A renaissance man of style with creative vision and a yearning to make all things beautiful!

“Keep reinventing yourself!” is advice Alston Green firmly believes.

In the last several years, Alston has worn many different hats: retail assignments, real estate agent, creative project coordinator for a not-for profit organization and, presently, art and design teacher to middle and high school students.

His previous position at the world's largest greeting card company, Hallmark Cards, Inc. in Kansas City, Missouri, gave Alston the opportunity to soar to the top of his field, reshaping, redefining and reinvigorating the personal expressions industry.

His passion, courage, inner resolve, and understanding of the fine line between art and commerce helped Mahogany become the leading African American card brand in the world. Mahogany consists of approximately 900 stock numbers with an exuberant variety of products such as cards for everyday sending (for example, birthday, sympathy, weddings and anniversary) and seasonal situations (Christmas, Kwanzaa, Valentine's Day). In addition, Alston was responsible for the development of many promotional programs including the religious offering, “Certainly, Lord!,” and the joint venture with the US Postal Service, “Legacy of Greatness,” a series of cards featuring renowned African Americans whose lifework shaped history socially, politically and artistically. Alston was instrumental in the creation of some of Hallmark's most popular products such as Keepsake ornaments, gift wrap, home decor, and an elegant, poignant stationery program featuring the writings of noted author Iyanla Vanzant.

At the Organization of Black Designers, Alston combined his knowledge of ethnic art and understanding of multicultural branding to present “Quest for the Best: The Evolution of African American imagery in Hallmark Products.” Most recently, he curated “Harlem Renewal = Renaissance,” an exhibition of urban collages created by inner city youth and inspired by renowned African American artist Romare Bearden.

In an effort to keep up with the latest multimedia and interactive trends, Alston served as a consultant for the Mahogany section of web space at Hallmark.com. Realizing that the Internet Technology is the future of communication and commerce, it was his goal to apply his creativity, artistic gifts, and unique vision in this exciting medium as well. Alston's dynamic personality, reputation for excellence, commitment to quality, and ceaseless determination have attracted the talents of many African American artists featured on Mahogany cards such as quilters Michael Cummings and Yvonne Wells, and painter Brenda Joysmith.

His role as Creative Product Designer for Hallmark's general market programs, Father's Day and Graduation lines was empowering Alston to broaden the impact and extend the reach and importance of multicultural visibility in all Hallmark programs. Alston's involvement in philanthropic and community activism was yet another example of his passion to change the world by bettering the human condition for us all.

He served on the boards of many organizations including the National Association of Market Developers (NAMD), Design Industry Foundation for AIDS (DIFFA), Curator for “Soulful Expressions,” an exhibit of eleven African American artists living in the Kansas City metropolitan area, and a board member of The Heartland Men's Chorus.

Achievements and Honors:

• “Quest for the Best” Evolution of African American imagery on Hallmark Products, panelist at Organization of Black Designers Conference Design Nation 3, Los Angeles, October 26 - 30, 2000.

• “Quest for the Best” Evolution of African American imagery on Hallmark Products, presentation at Colgate Palmolive New York City, February 11, 2000.

• Featured in the Wall Street Journal July 16, 1997, “Workspaces” Articles: Village Voice, Dallas Examiner, Kansas City “Pitch Weekly” and the New Jersey Courier.

• Listed in International Who's Who for Professional Management, 1997.