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
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!
April Dlugokeski
Project Manager
I’m a proud pup mom to Bear, my Chesapeake Bay Retriever. Besides being obsessed with dogs, I’m a fanatic of true crime podcasts and TV shows. I’ve also been playing soccer for the past 34 years, which you could say has inspired my decision to kick around a few different roles in my career. I started in marketing, dabbled in design and then decided I like managing creative projects instead. That’s how I ended up at Marriner Marketing as a project manager, doing what I love!
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
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.
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.
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 you need to know about me is I love my dog to distraction. I'm someone who can color inside the lines and think outside the box. I’m also a Towson lacrosse alum and collector of Funko Pop! figures.
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. Katie is a die-hard Louisville Cardinal fan whose favorite day of the year is Selection Sunday. She loves the Kentucky Derby, professional golfers (especially Justin Thomas) and visiting her favorite vacation destination, 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.
Matthew Ketchum
VP, Creative Director
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.
Megan Godwin
Project Management Supervisor
It’s incredible how much the digital world has changed, not only with people’s online interactions but also the technology behind the scenes. When I'm not managing all the projects, I am busy running my crazy household, filled with an incredible husband, 2 amazing boys, and 2 dogs. I thoroughly enjoy working out, especially on my Peloton. If it doesn't challenge you, it won't change you.
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
Vice President 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.
Ryan Estorninos
Senior Digital Marketing Strategist
Empathizing with web searchers and using data to understand their stories is what drives me as a digital marketer. It’s not necessarily about pointing these searchers in the right direction, but rather, getting them to where they want to be. Also, while we’re at it, let's do it as a team over a cup of tea, Earl Grey, hot. We were made for greatness, not comfort. I also love my family, traveling, and sometimes #httr or c or wft. #llap
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 Pizzico
Project Manager
Every day is an opportunity to discover! I love the journey more than any destination and prefer to spend my time on long road trips to find new places, new food, and new people along the way! Being a life-long Jersey girl and Eagles fan, moving to Maryland has been my greatest adventure yet and I’m glad my journey continues with Marriner.
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!
Susan Gunther
Partner / EVP of Operations
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.”
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.
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!
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.