Chris Manke is a cross-disciplinary design leader who brings together creative vision and business rigor to shape experiences that are both beautiful and purposeful. With a BS in Graphic Design from Stonehill College and over a decade of hands-on work spanning brand, UX, and product development, Chris has built a career defined by range — moving fluidly between the aesthetic and the strategic, the visual and the functional.

Currently leading Product Development & Design at Cognativ, Chris works as a strategic partner to high-growth companies and investment-backed ventures, helping them build products and experiences that drive real business outcomes. His work spans UI/UX design, brand identity, and end-to-end product development — always grounded in clarity, user empathy, and measurable impact.

Before Cognativ, Chris spent over six years as Senior Graphic Designer at Opici Wines, where he sharpened his eye for brand consistency and visual storytelling. He is also the Founder and Art Director of Manke Design Group, a multidisciplinary studio where he has practiced UX/UI, graphic design, videography, photography, and original soundtrack work for over 13 years. That breadth isn't accidental — it reflects a genuine belief that great design lives at the intersection of disciplines.

Chris holds both a Certified Scrum Master (PSM1) and Certified Product Owner (PSPO1) designation, a rare combination that lets him operate equally well in design studios and product sprints — bridging the gap between creative teams and engineering.