Top Women in Marketing Awards Luncheon 2023

Senior Vice President, Marketing + Business Development

Allison+Partners

Allison+Partners’ Demar Anderson serves not just her agency, but her industry

Anderson has positioned the agency at the forefront of midsize global shops, placing its leaders in conversations on topics driving the industry forward — while also promoting growth in the business. She’s also a champion of the agency’s DE&I effort, earning her a place among the Agency Leaders honored in PR Daily’s Top Women in Marketing Awards.

As senior VP of marketing and business development, Demar Anderson leads Allison+Partners and has modernized the agency’s CRM, content marketing and pipeline reporting efforts. Her team has secured over 190 stories, resulting in 3.4 billion impressions, two million social media impressions and 607 new business leads. As head of the agency’s editorial board, she and her team planned and published more than 200 pieces of content in 2022, tapping into trending issues like quiet quitting, DEI, the Metaverse, and Elon Musk’s Twitter takeover.

But Anderson goes beyond traditional means to ensure that Allison+Partners’ marketing efforts serve not just the agency but the industry at large. Working with diverse teams across the A+P network, Anderson spearheaded the launch of the following:

Purpose Under Pressure. A groundbreaking look at how purpose can help create more resilient organizations, along with actionable steps companies can take to gain employee buy-in and business growth.
Brandgeist IQ. A first-of-its-kind proprietary methodology designed to measure the real-time cultural relevance of brands.
Allison+Sports Earned Performance Scorecard. A strategic data and insights tool that captures the impact of sports-focused earned media campaigns.

Anderson also leads the agency’s global awards program, earning industry recognition in Forbes America’s Best PR Agencies, PRWeek’s Best Places to Work (for four consecutive years), PRovoke’s Global and North American Agencies of the Decade and more.

She’s also an advocate for Allison+Partners’ DE&I efforts. Anderson helped launch the agency’s content review board — more than 20 employees across the company who review materials with a close eye on inclusivity, risk and cultural sensitivity. The board’s team members represent diversity in identity, background, experience, geography and thought. Using research and insights, the group developed a “Look Again Scorecard” that team members can use to evaluate each asset on 17 key cultural checkpoints relating to language, imagery and accessibility.

Congratulations to Demar Anderson on this prestigious win.

CEO and Co-Founder

Said Differently

Rachel Barek and Said Differently score big with a new business model for agencies

Barek launched the agency with a new idea for engaging talent and satisfying client, earning her a win as an Agency Leader in PR Daily’s Top Women in Marketing Awards.

After leaving a leadership role in one of the world’s largest marketing and advertising firms, Rachel Barek set out to reimagine the agency model and build something that delivers more creativity and value. Over the last 12 months, Barek’s agency, Said Differently, has grown to become a network of more than 3,000 freelance designers, programmers, strategists and other advertising professionals.

The agency is based on a business model that seeks to work better for both clients and industry talent. Casting more senior talent for projects of shorter duration, for example, has resulted in outsized client satisfaction and increased engagement for each assignment.

Among its notable achievements, Said Differently was hired by Neiman Marcus to redesign its mobile app as part of a $200 million digital transformation. After the redesign, the app went from a 2.5-star rating to 4.5 in six months. In other developments, in September 2022 Said Differently announced a major capital investment from North Carolina-based Falfurrias Capital Partners, one of the most significant investors in the professional services market.

“Said Differently has completely revolutionized the traditional agency model by amassing a collection of global talent that would rival any agency,” said Falfurrias’ Alexander Jutkowitz in a statement provided by the agency, “and I know Falfurrias is excited for them to be the launching pad for additional investments in similarly innovative companies.”

As an out female CEO of an emerging enterprise, Barek is a frequent public speaker and mentor to other emerging and aspiring leaders in the industry. She is known as an expert on the future of work and an advocate for disrupting the traditional agency model, pushing for an industry approach that treats talent better and sees superior results.

Congratulations to Rachel Barek for this honor.

CEO, Havas Street

Havas Formula

Havas Street CEO Adrienne Cadena pulls out all the stops for major brands

Cadena relies on her team and decades of experience to support her clients in events large and small. She’s one of the winners in the Agency Leader category of PR Daily’s Top Women in Marketing Awards.

Appointed CEO of Havas Street in January 2023 after two decades with the company, Adrienne Cadena is focused on driving the company forward by guiding her team to pull off everything from large-scale live events and mobile marketing tours to sampling campaigns, pop-ups and stunts.

Cadena has managed everything from creative concept development, strategy and program planning to program results, analysis and financial management. Her team has executed activation programs for some of the world’s best-known brands, from Nike and PepsiCo to JPMorgan Chase and LEGO. Some standout moments:

Merrell’s “More Less” campaign. Cadena’s team wanted to show that being outdoors is the best self-care, so they created a wellness pop-up in the heart of Los Angeles. Guests entered a storefront, then discovered wellness treatments linked to the great outdoors inside.
Norwegian Cruise Line’s debut at SCOPE Art Basel. Havas Street created a multi-sensory lounge for attendees to view the same art appearing on NCL ships using high-tech, interactive experiences and handcrafted cocktails. Nearly 18,000 people attended six events, generating 25,000 impressions.
Jim Beam’s “Welcoming Spirit” campaign. Cadena and her team created a national tour inspired by the one place people feel most welcome: their backyard. The Beam Backyard experience featured a warm and inviting environment filled with opportunities to socialize and embrace carefree moments. Across 51 events, the campaign welcomed more than 70,000 guests.

Cadena has earned awards for her client campaigns (including a Best Diversity Campaign award for the Hornitos A Fair Shot Tour), and also received praise from peers and colleagues for the agency’s Commit to Change plan — its promise to build a more diverse, inclusive and just organization — as well as creating a thriving workplace culture where her team is empowered to succeed.

Cadena has also launched a nonprofit, Run the World Athletics, to help girls achieve their athletic aspirations. A University of Southern California graduate, she also serves on the board of advisors for The Center for PR, a group started by USC’s Annenberg School of Communication.

Congratulations to Adrienne Cadena for this prestigious honor.

U.S. Head of Operations, Health

Edelman

Abbie Griffith’s dream led her to a leadership role at Edelman

Griffith came to New York to make her mark; today she leads major campaigns and champions diversity. She’s been named a top Agency Leader in PR Daily’s Top Women in Marketing Awards.

Abbie Griffith’s 18-year tenure at Edelman started in 2005 when she moved to New York City with two suitcases and big dreams. Today Griffith is managing director and the head of U.S. operations for Edelman’s Health, pioneering black female leadership for the sector and helping people across the agency fulfill their own dreams of making it in this field.

In the last year, Griffith spearheaded the transition of Edelman’s U.S. Health sector away from working in siloed, centralized markets, to a “One Edelman” approach, where teams pull in specialists and colleagues from across the country to deliver the best work possible. Under this model, Griffith has become a knowledge holder, serving as a reference source and connector of 375+ colleagues across the sector.

Griffith also serves as the U.S. client relationship manager for the sector’s largest client, AstraZeneca. Last year, preparing for the launch of a new long-acting monoclonal antibody, Evusheld, AstraZeneca engaged Edelman to develop a fully integrated, multimillion-dollar campaign to drive adoption of the product and drive awareness of its importance in the fight again against COVID-19. The campaign, “Up The Antibodies,” was a multipronged effort involving celebrities, influencers, content and policymaker engagement. The face of the campaign was the Academy Award-winning actor Jeff Bridges.

Griffith is also a founding member of GRIOT, Edelman’s employee resource group for black employees, as well as a founding and steering committee member of the Edelman Global Culture Committee, which ensures the company’s core values are reflected in all client programs and employees’ daily interactions.

She’s also received the prestigious Charles E. Fremes Quality Hero Award, presented to employees who go beyond their roles and responsibilities to make a difference for Edelman.

Congratulations to Abbie Griffith for earning this prestigious honor.

Managing Partner and CEO

Firesign

Katie Hollar Barnard started Fireside and beat the odds

Half of all small businesses fail in the first five years, but Barnard’s Firesign Legal Marketing has endured and grown, making her a top Agency Leader in PR Daily’s Top Women in Marketing Awards.

Katie Hollar Barnard left her position as chief marketing officer for one of the nation’s top 100 law firms to create one of the few marketing agencies in the nation solely focused on the legal industry. Founded as a one-woman business six years ago, in 2022 Firesign Legal Marketing surpassed the $1 million revenue mark for the first time.

Barnard added two business partners in 2022, changing her title from founder to managing partner and CEO. She’s also doubled the agency’s office space and expanded Firesign’s workforce by nearly half, to seven full-time employees and one part-timer, offering a full benefits package that includes health, vision, dental and life insurance and a 401K.

The agency continues to grow. All of Firesign’s 13 retainer clients in January 2022 renewed by January 2023 except for three (Firesign declined those). As a result, the agency’s average monthly retainer was up 26% in March 2023 compared to the previous year. In addition, Firesign added one new retainer client in the first quarter of 2023 as well as other new business projects.

In the past year, Firesign has:

Successfully nominated an intellectual property law firm representing worldwide technology clients for Law360’s prestigious “Practice Group of the Year” distinction, one of only five awarded nationwide.
Completed an award-winning website redesign for a boutique law firm, recognized by Lawyerist among the country’s 10 best.
Increased organic search traffic by 75% year-over-year for a nationwide class action litigation firm that achieved several multimillion-dollar client settlements in 2022.
Strengthened the brand of a legal cybersecurity company, crafting compelling narratives that resulted in multiple individual award wins that demonstrate the excellent work Firesign’s client provides for its customers.

Congratulations to Katie Hollar Barnard!

Founder and Principal Consultant

Page 2 Communications

Debra Pickett and Page 2 Communications dig lawyers out of PR problems

Pickett has helped top lawyers deal with sticky PR situations, a reputation that has earned her a win as an Agency Leader in PR Daily’s Top Women in Marketing Awards.

Under Debra Pickett’s leadership, Page 2 Communications has become one of the country’s top PR agencies exclusively serving law firms. An award-winner journalist, Pickett founded Page 2 in 2011, building an agency that has grown year over year. The National Law Journal, a key industry publication, named Page 2 “Best in the Midwest” for law firm PR two years in a row.

Some of the firm’s recent achievements include:

A top trial law boutique faced a high-stakes crisis communication event involving work on behalf of their household-name client. Pickett advised the founding partners’ communication during coverage by nearly every national news outlet, enabling the firm to control the story and protect its reputation.
Pickett created media plans for two nationally recognized litigators whose work for clients in unpopular industries posed challenges for securing positive media coverage. Pickett helped create new narratives around their roles as trailblazers in a male-dominated field, securing favorable media placements.
A national firm known for having one of the most diverse equity partnerships in the country wanted to prioritize raising the profile of its commercial litigation practice. Pickett executed a campaign for national recognition, including recognition from the competitive Chambers and Partners Diversity and Inclusion program and the American Lawyer Managing Partner of the Year award.
A law firm faced a merger with challenging optics and significant internal sensitivities. The firm relied on Pickett’s media relations skills to drive coverage that protected the pride and reputations of both firms and navigated the involvement of high-profile partners with sensitive government connections.

Pickett also pioneered using the legal industry’s awards opportunities as a DE&I intervention. In 2022, Page 2’s Chicago awards success rate was high: 88% of its client nominees for Crain’s Chicago Business Notable Executives were selected, 75% of nominees for the Chicago Law Bulletin Media awards were selected, and clients won the Chicago Bar Association Founder’s Award and recognition in the Chicago Business Journal Women of Influence and Crain’s Chicago Business’s 40 Under 40.

Page 2’s legal clients don’t measure their success in traditional metrics like stacking up media hits or social media mentions. Rather than trying to sell standard PR products to clients who don’t particularly value them, Pickett has created an agency based on a long-term partnership model, collaborating with clients to define strategic priorities and then execute them over long term to generate business development and branding that makes an impact.

Congratulations to Debra Pickett for earning this honor.

Executive Vice President, Client Services

Racepoint Global

Laura Smith merges technology and humanity to share clients’ messages at Racepoint Global

At Racepoint Global, Smith uses her knowledge to connect people across multiple channels. She’s been named a top Agency Leader in PR Daily’s Top Women in Marketing Awards.

Given her background in digital marketing and advertising, you might not expect to find Laura Smith at a public relations agency. But Smith, executive vice president of client services for Racepoint Global (RPG), chose RPG nine years ago because the agency’s focus on integrated communications lets her use her brand and business strategy skills to position clients at the intersection of technology and humanity.

In 2022, for example, Smith supported RPG client Panasonic System Solutions Company of North America (PSSNA) in its campaign to bring a new brand, Panasonic Connect, to life. PSSNA wanted to drive awareness of its four distinct business units, divisions that focused on rugged mobility, manufacturing, audio-visual solutions and food service technology. The client also wanted to emphasize its role as a partner to customers, connecting with them today to create a better tomorrow. RPG brought PSSNA’s new brand, Panasonic Connect, to life.

Smith worked closely with Panasonic Connect’s leaders to create messaging and communications demonstrating their role in connecting people, processes and technologies. At the same time, she led the RPG team in designing an integrated communications program spanning internal and external communications across earned, owned and paid channels. RPG also worked with Panasonic Connect to develop a brand podcast, branded video, an executive visibility program, and social media.

Also in 2022, Smith created a redesign of Racepoint Global’s own RPG Studios, combining video and written storytelling with audio production and graphic design. The result helped clients such as Panasonic Connect with its “The Big REthink” podcast and MediaTek’s YouTube influencer series, “Powered By With Isla.”

“There are multiple ways to get the same story out there so that it influences key audiences,” Smith says. “My job is to ensure we’re helping our clients show up in creative ways. That requires innovative, design thinking to help brands connect authentically with their customers no matter what channel they’re on.”

Congratulations to Laura Smith for earning this prestigious honor.

Chief Impact Officer

Obsidianworks

Obsidian Works’ René Spellman keeps a higher purpose in mind

As chief impact officer, Spellman seeks to elevate and empower the underrepresented voices of black women in marketing. She has been named a top Agency Leader in PR Daily’s Top Women in Marketing Awards.

Over the past 12 months, René Spellman, chief impact officer at Obsidian Works, has been co-leading the high-growth marketing agency out of its startup phase and becoming a national expert in purpose-driven marketing. As a black woman executive and agency leader, Spellman — alongside partners Michael B. Jordan, Chad Easterling and Bobby Moore — has expanded the firm’s entertainment, local, and purpose-driven business through her understanding of nuance and equity. Spellman’s commitment to elevating underrepresented voices and empowering women in marketing has led to meaningful client work that inspired real change.

For the movie Creed III, for example, Spellman navigated the intricacies of justice-involved and deaf/hard-of-hearing communities. With Marriott International, she is building a brand purpose that resonates with young, diverse travelers.

Her skill and experience stem from previous careers in entertainment and culture, as well as with the Obama campaigns, the White House Council for Community Solutions and the U.S. Department of Education and electing history-making African-American mayors. In an industry often lacking in gender and racial diversity at the leadership level, Spellman now makes it her mission to exemplify how a team with various lived & working experiences can best achieve client and company goals.

Spellman has forged partnerships to launch and lead diversity employment programs like Michael B. Jordan’s Outlier Society Fellowship, Color of Change’s Change Hollywood roadmap and Staff Me Up’s Coded for Inclusion hiring database. Internally, she’s committed to mentoring people and being a role model for others.

Her interests go beyond marketing, though. Spellman is passionate about women’s wellness in the workplace because she knows the struggle of juggling health, happiness and performance after a surprise cancer diagnosis during the pandemic. Many of her accomplishments with Obsidian Works came while navigating her first days of life after being declared cancer-free in 2022.

Spellman’s marketing and leadership achievements exemplify her dedication to fostering a more equitable and inclusive world. Her commitment to the community she and her team came from have set a standard for responsibility and excellence.

Congratulations to René Spellman for earning this award.

Agency Leader

MHP/Team SI

As she has risen to the top, Sharon Tallach Vogelpohl has elevated MHP/Team SI to a national presence

Vogelpohl keeps an eye on trends, clients, collaboration and creativity. She’s been named one of the Agency Leaders honored in PR Daily’s Top Women in Marketing Awards.

Sharon Tallach Vogelpohl joined MHP/Team SI in 1994 as an intern and began working her way up. Today she’s the first president and CEO of Arkansas’ largest full-service marketing firm, managing 128 client relationships ranging from Fortune 500 companies to small businesses, nonprofits and government agencies.

The marketing industry constantly evolves, but Vogelpohl ensures the agency stays ahead of trends. For example, with organic and short-form vertical video content rising on social media, the agency launched its own content studio, encouraging brands to think like creators and produce engaging videos made specifically for TikTok, YouTube, Instagram and other platforms.

Beyond her focus on client work, Vogelpohl values company culture and community involvement. Under her leadership, the agency has grown from around 30 employees to 160 in less than a decade. Overflowing with ideas to facilitate maximum creativity, Vogelpohl introduced an open workspace concept last year, unleashing greater collaboration and creativity in the agency’s workforce.

The firm is a two-time Arkansas Business of the Year award recipient and is listed as one of Arkansas’s Best Places to Work. Vogelpohl herself is a two-time Arkansas Business Executive of the Year finalist. She was recently named to the National Advertising Review Board and honored among the Top Women in Communication by PR Daily and the PR People of the Year by PR News.

Her leadership has contributed to the agency’s continued recognition across the country. MHP/TeamSI has been recognized as one of Adweek’s top fastest-growing agencies over 20 years old, named one of the fastest-growing businesses in underserved neighborhoods by the Inner City 100 and listed as a 2023 Premier Partner in Google’s Partners Program for the ninth straight year.

Congratulations to Sharon Tallach Vogelpohl for earning this award.

Global Chief Marketing & Communications Officer

DDB Worldwide

Donna Tobin’s many roles support multiple DDB Worldwide values and initiatives

Tobin has championed DDB’s cultural values, DE&I, women’s voices and more. She’s been named one of the Agency Leaders honored in PR Daily’s Top Women in Marketing Awards.

As global chief marketing and communications officer at DDB Worldwide, Donna Tobin brings more than 20 years of agency, brand, marketing, public relations and communications expertise to her job.

Tobin has multiple roles at the company: She’s a member of DDB’s global leadership team, the North America leadership team, and DDB’s creative council, and actively partners with DDB’s global chief people officer and global chief diversity, equity and inclusion officer to ensure that the organization’s DE&I efforts reach every level and are communicated internally and externally.

Among her recent professional accomplishments, Tobin and her team supported the relaunch of DDB’s proprietary “Four Freedoms” cultural values while leading the rollout of DDB’s Four Freedoms awards program. Tobin inspired DDB’s first global DE&I newsletter, helping elevate awareness and provide guidance for DE&I in DDB’s global network.

Tobin also spearheaded DDB’s International Women’s Day Campaign in 2022 and 2023, shining a light on its first U.S. female copy chief, Phyllis Robinson, and her impact on the industry, while at the same time elevating the voices of current day female leaders internally and externally throughout the DDB network.

In her role at DDB over the last two years, Tobin has strengthened connections across the network and with the reimagined global MarComms team, and delivered results in elevating the DDB brand globally, driving brand engagement across social media and increasing visits and time spent on the newly designed DDB.com.

Committed to giving back to the industry through mentorship, Tobin is an active mentor and board member in Omnicom’s OmniWomen program and the 4A’s Vanguard Mentorship program, as well as the 4A’s Foundation’s MAIP Mentorship program. She was also recently selected for the invitation-only Forbes Communications Council, invited to be a judge at The Drum’s 2021 PR Awards and named Marketing Edge Magazine’s Top Female CMO in 2021.

Congratulations to Donna Tobin for earning this honor.

Chief Executive Officer

KWT Global

Gabrielle Zucker’s KWT Global combines a boutique culture with big-time results

She has grown the firm to serve a wide array of clients from brand refreshes to Super Bowl ads, earning her a place among the Agency Leaders honored in PR Daily’s Top Women in Marketing Awards.

Gabrielle Zucker’s philosophy is “Comfort is the enemy of progress.” She is always pushing boundaries. After starting her career at a big agency, she wanted to get away from all the bureaucracy, siloed thinking and stifled creativity that came with bigger firms, so together with Aaron Kwittken she co-founded Kwittken & Company (now KWT Global) in 2006, combining the best elements of big agency life and boutique firms without the downsides of either.

She has continued to lead the agency over the last 17 years, succeeding Kwittken as CEO in January 2021 and propelling KWT Global’s growth from a $1 million New York agency with six employees to a $17 million agency with nearly 100 employees across four offices — New York, London, Los Angeles and Chicago.

Along the way, Zucker has developed award-winning communications programs for some of the world’s largest brands and startups, including American Express, Deloitte, Oxford University, Orangetheory Fitness, Lovesac, Liquid I.V. and more. As CEO, she developed a new “Corporate Transformation and Future of Communications” offering to help companies transform their in-house and agency marketing communications teams into more effective communications organizations.

Some highlights from 2022 include:

An eight-day Super Bowl commercial from Cue Health that garnered praise in Ad Age and became the No. 2 most-searched brand.
A new campaign and brand refresh for Four Seasons, bringing currency and energy to the industry’s most iconic brand with high-profile partnerships including designer Christian Siriano and Vogue.
Liquid I.V., following its acquisition by Unilever, turned to KWT Global to oversee the transition and launch the hydration “it” brand’s first-ever national campaign; KWT’s Hydrate N’ Skate pop-up garnered widespread regional and national news, catching the attention of AdWeek.

Zucker has also been focused on building out the agency’s capabilities to offer consumer, corporate, crisis, social, influencer, VIP/celebrity, brand strategy, corporate transformation, creative and design across a broad spectrum of specialist expertise in healthcare, technology, financial services, CPG, beauty, wellness, travel, fashion and more.

Congratulations to Gabrielle Zucker.

Chief Marketing Officer

Inception Fertility

Nicole Braley: Pioneering patient-centric excellence in Fertility Care

The CMO’s vision and dedication transformed Inception Fertility’s patient experience, earning her a win in PR Daily’s 2023 Top Women in Marketing in the Brand Marketer category.

In the world of cutting-edge scientific advancements and life-altering fertility care, Nicole Braley stands as an embodiment of visionary leadership, empathy, and strategic prowess. As chief marketing officer at Inception Fertility, Braley’s unwavering commitment has elevated the patient experience, creating an impactful bridge between technology, patient care, and brand excellence.

At the heart of Braley’s approach is an unyielding focus on families seeking Inception’s services. With a mission to make the dream of family a reality, she ensures that every strategic move aligns with enhancing the patient journey. This dedication reverberates across Inception’s family of brands, from websites and data-driven marketing to technology-enabled applications that simplify employee workflows.

Braley’s commitment to understanding the patient journey is far from superficial. In 2022 alone, she spearheaded the launch of eight new websites and orchestrated the migration of 22 others onto a centralized platform, streamlining management and increasing efficiency. Leveraging insights from patients and employees, she implemented live chat technology that shortened scheduling time by 50%, replacing cumbersome forms.

The More than Fertility Campaign, introduced during National Infertility Awareness Month, underscores Braley’s dedication to changing the perception of infertility. Her pivotal role in crafting The Prelude Network website, welcoming aspiring parents and providing essential information, exemplifies her focus on patients. Braley’s influence also extended to the launch of NutraBloom, a line of fertility-focused supplements developed in collaboration with physicians within The Prelude Network.

Recognizing the pivotal role of employees in crafting exceptional patient experiences, Braley champions their contributions. Initiatives like the annual Patient Experience Awards and spotlighting physician talent through heartfelt storytelling illustrate her commitment to those who drive patient care.

Braley envisions a future where customer data platform technology unifies data sources across Inception’s websites, fine-tuning marketing strategies for specific users. However, amidst all the data-driven efforts and centralized solutions, Braley’s guiding principle remains steadfast, placing patients at the forefront of their fertility journey.

For her exceptional leadership in revolutionizing fertility care, Braley stands as a beacon of patient-centric excellence. Her strategic acumen, compassion, and unrelenting commitment to patients have not only transformed Inception Fertility’s brand but also the lives of countless families.

Congratulations to Nicole Braley on this well-deserved recognition in the PR Daily’s 2023 Top Women in Marketing Awards.

Chief Marketing Officer

OneTrust

Lisa Campbell: A visionary leader transforming OneTrust’s brand identity

Campbell, CMO at OneTrust, has had a profound impact on the organization and her visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to driving sustained brand success established a new brand identity, earning her a spot in PR Daily’s 2023 Top Women in Marketing in the Brand Marketer category.

In the realm of brand marketing, few leaders have orchestrated a series of transformative milestones as significant and impactful as Lisa Campbell, chief marketing officer at OneTrust. In the span of just one year, Campbell not only spearheaded a platform transformation and category launch but also unveiled a new brand identity, all with the aim of cementing OneTrust’s position as a trailblazing force in the tech industry.

With more than 25 years of experience in the tech sector, Campbell initially made her mark at Autodesk, where she ascended to the position of chief marketing officer & EVP. Seeking a new challenge, Campbell joined OneTrust in 2021, enticed by its remarkable growth trajectory and the opportunity to reshape the business landscape.

Recognizing the convergence of regulatory, societal, and technological pressures around trust, Campbell identified the need for a technology-driven approach to demonstrate trust to stakeholders. She seized the opportunity to launch a groundbreaking trust intelligence software category within OneTrust’s platform capabilities. This innovative move allowed organizations to center their operations around trust, positioning OneTrust as a leader in the intersection of trust and technology.

In May 2022, Campbell orchestrated a company-wide transformation that marked a pivotal moment for OneTrust. The launch of the “Trust Intelligence Platform” not only unveiled a new flagship platform but also introduced the concept of “trust intelligence” as an entirely new segment of the SaaS market. With foresight and meticulous planning, Campbell orchestrated a 360-degree Communications and Marketing strategy for the launch, involving content marketing, events marketing, partner engagement, corporate communications, customer advocacy, and social media efforts.

However, Campbell’s dynamic impact didn’t stop with the platform launch. A mere few months later, in October 2022, she led the unveiling of OneTrust’s new logo and brand identity. This transformation marked a strategic shift for OneTrust as it entered a new phase of maturation, focused on sustainable growth, long-term enterprise partnerships, and a consistent, recognizable brand.

Campbell’s vision for the reimagined brand was fueled by the idea that trust is built through consistent opportunities to earn it. The refreshed brand identity exudes a modern and enduring look, combining elements of OneTrust’s origin with the Trust Intelligence platform’s innovation. A rejuvenated color palette, font, iconography and imagery all contribute to a brand that strikes the balance between creativity and usability, reflecting OneTrust’s future-focused approach.

In a mere year, Campbell has not only left an indelible mark on OneTrust’s trajectory but has also exemplified the transformative power of visionary leadership in brand marketing. Her strategic prowess, ability to envision new horizons, and dedication to reshaping the narrative around trust and technology stand as a beacon of inspiration for the industry.

Congratulations to Lisa Campbell for her remarkable achievements, and her resolute commitment to steering OneTrust toward unparalleled success on the global stage.

Vice President, Marketing and Customer Experience NA

De'Longhi America

Maria Colón: Elevating De’Longhi’s coffee experience

Colón’s strategic vision has steered the brand to success in the coffee category, earning her a place in PR Daily’s 2023 Top Women in Marketing in the Brand Marketer category. With her astute leadership, the brand’s espresso and TrueBrew drip coffee machine campaigns have not only exceeded benchmarks but have also established De’Longhi as a first-choice brand in the market.

Maria Colón, vice president of marketing and customer experience at De’Longhi America, has set a remarkable precedent over the last year, propelling De’Longhi’s coffee category to unprecedented levels of awareness and consideration.

Central to Colón’s achievements is her direction of a comprehensive funnel campaign that championed espresso throughout 2022. Concurrently, she masterminded the launch of TrueBrew, a groundbreaking drip coffee machine meticulously developed for the North American consumer. This launch was executed with unparalleled precision, involving meticulous research, strategic media placements, influencer collaborations, retail support, and targeted product reviews. The culmination of these efforts was a synchronized launch in March 2023, creating a resounding impact.

Colón’s imprint is unmistakable in both campaigns. Her strategic prowess was pivotal in crafting the brand’s “Perfetto” campaign, featuring the esteemed brand ambassador, Brad Pitt. Beyond her role in these campaigns, Colón’s influence extends over eight years as she has led the marketing endeavors for De’Longhi and Braun Household brands in North America. Under her guidance, these brands have grown exponentially, transforming a global brand into a powerhouse in a previously underdeveloped market.

A testament to Colón’s success lies in her exceptional focus on the North American consumer. She navigates marketing, communications, and customer service, ensuring that every interaction resonates with the De’Longhi experience. Her passion is palpable in every facet, be it a campaign, a product launch, or her interactions with her team. Colón’s supportive and empowering leadership has nurtured her team’s growth, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

While Colón’s professional impact is akin to a strong double shot of espresso — energizing, direct, and propelling tasks forward — it is her innate leadership qualities that resonate like a comforting latte. Her ability to lead with empathy, champion her team’s growth, and contribute significantly to De’Longhi’s business expansion is a testament to her dedication and passion. Colón’s impact on both internal teams and agency partners is immeasurable, making her an exceptional candidate for recognition and this prestigious award.

Congratulations to Maria Colón for her exceptional leadership and contributions. Her unwavering commitment and strategic acumen have elevated De’Longhi’s brand and solidified her position as a true luminary in the field of brand marketing.

Associate Vice President, Marketing

Discover The Palm Beaches

Erika Constantine brings people to Palm Beach County

Constantine’s work highlighting Palm Beach County as a travel destination pushes the brand around the country. She has been honored as an outstanding Brand Marketer in PR Daily’s Top Women in Marketing Awards.

Tourism is one of Palm Beach County’s major industries, generating approximately $10 billion annually for the local economy. Erika Constantine serves as the associate vice president of marketing for Discover The Palm Beaches (DTPB), the county’s travel planning resource for domestic and international visitors.

In charge of branding and advertising, Constantine reports to the CMO and CEO and executes against an annual budget of $10 million. In 2022, she expanded her brand team by five people with the hiring of a marketing manager. Constantine also oversees all in-house traditional advertising buys and creative, and serves as the day-to-day lead for the organization’s creative AOR.

She kept busy in 2022. Here’s some of what she accomplished:

Constantine executed DTPB’s Family campaign photoshoot at several destination locations, which required ensuring that wardrobe and photos were all on-brand.
She led team members through executing The Palm Beaches Restaurant Month, a campaign with enhanced promotional efforts that generated millions of advertising impressions across out-of-home, radio, TV, digital and paid social. She also planned traveling consumer engagement brand activation across eight South Florida locations, with a branded air stream trailer, interactive games, giveaways and restaurant samples.
Constantine strengthened brand awareness by executing two high-impact “Golden Age of Travel” brand activations, one in New York City in March 2022 and another in Chicago in November 2022. The effort promoted The Palm Beaches as well as Palm Beach International Airport, featuring two VIP events targeting more than 54 media outlets and 200 key sales and group customers. It produced over 175 million impressions across social, PR, digital and advertising.
She oversaw the development of brand assets for a pop-up art installation in Hudson Yards New York, partnering with the Cultural Council for Palm Beach County on branded photo elements. The project generated 370 entries for a vacation giveaway to The Palm Beaches.
She partnered with the Palm Beach County Sports Commission on a rebrand of the “Ultimate Week of Sports,” driving awareness with an integrated marketing plan that resulted in 117 million+ impressions totaling $9.4 million in equivalent advertising dollars.
Constantine spearheaded DTPB’s support of DE&I community events, which Palm Beach Pride, International Gay Polo Tournament, JAH Fest Caribbean Heritage Festival, Pride Lights and more.

On top of all of that, she elevated brand partnerships to increase marketing exposure with key organizations like Brightline, the official tourism partner of the Miami Dolphins and collaborated with Lilly Pulitzer on The Pink Retreat event.

Congratulations to Erika Constantine for earning this prestigious honor.

VP Brand Marketing

Kendall-Jackson Winery

Maggie Curry: Reinvigorating tradition and sustaining growth at Kendall-Jackson Winery

Curry, has led with a powerful creative vision, placing her among PR Daily’s 2023 Top Women in Marketing in the Brand Marketer category. With a deep-rooted commitment to creativity and a growth mindset, Curry’s strategic leadership has breathed new life into Kendall-Jackson’s brand identity and storytelling, while elevating its industry leadership, quality commitment, and stewardship values.

In an industry where tradition meets innovation, Maggie Curry, the vice president of brand marketing at Kendall-Jackson Winery, has emerged as a trailblazing force, redefining how a 40-year-old iconic winery maintains its relevance and appeal to a new generation of consumers.

Kendall-Jackson Winery, known for crafting America’s top-selling Chardonnay, faced the challenge of connecting with a modern consumer base while honoring its rich legacy. Curry embraced this challenge head-on, inspiring her team to challenge conventional boundaries and reimagine marketing initiatives that resonate with both loyal and new customers.

At the heart of Curry’s transformative impact is the “Grow True” campaign, a multi-media endeavor encompassing social media activations, digital and print advertising, in-store displays, metro billboards, editorial sponsorships, and content influencer partnerships. Notably, Grow True marks the winery’s first meaningful consumer advertising campaign in over 15 years. The campaign was meticulously designed to increase brand awareness and drive engagement among target growth consumers.

Drawing inspiration from themes of growth and authenticity, Curry crafted a visually striking campaign that not only reinvigorated Kendall-Jackson’s brand identity but also reinforced its core messaging pillars of quality and stewardship. Based on in-depth qualitative and quantitative research, Grow True strategically targeted key wine markets, ensuring multiple interactions with digital activations. The campaign’s remarkable success is evident in the substantial increase in wine club memberships, website wine purchases, and brand awareness lift by 10%. Impressively, the campaign generated over 115 billion impressions and played a pivotal role in maintaining steady sales during a period of price increases.

Curry’s innovative spirit extended beyond Grow True. She spearheaded the creation of the “Future KJ” microsite, spotlighting Kendall-Jackson’s leadership in sustainability with clear and compelling messaging. As the winery celebrated its 40th anniversary, Curry orchestrated a creative marketing campaign centered around the people integral to its evolution and success. This campaign featured digital and in-store activations, a milestone anniversary event, and a partnership with Wine Enthusiast Magazine, recognizing rising stars in the wine industry.

Through Curry’s visionary leadership, Kendall-Jackson Winery has not only embraced its storied heritage but also charted a bold course toward the future. Her ability to reframe the narrative of a heritage brand through captivating content and innovative marketing strategies has positioned the winery at the forefront of the wine industry’s evolving landscape. Curry’s forward-thinking approach, creative prowess, and unyielding dedication to sustaining growth and relevance make her a true luminary in brand marketing.

Congratulations to Maggie Curry!

Executive Director, Global Corporate Marketing and Creative

Bristol Myers Squibb

Bristol Myers Squibb’s Aliah Davis-McHenry takes charge when people need help

Davis-McHenry is quick to lend a hand on everything from developing a documentary film to making sure the diversity report has the right visuals. She has been honored as a standout Brand Marketer in PR Daily’s Top Women in Marketing Awards.

Aliah Davis-McHenry leads the team responsible for new corporate initiatives at Bristol Myers Squibb. She succeeds because of her ability to lead with patience and kindness even during difficult circumstances, overdelivering on her objectives while managing a team in transition.

Her achievements have included the development and launch of the company’s first documentary, titled LIVING. She managed and worked with lawyers, patients, agencies, film crew and director, as well as numerous stakeholders around the globe, to deliver an outstanding experience for employees during Global Patient Week.

At the same time, Davis-McHenry led the fast-paced effort to revamp the BMS.com website, working with cross-functional teams to update its visual identity. Her creativity and out-of-the-box thinking led to a refreshed visual identity that featured updated Corporate Brand Guidelines and a new photography style that positioned BMS as a more humanistic, patient-centric company.

She’s known as a fixer, someone to call on when projects need help. One example is the BMS Inclusion & Diversity report: Davis-McHenry was asked to step in at the last minute to install some new elements of BMS’ visual identity into the report. She quickly partnered with the chief diversity officer and her colleagues to ensure a better and more visual product was deployed. The CDO now requests that Davis-McHenry work with her and her team on all projects calling for creativity and design.

Feedback from those who have worked on Davis-McHenry’s team is also positive: “Aliah is a dream supervisor,” says Devynne Kapocsi, senior manager of corporate marketing. “She allows her team to develop, flourish and lead projects while cheering us on from the sidelines and stepping in to support when necessary.”

Congratulations to Aliah Davis-McHenry!

Chief Marketing Officer

SHE Media

Jennifer Denton of SHE Media leverages events and community-focused initiatives for brand marketing

Denton’s remarkable achievements as chief marketing officer at SHE Media have earned her the recognition of PR Daily’s Top Women in Marketing Award in the Brand Marketer category. With a rich entrepreneurship and brand-building background, Denton has demonstrated exceptional leadership and innovation, driving success in the digital and event programming space.

Jennifer Denton orchestrated two groundbreaking marketing moments in the past twelve months, the LA3C event in December 2022 and SXSW in March 2023. Both showcased her brand marketing prowess and community engagement. Denton strategically transformed these events into revenue-generating opportunities for brands while significantly boosting SHE Media’s brand awareness.

At the LA3C event, SHE Media’s Meaningful Marketplace became a beacon of support for premium, self-identified women-owned and minority-owned publishers. This initiative enabled advertisers to invest directly in these affinity groups. The Meaningful Marketplace pop-up offered festival attendees a unique shopping experience and featured 20 women-and minority-owned businesses. The event was a resounding success, with 20,000 attendees over two festival days.

CeCe Olisa, one of the vendors, stated, “Bringing Cocoa by CeCe to the Meaningful Marketplace pop-up was one of the best decisions I could make for my growing brand. I loved being able to introduce my products to new customers, and I’m happy to share that we completely sold out of all our inventory.”

At SXSW 2023, Denton orchestrated the SHE Media Co-Lab: Future of Health, an event that brought together iconic voices to discuss women’s whole health. This initiative focused on science-driven conversations empowering women to take charge of their health. With over 2,000 attendees and the support of eight sponsors, the event featured 57 speakers and provided a platform for thought-provoking discussions on self-advocacy, health equity, brain health, menopause and ovarian health.

These remarkable achievements underscore Denton’s dedication to innovative brand marketing and community empowerment. Her leadership has elevated SHE Media’s presence and impact.

Congratulations, Jennifer Denton, on this well-earned recognition!

Marketing Director

Stanley Brand

Sue Dietrich’s data-driven vision transforms the Stanley brand

Marketing director Sue Dietrich’s transformative strategies have catapulted a 110-year-old brand into the modern era. Her data-driven approach and innovative thinking earned her recognition in the Brand Marketer category for PR Daily’s Top Women in Marketing Awards.

Sue Dietrich has masterfully breathed new life into Stanley, once a brand synonymous with outdoorsmen and trade workers. Under her guidance, Stanley has not only retained its heritage but also become culturally relevant and trendy among consumers, social influencers, and media alike.

Dietrich’s strategic storytelling and integrated marketing campaigns have produced impressive results, with data-driven insights fueling the brand’s growth. She’s spearheaded a new product launch ecosystem that consistently generates consumer excitement and record-breaking sales. The 40oz Quencher H2.0, a standout product, continuously sells out upon restocking, amassing an all-time high waitlist of 150,000. The brand’s partnership with a major retailer propelled “Stanley tumblers” to become the No.1 search term on the retailer’s e-commerce site, with nearly 400,000 total searches.

Under Dietrich’s leadership, Stanley has forged stronger retail partnerships, with inventory demands surging. She’s expanded the brand’s presence in both digital and physical stores, introducing Stanley to new audiences.

In addition, Dietrich orchestrated Stanley’s first-ever pop-up activation — a holiday café and bar in NYC. The brand’s presence at events like CMA Fest and Good Morning America garnered significant attention and social media engagement, reaching millions.

Her holistic influencer marketing and media approach has amplified Stanley’s key brand initiatives, effectively engaging core audiences. Her digital marketing campaigns have achieved remarkable results, with video views exceeding 1.9 million and a sell-through rate of 75%. Her social channel strategy has catapulted #StanleyTumbler to over 187 million views on TikTok.

In addition, Dietrich oversees Stanley’s PR efforts, accumulating an impressive 34.2 billion earned media impressions across 1,300 placements in 2022.

Congrats, Sue Dietrich!

Senior Vice President, Marketing and Communications

MIND 24-7

Reinventing brands and inspiring action: Jessica Dixon’s impactful journey at MIND 24-7

Jessica Dixon, senior vice president of marketing and communications at MIND 24-7, shines as a brand marketing champion as her exceptional work has left an indelible mark on the mental healthcare startup and beyond. Her efforts have won a PR Daily’s 2023 Top Women in Marketing Award in the Brand Marketer category.

In the world of brand marketing, where innovation and creativity reign supreme, Jessica Dixon, senior vice president of marketing and communications and MIND 24-7, stands out as a visionary leader. Her exceptional work has left an indelible mark on the mental healthcare startup and beyond.

When MIND 24-7 embarked on an ambitious journey to expand nationally, they found their answer in Jessica Dixon. Appointed as Senior Vice President of Marketing in November 2022, Dixon took charge with remarkable vigor, rapidly learning the business and implementing a transformative brand overhaul.

Dixon’s astute assessment of MIND 24-7’s brand revealed the need for a more inviting and polished look to engage consumers. In a mere three months, she unveiled the revitalized brand, featuring vibrant colors, an elegant logo, a resonant tagline, and an empowering theme (“You don’t have to do this alone.”). The new brand was swiftly embraced and set the stage for a phased rollout that transformed print and online materials. Beyond that, Dixon’s meticulous attention extended to clinics, providing them with a toolkit to seamlessly integrate the brand into their facilities. The strategic placement of inspirational statements and vibrant signage amplifies the patient experience and uplifts employee morale.

Driving the brand’s revival was only a part of Dixon’s narrative. She simultaneously launched her own creative agency, Imaginari, in April 2022. Rooted in the mission to craft impactful marketing and communications strategies, Imaginari radiates creativity and innovation. The agency’s burst logo symbolizes inspiration, excitement, and confidence, echoing the agency’s spirited approach to their craft. This symbolism extends to the color palette, which employs shades like purple for creativity, blue for reliability, and teal for balance. Beneath the surface, a hidden fire symbolizes change and commitment.

Dixon’s reach extended to notable clients, including the nation’s largest nonprofit healthcare system, signifying the impactful strides Imaginari has made within a short span. Her work on projects like Dr. Alisahah Jackson’s “Why Health Matters” logo and brand further showcases her creative prowess, with a design award already under its belt.

However, Dixon’s expertise is not confined to her personal ventures. Her rapid transformation of MIND 24-7’s brand, coupled with the launch and success of Imaginari, paints a compelling picture of a true brand marketing powerhouse. By bringing creativity, strategy, and innovation to every project, Jessica Dixon embodies the spirit of modern brand marketing.

Congratulations to Jessica Dixon for her exceptional contributions and her unwavering commitment to driving brands toward new horizons.

Director, Brand Communications U.S. and Global Moments

Mars Wrigley

Angelina Franco’s leadership makes positive impact on Mars Wrigley’s company culture

Franco’s strategic prowess and adept navigation of the evolving communications landscape have firmly established Mars Wrigley’s brands as culturally significant and socially impactful earning honors in the Social Media category of PR Daily’s Top Women in Marketing Awards.

One of Angelina Franco’s, director of brand PR at Mars Wrigley, notable achievements was her role in transforming SKITTLES’ Pride campaign. SKITTLES, known for its commitment to the LGBTQIA+ community, turned its packs grayscale to symbolize solidarity with the community’s rainbow emblem. Under Franco’s guidance, the program evolved to involve five LGBTQIA+ artists in designing special Pride packs, with proceeds benefiting GLAAD. This strategic pivot led to impressive results, including a doubling of impressions to 1.2 billion, over $100,000 donated to GLAAD, and nearly double-digit sales growth during the promotional period.

In another groundbreaking move, Franco worked on the introduction of Purple, a new character for M&M’S that celebrated individuality and uniqueness. This initiative garnered substantial global attention, with over 120 million social media impressions in 24 hours and more than 9 billion global media impressions, contributing to double-digit sales growth. Morning Consult even named M&M’S Gen Z’s favorite consumer packaged goods (CPG) brand.

Furthermore, Franco spearheaded M&M’S pioneering initiative for International Women’s Day in 2023, releasing all-female packs featuring the brand’s female characters. This campaign also included partnerships with organizations like She Is the Music, We are Moving the Needle, Female Founder Collective, and the Geena Davis Institute. M&M’S awarded $10,000 grants to 20 women who were breaking down barriers and forging new paths in their fields. The program generated an incredible 16 billion media impressions, received over 1,000 grant nominations, and raised over $900,000 to empower women challenging the status quo.

Franco’s remarkable leadership and strategic thinking have not only elevated Mars Wrigley’s brands but also made a substantial positive impact on society. Her dedication to purpose-driven marketing and her ability to drive impressive results in a rapidly changing landscape are why she has rightfully earned this distinction. Her work is a testament to the power of innovative, purpose-driven marketing strategies in today’s world.

Congratulations to Angelina Franco for this well-deserved honor.

Chief Customer Experience and Marketing Officer

CSAA Insurance Group

Linda Goldstein revolutionizes insurance marketing with a legendary twist at CSAA Insurance Group

Goldstein, chief marketing officer at CSAA Insurance Group, is recognized as a winner of PR Daily’s 2023 Top Women in Marketing Awards in the Brand Marketer category. Her visionary leadership transformed the 100-year-old insurance company’s marketing landscape.

In a landscape where capturing the attention of younger audiences poses a unique challenge, Linda Goldstein, the chief marketing officer of CSAA Insurance Group, emerged as a trailblazer with an ingenious approach.

In 2022, CSAA Insurance Group embarked on an ambitious campaign to generate awareness and attract new business. Taking inspiration from the “Rickroll” phenomenon, where the internet prank featuring Rick Astley’s iconic song “Never Gonna Give You Up” went viral, Goldstein and her team unveiled a campaign that infused creativity and entertainment into the insurance world.

Leading CSAA’s marketing and PR team, Goldstein played a pivotal role in the campaign’s conceptualization and execution. The campaign’s centerpiece was a remake of Rick Astley’s music video, but with a twist — instead of dancers, AAA insurance agents held up a whiteboard signifying the insurer’s commitment to “never give you up” or let customers down. This fresh approach merged pop culture nostalgia with the message of trust and reliability.

The campaign’s masterstroke was integrating a unique QR-code advertisement strategy across 17 key U.S. markets through digital billboards, wallscapes and stadium scoreboards. Scanning the QR code directed mobile users to CSAA Insurance Group’s music video, completing the modern-day Rickroll experience. The results were astounding.

The campaign’s YouTube video racked up more than eight million views, generating 475,000 engagements and nearly 10,000 new followers. Impressively, CSAA’s YouTube channel saw a staggering 7.4 million percent increase in views compared to August 2021, directly attributed to the viral campaign. These achievements translated into tangible business results, with new insurance policies witnessing a remarkable 74% increase.

Beyond the numbers, CSAA’s Rickroll campaign created a global sensation that redefined the insurer’s brand identity. Goldstein’s leadership not only elevated brand awareness but also positioned CSAA Insurance Group as a dynamic, forward-thinking insurer in touch with the evolving needs of its audience.

Goldstein’s exceptional leadership and innovative thinking have set new standards for insurance marketing. By blending pop culture with a compelling message, she successfully resonated with a younger demographic, while also delivering substantial business growth.

Congratulations to Linda Goldstein for her groundbreaking contributions to the world of marketing and for being a beacon of inspiration in the industry.

Chief Marketing Officer

IPSY

Jenna Habayeb spearheads IPSY’s move to ‘democratize’ beauty for everyone

Habayeb’s efforts include managing a major merger, recruiting celebrities and championing CSR. She’s been honored as a standout Brand Marketer in PR Daily’s Top Women in Marketing Awards.

Since joining beauty membership organization IPSY in 2019, Jenna Habayeb has focused on growing the brand. As chief marketing officer, she has built a team of brand experts in specific areas like integrated marketing, acquisition marketing, creative and content creation, social media and creator partnerships.

Habayeb was initially drawn to IPSY, because of its mission to inspire everyone to express their unique beauty. The opportunity to be a part of a company striving to democratize beauty drives her efforts every day. Her accomplishments include:

When IPSY acquired BoxyCharm, Habayeb spearheaded the integration of the two companies, helping reinvent IPSY’s portfolio and business model to deliver increased value to members and upgrade their experience.
She took a first-mover approach to TikTok, positioning IPSY as the No.2 beauty brand on the platform in the U.S.
Habayeb launched a celebrity-curated approach to IPSY’s quarterly beauty box. She enlisted celebrities like Alicia Keys, Khloe Kardashian, Halsey and Becky G to bring awareness, engagement and a curatorial role, making the program a fan favorite.

Habayeb also developed the strategy for IPSY’s corporate social responsibility program, focusing on three core areas:

Investing in and amplifying underserved communities. IPSY has invested $55M in black and Latinx-owned brands since 2021.
Educating customers on clean beauty products. IPSY launched an ingredient OutlistTM and a Clean Standard with clean beauty badging to help consumers look for better, safer beauty products.
Measuring and improving sustainability. IPSY has reduced its use of virgin plastic by 50% since 2021 in products developed by its owned brands.

Her work has earned her recognition as one of Forbes Top 50 Entrepreneurial CMOs and one of the Top 100 Women in Business by DiversityFirst in 2022.

Congratulations to Jenna Habayeb!

Vice President, Gout Marketing

Horizon Therapeutics

Julie Hernandez: Shaping perceptions and transforming healthcare at Horizon Therapeutics

Hernandez’s innovative mindset and tenacity have driven transformational healthcare marketing at Horizon Therapeutics, earning her a place among PR Daily’s 2023 Top Women in Marketing in the Brand Marketer category.

Julie Hernandez, vice president of marketing in the gout business at Horizon Therapeutics, has emerged as a driving force behind groundbreaking marketing campaigns and pioneering initiatives that are reshaping perceptions in the healthcare industry. Hernandez’s remarkable contributions have not only elevated the role of marketing but have also brought revolutionary changes to the landscape of healthcare awareness and treatment.

In a sphere where change can be formidable, Hernandez’s dedication, tenacity, and innovative thinking have set her apart. One of her standout achievements is the creation of “Down and Out Kidney,” a disruptive animated video that unravels the intricate interaction between the kidney and uric acid. This engaging campaign aimed to enlighten nephrologists about the systemic impact of high uric acid levels and to empower them to take a more active role in diagnosing and treating uncontrolled gout. By addressing the often-overlooked link between gout and chronic kidney disease, Hernandez’s campaign not only won accolades but, more importantly, reshaped nephrologists’ perspectives and engagement.

In the face of significant challenges, Hernandez exhibited her prowess in orchestrating brand shifts. In response to an updated label that introduced a concomitant immunomodulator to KRYSTEXXA, a gout treatment, her leadership guided the transformation with aplomb. Collaborating cross-functionally, particularly with the medical team, she brought the story to life in a compelling manner for customers. This led to the birth of the campaign “The System You Can Save,” showcasing the systemic nature of gout and the efficacy of KRYSTEXXA + methotrexate. This initiative effectively conveyed the transformative potential of the treatment, resonating with both medical professionals and patients.

Hernandez’s innovative approach extended to live interactions with customers. At the American Society of Nephrology (ASN), she orchestrated the creation of “The System You Can Save” booth, a multi-media, interactive experience that invited attendees to physically journey through the body reimagined as gout perceives it. This unique booth allowed attendees to witness the therapeutic effects of KRYSTEXXA, depicting the removal of gouty sludge from the kidneys. The immersive experience garnered significant attention, securing nearly 1,000 leads for follow-ups and changing perceptions within the medical community.

Hernandez’s marketing trailblazing demonstrates the power of cross-functional collaboration, the significance of impactful storytelling, and a commitment to continuous innovation. Her work at Horizon Therapeutics reflects her unwavering dedication to challenging the status quo and propelling healthcare marketing into new dimensions. Hernandez’s accomplishments remind us that with visionary thinking, perseverance, and strategic collaboration, it’s possible to reshape industries and create a lasting impact.

Congratulations to Julie Hernandez for her exceptional achievements and for redefining the boundaries of healthcare marketing.

Senior Vice President, Brand Experience

Savannah College of Art and Design

Kari Herrin’s visionary leadership transformed SCAD’s brand experience and growth

With over two decades of branding experience, Herrin, senior vice president of brand experience at Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), has showcased unwavering dedication and creativity at SCAD, significantly impacting the institution’s global recognition and enrollment growth. She has earned recognition in the Brand Marketer category for PR Daily’s Top Women in Marketing Awards.

In her role as senior VP of brand experience, Kari Herrin spearheads the marketing, social media, events, exhibitions and merchandising departments across SCAD’s multiple campuses. Her leadership over the 2022-23 academic year has yielded remarkable results with unprecedented enrollment growth in vital international and national markets.

Under Herrin’s guidance, SCAD’s admission teams executed international strategies in regions like APAC and Latin America, resulting in increased enrollment from countries such as China, India, Mexico, South Korea, Colombia, and Singapore. Her leadership played a pivotal role in boosting the university’s media presence by 20% in the last year, enhancing recognition and revenue for SCAD.

Herrin also oversaw significant university events during the past year, including the 20th anniversary celebration of SCAD Lacoste, featuring the opening of a museum space and sculpture garden, the inaugural SCAD Lacoste Film Festival and the award-winning 10-year anniversary event celebrating the SCAD Museum of Art.

As the head of all SCAD museums and exhibitions, Herrin directs a team of dedicated museum executives, art handlers, and curators, responsible for curating over 25 exhibitions annually at various SCAD locations. She gathered exhibitions featuring artists like Katharina Grosse, Jorge Pardo, Rachel Feinstein, Horst P. Horst, and more, and the exhibitions garnered widespread acclaim in publications such as the Wall Street Journal, Vogue, Elle, Hypebeast and Art Forum.

Herrin is not only a caring leader but also a mentor, overseeing more than 100 employees across her departments. Her leadership has inspired dedication and led to high employee retention. Her colleagues unanimously admire her insight, passion for brand experience, and marketing.

Congratulations to Kari Herrin for this well-deserved honor.

Marketing Manager

League of Women Voters

Democracy in action: LaQuita Howard spreads the League of Women Voters’ brand far and wide

Howard reaches out to younger voters and ensures the League’s message reflects the country’s diversity. She has been named one of the Brand Marketers honored in PR Daily’s Top Women in Marketing Awards.

As marketing manager for the League of Women Voters of the United States, LaQuita Howard plans and executes ad campaigns across multiple states to raise the LVW’s visibility and provide voters with essential nonpartisan election information so they can confidently participate in our democracy.

Ahead of the 2022 midterm elections, Howard and the LVW wanted to reach young women, women of color, Spanish speakers and new citizens, creating engaging content to target these audiences on various social media platforms. She worked both online and offline to strengthen the brand of the League’s nonpartisan voting resource website, VOTE411.org, using search engines and social media channels for paid and organic campaigns, as well as placing billboards in critical high-traffic cities and engaging in mobile geo-fencing to target voters in high-opportunity areas.

In addition to relying on traditional advertising platforms like Facebook and Google Search, Howard also went to underused platforms like Spotify to reach younger voters. Her bilingual campaigns reached 2.7 million voters and drove nearly half a million users to VOTE411.org.

As in-person events have returned to the political arena, Howard makes sure the League’s brand of the League remains highly visible. At a Supreme Court rally in December, for example, as the justices heard arguments in cases pertaining to voting rights, hundreds of activists and organizers carried posters and wore purple shirts and beanie hats designed by Howard, with League branding on the front and back. These visuals were captured by earned media and appeared in The New York Times, the Washington Post, NPR and more.

Howard has a creative eye for design and a respect for brand standards. She ensures that the League’s marketing materials represent the wide diversity of America in terms of age, ability, racial identity and more. In Fall 2022 she led the League’s first in-house marketing campaign, producing two new marketing videos in English and Spanish to reach voters in 15 key states during the 2022 midterm elections. Her dedication to ensuring that the League’s marketing is bilingual has helped build an electorate that represents the entire country.

Congratulations to LaQuita Howard!

Senior Director, Corporate Social Responsibility and Call of Duty Endowment Marketing

Activision Blizzard/Call of Duty Endowment

Helene Imperiale champions high-quality jobs for U.S. and U.K. veterans at the Call of Duty Endowment

Imperiale launched a virtual run to celebrate 100,000 veterans getting top jobs, and much more. She has been selected as one of the Brand Marketers honored in PR Daily’s Top Women in Marketing Awards.

The Call of Duty Endowment (C.O.D.E) helps U.S. and U.K. veterans find high-quality employment after military service and works to raise awareness of the value veterans bring to the workplace. Helene Imperiale of Activision Blizzard has been instrumental in creating and leading the biggest corporate social responsibility campaigns for the Call of Duty Endowment in its history.

In her first year working for the Endowment as director of corporate social responsibility and Call of Duty Endowment marketing, Imperiale led a campaign that won seven national awards. In 2022 (her second year) she took on even greater challenges.

First and foremost, Imperiale launched the first-ever video game charity run to celebrate the Call of Duty Endowment placing 100,000 veterans into high-quality jobs during Military Appreciation Month. The race had more than two million participants, making it the largest charity race in history (to Activision Blizzard’s knowledge, at least). Comparing social media performance from Military Appreciation Month 2021 (a 31-day campaign) to Call of Duty Veteruns 2022 (a 10-day campaign), Call of Duty Veteruns racked up 2.2 times more impressions, 1.5 time more engagements, and 1.7 times more views.

Among Imperiale’s other 2022 achievements:

She published an influential white paper on the lessons learned from a decade of work placing veterans into high-quality jobs.
Launched the Call of Duty Endowment Bowl trophy into space to generate buzz about 2022’s event.
Created a record-breaking C.O.D.E. Bowl III livestream that drew more than 2.1 million unique viewers.
Produced and distributed a public service announcement shown in all AMC Theatres and during the Army-Navy Football Game broadcast.
Partnered with L.A. Rams Super Bowl MVP Cooper Kupp for the NFL’s My Cause My Cleats initiative.

In addition, on social media channels Imperiale was responsible for increasing total followers by 45%, from 687,000 to 996,000. She also drove 25 million engagements, a 1,400% increase over 2021, and generated 411 million impressions — a 36% increase over 2021.

Congratulations to Helene Imperiale!

CMO

Guidehouse

Guidehouse CMO Joy Jarrett’s achievements have a transformative impact on the world of marketing

Jarrett, the chief marketing officer and partner at Guidehouse has been awarded a PR Daily’s Top Women in Marketing Award in the Brand Marketer category. This recognition is a testament to her outstanding contributions in transforming the company’s marketing landscape, leading to exceptional growth and market positioning for the firm.

Joy Jarrett’s role at Guidehouse encompasses all marketing aspects, including enterprise branding, creative initiatives, campaigns, web development, events, social media, public relations and corporate communications. Her leadership has built powerful brands, inspired exceptional teams, and transformed businesses through innovative products, strategic partnerships and unique market differentiation. Jarrett’s marketing experiences consistently reinforce Guidehouse’s brand promise and align seamlessly with the organization’s mission and performance goals.

Collaborating closely with CEO Scott McIntyre and the entire leadership team, Jarrett has played a pivotal role in her organization’s remarkable growth and market positioning. Her recent initiatives include launching a new Guidehouse brand and website, establishing global brand awareness and differentiation, and creating an agile marketing department focusing on sales enablement — a move that directly impacts the firm’s bottom line.

With over two decades of B2B Top 10 brand marketing experience, Jarrett employs an integrated, omnichannel approach to align corporate priorities with strategies that drive demand, nurture engagement and support growth. Her dedication to promoting Guidehouse’s areas of differentiation across the public sector and priority commercial markets has successfully built brand awareness and distinction in a crowded marketplace.

Jarrett’s impact on Guidehouse’s growth is evident through metrics such as increased proposal volumes, higher win rates, and growing brand distinction as a unique consultancy. She has positioned marketing as a strategic partner, guiding creative and impactful strategies that drive the firm’s success.

Committing to the evolution of the marketing department, Jarrett has sought out new talent, fostered collaboration and expanded the value of marketing and communications. She maintains budget controls while offering diverse and rewarding career pathways for her team, ensuring Guidehouse’s marketing department evolves in line with the firm’s vision of the consultancy of the future.

Congratulations to Joy Jarrett for this well-deserved recognition.

SVP of Marketing

Loadsmart

Kathleen Kaag transforms Loadsmart’s brand and revenue with strategic prowess

Kaag, senior vice president of marketing at Loadsmart, has made a profound impact on the marketing industry, which has earned her recognition in the Brand Marketer category for PR Daily’s Top Women in Marketing Awards.

Kathleen Haag’s portfolio of achievements is vast, encompassing the development and execution of marketing strategies that fuel growth and revenue as well as the creation of high-performing teams. Haag takes charge of a broad spectrum of marketing responsibilities, including go-to-market, product, content and communications, digital, campaigns, events and lead development. Her impact extends to expanding the company’s reach, venturing into new markets and formulating acquisition strategies.

In her two-plus years at Loadsmart, Haag played a pivotal role in driving the business to “unicorn” status, achieving a valuation of $1.3 billion. The SVP of marketing’s exceptional leadership propelled Loadsmart to receive numerous prestigious recognitions, including being listed on the Deloitte Technology Fast 500, FreightWaves FreightTech 100, Inc. 5000 and Forbes 2022 America’s Best Startup Employers.

Haag was instrumental in establishing the marketing department, introducing a go-to-market strategy, defining buyer personas and crafting client-centric value propositions. Her skills as a brand strategist transformed Loadsmart from a hybrid brand into a unified ‘branded house’ anchored in the company’s core value proposition. Her leadership has solidified marketing as a core revenue engine, particularly for SaaS product lines, facilitating accelerated business growth.

Beyond her professional achievements, Haag is a dedicated advocate for women’s leadership. She is a proud founding member of Chief, a network designed to empower senior women leaders. Additionally, she co-founded Book House, Inc., providing a platform for writers to refine their craft and work with established trade authors. She is also a member of the Transportation Marketing and Sales Association’s board, where sales and marketing professionals in transportation and logistics converge to learn, collaborate and continue breaking boundaries.

Congratulations to Kathleen Kaag for this well-deserved recognition.

Chief Marketing Officer

HCLTech

Jill Kouri’s dedication and innovative leadership leaves an indelible mark on HCLTech

Kouri, the chief marketing officer at HCLTech, has been awarded a PR Daily’s Top Women in Marketing Award in the Brand Marketer category, a testament to her exceptional contributions to the global technology giant’s brand repositioning and community-focused initiatives.

With a distinguished career spanning nearly three decades, Jill Kouri has played a pivotal role in steering HCLTech’s growth and digital advancement strategy. Her first major accomplishment was successfully orchestrating the rebranding of the organization, a feat achieved by meticulously gathering feedback from stakeholders and customers. This effort resulted in a unique brand identity, centered around the theme of “Supercharging Progress,” which has propelled HCLTech to the forefront of the technology industry, anchored by its four pillars: Clients, People, Community and Planet.

Under Kouri’s visionary leadership, HCLTech secured cornerstone partnerships with MetLife Stadium and digital transformation agreements with the New York Giants and the New York Jets, amplifying the company’s commitment to enhancing digital experiences within communities. Additionally, a multi-year partnership with the iconic Formula One team, Scuderia Ferrari, showcased Kouri’s strategic prowess in revitalizing the company’s brand while simultaneously benefiting the broader community.

Kouri’s commitment to “supercharging progress” extends to humanitarian and environmental causes. She championed HCLTech’s partnership with One Tree Planted, pledging $100,000 to plant 100,000 tree saplings across the U.S., Brazil and Mexico. Furthermore, her team’s land restoration and tree planting efforts across six cities underscored their dedication to environmental sustainability. HCLTech’s partnership with UpLink, involving a $15 million investment over five years, aims to drive innovation in the freshwater sector, exemplifying Jill’s dedication to corporate responsibility.

Recognizing that progress begins from within, Kouri spearheaded initiatives to promote inclusivity and employee wellbeing. Her leadership in DEI programs, internal workshops and panel discussions reflects her commitment to making every employee’s voice heard. Her role as a spokesperson for HCLTech at advisory boards, client events, town halls and volunteer activities highlights her profound influence on the organization.

Under Kouri’s guidance, the organization also unveiled a revamped Employee Value Proposition and employer brand campaigns, along with an Early Career Program that will generate 12,000 new jobs and hire 2,000 college graduates in the U.S. These efforts culminated in HCLTech being recognized as an Employer of Choice in 25 countries by The Top Employers Institute.

Congratulations, Jill Kouri, on this well-earned honor!

Vice President, Marketing

GNC

Lauren Mannetti: Transforming GNC’s brand and business through innovative marketing

Mannetti, vice president of marketing at GNC, is one of PR Daily’s 2023 Top Women in Marketing in the Brand Marketer category for her work revitalizing the legacy brand. Her strategic and consumer-centric approach to marketing has not only reinvigorated GNC’s appeal but also contributed significantly to the company’s business turnaround.

Lauren Mannetti, vice president of marketing at GNC, has emerged as a driving force in the modernization and transformation of the iconic 87-year-old brand. Mannetti’s accomplishments stand as a testament to her remarkable leadership and innovative mindset.

At the helm of a robust in-house marketing team, Mannetti is responsible for overseeing a diverse range of areas, including creative, loyalty, marketing planning and operations, email and sms, public relations, social media, influencer marketing, paid media, partnerships, and sponsorships. Her multifaceted role extends to serving as a senior-level strategic partner for GNC’s business units, showcasing her ability to bridge marketing and business objectives seamlessly.

Mannetti’s impact has been felt across various facets of GNC’s operations:

Marketing Transformation: Under Mannetti’s guidance, GNC’s marketing strategy underwent a significant overhaul, leading to a renewed connection with consumers and a reinforced leadership position. This strategic shift resonated strongly with consumers during the launch of Beyond Raw Concept X, one of GNC’s largest product launches to date. Within the first month, sales projections were surpassed by an impressive 25%.

Media Optimization: Mannetti’s acumen in media investments has driven a noteworthy 4.5% increase in incremental marginal revenue year over year, highlighting her meticulous approach to resource allocation and measurable impact.

Public Relations and Social Media Impact: Mannetti spearheaded the transformation of GNC’s PR strategy, resulting in an impressive 190 earned stories and over 874 million earned impressions. She also played a pivotal role in revamping GNC’s LinkedIn strategy, achieving substantial improvements in page engagements, impressions, and total page views.

Loyalty Enhancement: Mannetti’s focus on enhancing customer loyalty translated into significant achievements, including the growth of total Loyalty members by over 1.2 million and the highest satisfaction rate to date among myGNC Rewards members based on 2022 customer data.

Business and People-Centric Success: Through Mannetti’s leadership, marketing initiatives drove an impressive 749,000 incremental new customers in 2022. Her efforts in fostering collaboration between merchandising, marketing, and store experience teams resulted in enhanced integration and connectivity.

Team Empowerment: Mannetti’s commitment to team development and enhancement is evident in the successful establishment of strategic marketing functions and the strengthening of marketing leadership. This includes strategic hires and a significant 40% growth in the Creative team to take on more internal brand work.

Mannetti’s journey at GNC began in 2019, and her rapid promotion to vice president of marketing is a testament to her exceptional contributions. Her visionary leadership and forward-thinking approach have played a pivotal role in redefining GNC’s brand and driving transformative business outcomes while her ability to seamlessly intertwine marketing prowess with strategic business initiatives highlights the profound impact that women leaders like Mannetti are making in the realm of brand marketing.

Congratulations to Lauren Mannetti for her remarkable achievements and her unwavering commitment to reshaping the future of GNC and the broader industry.

Chief Marketing Officer

Pizza Hut

Lindsay Morgan serves up hot ideas at Pizza Hut

Morgan’s strategy for Pizza Hut Melts put the customer at the center of a world built just for them. She has been honored as an outstanding Brand Marketer in PR Daily’s Top Women in Marketing Awards.

Since April 2021, Lindsay Morgan has served as chief marketing officer for Pizza Hut U.S., bringing 15 years of experience as a marketing executive to the brand’s creative, marketing, advertising and social aspects. She sees her main role as CMO as listening to consumers and bringing the innovations they both expect and don’t know they’re looking for.

Morgan led the charge on rebuilding and modernizing the Pizza Hut brand to appeal to the younger generation, developing new menus, updated packaging, digital-first food photography and a more authentic tone of voice, along with crafting fresh marketing campaigns to reinvigorate the brand, attract new customers and drive improved business results.

When Pizza Hut launched Melts, a new product category, Morgan helped execute a multipronged marketing strategy to introduce the “pizza on demand” to the marketplace. Her approach: In a world that encourages the oversharing of information, photos and personal stories, she went in the opposite direction by empowering people to “go solo” and indulge in their own individual cravings.

The “World of Me” advertising spot imagined a world that is just for the consumer: A young woman eating Melts notices everyone else she meets looks just like her, from a man selling flowers to a traffic cop to the cover of a magazine.

Coverage of the Melts campaign generated more than two billion media impressions, including feature stories on BusinessInsider.com, CNN.com, FOXBusiness.com, NYPost.com and more. Additionally, in the fourth quarter of 2022, Pizza Hut Melts helped drive a 5% systemwide sales increase for the quarter.

Morgan thinks about more than just marketing, though. She’s passionate about representation in the workforce, advocating for women and diverse groups of people to take a seat at the table. She plans to continue focusing on the Gen Z audience and engage with the brand’s current consumers.

Congratulations to Lindsay Morgan!

Senior Director of Brand Marketing and Digital Media

San Diego State University

How Megan Newton overhauled San Diego State University’s brand

Newton grappled with brand messaging, vision, stakeholder engagement and more, but launch day was only the beginning. She has been named one of the Brand Marketers honored in PR Daily’s Top Women in Marketing Awards.

Megan Newton, senior director of brand marketing and digital media at San Diego State University, was at the helm for one of the most ambitious brand redesign initiatives in SDSU’s recent history. Unveiled in 2022, it called for a new logo, presidential seal, identity system and updated database of branded visuals.

The project spanned a year, during which Newton acted as a convener, organizer, communicator, writer and dedicated colleague. Her task required intense engagement across stakeholder groups that included current and prospective students, faculty, staff, alumni, donors, senior leadership, an agency partner and others.

Newton’s attention to details and deadlines resulted in a multi-month plan and a launch day event planned in partnership with other university departments. Some of the biggest challenges came after the launch, though. Newton needed to drive a shared vision for the updated brand identity that resonated across university locations and stakeholder groups. She also was essential in developing the university’s brand messaging to ensure that it reflects what makes the university unique.

She planned for the long haul, including the need for different iterations of the brand and logo; new and more compelling visuals (content and video) with a limited budget; training and retraining for community members and trainers; realigning web content across university locations to ensure a uniform look and feel; and ultimately maintaining momentum.

That was just one project.

Newton also oversees the university’s centralized multimedia production, marketing plans targeting parents and families, the university’s social media platforms and more. Notably, she led a team involved in launching the SDSU TikTok page, which has grown significantly in its following.

She also oversees staff training for social media. With the dynamic nature of digital and social media, she and her team regularly host training sessions on best practices, design and brand alignment. Beyond that, they regularly partner on campaigns that drive student applications — SDSU received its record number of applications in Fall 2022, with 121,000 students applying — along with safety and wellness in an age of COVID-19.

Newton understands that setting clear objectives is crucial to success, especially for major, multi-level projects. She relies on qualitative and quantitative metrics and goes beyond the numbers, always making time and space to listen to the target audiences, engaged members or other audiences.

Congratulations to Megan Newton!

Vice President of Marketing Communications

Burger King

Zahra Nurani introduces Burger King’s Whopper to a new generation

Nurani relied on music and nostalgia, crafting a catchy jingle to rival ‘Have it Your Way.’ She has been selected as one of the Brand Marketers honored in PR Daily’s Top Women in Marketing Awards.

The Burger King jingle “Whopper, Whopper” has become an earworm, a meme and a viral sensation thanks to Zahra Nurani, vice president of marketing communications at Burger King North America. Nurani led the team behind this national campaign to reintroduce the brand to Americans.

A marketing expert who has spent her career in the restaurant industry, Nurani takes pride in the strong teams she’s developed, the agency relationships she’s fostered and the work they have produced as a result. Her understanding of human emotions and behavior informed a campaign centered around the guests, nodding to their love of nostalgia and connecting to the brands’ roots in an authentic, distinct style that allowed Burger King to surpass its original goal of “top of mind” to achieve “can’t get it out of my head.”

Nurani joined BK parent company Restaurant Brands International as head of marketing strategy in 2020, focusing on refreshing the brand’s image and reassessing its marketing processes and strategies. When she moved into her current BK role in 2021, she began resetting the team structure, agency ecosystem and marketing communications approach, all to increase relevancy and bring BK to the forefront of consumers’ minds.

In October 2022, Nurani led the launch of BK’s “You Rule” campaign, an amplification of its longtime “Have It Your Way” tagline. A key component of the campaign was reinstating the Whopper as BK’s flagship product and a brand in its own right. Combining market research, franchisee collaboration and the power of nostalgia, Nurani looked to the brand’s cultural roots to create a fresh take on the 1970s jingle that introduced the original tagline.

The campaign earned more than one billion social impressions, 1.5 billion media impressions, two million streams on Spotify, a No.1 share of voice in the NFL among restaurant brands and 985 million views through #whopper on TikTok. Overall, the campaign’s impact generated buzz and contributed to a 5% increase in comparable sales.

Congratulations to Zahra Nurani.

Chief Marketing Officer

Ilegal Mezcal

Kaylan Rexer helps propel Ilegal Mezcal to new heights

Chief Marketing Officer Rexer at Ilegal Mezcal, has earned recognition in the Brand Marketer category of PR Daily’s Top Women in Marketing Awards for revolutionizing marketing campaigns promoting Ilegal Mezcal.

At just 34 years old, Kaylan Rexer is one of the youngest female executives in the traditionally male-dominated spirits industry. It’s a testament to her remarkable contributions in propelling Ilegal Mezcal to unprecedented heights.

In her role as chief marketing officer, in the past year, Rexer has orchestrated numerous innovative campaigns that have played a pivotal role in raising Ilegal to its current position as the #1 mezcal brand, both in terms of recognition and sales.

One of Rexer’s defining accomplishments has been the transformation of Ilegal into a lifestyle brand, characterized by its unique approach to experiential marketing and its partnerships with music and culture. This vision of cultivating authentic shared experiences and unleashing creative campaigns has been ingrained in the brand since its inception.

Over the past year, Rexer has achieved a series of milestones, including the successful launch of innovative products, involvement in charitable and community-building initiatives and steering the brand toward more sustainable solutions in the face of a global pandemic.

Notable achievements include Ilegal Mezcal’s exceptional growth in 2022, with an 85% increase in volume. Rexer’s leadership has also ushered in innovation with the launch of the 7 Year Añejo, awarded Agave Spirit of the Year by Bloomberg, and the collaboration with Mr. Black for Mezcal Cask Coffee Liqueur. The iconic Bar Ilegal tour, a mezcal and music experience, also returned triumphantly in 2022, visiting 13 cities and garnering 199 million earned media impressions.

Ilegal’s impact extends to the community level, including the CelebratingYOU campaign that partnered with bars and venues nationwide to raise funds and awareness for the LGBTQ+ empowerment non-profit wayOUT. In 2022, over 48,000 cocktails were sold across 129 venues in 34 cities, resulting in $20,000 in donations.

A toast to Kaylan Rexer for this well-deserved honor.

Chief Marketing Officer

symplr

symplr’s Kristin Russel puts her company’s brand in the spotlight

Russel focuses on the intersection of customer needs and corporate strategy. She’s been honored as a standout Brand Marketer in PR Daily’s Top Women in Marketing Awards.

When Kristin Russel joined symplr, a healthcare operations software and services provider, the company had just acquired several new technology solutions. The result was a fragmented brand identity. Russel now oversees the new symplr brand, advancing its brand strategy, messaging and visual identity to unify the company’s products and services.

As chief marketing officer, Russel’s overarching strategy involves incorporating the customer’s voice and experience into every innovation and business decision at symplr, helping foster relationships and trust between patients, providers and the industry at large. To do this, she spearheaded the creation of the Executive Customer Council (ECC), composed of senior-level executives from nearly two dozen leading healthcare organizations. The ECC provides valuable industry insights on strengthening customer partnerships, ensuring that symplr’s solutions meet customers’ needs.

Russel also led the development of symplr’s Healthcare Operations Summit, where executives and leaders from the nation’s top health systems came together to discuss how to optimize healthcare operations, focusing on using enterprise technology to mitigate risk, reduce costs and enhance revenue. As a result, she’s guiding the development of a healthcare operations public pledge.

She also introduced an annual Compass Survey to drive thought leadership, account-based marketing tactics, an ROI calculator and other tools to help position symplr products for value and establish a cohesive brand image, driving growth and customer loyalty. In 2022, Russel’s strategic efforts contributed to a 15.8% increase in share of voice compared to symplr’s closest industry competitors for earned media placements across top-tier business and industry trade publications and held the No.1 share of voice spot for three quarters in 2022.

Under Russel’s guidance, symplr’s executives and subject matter experts have become thought leader, speaking at industry events, contributing provoking content to industry publications and participating in a variety of thought leadership initiatives. Her efforts have helped elevate symplr’s profile in the industry and position the company as an authority on key issues facing healthcare organizations today.

Beyond her duties at symplr, Russel speaks frequently at industry events on topics like brand and product strategy, account-based marketing and leadership, positioning herself and symplr as go-to experts in their respective industries.

Congratulations to Kristin Russel!

Senior Vice President of Marketing

Food Lion, LLC

Deborah Sabo of Food Lion deepens the emotional connection with customers, fosters brand growth

Sabo, the senior vice president of marketing at Food Lion, has earned a PR Daily Top Women in Marketing Award in the Brand Marketer category. This recognition stems from her exceptional leadership in steering the marketing operations at Food Lion and achieving remarkable results.

Deborah Sabo utilizes storytelling to establish profound connections with Food Lion’s customers to stand out. Her innovative storytelling approach has led to the development of creative expressions that deeply resonate with customers, igniting passion and fostering engagement with the Food Lion brand. Her influence extends across various channels, including advertising, the in-store experience and the brand’s online presence, including its website and social media.

Despite facing challenges related to customers’ price perception in the wake of record inflation, Sabo and her team delivered strong results. By closely monitoring customer feedback through the brand health tracker, the marketing team adeptly strengthened Food Lion’s brand. They strategically pivoted in response to shifting customer behaviors, crafting messages emphasizing affordability and showcasing how customers could save at Food Lion.

Under Sabo’s leadership, Food Lion has achieved impressive milestones, including a 21% growth in customers loading digital coupons to their MVP cards and a 26% growth in engaged Shop & Earn customers. Her team has introduced Food Lion To Go at 100 more stores and expanded home delivery services to a wide swath of zip codes.

Deborah’s influence has extended beyond marketing through her work with Food Lion Feeds, the company’s hunger relief initiative. In 2022, her leadership led to nourishing neighbors with over 158 million meals, an increase of six million meals from the previous year. This achievement encompassed 17,000 associate volunteer hours, 28 million meals donated through in-store campaigns supported by customer purchases and the distribution of 62 million pounds of unsold, edible food from stores.

Sabo’s transformative leadership and remarkable results have propelled Food Lion to new heights, deepening the emotional connection with customers and fostering remarkable brand growth.

Congratulations to Deborah Sabo on this well-deserved recognition.

Senior Vice President Marketing, Branding and Digital Content

The 92nd Street Y, New York (92NY)

Joanna Scholl’s strategic rebranding efforts catapults 92NY to global recognition and growth

Scholl, the senior vice president of marketing, branding, and digital content at the 92nd Street Y, has earned a PR Daily’s Top Women in Marketing Award in the Brand Marketer category for her exceptional contributions in reshaping and reinvigorating the institution’s brand identity. Through her strategic vision, unified brand communication strategies, and data-driven approach, Scholl achieved remarkable success in elevating 92NY’s brand, solidifying its global impact and driving substantial growth.

Facing the challenges posed by the pandemic, Joanna Scholl played a pivotal role in addressing long-standing issues plaguing the 92nd Street Y, including brand confusion and the need to highlight its unique offerings. Collaborating closely with executive leadership, her talented marketing team, and the renowned design agency Pentagram, Scholl oversaw the development of a new visual brand identity and a compelling brand value proposition. This transformation positioned the institution as a distinguished cultural center with global significance.

In May 2022, Scholl orchestrated an extensive media campaign that spanned print, digital, newsletters, outdoor, TV, radio and podcasting, and unveiled the 92NY rebrand. This campaign celebrated its commitment to New York and emphasized its global reach by changing its visual identity from 92Y to 92NY, formally adding “New York” to its name. The brand value proposition, “New York’s global center for culture, connection, and enrichment,” was effectively communicated to its audience through a well-structured three-phase strategy, strategically timed to key seasonal milestones.

Scholl’s strategic prowess and innovative brand marketing leadership resulted in resounding success. The campaign’s primary objective was to expand the institution’s national and global footprint, and it achieved remarkable results. Domestic reach increased by 49%, reaching 422 new cities beyond the New York metro area, while international reach expanded by 33% across 12 new countries. This market growth translated into a remarkable 22% revenue increase in new markets. Furthermore, the digital strategy linked to the campaign yielded a staggering 218% surge in live video views across livestreams, YouTube and Facebook during the rebrand launch month compared to the previous May.

Scholl’s commitment to elevating the brand has positioned 92NY for sustained success and long-term growth. As the institution embarks on innovative program initiatives and capital improvements to commemorate its 150th anniversary, the new brand identity established it as one of New York’s most influential cultural centers.

Congratulations to Joanna Scholl on this well-deserved recognition.

Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing and Innovation Officer

Primerica

Julie Seman’s leadership steered Primerica toward a brighter marketing future

Seman, executive vice president and chief marketing and innovation officer at Primerica, has earned recognition in the Brand Marketer category of PR Daily’s Top Women in Marketing Awards for her visionary leadership and transformative efforts, propelling Primerica into the digital age while upholding its legacy.

Julie Seman’s career at Primerica, which spans nearly 25 years, has been characterized by transformative leadership and a commitment to innovation that has left an indelible mark on the company.

Primerica, a stalwart in the financial services marketplace, traditionally relied on word-of-mouth marketing for its continued success. However, as the digital landscape evolved, Seman recognized the need to adapt and add new marketing strategies. Under her guidance, Primerica introduced digital marketing tools and educated its vast sales force on their potential to expand their reach, a significant undertaking given the size of the company’s sales force in North America.

Seman faced a multifaceted marketing challenge: the status quo of “we’ve always done it this way” and encouraged the adoption of digital strategies; as well as the need to craft digital campaigns that could resonate with the diverse middle market, a demographic often living paycheck to paycheck.

The digital marketing program exceeded all expectations. Under Seman’s vision and leadership, the program, initially slated to deliver 100 million campaigns within five years, reached the 100 million campaign milestone much earlier. The campaign boasted an open rate of 62%, significantly outperforming the industry average of 21%.

Semans’s campaign approach continued to evolve, with a keen eye on responding to breaking news opportunities. For instance, when the Silicon Valley Bank faced a banking crisis, Seman and her team swiftly crafted an email and social campaign to reassure clients. This dynamic approach reinforced the close, one-on-one relationships Primerica’s sales force shared with its clients.

Congratulations to Julie Seman on this well-deserved recognition.

VP Marketing

Jackson Family Wines

Alison Urmini elevates luxury wine through innovation and creativity at Jackson Family Wines

Urmini’s creative approach, strategic thinking, and passion for storytelling have earned her the prestigious recognition as a winner of PR Daily’s 2023 Top Women in Marketing Awards in the Brand Marketer category.

In the world of wine marketing, every detail matters. Alison Urmini, the vice president of marketing at Jackson Family Wines, embodies this philosophy in her role as a brand marketer.

Urmini’s favorite quote, “The details are not details. They make the design,” by Charles Eames, resonates deeply with her approach to her work. As the marketing leader for Spire Collection, Jackson Family Wines’ global luxury wine portfolio, Urmini demonstrates an exceptional ability to craft compelling narratives that resonate with ultra-high-end wine consumers. Under her leadership, the Spire Collection has reached unparalleled levels of success, with wines positioned at over $750 per bottle.

In the past year, Urmini showcased her innovative thinking by launching the groundbreaking wine campaign “Every Note Inspired.” Drawing parallels between the creative processes of winemaking and music composition, she engaged wine collectors who share a passion for jazz. The campaign featured a strategic partnership between Cardinale Winery and GRAMMY award-winning Jazz Musician Troy “Trombone Shorty” Andrews. Urmini orchestrated a seamless fusion of wine and music, creating an immersive experience for collectors and sparking profound digital engagement. The campaign not only increased demand for coveted wine allocations but also generated over one million impressions and 200,000+ engagements, demonstrating the power of innovative storytelling.

Urmini’s impact extended beyond this campaign. She orchestrated a year-long celebration for La Jota Vineyard Co.’s historic 125th milestone anniversary. Through dynamic digital content, winery events, vintage wine releases, and strategic media partnerships, Urmini repositioned the winery’s legacy as a Napa Valley original. Despite budget constraints, her strategic approach led to impressive results, including 500,000+ impressions, 3,000 more website clicks, and 105,000+ views of an anniversary storytelling video in just three months.

Furthermore, Urmini demonstrated her ability to connect wine with outdoor enthusiasts through the #DrinkBravely campaign for Mt. Brave Winery. By aligning the brand’s adventurous identity with an online community, a video series showcasing the winery’s spirit, and strategic partnerships with key publications and events, she successfully attracted a new audience of adventure-seeking wine enthusiasts.

Urmini’s leadership style is marked by passion, pride, and an inspiring calmness. She consistently pushes the boundaries of traditional wine marketing, forging meaningful connections between luxury wines and diverse audiences. Her dedication to creating meaningful experiences, combined with her exceptional results, makes her a standout winner of the Top Women in Marketing Award.

Congratulations, Alison Urmini, for your outstanding contributions to the world of wine marketing and for being a trailblazer in crafting unique and engaging brand narratives that captivate and inspire.

Head of Marketing, Home Entertainment and Sound

Sony Electronics

Maya Wasserman generates buzz with influencers, augmented reality and NFTs for groundbreaking Sony launches

Wasserman sparked energy into the launch of Sony’s new wireless earbuds and other innovative products. She has been selected as one of the Brand Marketers honored in PR Daily’s Top Women in Marketing Awards.

In the past 12 months, Sony has introduced many new products to consumers, including the wireless LinkBuds series, the highly rated WH-1000XM5 headphones and an entirely new brand of gaming gear, INZONE. Leading the creative and strategic charge across all three launches was Maya Wasserman, Sony’s head of marketing.

For the launch of Sony LinkBuds, Wasserman adopted a creative, first-of-its-kind campaign strategy by introducing Sony Electronics’ mobile-first campaign, focused on linking online and offline worlds and touching on social media, the metaverse, augmented reality and influencers to reach Gen Z and Millennials where they are.

Wasserman and her team briefed more than 100 influencers. They also created an augmented reality unboxing experience and enlisted Tik Tok personality Wisdom Kaye in a media campaign. Wasserman also partnered with Sony Music’s up-and-coming artist, Lucky Daye, on an NFT that unlocked real-life experiences with Daye, and in addition mounted a mobile game sweepstakes.

A few months later, Wasserman spearheaded the launch of Sony’s second version of the LinkBuds (LinkBuds S). For that, she partnered with popular artist Tate McRae for a special private event where 300 press, influencers and lucky fans watched Tate perform live.

Wasserman’s efforts culminated in one of Sony’s most successful launches to date, receiving countless impressions and campaign accolades. Sony received multiple accolades and top-tier placements, including the coveted TIME Magazine Best Invention of the Year (LinkBuds). In addition, the INZONE launch generated a full-length feature of Sony’s gaming and home entertainment innovations in The Washington Post.

She also introduced Sony’s first hashtag challenge on Tik Tok, its first augmented reality virtual hub and its first NFT, all in the same year, all leading to millions of views across top social channels and billions of PR impressions.

Congratulations to Maya Wasserman.

Global VP of Marketing

Phillips Connect

Keep on trucking: Amber White accelerates Phillips Connect’s brand image

Rising from a team of one to VP of marketing, White pushed for new strategies to breathe life into the company’s brand. She has been named one of the Brand Marketers honored in PR Daily’s Top Women in Marketing Awards.

Amber White joined Phillips Connect in 2019 as a one-person marketing team. Her job: To elevate the trucking startup’s brand. Phillips Connect helps trucking companies monitor what’s going on in their fleet vehicles, bringing data together on one single platform. Competing with multibillion-dollar players like Verizon and Sensata Technologies was a daunting task, but White jumped at the challenge.

White saw an opportunity to brand the startup with a fresh, youthful feel that made customers view working with Phillips Connect as an investment in the future of trucking.

Swiftly promoted to director of marketing with a team of two, White tapped into her experience from her previous role at the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA). Seeing the connection between the world of drag racing and the trucking industry, she convinced CEO and founder Rob Phillips to commit to an NHRA sponsorship.

Industry players like DHL, NAPA Auto Parts, and R+L Carriers are also heavily involved in the races, and business is regularly conducted at the racetrack. In 2022 Phillips Connect launched its Motorsports program with White at the helm. What started as a three-month commitment led to a long-term partnership and a new business division with Top Fuel driver Justin Ashley and his team.

White’s work generated a 6,600% increase in impressions, a 6,100% increase in engagement and a 7,000% increase in clicks across all social media platforms. It also caught the attention of the largest fleets in North America, who soon became loyal customers.

White didn’t slow down. Phillips Connect’s sister company Phillips Industries, a 95-year-old powerhouse in the trucking industry, sold products ranging from electrical harnesses to air cables. But with no social engagement and stale branding, White saw the need for a brand makeover. Stepping up to elevate Phillips Industries’ image as she had done with Phillips Connect, White executed a major shift in the company’s marketing and brand image, remotivating its team and restoring its drive forward.

As a result, White was promoted to VP of marketing for both Phillips Industries and Phillips Connect, managing a team of 10 and continuing to push the boundaries of what’s “standard” in the trucking industry. On Feb. 26, 2023, Phillips announced a new business division called Phillips Innovations. White is now spearheading its marketing department, building the company from the ground up.

Congratulations to Amber White!

Director, Marketing

Applebee's Grill + Bar

Stefanie Zambelli serves up some satisfying marketing campaigns at Applebee’s

Zambelli headed up a cross-promotional campaign for Top Gun: Maverick and a new All You Can Eat campaign. She has been selected as one of the Brand Marketers honored in PR Daily’s Top Women in Marketing Awards.

Recently promoted to director of marketing at Applebee’s Grill + Bar, Stefanie Zambelli wears many hats. Her day-to-day work includes leading marketing efforts for brand campaigns, defining strategy for the brand marketing calendar, working across Applebee’s cross-functional teams, partnering with field marketing teams and more. She joined Applebee’s in 2021 after stints at Hard Rock and Darden Restaurants, which positioned her well for her current role.

Zambelli’s notable campaigns in 2022 included the Top Gun: Maverick program, in partnership with Paramount Studios and Fandango. She led efforts with Fandango that allowed guests to smoothly redeem free movie tickets when dining at Applebee’s. Their enhancements significantly improved the guest experience in a past program by making the process easy and enjoyable for the guest.

Zambelli worked on other brand campaigns that targeted guests through various activations. One was a new twist on the famous All You Can Eat campaign, featuring boneless wings with six different sauce flavors for the first time. The campaign was the strongest of the year, driving profitable sales and traffic. Zambelli was also involved in the return of Irresist-A-Bowls for a campaign featuring an innovative platform of six different bowls.

Her other campaigns in 2021 included the Sizzlin’ Skillet campaign, which highlighted new tasty skillet entrees over the holiday season, and Doin’ Good in the Neighborhood programs like Veterans Day, where Applebee’s provides free meals to those who have served and currently serve. Zambelli also supported the Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, which raises funds for childhood cancer research.

Zambelli was recognized at the Women’s Foodservice Forum as a 2023 Change Maker and has been recognized by colleagues for her dedication and performance. Passionate about the hospitality industry, she served for four years on the board of Skal Orlando, where she led and shaped the Young Skal program by introducing mentorship and scholarship programs.

Congratulations to Stephanie Zambelli!

Senior Director, Brand and Content, North America

Mars

Marissa Beck Viola’s innovative storytelling and cultural salience-building transforms iconic brands at Mars Wrigley

Beck Viola, the senior director of brand and content at Mars Wrigley, has earned recognition as an honoree in the Content Marketer category for PR Daily’s Top Women in Marketing Awards. Her remarkable work in evolving some of the world’s most iconic brands at the leading global confectionary manufacturer has established her as a visionary in cultural salience-building marketing.

Marissa Beck Viola’s bold approach to omni-channel storytelling and her dedication to creating new connection points for the next generations of consumers have positioned her at the forefront of the industry. Three standout examples of her work from this year demonstrate her exceptional impact.

First, M&M’S introduced the world to Purple, a peanut-shaped female spokescandy that celebrated uniqueness and purpose. Beck Viola and her team executed a comprehensive digital and earned media relations campaign, anchored by engaging video content. Purple’s introduction generated more than 120 million social media impressions within the first 24 hours, along with over 9 billion global media impressions. This initiative led to double-digit sales growth year-over-year and cemented M&M’S as Gen Z’s favorite CPG brand, as recognized by Morning Consult.

Next, SNICKERS continued its successful Rookie Mistake of the Year campaign, emphasizing the brand’s core message: “You’re not you when you’re hungry.” This integrated program spanned the NFL season, featuring rookie hunger-related mistakes, and engaged consumers through TV, online video, social media, and in-store activations. Beck Viola’s campaign achieved a nearly 50% increase in social media entries, garnered over 1.5 billion earned media impressions, and resulted in more than 24,000 QR code scans on packaging, ultimately boosting sales for the brand.

Lastly, SKITTLES undertook a significant challenge by bringing back its lime flavor after a nine-year hiatus. Beck Viola orchestrated an apology tour that began with a live press conference and continued across various platforms, including Twitter, Times Square billboards, and a post listing every consumer who had complained. The campaign generated over five million streaming minutes on Twitch, a 1,000% increase in searches for Lime SKITTLES, 27 million media impressions, and double-digit sales growth. This campaign earned two Gold Cannes Lions awards.

A sweet round of applause to Marissa Beck Viola!

Strategic Marketing Leader

Owens Corning

Sue Burkett is revolutionizing roofing marketing with a female-centric approach at Owens Corning

Burkett, strategic marketing leader at Owens Corning, is an honoree in the Content Marketer category for PR Daily’s Top Women in Marketing Awards. With over 40 years of experience in the building materials industry, Sue Burkett’s passion and determination have reshaped the roofing market, giving female consumers a more prominent and confident voice in their roofing buying decisions.

In an industry where options for homeowners once felt joyless, Sue Burkett recognized the unique needs of female consumers in making roofing choices. She understood that men and women approach roofing decisions differently, with the home being a place of deep emotion and shelter. Burkett’s persistence and innovative marketing content and programs inspired Owens Corning Roofing to embark on a transformative journey focused on women.

Under Burkett’s leadership, Owens Corning introduced colorful shingle formulations with evocative names like Merlot, Aged Copper, Pacific Wave, Black Sable, and Bourbon, appealing to the mental visual imagery of color. They also created exterior style boards to showcase how these bold colors can harmonize with other elements of a home’s exterior. Her pioneering efforts challenged the status quo in a male-dominated industry, as marketing to a female audience was not the norm. She made it her mission to revolutionize the roofing industry, positioning roofing as a design element rather than a mere building material.

One of Burkett’s brainchildren, the Shingle Color of the Year, has become a staple in every roofing season. The 2023 Shingle Color of the Year, Midnight Plum, is Owens Corning’s new and unique purple shingle, already earning praise from contractors and homeowners alike. Sue’s efforts have resonated deeply with female homeowners, earning her messages of gratitude for “listening to what women want.”

Burkett’s influence extends beyond Owens Corning, as her work has garnered the Women’s Choice Award for six consecutive years. This prestigious award recognizes Owens Corning as America’s Most Recommended roofing products, based on a national unaided survey where American women select brands they highly recommend.

Congratulations to Sue Burkett for this well-deserved honor!

Executive Vice President, Marketing and Publicity

Hulu

Barrie Gruner’s vision and dedication catapults Hulu with record-breaking numbers

Gruner, executive vice president of marketing and publicity for Hulu has earned recognition as an honoree in the Content Marketer category for PR Daily’s Top Women in Marketing Awards, thanks to her exceptional achievements over the past year. Gruner has led the marketing campaigns for some of Hulu’s most talked-about and award-winning shows, solidifying Hulu’s position as a streaming powerhouse.

In her role, Barrie Gruner holds the reins for marketing strategy, creativity, events, media, social engagement, and publicity/communications for all Hulu series. Under her leadership, Hulu’s have achieved remarkable success, setting new records in the streaming industry.

One standout example of Gruner’s expertise is her work with the critically acclaimed “Only Murders in the Building.” Leveraging innovative tactics like TikTok Branded Effect, Digital Ambient Rooms, and a pop-up museum activation, Gruner’s team celebrated the series and deepened fan engagement, resulting in “Only Murders in the Building” becoming the most-watched comedy in Hulu’s history.

The launch of “The Kardashians” on Hulu also witnessed tremendous success, thanks to Gruner’s robust marketing and social campaigns. The show became the most-watched unscripted series and had the most-watched premiere in Hulu’s history. Highlights included impactful social media units, custom content, extensive out-of-home advertising, immersive press events, and influencer experiences. @KardashiansHulu gained one million followers on Twitter in just 48 hours, achieving the largest social footprint of any Hulu launch.

Barrie Gruner’s innovative campaign for “God Forbid: The Sex Scandal That Brought Down A Dynasty” targeted diverse audiences, leading to it becoming Hulu’s most-watched documentary film ever. The campaign highlighted the intersection of a scandalous affair with political undertones, generating significant press interest across multiple outlets.

For the promotion of “The Handmaid’s Tale” season five, Gruner’s team made history by becoming TikTok’s first advertiser in North America to run a paid ad using the newly launched Story Selection Ad.

This innovative approach led to a 268% increase in average engagement, demonstrating Gruner’s ability to leverage emerging technologies for success.

A huge round of applause to Barrie Gruner for all her hard work!

Americas Head of Brand and Media

EY

Lainey Johnson’s innovative content partnerships and marketing expertise elevate EY Americas’ brand consideration

Johnson, the visionary leader overseeing brand, paid media & signature programs for EY Americas, is an honoree in the Content Marketer category for PR Daily’s Top Women in Marketing Awards. With her remarkable achievements in the past year, she has been recognized for her exceptional contributions to transforming brand consideration through innovative content partnerships and marketing strategies.

Lainey Johnson’s impact is felt significantly in the industry, where she manages marketing investments exceeding $30 million annually. One remarkable example of her expertise is the creation of “Real Time Insights,” a groundbreaking series of 90-second news-segment-style episodes. These episodes, hosted by CNBC’s Caroline Woods from a custom-built EY branded set at CNBC’s Headquarters, feature EY thought leaders and strategic partners. The series has seamlessly integrated into news programming, demonstrating EY’s expertise while boosting brand consideration. The results are impressive, with 57.1K page views, 34.1K video views, and 11.5 video plays at an astonishing 180% over the benchmark.

Additionally, Johnson spearheads “Leadership in Action,” a master class series in collaboration with the Wall Street Journal, featuring prominent CEOs discussing decisive moments in their companies. The series not only resonates strongly with EY’s target audience but also demonstrates impressive engagement statistics, with users spending over 4x above benchmark engaging with the content.

Johnson also introduced “Real Time Business – Financial Services Edition” in partnership with Reuters, aiming to humanize EY and shed light on the financial services industry. The program featured 10 digital videos and audio cut-downs that garnered exceptional engagement, surpassing Reuters’ overall benchmarks with 544K LinkedIn video views and 12.4M audio listens.

Beyond her outstanding work at EY, Johnson is a dedicated educator, serving as an instructor at the University of Florida. Her innovative “Agency Essentials” class prepares students for advertising agency life and operations.

Kudos to Lainey Johnson!

Assistant Vice President - Marketing and Communications

Cambridge Investment Research, Inc.

Sarah Ledger’s expertise in crafting compelling messages propels Cambridge Investment Research’s success

Ledger, assistant vice president of marketing and communications at Cambridge Investment Research, Inc., has earned recognition as an honoree in the Content Marketer category for PR Daily’s Top Women in Marketing Awards. Her leadership and innovative communication strategies have played a pivotal role in driving the success of Cambridge Investment Research.

In her role, Sarah Ledger wears many hats, managing a wide array of marketing programs and campaigns while excelling in strategic planning, creative development, media planning, and integrated marketing initiatives. She leads the charge in shaping Cambridge’s communication efforts, refining internal and external messaging for financial professionals and associates, and providing invaluable executive-level messaging support.

Ledger’s outstanding ability to craft messages that resonate with diverse audiences, coupled with her talent for leveraging various communication channels and platforms, has significantly increased awareness, engagement, and support for Cambridge Investment Research.

Over the past year, she has executed several internal and external marketing and communication campaigns, each delivering noteworthy results. Among her notable accomplishments are her contributions to Cambridge’s Building Modernization project, where she effectively communicated progress updates and vital information regarding the firm’s home office facility transformation.

Furthermore, Ledger has been a driving force behind Cambridge’s digital transformation initiatives, ensuring that associates and advisors are well-informed about the latest technology offerings that empower financial advisors to better serve clients and grow their businesses.

Ledger’s prowess in executive messaging shines through her collaboration with Cambridge’s top leadership, including CEO Amy Webber and Founder Eric Schwartz. She masterfully crafts impactful talking points that resonate with audiences and are delivered at key events such as FSI OneVoice and Ignite, Cambridge’s annual national conference.

Ledger’s contributions extend to her role in assisting Cambridge executives and advisors in securing industry awards and recognition. Her efforts have supported awards such as the InvestmentNews Lifetime Achievement Award for Amy Webber, CEO of the Year recognition for Amy Webber on Wealthmanagement.com, and CMO of the Year recognition for Jeff Vivacqua, among others.

Furthermore, she plays a pivotal role in organizing Cambridge’s monthly Town Hall meetings, where leaders across the organization discuss critical updates and developments, ensuring that associates are well-informed and engaged.

Congrats to Sarah Ledger!

Partner Marketing Manager

RepairPal

Sheila Sarkozi champions content excellence in marketing at RapairPal

Sarkozi Sarkozi, RepairPal’s partner marketing manager, has clinched recognition in the Content Marketer category for PR Daily’s Top Women in Marketing Awards for her outstanding achievements in the last year. Sarkozi’s dedication to innovative content creation, digital prowess, and strategic marketing initiatives has significantly elevated RepairPal’s industry presence.

In the past 12 months, Sheila Sarkozi’s strategic prowess shone brightly as she orchestrated multiple award submissions on behalf of RepairPal, resulting in well-deserved victories, including the Motor Magazine Award and Women in Auto Care’s Impact Award, recognizing the chief revenue officer’s contributions. Additionally, RepairPal secured the Auto Care Association/Women in Auto Care Award for Best Consumer Website.

Sarkozi’s relentless commitment to content creation is nothing short of remarkable. She established three blog sites for RepairPal, catering to shops, partners, and dealers, meticulously curating and managing the content for the partner website. To address a crucial need, Sarkozi authored a staggering 50 articles on tire-related topics for RepairPal’s consumer website.

In addition to her prolific content creation, Sarkozi is a press release virtuoso, launching a minimum of two press releases each month for RepairPal. She pioneered “Wrenching Women Wednesdays,” a celebrated blog series highlighting women in the automotive industry, spotlighting RepairPal Car Geniuses and other accomplished women. Beyond her writing talents, Sarkozi actively engages with industry organizations like Women in Auto Care and YANG (Young Auto Care Network Group), contributing significantly to RepairPal’s industry network and influence.

The marketing manager’s contributions extend to managing RepairPal’s social media platforms, where her inventive March social media series for Women’s History Month celebrates remarkable women in the automotive industry.

Sarkozi’s journey began in the automotive aftermarket industry in 2014, and her ascent through various management roles in marketing, training, distribution, e-commerce sales, and quality underscores her dedication to excellence. In 2022, she joined RepairPal as Marketing Manager of Partnerships, and in 2023, she assumed the role of a volunteer social media champion at Women in Auto Care.

Kudos to all your success, Sheila Sarkozi!

Senior Creative Director

Merrell

Kelly Warkentien’s creative excellence drives Merrell’s content marketing success

Warkentien, senior creative director at Merrell, is an honoree in the Content Marketer category for PR Daily’s Top Women in Marketing Awards, recognizing her remarkable achievements in transforming Merrell’s creative direction and elevating the brand to new heights.

With over two decades of experience in leading creative agencies and working with prominent brands, including The North Face, Netflix, and Urban Remedy, Kelly Warkentien brought a wealth of knowledge and innovation to her role at Merrell.

Warkentien initiated a creative revolution by establishing an internal creative agency and studio, strategically assembling a diverse team of graphic designers, videographers, photographers, copywriters, and more. This internal agency adopted an agile marketing production approach, allowing Merrell to maintain nimbleness in its creative production process.

One of her most significant contributions was the development of global brand design standards, catapulting the 40-year-old Merrell brand into a modern, inclusive, and style-relevant domain. These standards have been seamlessly integrated into the consumer journey, bridging the online and in-store experience.

Furthermore, Warkentien spearheaded the creation of an in-house photography studio within Merrell’s offices. Recognizing the potential of an underutilized space, she transformed it into a dynamic photography and recording studio, enabling the rapid production of content, including holiday campaigns and product page imagery.

Under Warkentien’s creative direction, Merrell has launched over seven global campaigns, including notable releases like “Moab On,” “More Less,” and “Same is Boring.” “More Less,” crafted by an all-female-led team, resonated deeply with consumers by addressing the complexities of self-care in a relatable and authentic manner.

Warkentien’s dedication to crafting emotionally compelling narratives and her keen eye for production have led to record-breaking brand performance and widespread industry recognition. Her pivotal role in Merrell’s evolution earned the brand the titles of “Brand of the Year” by Footwear News in November 2022 and “2023 Outdoor Brand of the Year” by Footwear Plus.

Warkentien’s innovative leadership has not only reestablished Merrell’s dominance in hiking but has also propelled the brand towards innovation and leadership in running and lifestyle, ensuring Merrell’s continued success for the next 40 years. Her visionary approach to creative direction has set a new standard in the industry, making her a deserving recipient of this prestigious award.

A round of applause for Kelly Warkentien!

Executive Vice President, Marketing Strategy, ABC & General Entertainment

The Walt Disney Company

Erin Weir’s forward-thinking marketing strategies drive ABC and Disney Television Studios to success

Weir, executive vice president of marketing strategy for ABC and General Entertainment at The Walt Disney Company, has been celebrated as an honoree in the Content Marketer category for PR Daily’s Top Women in Marketing Award. This recognition acknowledges her exceptional leadership in crafting innovative marketing strategies that have transformed ABC and Disney Television Studios.

In her role, Erin Weir leads teams responsible for campaign planning and strategy, experiential marketing, digital initiatives, and owned assets for a broad spectrum of Disney properties, including ABC Entertainment, ABC News, Syndication, and Disney Television Studios, comprising 20th Television, 20th Television Animation, and ABC Signature.

Under Weir’s guidance, marketing campaigns have been redefined, placing a strong emphasis on content richness and a commitment to engaging audiences across multiple platforms. These campaigns are meticulously tailored to the unique preferences of each show’s audience, ultimately striving to meet viewers wherever they choose to engage.

The results of her innovative strategies have been nothing short of remarkable. ABC Entertainment has reclaimed its title as the No.1 entertainment network among Adults 18-49 for three consecutive seasons — an achievement not seen in 25 years — and currently maintains its No.1 position for a fourth season running.

Meanwhile, ABC News has achieved 41 News and Documentary Emmy nominations, the most in over five decades for the brand. Shows such as “World News Tonight with David Muir” and “Good Morning America” have solidified their status as the most-watched evening and morning news programs in the country.

Weir’s influence extends to Disney Television Studios, where her strategic prowess has garnered the studio a remarkable 63 Emmy nominations and 12 wins, along with 15 Golden Globe nominations and four wins, all within the past year.

Her recent campaigns exemplify her commitment to socially impactful marketing, fan engagement, and cultural celebration. From a heartwarming campaign for “Abbott Elementary” to the electrifying finale of The Bachelor and a poignant celebration of black-ish’s cultural legacy, Weir’s leadership continues to push the boundaries of marketing excellence.

Variety has recognized Weir in their 2022 Brand Impact Report for her innovative leadership and content-first business approach, solidifying her reputation as a trailblazer in the world of marketing.

Congrats to Erin Weir, an undeniable top woman in marketing!

Global Vice President of Growth Marketing

Ivanti

Leslie Alore brings enduring value to Ivanti through transformative efforts

Alore, global vice president of growth marketing at Ivanti, uses her pioneering leadership and strategic approach to transform the organization’s marketing efforts, resulting in remarkable pipeline and revenue growth. For her efforts, she has been honored with PR Daily’s Top Women in Marketing Award in the Data/Analytics Leader category.

Leslie Alore excels in identifying and cultivating growth opportunities while staying attuned to industry trends, propelling the organization towards success at Ivanti. A pivotal aspect of her role is overseeing the development of a state-of-the-art, scalable precision demand marketing engine. This engine is designed not only to capture and stimulate demand but also to translate it into tangible pipeline, bookings and revenue growth. Alore’s leadership has been instrumental in shaping a comprehensive marketing strategy that consistently drives impactful outcomes. Her success emanates from her mastery of both traditional and modern marketing techniques, coupled with a leadership philosophy that prioritizes collaborative, performance-driven teams who consistently analyze, measure and optimize their efforts.

Alore’s precision demand marketing methodology, aligned with Ivanti’s Account-Based Experience (ABX) strategy, has proven immensely successful in bolstering the company’s pipeline and revenue growth targets, all while enhancing customer experiences. By employing meticulous segmentation based on firmographic and personal criteria and harnessing propensity-to-sell and purchase-intent data, Ivanti tailors compelling customer experiences. This personalized approach, executed through an integrated Martech stack, spans multiple channels and touchpoints, offering sellers in the field personalized assets.

Under Alore’s guidance, her team’s approach has propelled new pipeline creation by 49% and bookings by 55%, a significant increase from 33% and 27% respectively, just two years prior. This data-driven shift has not only fostered a stronger collaboration between marketing and sales but has also led to an enhanced overall go-to-market effectiveness and customer experience. Alore’s innovative methodology highlights the power of data-driven insights in understanding and engaging potential customers effectively.

Alore’s achievements haven’t gone unnoticed. In 2022, she was lauded as an ‘MVP’ at Ivanti’s Presidents Club, named a B2B Innovator of the Year by Demand Gen Report, and received the CRN Women of the Channel award. These accolades testify to Leslie’s remarkable leadership and strategic acumen.

Congratulations, Leslie Alore, on this well-deserved recognition!

CMO

Verisk

Melissa Hendricks’ dedication and vision reshape marketing paradigms at Verisk

For her visionary leadership and strategic initiatives that reshaped Verisk’s brand identity and market perception, this CMO has received PR Daily’s Top Women in Marketing Award in the Data/Analytics Leader category.

Marketing veteran Melissa Hendricks has achieved an outstanding feat in the field, transforming Verisk’s marketing department from a secondary division into a pivotal business partner. Verisk, originally established as a nonprofit with an emphasis on collaboration, has now grown into a publicly traded company with a market cap of $28 billion. However, the complexity of its multiple brands obscured the comprehensive value it offers in the insurance ecosystem, hampering client recognition and internal cohesion.

Recognizing the challenge, Hendricks embarked on a transformative journey over the past three years. Grounded in insights from a comprehensive brand valuation study, she championed consolidating over a dozen brands under the unified banner of “Verisk” as the Master brand. This strategic move not only streamlined the brand identity but also provided a resonant purpose for both clients and employees, enhancing Verisk’s market standing.

In the past year alone, Hendricks orchestrated a series of impactful measures to highlight the business advantages of this streamlined approach. Her leadership led to implementing state-of-the-art event strategies, a data-centric culture, and innovative marketing techniques such as account-based marketing and demand generation initiatives. This integrated approach catalyzed heightened market awareness and comprehension of Verisk’s offerings, reshaping its image into that of an agile and indispensable business ally for clients.

Moreover, Hendricks’ prowess extended to internal branding and employee engagement. In a year marked by critical employee retention needs, she translated Verisk’s new purpose, vision and values into tangible experiences for the workforce. From strategic leadership communication to fostering a flexible work culture, her initiatives reinvigorated employees’ connection to the brand. The outcome was a remarkable shift, with the percentage of U.S. employees understanding the company’s vision rising from 56% to nearly 80%.

Hendricks’ outstanding achievements have not only bolstered Verisk’s reputation but also positioned her as a beacon of innovation and leadership in the marketing arena. Her transformational strategies and relentless pursuit of brand alignment have redefined Verisk’s role in the insurance sector and beyond.

Congratulations, Melissa Hendricks!

Vice President of Marketing Data Platforms and Analytics

Providence

How Melissa Watson has made a transformative impact on healthcare marketing at Providence

Recognized for her instrumental role in transforming healthcare marketing through data-driven strategies, Melissa Watson, vice president of marketing platforms & analytics at Providence, secures PR Daily’s Top Women in Marketing Award in the Data/Analytics Leader category.

Melissa Watson’s responsibilities at Providence encompass various functional domains, including marketing data engineering, customer relationship management and automation, marketing operations, digital and consumer analytics, and personalization. Under her guidance, her team has successfully merged patient health diagnostics, financial insights, and online interactions, culminating in a comprehensive 360-degree perspective of consumers. This has resulted in the development of the Providence Marketing Consumer Data Platform, a pivotal tool for crafting personalized healthcare journeys through targeted and relevant communications.

Facing the challenge of disparate patient data silos in an increasingly complex marketing landscape, Watson and her team conceptualized the Providence Marketing CDP, integrating data from diverse sources to standardize and enhance patient identities. This innovation has paved the way for identity resolution, connecting patient interactions across various touchpoints and platforms, all within a secure, HIPAA-compliant environment, empowering personalized digital marketing initiatives.

The transformative impact of Watson’s initiatives has been profound. Utilizing clinical propensity models, Providence identifies and engages consumers in need of high-margin acute care, aligning with the essence of effective marketing — delivering tailored messages at the opportune moment. This approach has yielded significant results, generating almost 1 million incremental clinical visits annually, amounting to 4% of the system’s overall visits. The marketing investment program has achieved an exceptional 12:1 return on investment, epitomizing Watson’s strategic acumen.

Beyond her technical prowess, Watson’s leadership style aligns impeccably with Providence’s core values of excellence, integrity, justice, dignity and compassion. She navigated her team through a multi-year infrastructure project, fostering engagement and innovation even during challenging times. Watson’s unwavering integrity, intelligence and resilience inspire her team, fostering a culture of excellence that resonates throughout the organization.

Watson’s leadership continues to elevate Providence’s mission of providing outstanding care to all while driving innovation and growth in the healthcare landscape.

Congratulations to Melissa Watson.

Chief Marketing Officer

MOLLI Surgical

Diana Chan blazes a trail to support women affected by breast cancer at MOLLI Surgical

Diana Chan, Chief Marketing Officer at MOLLI Surgical, has been honored with PR Daily’s Top Women in Marketing Award in the Product Marketer category, acknowledging her role in advancing efforts for MOLLI Surgical’s breast cancer precision surgery solution.

Navigating the intricacies of medical device marketing, Diana Chan must cater to both physicians shaping buying decisions and patients undergoing treatment. At MOLLI Surgical, this dual-audience approach is pivotal, and Chan’s adept strategies have effectively elevated the brand’s presence within both spheres.

Recognizing the importance of awareness within the breast cancer patient community, she pioneered initiatives like H.O.P.E. and Breast Practices to share resources and information for caregivers and patients alike. These programs engage and empower patients and caregivers. By collaborating with influential patient advocates and incorporating MOLLI into tools like the Breast Advocate App, Chan’s approach has reshaped patient engagement.

Similarly, Chan’s communication with physicians revolves around highlighting success stories and clinical use cases. By spotlighting instances where MOLLI shines, such as the patient-centric achievements of Dr. Rakhshanda Rahman, Dora Sanchez, CEO Ananth Ravi and Angela Alexander-Roper, Chan effectively bridges the gap between innovation and patient outcomes.

Chan’s efforts have garnered substantial recognition, with MOLLI securing a place among TIME’s “Best Inventions” and MOLLI Surgical earning recognition in Fast Company’s “Next Big Things in Tech” in 2022. Her patient-centric approach resonates through MOLLI Surgical’s product design and marketing strategy, ensuring that practicality and efficacy coexist with patient well-being.

Chan stands as the sole woman in MOLLI Surgical’s senior leadership. Her trailblazing leadership and dedication set a vital example for women in the industry. Beyond driving sales, Chan’s contributions are poised to leave a lasting impact on the medical device marketing landscape and breast cancer patient support, solidifying her as a deserving recipient of PR Daily’s Top Women in Marketing Award.

Congratulations to Diana Chan!

Vice President, Solutions Marketing

Ivanti

Corinna Fulton’s ‘business-to-human’ philosophy elevates Ivanti’

Fulton’s impressive two decades of wins in the software and technology sector has earned her recognition in PR Daily’s Top Women in Marketing Awards in the Product Marketer category. A driving force at Ivanti, she excels as a strategic leader steering the company’s enterprise IT and security solution portfolio toward unprecedented success.

