These are the people who make up the Marriner brand.

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Katherine Leiden

Senior Account Executive

I never learned how to sit still. I’m always exploring local neighborhoods, trying new experiences, running or adventuring outdoors. More than anything, I love to travel. Unknown places or familiar ones—I love going wherever the road takes me to find a fresh way to see the world. Those paths always lead me home, though, where my family and community are my world.

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Chelsea Simpson

Media Coordinator

This girl loves to travel. From climbing the Great Wall of China to taking a ride on the London Eye, I love new adventures and exploring different cultures. Still, my favorite place on earth is C-town (or Chestertown), MD—a small town on the Eastern Shore that was my home for four years when I attended Washington College.

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JoAnn Ather

Production Manager

I’m an American Idol wannabe, avid football fan, big-time foodie, small-time gardener and people person who finds humor in everything. I also enjoy decorating my home, sipping a lemon drop martini and cruising on the big blue sea. Production is the perfect career for me, because it encompasses everything from start to finish, and I like to be involved in all of it.

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Reese Cassard

Copywriter

I love a good story. Not just the ones you read on the couch but also the ones you observe on the train, exclaim to your friends, relive in your head, pass down to your kids, you name it. That’s why I enjoy writing stories for brands, even if they don’t see the humor in one where a marlin renews his gym membership because a group of fishermen deemed him too light to take home for dinner.

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Shannon Gray

Senior Research Analyst

In another life I would have been a fiddle bluegrass/rock star. Or the captain of a charter sailboat in the Caribbean. In this life I’m an anthropologist, because people are fascinating. Nashville is my favorite place in the world, so it’s lucky I live there—but my sailor’s heart belongs to the Chesapeake Bay. Go O’s!

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Katie Vacca

Account Supervisor

Born and bred in horse country. Katie is a die-hard Louisville Cardinal fan whose favorite day of the year is Selection Sunday. She loves the Kentucky Derby, professional golfers (Tiger Woods excluded) and visiting her favorite vacation destination, Hilton Head Island.

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Claudia Barac-Roth

Associate Creative Director

I devour challenges with a passion. That's why, in everything I do, I strive to create solutions that work great—and look great, too. I draw pictures all day to keep my mind active, and to make sure my love for typography and design shines through in everything I do. Oh, yeah, I also swim, bike or run six days a week—have to keep a balance of mind, body and soul. I read books in Spanish and speak (mostly) in English. Favorite food? Paella, because lots of love and flavor go into it.

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Matthew Ketchum

Associate Creative Director, Copy

I feel like I’ve been in the business forever, but I try looking at every project with fresh eyes. For me, it’s all about new experiences and treating every job with the care and attention I had for the first. I have the same philosophy in life—live and experience as if it’s the first time you’ve opened your eyes.

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Susan Gunther

Partner / VP of Client Services

When my niece was old enough to talk, her first big question to me was, “Do you have hair Aunt Susan?” It threw me for a loop until I realized that she saw me always wearing a hat. So, do I have a lot of hats? Absolutely! Redskins, Terps, Canada, Coca-Cola, Hawaii, Bacardi, Rehoboth Beach—I proudly wear what I love. The irony is that I also chose a profession that literally allows me to “wear a lot of hats.”

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Chris Just

VP, Executive Creative Director

As a kid, I wanted to be a knight. Oh My Camelot, dreams do come true. I’ve spent the last 20 years championing creative brands, jousting through strategic battlefields and vanquishing foes. When I’m not in the office, I’m always on a quest for adventure in the great outdoors—fishing, boating, anything that involves being outside. After a long day of slaying dragons, you can find me by the campfire with my wife, son and our dog, whittling away and singing to my little one.

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Mike Sidlowski

Senior Art Director

Catch the eye. Capture attention. Net results. Fishing and advertising are so similar. If I’m not stringing creative ideas together, I’m out stringing fish. Saltwater or freshwater, if it swims, then fish on! Any chance to get warm weather, sand between the toes and time on the water—I’m there.

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David Melnick

VP of Strategic Partnerships

I’m a little bit country and a little bit rock and roll (and a little jazz, bluegrass, hip hop…). But one thing is for certain, I will always be surrounded by music. Friday night jamborees with the wife and kids? Check. Stop-light car karaoke? For sure. Music inspires, provokes thought and makes you feel. But most importantly, music connects people.  A great marketing strategy will do the same thing, if you have the right group playing the song. Good news is, I’m jamming with a pretty tight band.

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Jessica Guercio

Senior Account Executive

Blue crabs with Old Bay. Natty Boh. Fed Hill. Berger cookies. I bleed orange in the summer and purple in the winter. Gold almost all year long because, well, hockey never ends—how ‘bout those Bruins? Baltimore is my NeverNever Land, and in my next life I’d love to have a little (late night) bakery on Cross Street. If you crave sweets, I’m your girl. Holy Better Baker in the kitchen.

