With 15 years of event marketing experience, a Master of Science in Business Administration and an uncanny ability to switch from left-brain to right-brain thinking (and back again), Hardcastle blends focus and discipline with innovative thinking and creativity to craft unique solutions for agency clients. She’s a CEM faculty member, a Krakoff Leaders Institute alumna, the editor of mdg’s marketing newsletter, a presenter of industry seminars on strategic marketing planning and, most importantly, an integral collaborator for several prominent association and event clients across in the country. She’s also a mom, runner, reader, lover of east coast cities and west coast beaches and is known to eat lunch at her desk as early as 9:15 a.m.

With more than 20 years in senior leadership positions in the industry, Vincent is generally recognized as a content development and execution specialist. During his career, he’s had two international postings, launched events on five continents and developed highly specialized conferences in technology, life sciences and healthcare. Vinnie is also the past Chairman of the International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE), the leading organization in the conference and trade show industry.

With a background in event planning, hospitality and higher education, Allison uniquely combines industry experience with HR expertise. She supports the collaborative, innovative mdg team, translates agency strategies into people strategies, and helps recruit and retain the ‘best-of-the-best.’ Allison has earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communications and Spanish from Marist College and a Master’s in Postsecondary Educational Leadership from San Diego State University. When she is not contributing to the growth and development of mdg, this East Coast native can be found traveling, hiking, reading or relaxing with her husband and daughter.

With a background in non-profit management and hospitality, Amanda thrives on helping people. The desire to make things easier for those around her combined with her love of organizing make her the ideal administrative assistant. Amanda earned a bachelor’s degree in Integrated Marketing Communications from Butler University and a certificate in Non-profit Management. She is also a certified yoga teacher, amateur photographer and tea enthusiast.

Even at the tender age of 8, Caitlin could read the writing on the wall: Lemonade’s heyday had come and gone. Thus, she began her marketing career as sole proprietor of the only fresh grapefruit juice stand in the neighborhood. Thanks to the use of innovative thinking, a clear competitive differentiator and a keen understanding of her audience, she enjoyed the sweet (or in this case, sour) taste of success for the first time. In the intervening years, she’s used the same recipe to market conferences and trade shows within a wide range of industries, including healthcare, renewable energy, media, technology, and luxury goods. Now armed with two Master of Business Administration degrees in Marketing and International Business, Caitlin’s tools may be more sophisticated, but her goal is the same: to help clients create and seize opportunities based on market conditions and to stand out in a world of sameness.

With more than 20 years in the non-profit sector, Jennifer has lead marketing initiatives across organizations representing a number of diverse fields, including K-12 and higher education, health and human services, technology, corporate governance and financial services. She specializes in relationship marketing and the development of integrated campaigns that acquire, engage and retain. Jennifer has a bachelor’s degree in Communications from Penn State University and a Master of Science in Marketing from Johns Hopkins University. She is also a Certified Association Executive.

With 22 years of marketing and advertising experience, Julie takes a big-picture, strategic approach to all her projects. A detailed planner and skilled executor, she has a keen ability to create campaigns that generate positive results, including a high rate of return on her clients’ budgets. Before joining mdg, Julie worked on both the agency and client side to develop multi-channel marketing campaigns for several high profile hotels and casinos in Las Vegas.

Kerry has worked in the human resources field in higher education, private banking and technology. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Finance from Providence College and specializes in payroll, recruiting, benefits and other HR areas at mdg. Even though she’s a Boston girl at heart, Kerry loves the eternal 70 degree weather of San Diego and also enjoys traveling, hiking, friends and family.

Responsible for accounting, human resources and office operations, Suzanne provides a comprehensive array of critical services to the mdg team. Suzanne earned her bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from San Diego State University and has over 25 years of accounting and office admin experience. Prior to joining mdg, Suzanne worked for a construction company that completed many infrastructure public works projects in San Diego.

Abbi brings enthusiasm, strategic planning, and project management expertise to her projects at mdg. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Communication with a concentration in Public Relations from George Mason University and professional experience in event management, public relations, corporate branding and strategic planning for government, commercial, and association markets. When not in the office, Abbi can be found baking, traveling, or cheering on the Green Bay Packers.

With a background in experiential educational program marketing, Alexandra manages strategy and implementation of multichannel marketing campaigns with results in mind. Since 2011, Alexandra has been managing marketing and communications strategy for educational leadership programs, maintaining relationships with educational partners and vendors and generating more than $5 million in revenue. Outside of work, Alexandra enjoys cooking, spending time with family and friends, and travels any chance she gets, 18 countries and counting!

