Courtney Ulrich Smith is a versatile design and venture professional, currently excelling as a Program Manager at Fieldbook Studio where she leads research and product design for Retail Value Chain startups. Her role involves guiding cross-functional teams and partnering with founders to validate customer needs through rigorous quantitative and qualitative research. This demonstrates her strong capabilities in product development, strategic oversight, and team leadership within innovative startup environments. ulrichsmithdesign+1

Beyond her corporate roles, Courtney is a dedicated small business advocate and entrepreneur, co-owning Underbrush Books and DANDY ROLL in Rogers, Arkansas. Underbrush Books, which evolved from a book club, is a community-focused independent bookstore passionate about promoting diverse literature, supporting LGBTQIA+ rights, and engaging in local relief efforts, including organizing the NWA Book Fest. Her entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to community building are evident in these ventures. sibaweb+3

With a foundational background in Graphic Design from the University of Arkansas, Courtney has a rich history in UX and design leadership. Her career spans various roles including Associate Director of Design Research at Material, Digital Strategy Director and Senior UX Designer at RevUnit, and Lead Designer at Green Circle Projects. She further contributed to the design community as a Design Teams Facilitator at McMillon Innovation Studio and as a past President of AIGA Northwest Arkansas, showcasing her continuous involvement and leadership in the design field. ulrichsmithdesign+2