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Anne Wineholt

Media Supervisor

My love of gardening goes back to my Pennsylvania roots with my grandfather. It’s my calm and beauty in this crazy world. As an empty nester, I’m taking more time to watch live music, cook what I want for dinner, be spontaneous, discover new restaurants and take day trips.

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Elliot Meek

Senior Account Executive

If you can’t find me, your best guess would be to look on U Street in DC, since I spend an absurd amount of time packed in crowded concert halls. After growing up around the music and media industries, I couldn’t help but become addicted to live shows of all kinds. Aside from that, I'm a movie geek, taco enthusiast and vocal supporter of my hometown—Richmond, VA.
...And no, I did not get my name from “E.T.” (But my name did come from a movie, so bonus points if you can guess it.)

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Danielle Sirk

Copywriter

Spelling is my forte, but I promise not to correct your Facebook status. I’m obsessed with poetry, ceramics, and trying to find a way to combine the two. I attended a small liberal arts college where I dabbled in linguistics, fencing, and Miller Lite. I love dive bars and (most of) the people I meet in them.

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Anne Torregrossa

Managing Supervisor

When you look up Account Supervisor in the dictionary, you see a picture of a wizard or magician. Not really, but you should. We are the organizers of chaos. The calm in the storm. The makers of magic. Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo.

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Tami Ferraro

Art Director / Designer

I'm having the most fun when I'm hanging out with Lauren, Sara and Lil' Jeremy (my awesome grandkids) making tiny foods out of Sculpey. I'm a card-carrying font addict, and I love to cook, eat and draw food. On the weekends you might find me hanging out with Big Nick, responsibly singing karaoke after a few shots of José Cuervo (at home—no need to subject the public to that).

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Rob Levine

Partner / VP of Account Strategy

The food industry is kind of in my blood—I’ve had two great uncles and a grandfather in the business to prove it. I’ve planned ticker tape parades for Wendy the Snapple Lady, penned op-ed pieces on school lunch, and I’ll fight the first person who doesn’t think the best pizza is from New Haven (forgot to mention I’m a Connecticut native). Other than that, I like to run marathons and spend time with my wife, two kids and our dog, Shepley. I’d tell you how he got his name, but it’s a long story.

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Dawn Widener

Accounting Manager

G’day! As a true blue, dinky die Aussie, I love fielding questions about my homeland, sewing, knitting, Vegemite, and my boss (she writes the checks). A previous career in hotels and hospitality in no way prepared me for the agency life, but this place rocks!!

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Hannah Force

Social Media/PR Manager

I am passionate about great Tex-Mex food, dogs, crafting the perfect Twitter bio, cider and soccer. Find me if you’d like to have a riff off, discuss Merriam-Webster’s Twitter, experiment with different accents or debate BuzzFeed’s journalistic standards. The strength of my personal brand plays into my passion for telling brands’ stories.

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Jordan Walz

Digital Production Designer

Admittedly, I’m a little bit “artist” and a little bit “nerd.” When I’m not designing for web, I trade pixels for pigment and throw paint on whatever I can get my hands on—canvas, walls, furniture. A Libra down to the core, I strive to live a balanced life. After a long day of work, there’s nothing better than relaxing at home with my little family. Well, maybe a nice glass of red wine…

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Tighe Merkert

President / CEO

Family, food and friends. One of seven kids in a family where everyone brought a friend to dinner, Tighe learned these values early—along with a natural understanding of food, beverage, hospitality and how to please crowds. A very successful foodservice career naturally ensued. Recognizing a real need for businesses that understand client and customer insights held the door wide open to running an agency. All the while, the game of golf fascinated Tighe from an early age, carrying his own bag through Division I golf up until today. Good business, good friends, food and hospitality all start there.

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Patrick Physioc

Senior Production Artist

FOOTBALL, FIGHTING and FUN—these are the things I love in life. Let me explain. As a man who was born and bred in the great city of Baltimore, I’ve been a fan of the mighty Baltimore Ravens since their arrival in 1996. I’ve always enjoyed training in various forms of martial arts. When I’m not training, I’m fanatical about watching Mixed Martial Arts or any other combat sports I can get my eyes on. I may be growing old, but I’m not growing up! I make the best of a bad situation, and I always try to have fun and enjoy what I can in life.

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Renee Haas

Senior Web Developer

Dairy farmer turned web maven. I was born on a family farm in Wisconsin where I developed a thirst for all things web. When I am not busy building the internet, you will find me hiking with my dog, Lola.

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Ann Saunders

Account Supervisor

Recommended by four out of five people who recommend things, I am a proud mom and wife with a really cool day job. Aggressively unfancy and a Diet Pepsi addict, I always feel sad for seedless watermelons, because what if they wanted babies?