Amie is a dynamic marketer and project manager with a sharp eye for detail. She believes in using customer research to guide strategic initiatives and closely analyzing data and metrics to maximize campaign impact for her clients. Prior to joining mdg, Amie spent more than a decade at Reed Exhibitions where she worked across a number of industry trade shows and led the marketing campaigns for the security & life safety event portfolio. She received a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

With a degree in Business Administration with a focus in Marketing and International Business and a background in market research, Anastasiya is well equipped to deliver on her clients’ informational needs. She combines strategy, creativity, innovation, and enthusiasm in her approach to research and helps translate insights into actionable strategies.

Andrew has more than eleven years of marketing and advertising experience and a reputation for creating successful campaigns that provide solutions to his clients’ most formidable business challenges. Prior to joining mdg, Andrew developed and executed fully-integrated direct marketing and communications campaigns for a wide range of federal government clients. In addition to his experience in behavior-changing marketing initiatives, Andrew applies a strategic approach to problem solving, has excellent attention to detail and connects both personally and professionally with his clients.

Angela studied Public Relations and English Literature at Suffolk University in Boston, Massachusetts, before moving her marketing career cross-country to sunny San Diego in 2017. At mdg, Angela helps execute public relations campaigns for a variety of clients, ensuring each campaign is designed with a strategy for success. Outside of work, Angela enjoys traveling, yoga and live music.

Anjia is mdg’s global nomad-in-residence, with almost two decades of experience living and working overseas in South America, the Middle East, Europe, and South Asia. Anjia helps mdg clients navigate foreign markets, cultivate and deepen relationships with key international industry stakeholders, and uncover unique market insights to maximize the value of international outreach. Prior to her work with mdg, Anjia held positions with the departments of Commerce and State, national environmental nonprofit organizations and a global advertising agency.

Armed with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from University of Maryland, Ashleigh began her career at the DC Chapter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation where she was responsible for event planning, marketing and fundraising. At mdg, she is known for her creativity, organization, eye for detail and the ability to anticipate her clients’ needs. Originally from Durban, South Africa, she enjoys traveling, tennis, painting, and spending time with family, including her dog, Charlie.

With 17 years of experience in non-profit communications, Bob has lead award-winning publishing programs and strategic communications campaigns that engage the target audience and enhance the client’s public-facing and industry-facing images. Bob specializes in public relations and public affairs initiatives that leverage a blend of traditional and new media and build the self-advocacy capacity of professionals in education—a particular industry focus of the Reston office. Bob has a bachelor’s degree in English and Spanish and a master’s degree in Education, both from La Salle University in his native city of Philadelphia.

After fleeing the Midwest in favor of San Diego’s weather and beaches, Breann joined mdg, where she analyzes and interprets client data to drive relevant experiences and deliver more effective marketing messages. Her professional experience includes working in the marketing database and analytics departments in industries such as health and benefits administration and casino gaming. She earned her degree in marketing, with an international business concentration, from Loras College. In her free time, Breann enjoys traveling, hiking and yoga.

With a background in creative design, strategy, operations and even database coding, Brittan is a true mdg MVP (most versatile player). She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from UC San Diego, a Master of Business Administration with emphases in Management Leadership and Corporate Social Responsibility from the University of San Diego, and certificates in event planning and graphic design. Brittan won several national championships on her way to earning a black belt in karate, and spends her free time in the kitchen, trying to perfect handmade pasta dough recipes, practicing her Italian or Japanese language skills at local restaurants, and globetrotting in search of the world’s best gelato.

Armed with a master’s degree in Communication from Virginia Tech, a strong research background, a can-do attitude and relentless attention to detail, Cecilia contributes value on multiple levels of her clients’ campaigns. She’s lived in the U.K., Luxembourg, Argentina, Mexico, Haiti and the Dominican Republic and speaks fluent Spanish, French and German. Cecilia loves dogs, travelling, hiking and staying fit.

Cristina serves as the day-to-day contact on her accounts, managing the strategic-to-creative translation process to tackle her clients’ toughest marketing challenges. With a background in higher education, nonprofit, research and, of course, marketing, Cristina brings a broad, fresh perspective to every project she manages. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in communication from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. A proud Chicago native, she’s on a quest to find San Diego’s best taco.

Derek began his career in database marketing in 1999, at Barona Resort & Casino, where he was responsible for all marketing data. During his 12 year tenure, Barona took home 30 local, regional, and national awards and mentions for its marketing programs. At mdg, Derek applies his expertise to help clients analyze data and use it to craft personalized messaging for their target audiences. When he isn’t bridging the gap between marketing and data, he makes homemade marshmallows.

Dustin is a dynamic marketer and problem solver, with a critical eye for detail.  He utilizes data driven insights to guide marketing decisions that deliver tangible ROI. Dustin works with clients to execute comprehensive communication strategies, and helps them unlock the full potential of their existing content and association based platforms, while infusing innovative marketing concepts. Prior to joining mdg, Dustin spent nearly a decade at AMGA, formerly the American Medical Group Association, where he led countless marketing initiatives for all aspects of the association. He holds a master’s degree in Business Administration from Marymount University, and a bachelor’s degree in Marketing from the George Mason University.

Elena is a skilled, multi-channel marketer with a passion for generating new leads and surpassing quantifiable objectives. Elena’s analytical approach and belief that the devil is in the details have produced record-setting results for her event and association clients. Before joining mdg, Elena led community and corporate outreach efforts and marketing campaigns for a national STEM education program and worked as a legal analyst. Elena holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Government with minors in Arabic and Environmental Studies from Georgetown University.

Emily is a marketing communications leader and strategic problem-solver who believes that a flexible balance of creativity, attention to detail and data-driven logic is key in delivering the mdg brand promise to her clients. She has overseen marketing and events in a wide range of industries including audio visual, spa and wellness, solar power, organic beauty, sustainability, and real estate, and is poised to master the nuances of new industries. Having graduated from the University of California, Santa Barbara with a double Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication and Environmental Studies, she is excited to soon complete her MBA with a specialty in marketing from West Texas A&M Business School. Emily loves authentic bagels, listening to NPR podcasts (such as “A Way with Words” and “This American Life”), and playing with her dogs, Lola and Benicio.

Heather is a high-energy, passionate people person. With a mix of agency and in-house corporate marketing experience, she’s promoted everything from real estate and insurance to food service, electrical contracting and more. Heather’s strategic focus, creativity and attention to detail aid her ability to analyze situations and deliver thoughtful and unique solutions to mdg clients. She takes pride in kindling strong and trusted relationships with her clients and coworkers and being a go-to resource and collaborative partner.

Heather loves to laugh, spend time with family, try her hand at cooking up new recipes, experience cultural events in DC and travel as much as possible. She also has a weakness for sweets, which she balances by teaching group fitness classes for fun.

Ingrid has an extensive background in trade association marketing and communications. Her skillset includes creating streamlined and thought-provoking messaging, developing creative event promotions and managing overall brand identity and reputation. Ingrid brings years of experience to mdg. Her adventure began at the Roller Skating Association in Indianapolis, then the Professional Association of Innkeepers in Philadelphia and lastly the National Golf Course Owners Association in Charleston. Ingrid enjoys exploring the city parks with her Shiba Inu dog, Kobe, in her free time.

Jacquelyn manages daily operations, oversees execution of campaign deliverables and keeps campaign elements on schedule, on budget and on target. Jacquelyn manages campaigns for three of Trade Show Executive’s Gold 100 trade shows and has worked in Europe for InfoNxx and Pepe Jeans London. She recently earned her Master of Business Administration from the University of San Diego.

Jennifer is a Certified Association Executive with extensive experience in communications, marketing, publications and strategic partnerships. Past accomplishments include leading the launch of a monthly magazine and three websites as well as identifying new revenue sources at several healthcare and education associations. She comes to mdg from SHAPE America, where she most recently led a major renaming and rebranding initiative and was part of the team honored with two “Power of A” awards from The Center for Association Leadership. Jennifer lives in northern Virginia with her husband, two sons and dog Lucy.

Jessica Stevens earned her Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations from the University of South Carolina. She began her marketing career at a medical non-profit working to expand brand recognition and implement various marketing initiatives. Armed with experience in both the creative and the technical aspects of marketing, Jessica has the ability to address client pain points and see a campaign through to completion, while addressing every detail along the way. Jessica welcomes a challenge and strives to help clients identify market opportunities and realize them with innovative strategy and impactful marketing solutions.

Having never learned the “Don’t talk to strangers” rule, Public Relations seemed the perfect career path for Kate. With a degree in Journalism, her career has taken her from the Halls of Congress to a bank and finally to the wonderful world of trade shows and associations. While working for NAMM and Emerald Expositions, Kate helped launch at-show media preview events, consumer media events and other live experiential media events. She has led fully integrated launch and go-to-market communications, crisis management and partnership announcements. Kate blends strategy and creativity in her approach to communications and enjoys telling the clients’ stories as much as she enjoys ensuring members of the media get the scoops they’re after.

Kate provides expertise in the art of project management, expertly managing the details required to execute marketing initiatives from start to finish. Her passion for data and analytics helps her evaluate and optimize strategies throughout the life of a project to achieve exceptional results. When she is not increasing attendance for her trade show clients, Kate is busy kickboxing and baking treats for her mdg coworkers. Kate is a Northern California native with two Bachelor of Arts degrees in Communications and Political Science from UC Davis.

Having worked in the consumer goods and manufacturing industries, Katy has diverse experience marketing to retailers, engineers, and other business leaders and – most importantly – she understands how to adapt her approach accordingly.  She builds strong relationships with her clients by proactively managing expectations, timelines, and all the other details along the way. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Apparel Merchandising and a minor in Business from Auburn University.

Kimberly “KC” Coerr has over twenty-five years experience in meeting, event and exhibition pre-show and on site management. KC has worked with several of the largest trade shows in the United States, including the Specialty Equipment Market Association SEMA Show, as well as the Association of Woodworking & Furnishings Suppliers AWFS Fair and the Diving Equipment & Marketing Association DEMA Show; trade show management companies; and automotive road shows. KC holds a degree in French Studies from Stanford University and is a fan of Stanford Football.

Growing up, Leana’s passion was theater. With an uncanny ability to get into the heads of diverse personalities and identify their motivations, she seamlessly inhabited characters ranging from Sandra Dee to Lady Macbeth. Today, the skill to identify with various personas fuels her marketing career and helps her quickly and intuitively recognize audience attitudes and needs and develop persuasive brand positioning and messaging to drive demand.

Leana’s formative years were spent at award-winning Chicago B2B agencies. Following a brief foray into “client side” marketing, during which time she oversaw successful marketing and content development for the National Restaurant Association’s annual event, Leana rejoins the agency world with the perspective and insight to become an effective extension of any internal marketing department. Armed with a master’s degree in Integrated Marketing Communications, a passion for data-driven creativity (wait, what?), and a voracious appetite for research and target audience relevancy, she seamlessly integrates strategy, tactics and execution that deliver results.

Lindsay is a proven project manager for a variety of mediums, including public relations, direct mail, and relationship management. Prior to joining mdg, Lindsay worked primarily with federal and local government clients to execute integrated marketing campaigns and develop print collateral. Lindsay earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies with a minor in Graphic Design from Longwood University.

Liz has a diverse background in marketing and management as well as broad exposure to the non-profit and corporate sectors. She has over 20 years of experience in developing, executing, and analyzing successful strategic marketing plans as well as setting objectives and budgets targeted toward achieving the long-term goals and initiatives of an organization. She is a strong believer in collaborative leadership and data-driven decision making. Before joining mdg, Liz worked in marketing for the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP). In addition to entrepreneurial and consulting stints, she also worked many years in the telecommunications industry for corporations like Verizon and TimeWarner, where she managed all marketing endeavors for a multi-state region. Liz has a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Arts from James Madison University.

With a Master of Science in Integrated Marketing Communications from West Virginia University and marketing and event planning experience, Liz is equipped to take on any client challenge and turn it into an opportunity. She finds joy building relationships, executing multi-channel marketing plans and learning new things. Outside of work, Liz is a fitness enthusiast, reader, scrapbooker and avid watcher of Friends reruns.

Intensely curious and passionately creative, Maggie has been immersed in event and association marketing since 2001. Holding a Bachelor of Fine Arts in graphic design from Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), she indulges her odd combination of right- and left-brain creating omnichannel marketing campaigns in support of attendee and member acquisition. Additional obsessions include inbound/content marketing, using data to direct and predict event patterns and leveraging automated marketing in both electronic and direct mail. When not at work, Maggie maintains balance through time with her two children, running, yoga, drawing and sipping wine. (Results and frequency of each may vary.)

Marissa is an integrated marketing strategist with experience in implementing digital and print marketing campaigns, social media management, events and promotions. Prior to mdg, Marissa fell in love with event marketing at the National Automobile Dealers Association after consistently driving attendance to their annual meetings. She graduated from Howard University with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing and makes multitasking look easy.