Corinna Fulton seamlessly blends traditional techniques with astute insights into technical buying journeys. This unique combination empowers her to meticulously decipher customers’ challenges and pain points, crafting effective communications that address their needs. By tailoring comprehensive messaging that resonates with customers, prospects, channel partners and analysts, she has elevated Ivanti’s standing in the industry.

Under Fulton’s guidance, Ivanti has garnered a host of accolades, including recognition as a leader in the 2022 IDC MarketScape for UEM software and the Omdia Universe 2022 Enterprise Service Management report. A testament to her business-to-human approach, these achievements are anchored in a deep understanding of customer personas and market segments, enabling the creation of impactful messaging that sets Ivanti apart.

Notably, Fulton spearheaded Ivanti’s transition of existing customers to cloud solutions, orchestrating a 30-day plan in collaboration with cross-functional teams and partners. This accomplishment yielded remarkable results, with an elevated SaaS pipeline, bookings and recognition as leaders in Gartner Magic Quadrants.

Fulton’s strategic ingenuity was also showcased by creating a product release page that revolutionized customers’ interactions with Ivanti solutions. This user-friendly resource offers digestible information that bridges the gap in conveying technical subject matter to clients.

Her shift in messaging has elevated Ivanti’s market presence, emphasizing the value of the entire product portfolio rather than focusing on individual capabilities. By emphasizing overarching initiatives, this approach has resonated with customers and analysts alike, boosting Ivanti’s market positioning.

In light of her strategic prowess and significant contributions, Fulton’s ascent to PR Daily’s Top Women in Marketing Award is well-deserved.

Congratulations to Corinna Fulton!

Vice President Marketing/Communications

UPMC Health Plan

Rachelle Graham’s dedication to healthcare access shines in her work for UPMC Health Plan

Graham, vice president of marketing and communications at UPMC Health Plan, has been recognized as an exemplary marketing executive, earning a nod in PR Daily’s Top Women in Marketing Awards in the Product Marketer category. With a career spanning over 25 years in the managed healthcare sector, her strategic prowess and impactful leadership have propelled her to this recognition.

In her role at UPMC Health Plan, Rachelle Graham oversees a team of 150 professionals across 14 areas. Responsible for marketing and communications strategies for Medicare, Medicaid, CHIP and government lines of business, she also handles provider, network, and multicultural communications within the UPMC Health Plan Insurance Services realm. With her finger on the pulse of Pennsylvania’s population, Graham crafts information that resonates with Pennsylvanians, especially vulnerable communities, offering clear and transparent insights to help in healthcare decisions.

Under her guidance, the marketing and communications team clinched over 170 national and international awards in the Professional National Design and Health Care categories in 2022. Amidst the challenges posed by COVID-19, Graham’s team executed impactful campaigns, including SMS reminders for pediatric vaccines and bilingual informational fliers for community events. Her dedication shone through in deploying 21 provider newsletter articles, fostering telehealth adoption and mental health awareness.

Graham’s strategic acumen showed mostly clearly with the “UPMC for You” expansion into new zones in Pennsylvania. Her team’s holistic approach resulted in a campaign generating over 11 million impressions, effectively increasing brand recognition and membership across targeted areas.

Beyond her professional endeavors, Graham’s commitment to supporting women is evident through her involvement with the Women’s Leadership Council, a branch of the United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania. This dedication to social change underscores her community-oriented approach.

Congratulations to Rachelle Graham on her well-deserved recognition for all she does.

Director of Product Marketing

Adobe

Meagan Keane helps Adobe take Hollywood by storm

Keane, a marketing leader with 13 years of experience in the tech and entertainment sectors, has been bestowed with a PR Daily’s Top Women in Marketing Award in the Product Marketing category. With an impressive track record during her 11-year tenure as Adobe’s product marketing leader for video portfolios, Keane’s recognition underscores her impactful contributions.

At the helm of Adobe Video’s marketing endeavors at the Sundance Film Festival for the past 11 years, Meagan Keane’s strategic prowess secured Premiere Pro’s status as the festival’s most-used editing platform for the sixth consecutive year. This achievement also earned Premiere Pro the designation as the festival’s official editing platform, reinforcing Keane’s skill in driving Adobe’s presence in the entertainment realm.

Keane’s role as a public speaker at Sundance solidified her as one of the faces of Adobe, further amplifying brand recognition. Her many public-facing engagements include a live stream interview with the Sundance Festival director of programming, moderating a filmmaker panel, delivering opening remarks at key events and securing a Forbes quote on the future of filmmaking.

Her impact extends beyond Sundance. Keane’s acceptance speech for Adobe’s Century Award at The Advanced Imaging Society’s Lumiere Awards alongside luminaries like Baz Luhrmann and Guillermo del Toro showcased her presence on a global stage.

Keane’s strategic leadership has positioned Adobe Video at the forefront of Hollywood’s awards scene. Premier Pro and After Effects found their place in the spotlight at the 2023 Oscars, with multiple nominated and winning films harnessing Adobe’s creative tools. Similarly, her influence was palpable at the American Cinema Editors Eddie Awards, where multiple award-winning films utilized Premiere Pro for their editing needs.

The mastermind behind Adobe Video’s winning marketing strategies and promotional efforts, Keane played a pivotal role in securing editorial accolades such as TV Tech’s “Best of NAB Show 2022” award for Premiere Pro Auto Color. Her strategic imprint resonates across Adobe’s YouTube channel and integrates seamlessly with the brand’s wider marketing and social teams.

Keane’s mastery in product marketing, coupled with her deft communication skills, resonates as a beacon of excellence, culminating in her deserving recognition with the PR Daily’s Top Women in Marketing Award.

Congratulations to Meagan Keane!

Director of Social Media

Crumbl Cookies

Alejandra Caceres racks up fast growth for Crumbl Cookies social with a platform-first approach

Caceres, a pivotal force behind the brand’s expanding influence, has secured a place in PR Daily’s Top Women in Marketing Awards in the Social Media Marketer category. Her contributions as a leader in social media strategy have earned her recognition as a remarkable leader in the marketing realm.

Upon joining Crumbl Cookies, a quickly growing cookie bakery franchise, Alejandra Caceres inherited a brand propelled by its social media presence yet seeking direction for sustained growth. Her swift promotion to director of social media, just months after she joined the company, marked a turning point.

In a span of six months, Caceres masterminded growth of over 3.2 million new followers across platforms. These encompassed 14 social media accounts spanning nine platforms, including TikTok, Facebook, YouTube, and more. The domains extended to Crumbl Cookies, Crumbl Cookies Canada, and the newly acquired Crust Club.

Central to her success as director has been her innovative, platform-oriented approach. By tailoring content and interactions to suit distinct audiences and platform dynamics, Caceres brought efficiency and distinctiveness to Crumbl Cookies’ outreach. Whether inspiring, educating or promoting, each of the nine platforms now resonates more uniquely, fostering deeper engagement and higher sales.

Since January, Caceres has directed more than 15 collaborative social media campaigns. These initiatives, ranging from commemorating holidays to unveiling partnerships and special events, have connected with the target demographics. Her stewardship ensured seamless collaboration among teams, effectively resonating with audiences and invigorating enthusiasm.

“She not only has a great sense of how to grow our social accounts, she is a great leader and her teams loves the way she communicates, directs and inspires them to do great work,” said TJ Welsh, senior director of digital marketing at Crumbl Cookies. “She is reliable, honest with her feedback and cares deeply for the work she does.”

Caceres’s adeptness as a social media marketer and leader both within Crumbl Cookies and the broader industry is evident. Her capacity to drive campaigns, spearhead partnerships, and nurture empowered teams underscores her prowess. Her elevation to PR Daily’s Top Women in Marketing Award is a testament to her achievements and contributions to the field.

Congratulations to Alejandra Caceres!

Director, Social Media & Content

Discover The Palm Beaches

Beril Gutierrez helps people discover Palm Beach through powerful social content

Gutierrez has been honored with PR Daily’s Top Women in Marketing Award, acknowledging her achievements as director of social media at Discover The Palm Beaches in the Social Media Marketer category. Gutierrez’s strategies have significantly elevated the organization’s digital presence.

Since her promotion to director of social media in 2022, Beril Gutierrez has overseen content and community engagement across seven platforms for Discover The Palm Beaches. Her strategy led to a follower increase from 380,000 to 680,000, with Instagram growing from 59,000 to 217,000.

Gutierrez’s innovative approach led to Discover The Palm Beaches’ TikTok debut, making it one of the first destination marketing organizations (DMO) on the platform. This endeavor garnered over 100,000 dedicated followers, solidifying the county’s position as a trendsetter.

Introducing a social media videographer enabled Gutierrez to create all original content on YouTube and 40% on other platforms. Her impact extended across channels, with a 65% rise in TikTok followers, a 54% surge in Instagram followers, and a 6% growth in Facebook followers. Importantly, Facebook post engagement surged by 173% to 19 million, and Instagram post engagement rose by 68% to 1.5 million.

Gutierrez’s TikTok influence propelled Discover The Palm Beaches to become the most followed DMO page nationally. The organization’s Instagram also achieved the title of fastest-growing, and its Facebook engagement surpassed other Florida DMOs.

Gutierrez’s contributions encompassed content diversification, with in-house blog production constituting 60% of all content, resulting in a 53% increase in blog-related page views. The launch of the “Only in The Palm Beaches” YouTube series provided insights and influencer partnerships. The Palm Beaches Restaurant Month gained significant attention.

Through collaborations with the Palm Beach County Sports Commission, Gutierrez’s integrated marketing approach yielded 2 million social media impressions. Her commitment to diversity was evident, hosting a varied group of influencers, and enriching the organization’s outreach.

Gutierrez’s thought leadership was evident through impactful social media workshops, fostering partnerships. Lion Country Safari reported a remarkable 307% engagement increase after Gutierrez’s workshop.

Additionally, Gutierrez’s altruistic efforts earned her the Marketers Helping Marketers award from Crowdriff, recognizing her aid to over 60 destinations in launching their TikTok accounts.

Gutierrez’s achievements underscore innovative strategies, commitment to diversity, and dedication to advancing Discover The Palm Beaches in digital marketing.

Congratulations to Beril Gutierrez!

Vice President, Content & Social Media

Reshift Media

Reshift Media’s Jennifer McDonnell celebrates achievements for remarkable digital innovation

Jen McDonnell earns PR Daily’s Top Women in Marketing Award for in the Social Media Marketer category. McDonnell is a leader and forerunner in the social media space for scores of brands in various industries. Her efforts are a testament to her pioneering digital marketing excellence.

Reshift Media’s Jen McDonnell’s profound impact on reshaping the digital landscape and fostering extraordinary success for numerous brands is evident in her business acumen, which is well respected by industry peers and beyond.

McDonnell, vice president of social media and content at Reshift Media, has emerged as a true visionary and leader in the realm of social media innovation. With over two decades of experience, she has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to driving innovation, fostering client success, and mentoring her team to new heights.

McDonnell’s strategic skills are evidenced by her role as the “go-to” social strategist for more than 100 brands spanning diverse industries. Under her guidance, Reshift Media’s clients have achieved remarkable results over the past year. Two standout case studies underscore her ingenuity and creativity.

In collaboration with Dogtopia, North America’s fastest-growing pet franchise, McDonnell led the creation of a localized social media campaign, generating more than 37,000 content variations. This innovative approach, emphasizing authenticity while maintaining brand consistency, delivered an astonishing 18X ROI, generating over 100,000 customer leads and even earning a Smarties award for lead generation.

Similarly, McDonnell’s strategic prowess shone through in her partnership with M&M Food Market, Canada’s leading frozen food retailer. Her comprehensive social marketing strategy, incorporating diverse ad units and optimization objectives, achieved a remarkable ROI of 779%. McDonnell’s drive for innovation and adept utilization of emerging ad units underscores her mastery of the digital domain.

McDonnell’s accomplishments not only elevate Reshift Media but also exemplify her dedication to forging new paths in the digital marketing landscape. Her ability to drive transformative results, coupled with her mentorship and leadership, cements her as a beacon of innovation.

Congratulations to Jen McDonnell.

SVP, Head of Enterprise Social Media and Content Strategy

Citizens

Citizens’ Sharifah Niles-Lane elevates digital marketing and communications spaces as an inclusive leader

Sharifah Niles-Lane is an imaginative, thorough leader whose digital marketing and communications efforts earned her PR Daily’s Top Women in Marketing Award in the Social Media Marketer category.

Sharifah Niles-Lane is the SVP, head of enterprise social media and content strategy at Citizens. Her profound professional influence is evident in her over 18 years of expertise in digital marketing, social media, and crisis management. Niles-Lane’s commitment to excellence, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I), coupled with her visionary leadership, has propelled Citizens to unprecedented success. With three times increase in audience growth across all channels compared to the prior year and a remarkable leap in total engagement rate from 0.67% to 2.05% in 2022, she has elevated Citizens to the pinnacle of social media performance within the competitive landscape.

A trailblazer in innovation, Niles-Lane foresight has been instrumental in shaping Citizens’ digital strategies. Her advocacy of emerging channels like TikTok, her orchestration of social media activations for immersive experiences, and her leadership in venturing into the metaverse have propelled Citizens into uncharted territories, demonstrating her capacity to anticipate trends and capitalize on them.

Niles-Lane’s crisis management acumen has been pivotal in navigating unprecedented challenges, cementing her reputation as a decisive and strategic leader during critical inflection points. Her ability to guide Citizens through complex situations, including geopolitical conflicts and domestic unrest, underscores her invaluable contributions to brand reputation and resilience.

As the highest-ranking black woman leader within Citizens’ Enterprise Marketing Organization, Niles-Lane brings her cultural competency and communications expertise to the senior leadership table. Her insights influence enterprise initiatives, highlighting her commitment to driving meaningful change within the organization.

Beyond her professional triumphs, Niles-Lane’s commitment to DE&I, volunteerism, and community engagement shines. Serving on the board of directors for YWCA Boston, she actively promotes empowerment and the elimination of racism, solidifying her role as a beacon of inspiration and mentorship.

Congratulations to Sharifa Niles-Lane for this remarkable achievement.

Director, Social Media, Listings

Nasdaq

Nasdaq’s Alana Visconti triumphs as she drives the company forward delivering unprecedented social media success

Alana Visconti secures top honors in PR Daily’s Top Women in Marketing Award in the Social Media Marketer category for her relentless commitment to strategic innovation and transformative communication strategies has not only elevated Nasdaq’s brand presence but also carved a new standard in social media excellence.

At the helm of Nasdaq’s social media strategy as the social media director, Alana Visconti’s impact over the past year has been unparalleled. Leveraging her keen insights into evolving trends, she masterfully orchestrated a content production expansion by 64%, generating a staggering 4,300+ posts reaching a colossal 2 billion users. Moreover, her pursuit of meaningful connections led to 80% more engagements with stakeholders than the prior year, a testament to her expertise in fostering impactful relationships.

Visconti’s accomplishments extended to the Web3 technology domain, where she expertly positioned Nasdaq as a trailblazer. Notably, her ingenuity shone through when she orchestrated the historic bell ceremony hosted in the Metaverse, a milestone that stirred global conversations. Collaborating with partner agencies, Visconti’s efforts resulted in organic content reaching more than 5 million individuals surpassing benchmarks by a remarkable 367%. This success story’s reverberation was further magnified as Fast Company highlighted Nasdaq’s innovative strides.

Visconti’s prowess didn’t stop there. In a groundbreaking move, she led the launch of Nasdaq’s inaugural NFT collection, ingeniously incorporating Silicon Slopes 2022, a tech conference, into the narrative. The orchestrated social media rollout achieved an impressive 22 million impressions and garnered 15,000 engagements, propelling Nasdaq’s Instagram and Twitter content into the stratosphere of effectiveness.

Visconti’s strategic brilliance and execution ingenuity have set a new industry standard. Her accomplishments, from creating authentic connections to pioneering innovative campaigns, have not only resonated with audiences but have also solidified Nasdaq’s position as a global technology leader.

Congratulations to Alana Visconti on this well-earned recognition. Her contributions inspire the marketing world and underscore Nasdaq’s ongoing commitment to shaping the future of technology and finance through visionary marketing strategies.

Director, Social Media

Ivanti

Ivanti’s Jamie Whalen reshapes the company’s digital footprint to drive unparalleled success

Jamie Whalen is an outstanding leader in the social media space and has reshaped Ivanti’s digital presence with strategic efforts that resonate with audiences in profound ways. Her efforts secured her a deserving win in the Social Media Marketer category of PR Daily’s Top Women in Marketing Awards.

Jamie Whalen, director of social media at Ivanti, a global IT solutions company, has reshaped the company’s digital presence through her strategic acumen, which came to the forefront upon joining the organization. Whalen spearheaded a remarkable transformation of the company’s social media strategy, recognizing the potential to deepen engagement by focusing on what truly resonated with Ivanti’s audience. This humanistic approach led to remarkable growth and brand elevation.

Under Whalen’s guidance, Ivanti shifted its focus from external narratives to internal cohesion, embracing a holistic and integrated workflow that captures the essence of the organization. This shift was underscored by an empathetic “business-to-human” approach, a hallmark of Ivanti’s marketing strategies that Whalen has adeptly championed.

A highlight of Whalen’s leadership is the impressive growth of Ivanti’s social media following. In 2022 alone, the company’s followership expanded by nearly 16,000, reflecting the resonance of Whalen’s strategic vision.

Notable among Whalen’s accomplishments is her reformation of Ivanti’s social media approach into a four-pronged strategy. This overhaul ensured that each effort contributed to optimized engagement and retention. By crafting targeted content, Whalen achieved a remarkable 95% positive sentiment, well above industry standards. This strategic approach translated into tangible results, with a 20% increase in solution sales attributed to her custom UTM tracking codes.

Furthermore, Whalen’s innovation extended to fostering employee advocacy and brand ambassadorship, with participation rates soaring from 17% to a remarkable 75%, far surpassing industry benchmarks. Her visionary approach expanded Ivanti’s reach from 1.7 million to a staggering 86 million, equating to an earned media value of $2.6 million.

Through executive team social strategies and an influencer marketing program, Whalen amplified Ivanti’s brand perception and market presence, connecting with over 637 influencers and increasing the company’s share of voice from 0.7% to 45%.

Whalen’s leadership has transcended boundaries, transforming Ivanti’s social media landscape and generating tangible sales opportunities while fostering enthusiasm within the organization. Her commitment to creativity, collaboration and innovation has earned her this well-deserved recognition.

Congratulations to Jamie Whalen.

Global Head of Communications & Events

Samsung Electronics

Samsung’s Elizabeth Delhagen wins over audiences through a transformative and engaging global campaign

Elizabeth Delhagen went above and beyond to roll out an inaugural global cloud gaming platform, the Samsung Gaming Hub, which debuted in multi-faceted product launches. Delhagen and her team’s effective communications efforts won her PR Daily’s Top Women in Marketing Awards in the Team Leader category.

Elizabeth Delhagen is the global head of communications and events for Samsung’s Smart TV and Mobile Apps across Media, Gaming and Art. Her strategic prowess came to the forefront as she helmed the launch of Samsung Gaming Hub, a pioneering global cloud gaming platform, amidst a competitive $100 billion video game market.

In uncharted territory, her team’s meticulous planning and execution for the launch resulted in a staggering 670+ placements across premier gaming, tech, and consumer outlets, garnering an estimated 3.7 billion impressions. High-profile partnerships with industry giants like Microsoft Xbox, NVIDIA, and Amazon Luna, along with captivating influencer collaborations, including the likes of Conan O’Brien and Ninja, cemented the platform’s position as an industry leader.

The impact of Delhagen’s strategies extended beyond gaming, as her team effectively rebranded Samsung TV Plus and spotlighted underrepresented artists on Frame Art Store. Coverage in top-tier media outlets, such as Axios, Hollywood Reporter, and CNET, attested to the team’s prowess in shaping narratives and engaging diverse audiences.

The introduction of Samsung Wallet, designed to securely organize digital essentials, further showcased Delhagen’s expertise. Over 154 stories across leading outlets like Forbes, Business Insider, and Engadget underscored the successful evolution of the offering.

Delhagen’s team exceeded expectations, doubling their ambitious PR goals, and generating widespread interest and positive sentiment. While specific sales data remains undisclosed, the unequivocal success of Samsung’s initiatives has attracted new global partners for the future.

The Women in Marketing Award celebrates Delhagen’s remarkable leadership and Samsung’s commitment to innovation in the fields of technology, gaming, and art. Delhagen’s transformative ideas, executed with strategic precision, have elevated the company’s global profile and positioned it for continued success in the years to come.

Congratulations to Elizabeth Delhagen for this well-deserved accolade.

Regional Vice President, Marketing Communications

Trinity Health

Trinity Health’s Jane Crowley Griffin leads with humility and heart

Her exceptional leadership, dedication and transformative impact on the healthcare industry has earned her recognition in the Team Leader category of PR Daily’s Top Women in Marketing Awards.

The leadership qualities of the regional vice president of marketing and communications at Trinity Health, Jane Crowley Griffin, are exemplified by her remarkable ability to assemble and nurture high-performing teams. She leads with a unique blend of grace, humility, conviction, and heart, creating a workplace culture characterized by respect and inclusion. Her efforts have resulted in a 40% increase in diversity within her team, showcasing her commitment to promoting equity in her field.

Griffin’s strategic acumen and compassionate mentorship make Jane an indispensable figure at Trinity Health. She serves as both a strategic business partner and a dedicated career coach, offering guidance and inspiration to her colleagues. Griffin recognizes the power of collaboration and has successfully unified graphic designers across the healthcare system to form a Center of Expertise (COE) for brand and creative. Under her leadership, this COE has not only strengthened the organization’s brand identity but also reduced costs while maintaining high-quality standards.

Griffin’s impact extends beyond internal initiatives. She played a pivotal role in launching Trinity Health’s first-ever national marketing campaign, “We See All of You,” in 2023. Furthermore, she spearheaded the development of the “At Our Best” campaign for Loyola Medicine, demonstrating her ability to engage new prospects effectively.

In the face of healthcare challenges, Griffin’s strategic leadership has guided teams through complex transitions, fostering a more robust overall organization. She consistently brings people together, harnessing their collective talents to drive projects forward and align local initiatives with the national organization’s goals.

What truly sets Griffin apart is her unwavering commitment to her staff’s development and well-being. She dedicates significant time to mentorship, even amid busy schedules, hosting regular conversations, and holding “coffee talks” to understand her team members’ career aspirations. This approach has boosted retention rates and cultivated internal talent.

Griffin’s influence reverberates throughout Trinity Health, positively impacting promotions, projects, and people. Her ability to unite teams under a shared vision is nothing short of inspiring. Griffin’s remarkable leadership and transformative impact on the healthcare marketing landscape make her a deserving recipient of this honor.

Congratulations to Jane Crowley Griffin for this well-deserved honor.

Senior Vice President, Marketing

Magellan Health

Visionary Marnie Mitchell Keogh of Magellan Health leads with integrity and compassion in business

Keogh is an exemplary role model and leader who shows character and diligence with her at Magellan Health. Her guidance for direct reports around significant business changes and transitions earned her PR Daily’s Top Women in Marketing Award for the Team Leader category.

In a landscape where leadership defines excellence, Marnie Mitchell Keogh, senior vice president of Marketing at Magellan Health, emerges as a true embodiment of a leader. This accolade-rich professional has not only met but exceeded the Oxford Dictionary’s definition of a leader, showcasing unwavering strength, empathy, and dedication in a year of monumental challenges and transformation.

Over the past 12 months, Keogh has expertly navigated Magellan Health through significant changes stemming from a 2021 acquisition, divestments, and business reorganization. Leading a dynamic team of 15 professionals responsible for sales, marketing, and design production across four business lines, she has demonstrated exceptional leadership that goes beyond the norm.

