Andrew Boardman

andrew at manoverboard dot com

Overview

I am a designer working at the intersection of design and social change — where ethics, accessibility, typography and the web meet. I write a weekly newsletter focused on designers at Dear Designer. I live in Montréal, Québec.

Currently, I am creative director at Mangrove, co-leading a digital agency with a global team committed to advancing social and environmental impact. Prior to that, I founded and led Manoverboard, a purpose-driven design studio and the first Certified B Corporation in Manitoba. Manoverboard merged with Mangrove in January 2023.

Previously, I taught design studio and theory at the university level. I grew up in Philadelphia and worked in New York before moving to Canada in 2005.

Experience

Creative Director, Mangrove / 2023 - present

Leader at purpose-driven digital agency amplifying the impact of change-making organizations. Manage digital and creative strategy for clients. Lead design team and co-run 15-person+ agency. Focus on advancing web accessibility practices and building a more equitable and sustainable web.

Founder, Manoverboard / 2002 - 2022

Led and managed design studio that advanced a world wide web that is sustainable, open and available to all visitors. Clients included Acumen, Ducks Unlimited Canada, EQ3, FortWhyte Alive, Greyston Bakery, IISD, McConnell Foundation, MIT, Sierra Club Canada and University of Manitoba.

Adjunct Faculty, University of Manitoba / 2019 - 2024

Taught design courses at the School of Art, including design theory and criticism, visual research methods, and design studio. Emphasis on helping students build multidisciplinary critical thinking skills with a focus on research frameworks, typographic exploration and peer collaboration.

Adjunct Instructor, Red River College / 2017 - 2018

Taught design history and management. Introduced design ethics, sustainability and visual research to coursework.

Director of Research, Oven Digital / 2000 - 2002

Directed research and development for global digital agency in New York. Clients included the City of New York, MoMA, Kodak, IBM and Tiffany & Co.

Research Associate, The Rockefeller Foundation / 1996 - 2000

Led research and development for fellowship program focused on advancing civil society leadership. Developed curricula, facilitated workshops and supported fellows.

Service

Vice-Chair Certification and Board of Directors, RGD Canada / 2025 - Present

Support graphic designers in their certification process and guide committee and organization in building outreach to members and prospective members. Volunteer for 5 years.

Board Member, Canadian Typography Archive / 2024 - Present

Provide design, communications and technical strategy and guidance in ongoing development of website database and archive focused on the history of Canadian typography.

Co-Chair, B Local Manitoba / 2020 - 2024

Led and managed group of Manitoba-based Certified B Corporations, spreading the message of using business as a force for good while bolstering and championing new B Corporations.

President, GDC Manitoba / 2015 - 2018

Led provincial chapter to expand programming and educational initiatives for design community. Brought national and international designers to local chapter. Served on board for 10 years.

Co-Founder, PechaKucha Night Winnipeg / 2010 - 2019

Created and co-led local event showcasing the ideas and work of over 100 artists, designers, writers and activists.

Education and Fellowships

Concordia University, John Molson School of Business, Montréal / 2025

Professional Goal-Centric Certified Coach program

New York Foundation for the Arts, New York / 1998

One-year fellowship in painting and drawing

New School for Social Research, New York / 1997

Media management certification with focus on digital entrepreneurship

Akademia Sztuk Pięknych, Kraków, Poland / 1995

Fulbright Fellowship for post-graduate year to study Yiddish and Polish visual culture

SUNY Albany, Albany, New York / 1993

M.F.A., Painting and Drawing honors, graduate fellowship

Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island / 1990

B.A., Visual Art and English honors, magna cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa