Adrian McLoughlin
Digital Production Designer
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.
Ann Saunders
Insights & Planning 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?
Anne Torregrossa
VP of Client Services
Client services isn't for the weak and weary. We are the organizers of chaos. The calm in the storm. The believers in magic. And I have a pretty amazing team of wizards and magicians that work hard to deliver exceptional services every day.
Anthony Huff
Senior Web Developer
I’ve lived most of my life in Buffalo, NY, so coming to Maryland was a big change for me. With that change came different football teams to root for. Coming from the Buffalo Bills, which I’ve only ever been disappointed by it seems, was a nice change of pace, and to be able to see a local team perform well for a change was great. My short time in Maryland so far has been amazing! I love the area and being close to many historic locations and things to do. The “DMV” is also becoming one of the largest tech-focused areas inside the US, and that was what enticed me down here to begin with. I look forward to furthering my skillset and I'm excited to see what the future holds!
Ashley Brown
Account Executive
Coffee, books, dogs, travel and a well-balanced cocktail with friends are some of my favorite things. I've spent over half of my life in the restaurant industry and still actively bartend on the weekends. Life behind the bar translates well to the world of client service - being able to multi-task, listen to what your customer wants, and be able to pivot at a moment's notice if things go awry, all while maintaining a calm demeanor, are essential skills to have. I thrive on the chaos and love being able to help my clients achieve their goals, whether that be a best-in-class campaign or a tasty cocktail.
Carolyn Pangburn
Digital Marketing Specialist
Much of the Clarity that defines me can be explained by how I cultivated a love for skiing. An opportunity to try something brand new and uniquely daunting came unexpectedly. And “no” did not sound nearly as good as a“yes.” I fall a lot while skiing, but I always get back up. I enjoy the rest and scenery that the brief ski lift provides, and I commit to successfully getting down the mountain each run. I want to live intentionally in that model every day. All in all, I am just grateful to be here!
Celeste Milner
Senior Account Executive
A few reasons why I love life: boating on the Chesapeake Bay, Oreo cookie blizzards from Dairy Queen, Harry Potter marathons, and iced coffee during any season. Born in Chicago and raised in Maryland, I’m a city girl at heart but loved growing up on the Eastern Shore. Working in marketing is a lot like my favorite coffee order: 3 swirls of client partnership, 2 pumps of collaboration and teamwork, and 1 dash of developing strong relationships and delivering best-in-class creatives that hit the mark, every time.
If you can’t find me at Marriner, then your best bet is in a drive through ordering my second coffee of the day, trying a new restaurant, or traveling with my friends and family.
Connor Wilson
Integrated Project Manager
Movies, music, dogs, food, fashion, and Baltimore Ravens football: These are a few of my favorite things. Project management is my bread and butter. If you need something done, I can make it happen. I pride myself on championing client needs and visions to produce impactful products and solutions of the highest quality. In my profession, I am passionate about digital innovation, media production, UX/UI design, strategic branding, content strategy, and process improvement. When I'm not working, you can find me watching the latest blockbuster at a local movie theater, playing in sports leagues, traveling to new destinations, attending concerts, or enjoying happy hour with friends.
Dan Mecchi
Director, Digital Strategy & Integrated Solutions
A seeker. A navigator. My approach to my team, work and clients is the same approach to my life outside the office: always looking around corners, constantly reframing, and often sounding like a child who persistently asks, ‘Why’… finding new paths to explore and see what’s there on offer. A leader in digital marketing, I help brands navigate the ever-evolving landscape of digital + integrated media. With experience on global brands like Under Armour, Marriott International, and Stanley Black & Decker, we've found and engaged their customers across all media channels. Dick’s Sporting Goods, the PGA TOUR, the NFL, Sound United, and a variety of agencies and startups relied on my direct-to consumer expertise to reach audiences, convert customers, and create loyal brand fans.
Whether it’s work, crafting a drink, training, or raising his teenage kids, I have one goal I set each day: get 1% better.
Danielle Sirk
Associate Creative Director, Copy
Curiosity might be an unfortunate trait for cats, but for me, it’s quite the opposite. I love asking questions and investigating life. While it’s fun to learn and create new things, there’s something special about rediscovering old ones—like overgrown hiking trails or forgotten family recipes. When I’m not busy exploring, I enjoy running, spending time outside, and writing poetry.
David Melnick
Partner / EVP of Brand Integration
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.
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!!
Erica Wright
Media Coordinator
The three most important things to know about me are that I have read hundreds of books, spent countless hours watching Grey’s Anatomy, and LOVE Harry Styles (and have probably spent thousands of dollars on concert tickets). I am a born and raised Marylander who enjoys finding new places to explore around the state.
Jake Naish
Senior Copywriter
This world is insane and beautiful, and I’m perpetually in awe of everyone and everything in it—trailer park artwork, Roger Federer, pizza, dogs, “The Room,” ping-pong, Errol Morris, you name it. My fascination drives me to travel whenever I can, seek out an unhealthy amount of live music, and stare blissfully at my amazing family, friends, and colleagues as often as possible. Is that last part weird?
Jessica Guercio
Account Supervisor
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.
Jessica Painter
Associate Creative 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.
JoAnn Ather
Production Supervisor
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.
Jon Nitz
Integrated Project Manager
I am super nerdy about everything from music and video games to sports, sneakers, Anime, Star Wars, comic books, pop culture, and marketing of course! I’ve always been interested in how and why we connect with our favorite brands and that curiosity has continued to guide me through my journey in marketing. Building connections with other people, grabbing a great cup of coffee with a friend, and spending time at the beach with my family and greyhound are just a few of my favorite pastimes. May the Force be with you!
Juliana Converse
Copywriter
Words are spells we cast to stir emotions or prompt action. When we make food, we charm the senses through craft and experimentation. Done right, both are transforming. My writing has appeared in literary magazines, blogs and a billboard. When not writing copy, book reviews or fiction, I can be found in my garden or curled up with my cats binge-watching Frasier. I’m also a Maryland native and proud alumna of Washington College, with an affinity for weird music. Ask me about my theremin.
Kara Siegert
Senior Digital Designer
The best thing about me is my dog, Nathan. He's 50% dachshund, 50% chihuahua and 100% my life. I’m a Towson Women's Lacrosse alum, born-again collector of Pokémon cards and someone who always has some kind of large-scale craft project going on. I also love Star Wars and spending time with my parents...perhaps in that order? The jury is still out. May the force be with you.
Kate Hinder
Media Manager
I’m somewhat of a coffee fanatic, always searching for a new favorite café. To counteract my constantly caffeinated state, I practice yoga and have fallen in love with the mindfulness, balance and meditation that it has taught me. I try to carry those messages along with me on a daily basis. I also enjoy going on hikes with my yellow lab, Harper; spending time with friends and family; and shopping.
Katie Vacca
Account Supervisor
Born and bred in horse country, I love the Kentucky Derby and am a die-hard Louisville Cardinal fan. My favorite professional golfer is Justin Thomas, my favorite day of the year is Selection Sunday and my favorite vacation destination is Hilton Head Island.
Leah Kliegman
Senior Account Executive
Coffee, donuts, naps, books, and reality television: these are a few of my favorite things. When I’m not engaging in any of these activities, I can be found at happy hour with friends or at home obsessing over my three pets and trying to convince my husband that we need to adopt another rescue animal. I’m a Columbia native (born & raised), Towson University graduate and now a Baltimore County resident. I love developing client relationships and watching them thrive as we work together. With some extra care and the right environment, they continue to grow and flourish. Unfortunately, I cannot say the same thing for my houseplants.
Marshall Kapfudza
Senior Web Developer
How did a Zimbabwean end up in the East Coast, coding for a living? A Game Boy I got when I was eight. It ignited my love for software and it’s taken me to some interesting places, from building websites for a tech startup in Cape Town to media companies in the U.S. In the rare days I’m not coding, I like going on road trips with my wife. The best one involved bungee jumping from one of the highest bridges in the world. Sky diving is next.
Mei Collins
Managing Supervisor
I’m a proud wife and mom of a boy with strong negotiating skills and a boxer rescue who is an escape artist. I'm a romantic at heart with a penchant for love stories, kids and pets. Growing up in Malaysia—a glutton’s paradise—made me a complete foodie, so let’s catch up somewhere over good food and drinks. Just give me time to scour the menu because I’d want to try it all.
Melanie Kavka
Advertising Operations Coordinator
I am holding a pool noodle because I love to swim, and this is my flotation device of choice. In my free time, I appreciate the outdoors and anything that screams adventure. I hope to live a life full of travels, new ideas, and good relationships. Within the digital world I enjoy problem-solving and collaborating with other creative minds. Throughout my career, I hope to create unique and impacting decisions.
Nicole Morant
VP of Production
Travel. Art. Interior Design. These are all things I love and are core to who I am! Each can give you a different perspective. I love going to new places and experiencing inspiring culture, food and music. I am excited by a blank canvas and paint or by simply being behind a camera. I am constantly changing my environment with color, texture and fabric all to create an unexplored perspective. I believe this is key to growth, evolution and ultimately clarity.
Nikki Harris
Controller & Director of HR
Growing up on a farm made me appreciate the beauty of fresh fruits and veggies. Could be one of the reasons I’m a plant-based eater. Coming back to an agency that specializes in food & beverage is really exciting. Walking through the office & talking about our customers every day makes me hungry!
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.
Rob Levine
Partner / President
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.
Samantha Habayeb
Account Supervisor
I don't drink coffee, I take tea, my dear. You can hear it in my accent when I talk. That’s right: I'm an Englishman woman in New York Maryland.
Agency life is a lot like parenting our five (yes, five!) rescue dogs: maintaining calm, taking pride in team success and ultimately, cleaning up the mess.
When I’m not working on creative briefs or resisting the urge to take in yet another foster dog, I’m busy remodeling our fixer upper.
And no, I haven’t met the Queen. I once shook hands with Prince Harry though.
Sara Ford
Managing Supervisor
I’m one of those people that loves the idea of relaxation, but I haven’t mastered the art of actually doing so. I like to be busy! I’m from the land of 10,000 Lakes (and the Mall of America). When I’m not crafting ideas for clients you can find me hanging with my full boy squad (4 of them!), cheering for the Ravens, planning a trip, baking the best cookies in the land, exploring rooftop bars and planning brunch/happy hour with my friends. Am I open to recommendations…ya sure, you betcha.
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!
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).
Tighe Merkert
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.
Tim Shanley
Digital Art Director
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.
Tischen Franklin
VP, Creative
I'm driven by a colorful mix of passions: art & graffiti, languages, travel, snowboarding, cars, Formula 1, AI + scifi, celestial mechanics, and running. These aren't just hobbies; they're the heartbeats that infuse life into my role. Languages weave tales of culture, while the thrill of Formula 1 fuels my drive for impactful campaigns. Exploring the mysteries of AI and the cosmos ignites my innovative spark. And when I hit the pavement running, it mirrors the determination I pour into every creative endeavor. These passions shape my vision, turning projects into vibrant stories that connect with impact and resonance.
Trey Buckingham
VP of 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!
Upasana Mohapatra
Sr Manager of Digital Marketing Strategy
"I am a part of all that I’ve met". Born and brought up in cities across a diverse India, I consider myself a city girl through and through and my heart lies in the ever-alive streets of Mumbai. After having travelled all the way from home to find the next big adventure, here I am. (Ask me where "home" is and watch me glitch for half a minute). I go to music to seek solace and dance to celebrate. I read books to learn and stories to imagine. Cold brew, matcha and everything spicy fill the in-between.
Wendy Simms
VP of Media & Performance
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.