In 2022, Keogh successfully steered the rollout of Magellan’s groundbreaking total wellbeing program, eMbrace. Her leadership was pivotal in the creation of more than 20 pieces of sales, client, and member collateral, as well as a new website. The associated advertising campaign witnessed an astonishing 2,637% increase in website pageviews during its five-month flight.

Under Keogh’s strategic guidance, lead generation emails for the Employer and Health Plan segments underwent an overhaul, yielding remarkable results. The open rate soared by over 5%, and the click-through rate witnessed an impressive increase of more than 2% between 2021 and 2022.

Recognizing her relentless commitment to driving organizational and operational excellence, Keogh was promoted to senior vice president of marketing in September 2022. This move echoed the profound impact she has had on Magellan’s growth and development.

Keogh’s ability to inspire her team to deliver impactful work, coupled with her visionary approach, has created an environment where excellence thrives. Her steadfast belief in her team’s potential, coupled with unwavering support, continues to drive them to produce high-quality work and excel in their roles.

Congratulations to Marnie Mitchell Keogh for her outstanding accomplishments and dedication to excellence.

CMO & GTM Strategy

Telesign

Kristi Melani’s leadership at Telesign focuses on mentorship and employee empowerment

Melani’s exceptional contributions to transforming Telesign’s marketing organization and brand, her commitment to employee empowerment, and her dedication to mentorship have earned her recognition in the Team Leader category of PR Daily’s Top Women in Marketing Awards.

In her first year at Telesign, Kristi Melani, the chief marketing officer and go-to-market strategy lead, orchestrated a remarkable turnaround by rapidly expanding the marketing team from single digits to nearly 58 members. During this time of significant company growth and transformation, she and her team tackled the complex task of revamping Telesign’s internal and external communications. Their mission was clear: to humanize the messaging, emphasizing that Telesign’s solutions cater to people’s needs, not just machines. This strategic shift ensured that sales communications centered around addressing the human element behind the technology.

Under Melani ‘s purview, Telesign’s messaging evolved to create an emotional connection with customers, highlighting the company’s role in delivering certainty and security in the realm of fraud prevention and messaging services. This approach resonated with customers, who now understand Telesign’s dedication to protecting them around the clock.

Melani’s efforts extended beyond rebranding; she played a pivotal role in establishing Telesign as a thought leader in trust, both internally and externally. Her contributions have not only defined a new era for Telesign but have also empowered employees to naturally advocate for the brand and its positive impact in the digital world.

Additionally, her commitment to fostering an inclusive workplace is evident through her instrumental role in creating Telesign’s Employee Ambassador Council and Women @ Telesign Employee Resource Group. These initiatives promote employee engagement, diversity, equity, and inclusion, further solidifying Telesign’s unique culture.

Melani’s leadership philosophy places a strong emphasis on mentorship, both within and outside Telesign. Her involvement in mentoring mid-level managers through the Women Unlimited LEAD program demonstrates her dedication to supporting women’s leadership development and empowering them to rise to higher levels of leadership.

Melani’s leadership in transforming Telesign’s marketing organization, her commitment to creating an inclusive workplace, and her dedication to mentorship make her deserving of Ragan Top Women in Marketing Award.

Congratulations to Kristi Melani for this well-deserved honor.

Chief Marketing Officer, Display Division

Samsung Electronics America

Samsung’s Sukhmani Mohta work earned the electronic brand the No.1 market share

Mohta’s collaborative vision for expanding into new business verticals earned her a Team Leader Award at PR Daily’s Top Women in Marketing Awards.

Over the past year, Sukhmani Mohta, the chief marketing officer for Samsung Electronics America’s Display division, has revolutionized the company’s channel business, spearheading initiatives that have not only met but exceeded expectations. She introduced a groundbreaking channel program that provided marketing investments to channel partners, resulting in the development of joint marketing campaigns with specific, goal-driven objectives. The outcomes of these campaigns not only benefited Samsung but also propelled channel partners to surpass their targets. Notably, she secured a threefold increase in marketing investment for a critical category, driving Samsung to secure the coveted No.1 market share.

Mohta’s vision for Samsung’s channel business revolves around substantial revenue growth by expanding into new verticals through increased investments and resources for partners. Collaborative co-marketing efforts with channel partners will be the driving force behind this expansion.

Mohta’s commitment to improving the channel partner experience led to overhauling Samsung’s technology platform for delivering channel programs, streamlining operations and making it more partner-friendly.

As a marketing luminary, Mohta devised a strategy that delivered top-notch training and webinar resources to channel partners, with more than 90% positive sentiment from recipients. She also masterminded the relaunch of Samsung’s executive briefing centers, enhancing channel partner engagement and increasing utilization by more than 40%.

“Sukhmani and her team have been a tremendous partner of ours since we began the partnership and they have helped us tell the story of our ballpark transformation to align with the mission and objectives of both the Mets and Samsung,” said the New York Mets.

Congratulations to Sukhmani Mohta for her remarkable achievements. Her strategic brilliance and unwavering dedication continue to set a shining example for women in the marketing industry.

Chief Marketing Officer

Virgin Pulse

Virgin Pulse’s Erica Morgenstern led a comprehensive brand refresh with new values and a purpose-driven ethos

Morgenstern’s ability to redefine the marketing function with a focus on quality and mission earned her a Team Leader Award at PR Daily’s Top Women in Marketing Awards.

Erica Morgenstern, the chief marketing officer at Virgin Pulse, has made outstanding contributions to the global health and wellbeing company over the past year.

In late 2021, Morgenstern took the helm of Virgin Pulse, embarking on a transformative journey to align the company with evolving market demands and a rapidly changing corporate landscape. Her visionary leadership and unwavering dedication have culminated in a series of remarkable achievements.

Under Morgenstern’s guidance, Virgin Pulse underwent a comprehensive brand refresh, resulting in a 400% increase in website and email engagement and a remarkable 266% surge in average time spent on the international website. This swift rebranding encompassed over 6,000 materials, aligning the company with its purpose-driven ethos through new brand values, voice, and visuals.

Morgenstern’s initiatives also significantly bolstered the company’s external visibility, with numerous published articles in esteemed publications like Business Insider, Forbes, and Harvard Business Review along with multiple award wins including Fast Company’s prestigious “Brands that Matter” recognition.

Recognizing the need to expand beyond the top of the funnel, Morgenstern redefined marketing’s role, emphasizing Intelligent Qualified Accounts (IQAs) and conversions. She established client and partner marketing functions to bolster expansion and renewal efforts, ultimately driving remarkable growth.

Quality became paramount under Morgenstern’s leadership, resulting in a 30% reduction in marketing email volume but a 23% increase in content engagement. Her efforts also yielded substantial international database growth, with increases of 35% in English, 35% in German, and a staggering 51% in French.

Morgenstern ‘s influence extended to orchestrating the successful Thrive Summit, a conference attended by over 1,200 individuals, achieving double-digit Annual Recurring Revenue growth and fostering stronger sales, marketing, and customer relationships.

Furthermore, she masterfully restructured the marketing team, overcoming numerous challenges to create a more cohesive, collaborative, and effective unit, resulting in increased revenue and industry recognition for Virgin Pulse.

Erica Morgenstern’s boundless energy, strategic acumen, and creative prowess have left an indelible mark on Virgin Pulse. Congratulations.

President & Global Chief Marketing Officer

Bacardi - PATRÓN Tequila & Grey Goose Vodka

Bacardi’s Kathy Parker turned PATRÓN into the biggest tequila brand in the world

Parker’s ability to cultivate deep love through memorable brand experiences propelled the tequila brand to the top, earning her a Team Leader Award at PR Daily’s Top Women in Marketing Awards.

Over the past two years, Kathy Parker, president and global chief marketing officer at Bacardi PATRÓN Tequila & Grey Goose Vodka, has masterfully transformed Grey Goose Vodka and PATRÓN Tequila from super-premium spirits into cultural sensations. Joining Bacardi after stellar careers at Diageo and Unilever, Parker became one of only three women in global leadership positions at Bacardi, where she shaped global strategy for both brands. Her responsibilities encompassed brand equity, architecture, positioning, integrated marketing, creative, media, experiential, and new product development, all underpinned by an entrepreneurial spirit, a penchant for disruption, collaboration and a results-driven leadership style.

One of Parker’s standout accomplishments was driving PATRÓN Tequila to the top of the super-premium tequila world, making it the No.1 brand globally. Her leadership was instrumental in launching PATRÓN EL ALTO, a prestigious addition to the portfolio. Against competitors, it garnered over four times the media coverage and impressions, sold out within two weeks, trended on Google, and drove growth across PATRÓN’s accounts. This campaign was hailed as the brand’s greatest marketing success.

Under Parker’s direction, Grey Goose continued to shine as the Official Spirits Partner of the 65th Grammy Awards for the second consecutive year. Through “Grey Goose x Grammys: Sound Sessions”, they achieved an impressive social reach of 264.4M+ impressions and sampled 43K+ Grey Goose cocktails at events. Her leadership resulted in 21 mentions in top-tier outlets like Billboard and Vogue.

Parker’s influence extends beyond her marketing prowess. She provides consumers with memorable brand experiences that foster deep love. Her mentorship at Bacardi motivates colleagues to grow within their careers. Parker is the embodiment of wisdom and expertise, all wrapped in a leadership style that exudes warmth and humor.

Congratulations to Kathy Parker, a recognition richly deserved for her outstanding contributions to the world of marketing and brand leadership.

Senior Director, Marketing and Communications

Ascension

Ascension’s Ashley Pollard helps the organization ascend through marketing and leadership

Her leadership in steering the organization’s marketing efforts have earned a nod in the Team Leader category of PR Daily’s Top Women in Marketing Awards.

Ashley Pollard, senior director of marketing and communications at Ascension, a prominent non-profit and Catholic health system with a substantial $2 billion brand, has made remarkable contributions and relentlessly pursued growth, even in the face of formidable healthcare challenges — propelling her to the forefront of her industry.

At Ascension, Pollard holds a pivotal role, overseeing marketing for numerous multi-million-dollar lines of business, exceeding $25 million in total. Her strategic counsel has been instrumental in capturing demand and expanding market share, cementing her position as a crucial figure in the organization’s success.

One of Pollard’s standout achievements has been her ability to leverage marketing research and consumer insights to fuel incremental growth for Ascension. She skillfully manages a team of marketing campaign leaders, responsible for devising and executing advertising and marketing campaigns that drive the organization’s objectives.

Notably, during a turbulent period in healthcare, Pollard orchestrated one of Ascension’s most impactful campaigns to date: the Dell Children’s Medical Center campaign. This multifaceted campaign included a brand campaign, competitive acquisition efforts, and support for a new hospital and medical office building. Pollard’s strategic acumen and effective leadership resulted in remarkable success, with key metrics experiencing exponential growth. Site traffic surged, with an almost 83% increase in users and an almost 85% increase in sessions since the campaign’s launch.

Under Pollard’s guidance, Ascension successfully implemented a significant system integration and CRM implementation, a feat of magnitude given the organization’s size. The CRM initiative, activated across all Ascension markets, has sent 70 million personalized emails to patients and consumers, transforming healthcare communication in an industry not known for the early adoption of digital innovations.

Pollard’s leadership style is defined by her infectious positivity and ‘can-do’ attitude. She leads by example, actively engaging with her team to tackle challenges and foster collaboration. Her emphasis on teamwork, respect, and adaptability has been instrumental in Ascension’s success.

Her innovative approaches, dedication to personalized healthcare communications, and unwavering commitment to growth and success have made her a trailblazer in the healthcare marketing industry, making her a deserving awardee.

Congratulations to Ashley Pollard for this well-deserved honor.

Chief Marketing Officer

Masonite

Masonite’s Jennifer Renaud built an industry-leading marketing team from the ground up

Renaud’s success at navigating a male-dominated manufacturing space, challenging the status quo, while building relationships and culture earned her a Team Leader Award at PR Daily’s Top Women in Marketing Awards.

Jennifer Renaud, the chief marketing officer at Masonite, stands out as a team leader who not only challenges the status quo but also fosters a culture of celebration and accountability. Her unique approach encourages her team to regularly update their resumes, not as a signal to depart but as a means to acknowledge their achievements. Her style of challenging the status quo and inspiring her team to think big has been instrumental in Masonite’s ascent.

Under Renaud’s pioneering leadership, Masonite, a century-old building products manufacturer, has undergone a remarkable transformation. She fearlessly navigated a traditionally male-dominated industry, assembling a marketing team from the ground up. Her team’s accomplishments in revitalizing the brand of a commodity product like doors are a testament to her visionary leadership.

Liz Risoldi, SVP of Public Relations at Zeno Group, extols Renaud as an exceptional client who embraces collaboration, data-driven decision-making and a consumer-centric approach.

“While we aren’t Masonite employees, she has made us feel like one unified team since we joined forces in 2021,” said Risoldi. “She genuinely cares about everyone that she works with and brings a new way of thinking to a traditionally B2B business. She’s not afraid to lean into data to inform consumer-centric campaigns and always identifies the right risks to take — and it is paying off.”

Renaud’s commitment to building relationships and a collaborative culture is unmatched, making her a joy to work with for both internal and external teams. Her enthusiasm and dedication to Masonite and her teams are infectious, leaving an indelible mark on all who have the privilege of working alongside her.

Congratulations to Jennifer Renaud on this well-deserved recognition. Her leadership exemplifies the very essence of innovation, accountability, and teamwork, making her a true inspiration for the marketing industry.

Chief Marketing Officer

LHH

Melanie Siewert guides her team with empathy and expertise at CellPoint Digital

(This award was given for Melanie’s work at CellPoint Digital. Melanie was recently named CMO for LHH, part of The Adecco Group.)

Siewert’s impressive career journey and her transformative impact at CellPoint Digital have earned honors in the Team Leader category in PR Daily’s Top Women in Marketing Awards.

With a history of leadership roles at Fortune 500 companies, including CMO of Truist and vp of customer engagement marketing at WorldPay, CellPoint Digital chief marketing officer, Melanie Siewert, brought her exceptional expertise to the global payments business in early 2022.

Siewert ‘s arrival marked a pivotal moment for CellPoint Digital, as she became the first woman to join the company’s executive leadership team. Her presence has been a catalyst, driving a remarkable 200% increase in year-over-year Share of Voice. Her guiding motto, “Be Kind, no exceptions,” reflects her extraordinary leadership style.

Empathy is at the core of Siewert’s leadership philosophy. She recognizes that nurturing the human motivations within her team is essential for building a high-performing marketing unit. Siewert’s ability to manage diverse opinions and bridge the gap between technical aspects and human stories has built trust and yielded results, such as the successful repositioning of the CellPoint Digital brand.

Empowerment is another hallmark of Siewert’s leadership. She meets her team members where they are and empowers them to be fearless in their abilities. By providing crucial support and exposure, she has nurtured their growth and boosted their confidence.

She always strives to do what is right, not only to drive business results but also to consider broader implications for reputation and morale. Her moral guidance is sought after, ranging from strategic business decisions to personal challenges.

Siewert’s boundless energy and enthusiasm are infectious. She approaches tasks with gusto, consistently exceeding investor expectations and providing weekly strategic plan updates. On a personal level, she shares her passions for cooking, travel, and music, creating a dynamic and engaging work environment.

Ultimately, Siewert enriches the lives of her team members through empathetic leadership, empowerment, and an unmatched level of energy and passion. Her impact extends beyond the professional realm, as she has helped team members achieve what they once thought impossible.

Melanie Siewert’s exceptional leadership, marked by kindness, empathy, ethics, energy, and empowerment, has not only transformed CellPoint Digital but has also set a high standard for leadership in the marketing industry. Congratulations!

Global Head of Sales & Marketing

AIG Travel

AIG Travel’s Rhonda Sloan broke organizational barriers by merging departments and focusing on employee engagement

Sloan’s impressive communications and marketing leadership earned her a Team Leader Award in PR Daily’s Top Women in Marketing Awards. With an outstanding track record of strategic excellence, effective communication and remarkable team leadership, her contributions to the insurance sector have set her apart.

In her role as the global head of sales and marketing for AIG Travel, Rhonda Sloan oversees internal and external communications, content creation, product marketing, customer acquisition, industry relations, global events and executive engagement strategy. Her ability to master complex topics and communicate them effectively has proven invaluable in the insurance industry.

Sloan’s visionary leadership is evident in her decade-long tenure leading the same team. Her team members attest to her intelligence, patience and kindness, highlighting her genuine care for both her team and her job.

One of Sloan’s notable achievements was the successful merger of sales and marketing under one umbrella in 2022, a groundbreaking move for AIG Travel. This milestone demonstrates her impact in breaking organizational barriers and advancing the marketing profession within the company.

Sloan’s dedication to elevating the AIG Travel brand extends beyond the organization. She serves as the Committee Chair for the United States Travel Insurance Association and sponsors the Travel Mom media tours, garnering millions of dollars in publicity for the brand. Furthermore, Sloan positions the brand as a thought leader in the Travel Safety/Education space through white papers, training modules, webinars and industry event participation.

Internally, Sloan’s commitment to employee engagement is unparalleled. She hosts various staff events worldwide, fostering emotional connections within the team and strengthening the brand’s culture.

In recognition of her outstanding leadership, dedication and remarkable achievements, Ragan congratulates Rhonda Sloan for this well-deserved accolade. Her passion, vision, and unwavering commitment have truly set her apart as a leader in the marketing field.

Chief Communications & Marketing Officer

Cook County Health

Cook County’s Caryn Stancik goes beyond the status quo for pioneering leadership in public health comms

Stancik helped roll out effective comms surrounding a vaccine campaign, “My Shot Cook County.” Her efforts for the multi-faceted, collaborative work, among other achievements, earned her PR Daily’s Top Women in Marketing Award in the Team Leader category.

Caryn Stancik is a leader in public health comm at Cook County Health, one of the nation’s most prominent public health systems. Due to her high-achieving efforts to look at complex issues and solve them in creative, engaging ways, her exceptional executive marketing and communications leadership within a highly complex and diverse portfolio, cemented her position as an industry trailblazer.

With a decade of steadfast dedication, Stancik has played a pivotal role in steering Cook County Health’s strategic communications for two acute care hospitals, multiple community health centers, correctional health, and CountyCare, a Medicaid-managed care plan. Amid the unprecedented challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Stancik’s leadership stood out as she masterminded an innovative omnichannel vaccination campaign, “My Shot Cook County.”

Under her guidance, the campaign, designed to reach the most vulnerable populations, incorporated an extensive and strategic multi-agency approach. Stancik developed the campaign’s digital hub, the My Shot Cook County website, which offers vaccine information, a vaccine finder map, myth-busting facts, and personal testimonials from community leaders. The ingenious use of social media influencers to address vaccine concerns garnered national media attention.

Beyond the digital sphere, Stancik’s proactive efforts extended to community mass vaccination sites and hyperlocal “pop-up” events, collaborating with local organizations and sports teams to provide vaccine incentives. Her equity-driven approach led to Cook County Health administering over one million COVID-19 vaccine doses, a testament to the power of strategic and inclusive communication.

Last year, the My Shot Cook County campaign clinched more than a dozen awards and national recognition as the “Nonprofit Marketing Campaign of the Year” by PR News. Stancik’s unwavering commitment to accurate information and equitable access embodies the spirit of the campaign’s success.

Further exemplifying her prowess, Stancik’s strategic marketing strategies elevated CountyCare, a Medicaid-managed care plan, to new heights. Through her efforts, CountyCare emerged as the largest Medicaid health plan in Cook County, boasting over 437,000 members, surpassing industry giants like Blue Cross Blue Shield.

Stancik’s impact extends beyond campaigns, positioning Cook County Health as a thought leader on critical issues like gun violence, opioids, and social insecurities. Her leadership shines as a beacon of transformative communication in public health.

Congratulations to Caryn Stancik for her groundbreaking achievements in public health communications and exceptional dedication to fostering a healthier community.

Chief Marketing Officer

WellSky

WellSky’s Shoma Thomas evolved the brand’s identity while addressing healthcare industry’s challenges head on

Thomas’ complete overhaul of the healthcare tech company’s brand lifted its guiding principles. She has secured the Team Leader Award at PR Daily’s Top Women in Marketing Awards for her outstanding contributions to marketing strategy and brand development, as well as her unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional client experiences.

During her distinguished career, Shoma Thomas, chief marketing officer of WellSky, has consistently demonstrated her unwavering dedication to empowering WellSky’s health and community care clients with the finest tools to provide exceptional care.

Thomas initiated the development of clearly defined messages that artfully reflect WellSky’s evolving corporate identity. She oversaw the complete overhaul of the company’s website, tailoring it to provide a customized and engaging experience for visitors based on their roles within the continuum of care. She also played a pivotal role in crafting a new corporate tagline and introducing eight value statements that authentically represent the company’s guiding principles.

Thomas’s innovative approach to marketing has not only reinvigorated WellSky’s corporate brand but has also catapulted the company to unprecedented heights. Over the past year, her dynamic marketing team has achieved remarkable milestones, significantly increasing media mentions, demo requests, social media followers, and webinar participation, thereby cementing WellSky’s formidable global presence.

Thomas’s profound understanding of the healthcare industry’s challenges, both present and future, sets her apart as a visionary leader. Her innate ability to bring stakeholders together, fostering collaboration, is a testament to her leadership acumen.

Beyond her remarkable contributions at WellSky, Thomas’s commitment to leadership extends to mentoring through Ceresa, where she actively addresses the women’s leadership gap in the tech industry. Additionally, as a founding board member of the WellSky Foundation, Thomas plays a pivotal role in advancing the mission to improve the quality of life for vulnerable populations by removing social barriers to health and wellness.

Thomas’s exceptional achievements and unwavering dedication to her community make her an exceptionally deserving recipient of the Team Leader Award. Her visionary leadership, innovative marketing strategies, and commitment to empowering others have left an indelible mark on WellSky and the broader marketing community.

Congratulations to Shoma Thomas for this well-deserved recognition.

SVP Marketing and Communications

Seattle Kraken

Seattle Kraken’s Katie Townsend led the NHL’s newest franchise through a year of notable growth

Townsend’s guidance across the Communications, Marketing, Brand and Broadcast pillars earned her a Team Leader Award at PR Daily’s Top Women in Marketing Awards.

In Seattle Kraken’s chief marketing officer Katie Townsend role at the helm of the NHL’s newest franchise, she steered her team of nearly 30 professionals across four vital pillars: Communications, Marketing, Brand and Broadcast. Under her guidance, the Seattle Kraken experienced a remarkable year of growth, cementing their reputation as one of the most exciting sports teams in the nation.

Throughout the past 12 months, Townsend’s leadership delivered impressive results, including a successful yearlong campaign called “The Next Wave,” aimed at engaging fans and building anticipation for the team’s journey. Collaborations with Oscar-winning composer Hans Zimmer and local Seattle band Odessa added a creative touch to their marketing efforts.

Under Townsend’s leadership, the Kraken achieved sell-out attendance at all home games, increased TV viewership, and set league records for merchandise sales, particularly in jersey sales and per capita spending. Their marketing prowess also earned them three regional Emmy awards for outstanding commercial and branded content.

Social media engagement soared, with a 29% growth in followers across all platforms and a 70% increase in video viewership. The Kraken now rank second in the NHL for engagement rate on major social media platforms.

Townsend’s strategic approach extended beyond marketing, as her team earned recognition for having one of the top broadcast teams in the NHL, showcased their team and arena in top-tier outlets and introduced the beloved team mascot, Buoy.

Her remarkable leadership also fostered partnerships with major brands like Alaska Airlines and Starbucks and solidified media partnerships within the market. Townsend’s dedication, vision, and innovative approach have undeniably contributed to the Seattle Kraken’s resounding success over the past year, making her a true leader in the field.

Congratulations to Katie Townsend.