Mark earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing and a minor in Graphic Design from Lees-McRae College. Before joining mdg, he worked as a small business marketer primarily with wineries and real estate companies improving their collateral and social media. Outside of the office, Mark can be found on a golf course, a volleyball court, or in an area wine bar or vineyard.

Maureen has a passion for understanding people, their past behaviors, and and the usage of that information to influence future behaviors. This passion has translated itself into a career helping clients obtain maximum ROI through integrated marketing campaigns. Proof that trade shows have always been near and dear to Maureen’s heart—she considers a 1984 COMDEX luggage tag as one of her prized possessions. Maureen performs improv comedy in her spare time and brings the “Yes, and …” technique to her role at mdg.

Meg’s background in marketing stretches from campaign planning to post campaign analyses and everything in between, including market research and social media management. She’s served higher education, nonprofit and Fortune 500 companies with energy, creativity and attention to detail. Meg grew up in Northwest Indiana, close enough to Chicago to have always been able to call it home. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from Ball State University.

Megan has a diverse resume in client service positions. Most recently before joining mdg she worked as a social media and graphics consultant for a startup clothing company in Charleston, SC. Her passion for art coupled with her Psychology and Business degree allows her to understand mdg’s work from every angle, start to finish. She has hosted a total of 5 exchange students from Germany, Italy, and Spain, which allow her to acclimate to our clientele’s expansive backgrounds. When she’s not in the office, she’s either traveling or planning her next trip.

Melissa came to mdg with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing from Loyola University of Maryland and experience with both agencies and non-profit organizations. She applies the same drive, energy and organizational acumen that helped her graduate cum laude to her role to mdg.  Melissa is an expert at understanding clients’ needs and aligning agency resources to achieve them and she takes pride in helping her clients advance their goals and meet deadlines. Melissa treasures her Bernese and Lab and loves traveling, live music and spending time on the water.

With a Bachelor of Science in journalism, Noura brings strong editorial skills (as well a strong commitment to deadlines) to mdg. Previously, she worked for a trade association in Washington, D.C., performing project management tasks, event marketing, email marketing, social media and content development. Outside of work, Noura enjoys meditation, yoga and exercise.

Peyton earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration concentrating in Marketing and a minor in Communications Studies from Longwood University in Farmville, Virginia. Before joining mdg, she worked primarily with federal government clients on branding, event management, media monitoring, collateral development, public relations, and industry/stakeholder outreach and relationship management. Outside of work, Peyton loves to travel, visit antique stores, and spend time with friends and family.

Rachel is a dynamic marketer with an eye for branding and design. Prior to joining mdg, she executed integrated marketing campaigns in the Public Relations and Communications events sector, where she honed her skills in social media, analytics, SEO and digital marketing. Rachel earned a Bachelor of Arts in Global Studies and minors in Graphic Design and Business from Lehigh University in Bethlehem, PA.

Prior to joining mdg, Shantelle launched and ran a commercial real estate-focused marketing agency, where she served two of the most notable mixed-use development projects in the nation. To provide expert tactical and strategic guidance to her clients, Shantelle carefully listens to their needs and goals and then translates objectives into creative, effective and efficient marketing and public relations campaigns. Shantelle holds a Bachelor of Science in Counseling with a minor in Journalism from the University of Maryland, College Park.

Sharae is a creative problem solver. She works passionately at building strong relationships with clients, executing multi-channel marketing campaigns, writing and developing strategic plans, and managing multiple projects from conception to design to implementation. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Studio Art from the University of Maryland and continues to develop her creative and industry skills via the latest marketing and communication strategies. When out of the office, Sharae enjoys shopping, trying new restaurants and traveling.

Shauna is a strategic problem-solver and ardent project manager. A creative thinker and detailed executer, she utilizes data-informed decision making to guide association clients through project timelines with a results-focused eye. Prior to joining mdg, Shauna served the public sector events market, including government and education technology with re-evaluation and re-positioning campaigns. She is a graduate of the University of Virginia with a double major in English and Sociology.

With several years of agency experience, Sierra brings a great combination of creativity, analytical backing and omni-channel thinking to her clients’ campaigns. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communication with a concentration in Advertising from Bradley University. Out of the office, Sierra is a practicing foodie, which serves as the perfect way to get to know her new city of Chicago.

