Roger Ehmpke

Clarity-led digital strategy for complex web systems

Helping higher ed and mission-driven teams reduce digital complexity, improve accessibility, and align platforms with purpose — for both human users and AI agents.
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About

I'm a digital strategist with 25+ years of experience in UX, accessibility, and content systems. My work focuses on structuring clarity into complex web environments — from governance and compliance to performance and user experience.

Currently shaping digital strategy, accessibility, and platform governance at Kankakee Community College — including readiness for an AI-driven web, where summarization, misinterpretation, and digital equity are becoming the new battleground.

Previously: design lead, CMS architect, accessibility advocate, and mentor to emerging web professionals.

Always open to thoughtful conversations on web clarity, policy-aware systems, and digital infrastructure that protects people and mission.

Why Work With Me:

Strategic clarity — I help teams connect web infrastructure with operational goals, risk considerations, and long-term maintainability.
Deep technical fluency — From front-end architecture to CMS customization, I deliver scalable, secure, and user-first solutions.
Proven leadership — I’ve guided cross-functional teams through major redesigns, accessibility audits, platform rebuilds, and system transitions.
AI-aware structure — I help shape schema, content structure, and policy alignment to support accurate AI summarization, ethical data handling, and improved engagement from search to click.

Skills & Specialties

From strategic leadership to accessible development practices, here are a few areas where I bring depth and experience.

Governance & Strategy

Aligning digital platforms with organizational structure, legal readiness, and institutional risk reduction.

UX & Accessibility

WCAG/508 compliance, inclusive design, screen reader readiness, and equitable access planning.

Web Development

HTML, CSS, JavaScript, React, Node — plus CI/CD practices, schema, structured data, and responsive builds.

CMS Architecture

WordPress, SharePoint, Jekyll/CloudCannon, Git-based systems, and content workflows.

Security & Performance

DNS, hosting resilience, uptime strategy, and performance tuning with SEO and AI parsing awareness.

Selected Projects

A few examples where I've led web strategy, accessibility improvements, and CMS architecture—delivering scalable, user-centered solutions in higher ed and economic development.

computer screen with an image of kcc redesign project

Kankakee Community College

Lead strategist for public-facing platforms and intranet — including CMS modernization, AI-aware schema, and long-term governance upgrades.

Web Strategy CMS Architecture Accessibility Schema Higher Ed AI Readiness

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computer screen with an image of Economic Alliance of Kankakee project

Economic Alliance of Kankakee County

Led redesign and CMS rebuild for regional economic development. Delivered a visually intuitive, content-forward site aligned to user behavior and organizational goals.

UX Responsive Design WordPress Economic Development

Recomendations

A few words from collaborators on past strategy and development work.

Lisa M. Wogan
Economic Development Professional

Roger's methodical approach and proactive attitude helped to produce a website that exceeded our needs.

Febin Mootheril
Strategist | Digital & Hybrid Manufacturing | President & CEO

Roger's creativity and attention to detail made him a pleasure to work with.

Ron Sattar
Business and IT Consultant / Sattar Group

Highly skilled and strategic. Roger managed our project from start to finish with clarity and care.