Senior Vice President, Brand and Creative Services

AmeriLife

AmeriLife’s Sarah Wise created an in-house agency that streamlined processes and productivity

Wise’s commitment to revamping brand strategy and enhancing her support for employees earned her a Team Leader Award at PR Daily’s Top Women in Marketing Awards.

Sarah Wise, who assumed her role as senior vice president of brand and creative services at AmeriLife in March 2022, has proven herself to be a transformative force in the marketing communications arena.

With a background honed during her five-year tenure at Senior Market Advisors, where she ascended through the ranks, Wise brought her deep industry knowledge to AmeriLife. Her impact was immediately evident as she initiated the creation of an in-house agency at the industry powerhouse, positioning the company for modern business operations.

One of Wise’s most notable achievements was her hands-on implementation of Adobe Workfront, an industry-leading project management platform. This innovation streamlined processes, enhancing accountability and accuracy while eliminating the need for numerous third-party vendors. The results spoke volumes as her team processed nearly 1,300 projects in Workfront in 2022, significantly increasing overall productivity.

Wise’s commitment to AmeriLife’s brand strategy was equally commendable. She spearheaded a successful rebranding effort that captured the organization’s culture, vision and industry position. Additionally, she utilized storytelling as a cornerstone of her agency-first mindset, positioning AmeriLife as an industry experts to gain recognition from trade and traditional media.

Furthermore, Wise dedicated herself to enhancing AmeriLife’s support for agents and affiliates. Her team played a pivotal role in the company’s National Kickoff Conference, fostering cross-departmental connections and creating a dynamic venue for attendees to engage with carrier partners and corporate business services.

“Sarah has an unwavering dedication to creating a positive and inclusive culture that fosters creativity, innovation, and teamwork,” said AmeriLife CMO Ovi Vitas. “Alongside creating an open and continuous dialog between her business line and customers, Sarah’s keen eye for detail ensures that campaigns are executed flawlessly – from messaging to visuals.”

Congratulations to Sarah Wise on this well-deserved recognition of her outstanding leadership and accomplishments. She is indeed a trailblazer in the field of marketing communications.

Executive Vice President

Coyne PR

Coyne PR’s Lisa Wolleon triumphs with innovative marketing strategies for consumers

Wolleon is a leader who has built a strategic vision around consumer lifestyle marketing at Coyne PR. Her tireless efforts and deft business practices earned her PR Daily’s Top Women in Marketing Award for Team Leader.

Lisa Wolleon, executive vice president at Coyne Public Relations, a leading independent PR agency, is an exceptional leader in the consumer lifestyle marketing space. She’s been reshaping the digital marketing landscape with Coyne’s consumer lifestyle practice and driving extraordinary success.

From her early beginnings as Coyne’s third employee, Wolleon’s journey has been marked by unwavering dedication and a commitment to excellence. With nearly 23 years of experience, Lisa has risen to the position of executive vice president, playing a pivotal role in steering Coyne PR to new heights as one of the country’s largest independent PR agencies.

Wolleon’s leadership shines brightly as she spearheads Coyne’s consumer lifestyle practice, overseeing a team of 51 employees and generating over $10.7 million in annual billings in 2022 alone. Her strategic acumen and creative direction have been instrumental in crafting innovative and integrated campaigns that resonate with consumers while delivering tangible business outcomes.

Wolleon’s prowess in bridging consumer behavior insights with brand objectives has been pivotal in crafting campaigns that matter. Her skillful orchestration of initiatives such as CeraVe’s #CleanseLikeADerm campaign, the mission-driven effort for Claritin, and the engaging partnership with rapper T-Pain for Alka-Seltzer’s Hangover Relief product exemplifies her ability to balance storytelling and business impact.

Wolleon’s leadership extends to impactful campaigns focused on women at varying life stages, including award-winning work for WebMD, The Hershey Company and Seventh Generation. Her direction for Allergan Eye Care brands and Pfizer Consumer Healthcare has demonstrated her exceptional ability to drive growth and innovation across diverse portfolios.

Under Wolleon’s guidance, Coyne PR’s growth has been nothing short of remarkable. She has propelled the L’Oreal business to over 450% growth since 2018, amassing over $3.2 million in 2022 alone. Similarly, her stewardship has led to a 792% expansion across the Pfizer/GSK/Haleon portfolio, from a single ChapStick project to eight brands over the last decade.

Wolleon’s leadership has also ignited Coyne PR’s expansion into the dynamic realm of social media and influencer marketing, yielding impressive results.

Congratulations to Lisa Wolleon.

Director of Marketing

Gaming Laboratories International (GLI)

April Augustine leads with exemplary vision at GLI

As the head of marketing operations at Gaming Laboratories International (GLI), Augustine has consistently delivered award-winning campaigns and achieved remarkable results. Her work landed her a spot as a Tech/Digital Marketer in PR Daily’s Top Women in Marketing Award.

April Augustine’s leadership style is visionary and strategic, with a global focus on branding and communications. She leads a diverse team of experts in graphics, digital, creative, event management, and communications, collaborating closely with senior management and business leaders to craft innovative and impactful marketing communications and corporate branding strategies. Her influence extends to affiliated partner companies within the GLI Group of Companies, where she has led targeted gaming campaigns.

Under Augustine’s guidance, GLI’s LinkedIn presence has seen substantial growth, with thousands of new followers and high levels of content engagement. She has also spearheaded thought-leadership blogs in multiple languages and launched a successful testimonial campaign, all of which have been promoted across social channels and dedicated web pages. GLI’s email communications, utilizing HubSpot, have achieved impressive delivery, open, and click-through rates.

Augustine’s extensive marketing experience, including over 15 years in the casino gaming industry, showcases her ability to deliver strategic positioning, lead generation, creative campaigns, team development, and more. Her professional journey spans roles in well-known companies such as Bally Technologies, Cisco Systems, and Hewlett-Packard.

She is an active member of industry associations like Global Gaming Women, the American Marketing Association (AMA), and the CMO Council, serves on the board of directors and community impact committee at the United Way of Southern Nevada, and holds holding degrees in advertising and computer information systems, as well as an inbound marketing certification.

Augustine’s leadership, strategic vision, and marketing expertise have significantly contributed to GLI’s success, expanding its presence across multiple regions and jurisdictions. Her commitment to innovation, results-oriented solutions, and brand trust elevation make her a standout professional in the gaming industry.

Congratulations to April Augustine!

Chief Marketing and Digital Experience Officer

Providence

Shweta Ponnappa’s leadership style focuses on empathy and engagement at Providence

Ponnappa’s exceptional leadership and contributions to Providence have earned her a spot on PR Daily’s list of Tech/Digital Marketers in its Top Women in Marketing Awards.

When Providence’s Shweta Ponnappa was promoted to the role of chief marketing and digital experience officer, it was to consolidate marketing and digital teams for synergistic growth. Her impact on the organization has been remarkable.

Under Ponnappa’s leadership, the team achieved outstanding results, generating $654 million in incremental revenue in 2022 alone through growth marketing tactics. This translated to a record-breaking 20:1 return on marketing investment across 205 campaigns, representing a 70% increase in marketing-attributable incremental encounters over the previous year. Key investments in MarTech, including the in-house Consumer Data Platform, empowered precise targeting, personalization, and campaign measurement.

Ponnappa’s digital leadership extended to Providence’s consumer-facing websites, driving significant growth and engagement. Consumer traffic surged by 35% year over year, with digitally scheduled appointments increasing by 55%, constituting 18% of outpatient visits. Organic search performance on Google saw a 30% improvement, resulting in over 10 million calls and clicks from Google Business Profiles. Monthly new users for Providence’s apps experienced a staggering 150% growth.

She prioritized engagement, retention, and loyalty, overseeing a complete redesign of providence.org to enhance usability, accessibility, and personalization. The site’s launch in Spanish extended its reach to diverse communities, while new features like personalized health dashboards and marketing campaigns improved user experiences. These efforts earned Providence the No.8 spot in Gartner Digital IQ Rankings for Healthcare and 19 web experience awards.

Ponnappa’s remarkable contributions have also been recognized beyond Providence, as she was named one of Becker’s Top 50 Health System Chief Experience Officers to Know in 2021 and 2022. She actively contributes to industry and business publications, sharing her insights and expertise.

Her leadership style, characterized by empathy and vision, fosters team engagement and retention rates above 90%. Ponnappa’s commitment to personalized healthcare experiences and a culture of experimental thinking have kept her teams inspired despite industry challenges. Her mission is to bring the Providence Promise of ‘know me, care for me, ease my way’ to life through personalized, empathetic, and frictionless end-to-end experiences.

Shweta Ponnappa transformative impact on revenue, digital presence, and patient experiences showcases her exceptional contributions to the field of marketing and healthcare. Congratulations!

Digital Marketing Associate

Riddell

Rising star Ashley DeJonge continues to redefine digital marketing at Riddell Sports

DeJonge, a digital marketing associate, has an unwavering passion for football and digital prowess, driving her to impressive achievements. For her efforts, she has been honored with PR Daily’s Top Women in Marketing Award in the Marketers to Watch category.

Beginning her journey as a student equipment manager and senior personnel equipment manager at the University of Notre Dame, Ashley DeJonge quickly ascended the ranks at Riddell Sports, transitioning from a marketing and communications intern to a digital marketing associate.

An instrumental achievement was DeJonge’s leadership role in Riddell’s partnership with The Athletic Equipment Managers Association (AEMA), where she facilitated a scholarship program for aspiring sports equipment managers. With her background as a former equipment manager, DeJonge’s dedication shone through as she orchestrated the application process, collaborated with AEMA to select winners and organized networking events — a personal mission to elevate others in the industry.

DeJonge’s influence extended to spearheading the digital launch of Riddell’s innovative helmet platform, Axiom. Orchestrating the digital strategy and social media content, the launch garnered an impressive 13K engagements on owned channels and sparked 142 Twitter posts, resulting in over 6 million impressions.

Her commitment to bolstering Riddell’s brand on social media was remarkable. DeJonge’s strategic efforts led to Riddell gaining the largest social presence among competitors on key platforms like Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, TikTok and YouTube. She notably amplified the brand’s reach through a Giphy page, amassing a staggering 32 million views in just nine months, featuring captivating gifs including brand ambassador Peyton Manning.

DeJonge’s presence transcended the digital realm, as she showcased her expertise at events in the football community. Her panel at the Brand Innovators Conference, held just before the Super Bowl, spotlighted her favorite social campaigns, fostering community engagement and connections.

Beyond the spotlight, DeJonge’s contributions included capturing content for InSite Analytics Testimonials, Riddell’s smart helmet technology. Her meticulous planning, logistical prowess, and interview facilitation showcased her commitment to excellence. Moreover, her ongoing involvement in content production, editing, and selection for social media highlighted her multifaceted skill set.

Congratulations to Ashley DeJonge.

AVP, Client Services

Outreach Strategists

Sabiha Gire’s dedication to inclusivity at Outreach sets a remarkable example for the industry

With nearly a decade of experience, Sabiha Gire, assistant vice president of creative services at Houston-based agency Outreach Strategists has played a pivotal role in driving the organization’s growth, bolstering business development, and making a profound impact on underserved communities through her marketing prowess. She has been recognized for her efforts with PR Daily’s Top Women in Marketing Award in the Marketers to Watch category.

In her role as the youngest and first-ever woman of color in the position of assistant vice president of client services at Outreach, Sabiha Gire has showcased her exceptional marketing and advertising skills. Her strategic thinking, streamlined operations and deep understanding of complex digital marketing strategies have led to unprecedented growth for the agency.

Gire’s dedication extends beyond professional achievements as she actively promotes gender and minority inclusivity, amplifying underrepresented voices and championing important social causes. She has driven numerous campaigns for Fortune 500 companies and local initiatives, consistently delivering outstanding results.

Among her many accomplishments, two campaigns stand out. For the Austin Independent School District (AISD), Gire’s team orchestrated an integrated marketing campaign to reintegrate students who had left the district during the COVID-19 pandemic. The campaign resulted in an impressive 2,606,089 impressions, 22,153 clicks and an average click-through rate of 0.85 percent.

Gire’s leadership was equally instrumental in a state-wide initiative to reduce infant mortality rates. Under her guidance, the team launched a bilingual campaign promoting breastfeeding and safe infant sleep practices. This effort garnered over 8.6 million impressions, 1.2 million reach and 1 million video completions in 2022 alone.

Gire’s ability to blend innovative digital strategies with traditional advertising approaches has led to remarkable campaign successes. Her achievements not only demonstrate her exceptional marketing skills but also her commitment to making a positive impact on society.

Congratulations to Sabiha Gire for earning the well-deserved recognition of PR Daily’s Top Women in Marketing Award, Marketers to Watch category.

Co-Founder

NinetyEight

Gia Lee’s commitment to both Gen Z and the marketing industry shines at NinetyEight

Lee, co-founder of NinetyEight, has been recognized with PR Daily’s Top Women in Marketing Award in the Marketers to Watch category for her exceptional contributions to Gen Z marketing and her innovative strategies that reinvigorate brands among the Gen Z demographic.

Since co-founding NinetyEight, a Gen Z-focused digital marketing agency, in 2020, Gia Lee has been at the forefront of redefining marketing to Gen Z. She has not only led the agency’s efforts to bridge the gap between brands and Gen Z through innovative campaigns but has also extended her influence to the broader marketing space. Lee’s insights and expertise have been featured on various platforms, including podcasts like Hello Content!, where she shared invaluable tips on Gen Z marketing and debunked common misconceptions about the demographic. She also delivered compelling Gen Z marketing presentations to prominent advertising agencies in Los Angeles and Gen Z insights at the Youth Marketing Strategy conference in New York City.

Lee’s commitment to both the Gen Z community and the marketing industry is evident in her role as co-founder. She spearheaded the growth of NinetyEight’s proprietary Gen Z research community, The Koi Pond, which has expanded to include over 450 diverse Gen Z individuals worldwide. Through this initiative, Lee engaged in insightful interviews with Gen Zs, uncovering their perspectives on brand relationships, social media, advertising and career growth. Her dedication to empowering Gen Zs to voice their truths and drive positive change is further highlighted through her appearances on Gen Z podcasts, such as Our Playground and Teen G.E.N. Talks.

In her role as NinetyEight’s chief strategy officer since 2022, Lee has driven the agency’s client acquisition efforts to remarkable success. Within the last year, her leadership has secured five new clients, including prominent brands like Fabletics and Outloud Sports. Notably, her team’s work with the iconic brand Paul Frank stands out as a testament to her strategic prowess. Lee’s innovative subculture targeting approach rejuvenated Paul Frank’s relevance among Gen Zs, propelling their TikTok audience from 0 to over 75K followers and amassing 6.9M views and 1.4M likes in just 10 months, all achieved through organic content. The remarkable results garnered a 2022 award for social media engagement and a notable resurgence of Paul Frank’s popularity.

Congratulations to Gia Lee for her well-deserved recognition as a Top Women in Marketing Award recipient.

Vice President, Digital Marketing and Communications

NAACP

Why Vanessa Mbonu is integral to the NAACP’s success

At just 28 years old, Vanessa Mbonu stands as one of the youngest executive leaders on the NAACP’s national staff, having played a pivotal role in expanding its reach and influence among younger generations, fueling the fight for social justice and equity. In a testament to her exceptional contributions, she has been honored with PR Daily’s Top Women in Marketing Award in the Marketers to Watch category.

One of the crowning achievements of Vanessa Mbonu, vice president of digital marketing and communications at the NAACP, has been her pivotal role in expanding the NAACP Image Awards viewership by over 70%, a ceremony celebrating the achievements of African American artists and professionals. Mbonu’s marketing prowess has been instrumental in shaping the NAACP’s digital strategy, resulting in individual donor contributions exceeding $3.5 million. She effectively increased the NAACP’s email list subscribers by over 30 percent through strategic branding and positioning, with email marketing consistently outperforming industry standards.

Mbonu’s knack for resonating with audiences is evident in her strategic approach. She crafts messages that resonate with her peers, boosting engagement and interaction. Under her guidance, the NAACP’s YouTube subscribers have doubled since her tenure began, showcasing her ability to connect with diverse audiences.

Beyond digital success, Mbonu’s visionary approach has transformed the NAACP into a global brand competing on par with Fortune 500 companies and well-established nonprofits. Her corporate perspective on marketing and communications has yielded measurable outcomes, offering the historic organization diverse pathways for future planning.

Mbonu’s impact spans mediums, co-producing the co-branded series “UNPCKD” with The Webby Awards. This groundbreaking initiative explored critical challenges faced by communities of color online, offering actionable insights for fostering inclusivity on the internet.

Hailing from Lagos, Nigeria, Mbonu’s journey from immigrant to accomplished professional is inspiring. She earned her dual degree in journalism and international studies at St. John’s University, graduating Summa Cum Laude, and furthered her education with a graduate degree in global media and communication from the London School of Economics and Political Science.

Congratulations, Vanessa Mbonu, on this well-deserved accolade!

Vice President

Vested

Kerry Mullen’s exceptional prowess resonates, from client relationships to employee development, at Vested

Rising from senior account executive to VP within four years, all before turning 30, Mullen’s expertise spans a wide range of marketing facets, from leveraging owned channel communications to elevating executives’ media presence and forging brand identities for diverse finance and fintech enterprises. In a remarkable ascent, Mullen’s career trajectory at Vested has earned her PR Daily’s Top Women in Marketing Award in the Marketers to Watch category.

Kerry Mullen’s unwavering determination and comprehensive industry insight have translated into substantial accomplishments, particularly in expanding partnerships with Vested’s prominent global accounts. She notably co-led the pitch that secured Aon’s selection of Vested as their North American partner in 2022. Through strategic planning, she harnessed her knowledge of Aon’s target audience to formulate a successful brand expansion strategy within a new region. Her client portfolio also includes influential names like Bloomberg, SEI and Finastra, with Mullen retaining Vested’s longest-standing client amidst shifts in marketing teams.

Beyond client relations, Mullen played an integral role in securing new business, including prestigious financial brands, and facilitated impactful achievements for her clients. Notable examples include securing a high-profile speaking engagement for a publicly traded financial institution’s CEO at the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP), leading to top-tier coverage. Mullen also orchestrated the launch of Aon’s acclaimed podcast, “On Aon,” amplifying compelling narratives within the organization to foster internal and external brand growth. Her efforts also extended to securing consistent coverage in prestigious publications for a top consulting firm’s chief medical officer, guiding employers through post-pandemic office re-entry decisions.

Within Vested, Mullen epitomizes a servant leader, crafting the “Guide to Crushing it at Vested” to empower junior employees with a roadmap to success. Her influence extends to structuring global teams that empower junior and mid-level employees, reflected in multiple promotions within her teams and a remarkably stable workforce. Her commitment to nurturing skills, celebrating strengths, and offering constructive feedback is evident.

Congratulations to Kerry Mullen for a well-deserved recognition and an inspiring journey of accomplishment and growth at Vested.

Senior Marketing and Communications Specialist

Ascension

Abby Nelson’s marketing campaigns bring hope to patients and success for Ascension

Nelson, a senior marketing and communications specialist at Ascension, has been recognized as a Marketer to Watch with PR Daily’s Top Women in Marketing Award for her work at the $28 billion healthcare organization. Nelson’s adept strategic leadership has spearheaded impactful healthcare campaigns that drove real results.

Since joining Ascension in 2019, Abby Nelson has assumed high-responsibility roles. Leading strategy and execution for Ascension’s marketing campaigns, she has been instrumental in supporting pivotal lines of business, including heart and vascular, brain and spine, orthopedics and sports medicine, and oncology.

Nelson has orchestrated major campaigns that drive tangible business results, most notably, her execution of the first-ever integrated oncology campaign. Using the tagline “With a plan, comes hope,” the campaign deftly captured the deeply personal nature of patients’ cancer journeys, highlighting Ascension’s patient-centered care. Collaborating with clinicians, Nelson breathed life into the campaign that infused an uplifting spirit into cancer care.

By December 2022, the campaign had amassed 145 million impressions and led to more than 8,000 patient interactions. Nelson’s meticulous approach and strategic execution have been pivotal to the campaign’s success.

Nelson’s proficiency also extends to her work on cardiovascular care marketing, a cornerstone service at Ascension. Her strategic insights have driven a comprehensive heart and vascular campaign, leveraging consumer trends and organizational goals. This cross-platform endeavor, spanning TV, online video, and conversion-focused paid search, stands poised to enhance patient acquisition and organizational growth.

Crafting compelling narratives derived from patient experiences, Nelson has adeptly conveyed Ascension’s mission of compassionate care for all. Her expertise spans targeted marketing programs, from paid search to online display and targeted video. In a competitive landscape, Nelson’s contributions shine, earning her the accolade of PR Daily’s Top Women in Marketing Award.

Congratulations to Abby Nelson!

Senior Digital Marketing Manager

Native Roots Cannabis Co.

Maeli Niebles reaches new heights for Native Roots

Recognized for revolutionizing Native Roots Cannabis Company’s digital strategies and propelling brand awareness to new heights, senior digital marketing manager Niebles secures PR Daily’s Top Women in Marketing Award in the Marketers to Watch category.

Maeli Niebles, appointed as senior digital marketing manager at Native Roots Cannabis Co. in January 2022, spearheaded a radical overhaul of the company’s digital communication approach. Acknowledging the intricacies of marketing within the cannabis industry, Niebles navigated these challenges by concentrating on personalized strategies to target distinct consumer segments and their preferences.

Niebles showcased her ingenuity by orchestrating a successful reinvigoration of the brand’s apparel line. This initiative aimed at not only creating distinctive clothing but also serving as a creative conduit for marketing Native Roots’ offerings. This innovative pivot transformed the brand into a “lifestyle” icon, adeptly maneuvering advertising restrictions faced by cannabis companies. Launched in February 2023, the new “streetwear” line remarkably surpassed the prior sales of Native Roots-branded clothing, outperforming by a threefold margin within a single month. The collection resonated effectively both within Colorado and across the nation, significantly augmenting Native Roots’ brand visibility.

Central to Niebles’ digital metamorphosis was the comprehensive redesign of Native Roots’ website, set to debut in April 2023. The revamped site is primed to offer customers an enhanced experience, characterized by personalization, precise targeting and SEO-rich content to draw new visitors. The site’s focal point remains streamlined shopping convenience alongside a strong emphasis on consumer education.

Niebles’ digital prowess propelled Native Roots Cannabis Co. to a remarkable achievement: clinching the top spot for cannabis brand awareness, a significant leap from its former position at number three. This milestone, accredited to her strategic digital initiatives, was acknowledged by the research analyst firm, Brightfield Group.

At 30 years old, Niebles showcases unwavering dedication, whether orchestrating photoshoots, devising holiday sales campaigns, or spearheading multifaceted website development. Her commitment to aligning with customer preferences and needs while pioneering transformative digital marketing strategies makes her a standout in the marketing sphere.

Congratulations to Maeli Niebles for her outstanding achievements and well-deserved recognition.

Congratulations to PR Daily’s Top Women in Marketing, Class of 2023!

Master of Ceremonies

Guest Presenters

Presenters

HONOREES

Agency Leaders

Brand Marketers

Content Marketers

Data/Analytics Leaders

Product Marketers

Team Leaders

Tech/Digital Marketers

Marketers to Watch
(Age 30 and Under)

TOP WOMEN AWARDS HONOREES MERCHANDISE!

Awards

Congratulations to PR Daily’s Top Women in Marketing, Class of 2023!

Master of Ceremonies

Guest Presenters

Presenters

HONOREES

Agency Leaders

Brand Marketers

Content Marketers

Data/Analytics Leaders

Product Marketers

Social Media Marketers

Team Leaders

Tech/Digital Marketers

Marketers to Watch(Age 30 and Under)

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Awards

Marketers to Watch
(Age 30 and Under)