Tina has been a jack of all trades, leading marketing departments and developing initiatives across a diverse set of industries, including technology, healthcare, higher education and government. A planner and serial list maker, Tina uses her ability to see the big picture to help clients develop strategy, but dives into the details to ensure successful execution. Before joining mdg, Tina worked on both the agency and client sides to develop multi-channel marketing campaigns for B2B clients focusing on digital and marketing automation. A University of Wisconsin graduate, with majors in Journalism and Communication Arts, Tina has an affinity for all things cheese, and the wine that often accompanies it. Outside of the office, she enjoys exploring the city with her family, seeing live music, and true to her nature, planning her next meal.

Tori earned her Bachelor of Arts in Communications from the University of Connecticut.
She brings her background in client relations and strong work ethic to mdg, while she continues to build and grow her skills in strategic marketing. When she’s not at work, Tori can be found at country concerts, traveling the National Parks or back on the East Coast visiting her niece.

Ben brings an eagle eye (yes, nearsighted, but still eagle-like) and a wide range of print production knowledge to mdg. A graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University, he began building his experience in printing and graphics in 2000, ultimately becoming prepress manager at a printing company. He has also freelanced full-time—preparing print jobs for printers, designers, agencies, news media and nonprofits—giving him a firm footing in both the client and vendor worlds. Through all his roles and lots of practice, he has become a professional fine-tuner of files who has sent thousands of jobs to press.

With a Bachelor of Fine Arts in graphic design, Channing brings 15 years of production and design experience to mdg. Prior to moving to San Diego from Albuquerque, New Mexico, he served as production director for the Albuquerque Business First (a business news publication owned by American City Business Journals), where he received awards for Advertising Design, Publication Design and Typography. Prior to that, Channing worked in design firm/print shop environments, where he managed a multitude of design projects from conception to completion.

Jersey girl by birth, San Diegan by choice, Christina received her Bachelor of Arts in Media Studies and Spanish from Penn State University and is currently pursuing her Master of Arts in Latin American Studies at San Diego State University. Highlights of her professional career include 10 years of progressive marketing roles in the health care industry, a full portfolio of articles published in national and regional magazines and her copywriting position at mdg, where she blends her marketing acumen, passion for writing and strong communication skills to help advance the objectives of her clients.

With a strong background in traffic and print and a dynamic personality, Cory is one of the unsung heroes at mdg. He keeps the cogs moving, helping ensure all client deliverables are executed on time, on budget and without a hitch. Cory graduated with honors from CSUSM with a Bachelor of Arts in Communications. Prior to joining mdg, he held the position of Traffic Specialist for a multinational biotechnology company. When Cory isn’t working, he is feeding his creative soul through travel.

Dragutin is an award-winning art director with 15 years of experience designing web and print campaigns for consumer-facing educational technology and media companies. His lifelong love of all things art, design and technology has inspired him to teach himself to code websites and continually strive to expand his skill sets, as well as those of his co-workers. Dragutin holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design from Virginia Tech.

Jay has extensive experience providing design solutions for innovative shows, national brands and mom and pops alike. Everything Jay does is relationship-based and at mdg, he utilizes this underlying methodology to strengthen his team’s creative, maximize impact and deliver results for clients. Jay holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Illustration from the Ringling College of Art and Design. He is sometimes mistaken for The Dude and can easily be bribed with a bottle of good bourbon.

With experience in fashion, retail, action sports, entertainment and health care, Kacia’s diverse background serves her well in an agency environment. She holds a Master of Arts in Design Strategy and Innovation from Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design and a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Saint Anselm College. Kacia’s creative serves as the platform on which mdg’s results-generating campaigns are built. When she’s not in her creative zone you can find her checking dream surf destinations off her bucket list.

With previous marketing experience in the beauty, insurance and music products industries, Lara has a knack for understanding unique client needs when developing large-scale campaigns and managing the smallest details. Before joining mdg, she spent nearly 14 years as a writer at NAMM, creating strategic messaging to increase association membership and trade show participation. She is a graduate of the University of St. Thomas with a double major in Journalism and Sociology, and has received certifications in Marketing and Digital Design from the University of California, San Diego.

With a Master of Arts in Sociology from the University of California, San Diego, Larissa draws on a scientific understanding of human social behavior to craft messaging and reach target audiences. She combines an extensive research background with diverse experience in fields such as consumer electronics, education, earth science and health care. The characteristics that make her an effective copywriter for mdg (visualization, planning, mental focus and determination) also make her a formidable billiards player.