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Adrian McLoughlin

Junior Art Director

Being Irish, I revolve my life around family, sport, life outdoors, and—most importantly—having a drink and a bit of craic (good times) with the lads. I grew up playing hurling and Gaelic football, and now I spend my time traveling the length and breadth of the U.S., battering and hacking my way through various Gaelic Athletic Association clubs.

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Katie Crist

Traffic Supervisor

This ‘80s baby loves the beach. Lying in the sand while listening to music is my favorite thing to do. But if it’s raining or snowing, you can find me inside watching John Hughes movies. Or maybe dreaming up my cross-country tour of all the spots on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. Flavortown, here I come! Non-foodies just don't understand.

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Tim Shanley

Front-End Specialist

Growing up I loved to draw, build and take things apart—computers were fascinating at first sight. I've been designing and building websites from the days of modems and free dial-up Internet trial floppy disks. On the web, beautiful design also needs smart development. Recently, my lovely wife, two wonderful children and I moved to Maryland, A.K.A. "the South." We're natives of both New Jersey and New York. I love spending time with them, watching movies, the outdoors, and being a pastor.

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Lauren DeGeorge

Account Executive

I was raised to know two things: love the Redskins no matter what and never miss pasta Sunday at my parents’ house. When I’m not praying for my Skins or making meatballs, I’m usually redecorating my home, exercising or cocktailing with friends (bourbon on the rocks, please).

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Jessica Hinton

Digital Project Manager

As a yoga mat enthusiast, I bring purpose with me to my mat, something I believe in with each workday as well. I’ve lived on both coasts and live by the schedule on my calendar (personally and professionally) along with a controlled-chaos mentality when it comes to my two kids. Running, Instagramming food and watching any HBO series while having a glass of wine are some of my favorite things to do.

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Josie Griffin

Controller/VP of Human Resources

Married for 32 years and the proud mama to two boys and one girl. They are the loves of my life. The best thing that ever happened to me besides meeting my hubby and having my chicks was becoming a grandma, or “Gigi,” as I am called by my two beautiful granddaughters. I'm a huge Springsteen fan. I’ve seen him live so many times I can’t remember. Entertainment trivia is my “sport.” I love movies, reading, and of course, relaxing with friends over a cold beer (or margarita).

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Sydney Pearsall

Senior Digital Analyst

I’m a vegetarian working toward being a raw food vegan. After studying Japanese years ago, I hope to visit Japan some day. My best friend and I run a blog and podcast, I go to the movies almost weekly and I’m typically nose deep in a book at lunch. I’m also a LeBron James fanatic—yes, he is the greatest (at least in the NBA now).

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Susan Thompson

VP of Production

Repurpose, redesign, refinish. I love creating new things out of vintage finds—old jewelry and chunky, retro furniture pieces from the ‘70s are my favorites. I also like to stay active. My sport of choice is running 5K races with my daughter.

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Seye Ogunkoya

Web Developer

I’m an ardent Chelsea FC fan with a love for creativity. My curiosity about how websites work sparked my interest in web development and, more recently, mobile app development via web technologies. When I'm not programming or watching soccer, I'm trying new foods, going to movies, taking a walk or listening to ’80s and ’90s music.

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Jessica Painter

Associate Art Director

As a PSU alum, I am a natural when it comes to tailgating. Depending on which day of the week it is, you'll find me playing in one of my various intramural leagues or doing pretty much anything that involves running. I like running, but I like running really fast the best. When things don't go my way, I believe a good dirty martini is the best way to end a bad day.

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Wendy Simms

VP of Media

Home, family, nature—enjoying the simple things in life. Pet adoption is my passion—finding homes for unwanted animals. I would take them all in if I could, but I have my two rescue dogs, Hannah and Henry, who now rule my heart and my home.

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Trey Buckingham

Director, Digital Art & Technology

Golf is my thing. I’m ready for tee time, anytime. When I’m not golfing or spending time with my family, you can probably find me behind the grill cooking up something amazing. I’m a big Baltimore sports fan, too—go O’s and Ravens!

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Barrett Scott

Proofreader/Editor

Though I abandoned hope of being an Olympian after spending summers at the same pool as Michael Phelps, I remain a sports fan (mostly Orioles, Ravens, Richmond Spiders and Team USA). I focused on communications and media because of my affinity for books, TV and movies, and my perfectionist tendencies made editing a natural fit. Eating dessert and relaxing at the beach are among my favorite pastimes.

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Courtney Hottle

Social Media Coordinator

You don’t have to be a socialite to work in social media, but you do have to be curious and want to constantly learn and grow. I can talk to anyone, and everyone, for hours on end. Getting to know others’ thoughts and ideas is my favorite way to learn. When I’m not at work, you’ll find me doodling in a notebook, watching Law & Order: SVU or—of course—on social media.