With a Bachelor of Arts from San Diego State University, numerous design awards and 10 years of experience with big name clients such as Procter and Gamble, the San Diego Natural History Museum and Marika Sportswear, Laura is an integral member of the creative team. Her on-target concepts and marketing-driven designs, both print and electronic, have been impressing mdg clients for more than three years.

Lisa has over 20 years of experience in print design, with a strong emphasis on magazine design and conference materials. She has worked in associations and creative studios as well as run her own design business for five years. She has earned numerous awards for digital design, print design, and creative direction. Lisa recently returned to school for a certificate in Web Design Management. Lisa danced in a ballet company for eight years and still attempts to take classes on a regular basis (with varied results).

Michelle has over 20 years of experience working in corporate and non-profit marketing departments. She enjoys working with clients and taking their digital and print projects from vision to reality. She is a relocated Brit, who after many years of being in America, still loves all things British. Michelle has an undergraduate degree in Journalism with a Graphic Design concentration from Liberty University.

Nadia is a Southern California–native who has been on the East Coast for more than a decade. She worked on email and website marketing for eBay and, prior to that, spent seven years as a book editor. She also did some freelance product naming and managing editorial for business-related white papers. Across all these roles, and in her role at mdg, the thread that connects her work is a passion for creating and editing content that is perfectly suited for its audience. Nadia graduated from the University of California, Santa Barbara with a Bachelor of Arts in English and French. When not in the office she can be found exploring farmers markets, listening to podcasts and making sure her two boys use adverbs correctly.

An educator by trade, Sam knows what it means to encourage curiosity and engagement about any subject. A strong writer with more than ten years experience in teaching, program management, and communications, Sam comes to mdg having worked at educational institutions, the federal government, and nonprofits. She graduated from the University of Washington with a Bachelor of Arts in English Language and Literature and a Master of Arts in Medieval Literature from the University of York, UK. Outside of work, Sam enjoys traveling, reading and learning to play music.

With a master’s degree in Visual Communication from Burg Giebichenstein (University of Art and Design) in hand, Susanne packed her bags and moved from Germany to the United States in 1999. mdg discovered her in 2004, while working as a photographer’s assistant on a photo shoot, and she’s been creating award-winning work for the agency’s clients ever since. Prior to joining mdg, Susanne worked as a freelance designer for the San Diego Museum of Man and for Stahlphotographics, where she continues to moonlight during her free time.

Let’s talk! A firm believer that all effective messaging begins with a conversation, Terry asks questions (plural) and won’t stop until she gets answers—all of them. Terry brings to mdg more than a decade of marketing communication experience from association, education, and retail circles. Earlier in her career, she held marketing and public relations roles with radio and TV stations where she conceptualized and managed numerous promotions and live events. Terry completed her Bachelor of Arts in Communications and graduate study in Digital Media Skills at American University in Washington, D.C. A stickler for details, Terry is a passionate defender of the Oxford comma.

Vanessa brings two decades of writing and editing experience to mdg, having created content for Fortune 500 companies and industries ranging from gourmet food to fashion to online learning. Whatever the topic or industry, her goal remains the same: to fully understand the audience and their motivations so she can create a powerful, engaging message that truly connects. Prior to joining mdg, Vanessa developed digital and editorial content for QVC; print advertising for Macy’s East; and long-form direct mail and online marketing copy for The Great Courses. Vanessa received her Bachelor of Arts in Magazine Journalism and Master of Arts in Museum Studies, both from Syracuse University.

Amanda has a motley background in digital marketing with a focus in paid search, analytics and web strategy, while working in a myriad of industries, including, hospitality, K-12 education, food service, outdoor boating recreation and cyber security. She graduated with honors from McDaniel College with a bachelor’s degree in History, and is in the process of completing a master’s degree in Integrated Marketing Communications from Georgetown University. In her spare time she loves hanging out with her school-aged daughter, hiking, napping (Zzzz), traveling, eating, and singing loudly and proudly anywhere the nerve strikes.

Though his focus is all things web, Ben aims to be a true Renaissance man, applying his technology savvy and Bachelor of Arts in Writing to provide clients with dynamic web and email solutions that wow users and administrators alike. His other passions include mathematics, which makes him an ideal analytics manager, and music, which makes him fun to hang out with at parties.

Clinton has more than 12 years of design and development experience in the beautiful world of non-profit associations. With a bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design from Arkansas State University, Clinton now creates stunning user interfaces that give life and movement to modern day web design. In his spare time, Clinton enjoys the occasional beer at his local pub and bowling.

With a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design and three years of experience at the helm of his own agency, Erik has a keen understanding of web design and web development. He’s been honing his skills since 2008 and keeping mdg on the forefront of new trends and technology solutions since 2015.

Irina is a certified digital marketing professional who is passionate about developing and implementing strategies that support client goals while respecting the bottom line. After graduating with honors from University of Maryland with a bachelor’s degree in Marketing, she has devoted her career to developing and implementing successful organic and paid search campaigns. Irina is passionate about creating recognizable brand imaging and the kind of concrete numbers clients strive for. Originally from Russia, Irina loves traveling and exploring new cultures.

Born and raised in San Diego, Josh’s interest in web development started when he had to create a website for his family’s restaurant. As part of the mdg team, Josh uses his knowledge of web development to provide clients with functional and responsive web and email solutions. Outside of work, his passions include cars, bouldering and eating burritos.

As a strategic marketing leader, Kristen focuses on marketing operations and digital campaign/program optimization. She is known for creating data-driven strategies that guide organizations through digital transformation and achieve organizational goals. Her favorite projects include digital acquisition through organic search, paid search and social, as well as email, user experience design and data analytics. Kristen has been creating exceptional digital experiences for organizations of all types, including K12 and higher education, tech companies, professional services and consumer goods since 2000. Her experience ranges from working with non-profits and associations, to startups and established for-profit companies of all sizes. Kristen has never met a spread sheet or a pug she didn’t like.

With a background in digital marketing, Meghan works to help mdg clients succeed in the constantly changing digital space. She earned her Business Degree from University of Rhode Island with a focus in entrepreneurship. A Jersey Girl by birth, Meghan spends her spare time catching a San Diego sunset at the beach.

Combining knowledge in international relations acquired from the University of Toronto with experience as a web editor and developer, Michael possesses a unique skill set spanning the creative and technical sides of web publishing. With a history of developing innovative solutions that bridge the gap between the needs of his clients and the challenges of implementation in an ever-changing digital world, Michael is a welcome addition to the mdg web team. He hails from the frigid north (Rochester, New York to be exact) and is now enjoying life a little closer to the equator.

Ryan has harnessed a lifelong passion for figuring out how things work into a varied skill set across many disciplines in the digital realm. With a Bachelor of Fine Arts from The School of Visual Arts, Ryan has earned recognition for his paintings, for innovative web projects, and for his work in animation – including a Daytime Emmy Award nomination. When not plugging away behind a monitor, Ryan can be found enjoying the beautiful Virginia outdoors with his family.

A self-described online marketing & digital social #TecNerd, Sam helps mdg clients connect and build relationships with their most important fans online. Throughout his career, Sam has leveraged his bachelor’s degree in Journalism/PR to help popular brands like Kinko’s, Beachbody, Technicolor, and Viking Cruses communicate with audiences and grab attention in an often noisy digital space. Outside of work, you’ll probably find Sam working on one of his side-hustles, blogging, participating in a marketing or business course, or listening to a podcast.

Interested in technology from a young age, Sean received a bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from San Diego State University. He found a passion for the constantly evolving web as the perfect medium to unite his interests in design and programming. Flexible, quick-witted and thorough, Sean draws from his experience at startups and digital marketing agencies to create elegant and robust web and e-mail solutions.

An electronic media guru and IT expert, Tom manages the development and execution of our clients’ websites, email broadcasts and dynamic media campaigns. With a Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design from California State University at Fresno and several years of experience working for companies like DirecTV and Apple, Tom has been an essential member of MDG’s creative team since 2005.

As the founder of mdg, Denise built a far-reaching reputation in the trade show industry by consistently delivering positive results for a wide range of national and international clients. Her commitment to building a collaborative culture, ensuring creative excellence and passionately pursing the right ‘strategic-to-creative translation’ continue to be cornerstones of the mdg brand.

They say opposites attract and this office romance is a telling example. Joey was a stray who appeared in mdg‘s yard looking for an owner. He enjoys eating trash, once fought off a coyote and has become one of the fastest dogs at the dog park. Soonie is from Beverly Hills, and loves fashion, ice cream and tough dogs from the wrong side of the tracks. Both can be found curled up under desks or cuddled on laps, providing stress relief and creative inspiration to the human members of the mdg team.