dURING OUR 2019 coNFERENCE Students can expect to Hear from leading client-side and agency talent from companies such as AT&T, The Richards Group, Weber Shandwick, The United Way, Arlington Convention & Visitors Bureau, State Fair of Texas, Wright IMC, Lovell-Fairchild, The DLM Group and The Threadgill Agency.
BELOW YOU CAN FIND INFORMATION ON Speakers FROM previous conferences
linda rutherford, vice president, communication & outreach, southwest airlines
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Linda Rutherford is vice president, Communication & Outreach, for Dallas-based Southwest Airlines Co. She received her bachelor of arts from Texas Tech University with a degree in 1988 in Journalism. She is a 2002 Media & Communications Outstanding Alumna and a 2009 inductee into the College of Media & Communication Hall of Fame. She was inducted in 2008 into the PR News Hall of Fame, and her team's communication, outreach and emerging media work has been recognized by numerous publications and organizations.
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Lindsey Lockhart, manager of marketing & communications, armor
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Lindsey Lockhart currently serves as the manager of marketing & communications at Armor, a cloud security company based in Richardson, Texas. She previously held roles as an account director at HCK2 Partners and senior public relations manager at Entrust. In addition, she serves as an advisor for LEO Cyber Security.
For the past ten years in the IT security industry, Lindsey has successfully coordinated the development of global media plans, interviews, byline articles, media pitches, blogs, speeches and press releases. As a result, executives and initiatives have been placed in national, regional and local news publications including: The New York Times, TIME Magazine, USA Today, Politico, Reuters, Forbes, and The Dallas Morning News. Trade publication coverage includes SC Magazine, eWeek, Risk UK, Government Security News, Gov Info Security, Bank Info Security. Radio and broadcast appearances include C-SPANN's 'The Communicators', Bloomberg Television, FOX Business, KLRD’s CEO Spotlight and Federal News Radio. Lindsey studied commercial interior design and architecture at Texas Tech University, and graduated with a B.A. in communication studies with an emphasis in public relations from The University of Texas at San Antonio in 2007. |
Michelle bleiberg, vice president, allison+partners
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Michelle Bleiberg is a vice president for Allison+Partners. She previously served as a vice president at Pierpont Communications and the director of public affairs at Burson-Marsteller. She served clients in and worked in a variety of industries, including entertainment, restaurant and hospitality, healthcare, non-profit, arts and energy. Prior, Michelle was the director of public relations for the Dallas Museum of Art as well as began her career at Read-Poland Associates where she handled event organization and national media relations for the dedication of Dealey Plaza as a national historic landmark on the 30th Anniversary of President John F. Kennedy’s assassination. She also handled national media relations for Kenneth Feld Productions, which included Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus and Siegfried & Roy.
Michelle has a Bachelor of Arts in public relations from Texas Tech University. She serves on the Texas Tech National Alumni Association Board and the National Professional Advisory Committee for the Texas Tech College of Media and Communication. In addition, she volunteers with the Dallas Holocaust Museum/Center for Education and Tolerance and Youth Village. |
rachel david, Social Media Marketing Manager, Armor
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Rachel serves as the social media marketing manager at Armor, a cloud security company based in Richardson, Texas. Before joining Armor, she was a senior account executive for HCK2 Partners leading and providing public relations support for the account services team, and a public relations and social media strategist at M/C/C strategically developing and implementing traditional and social media relations efforts to maximize audience engagement and brand awareness. Client experience includes: mobile technology, cyber security, satellite communications, telecommunications, restaurant, entertainment, retail, financial health solutions, real estate and insurance.
Previously, Rachel was the communications director for CURE Cancer Foundation managing external communications efforts by producing marketing materials, establishing relations with media outlets and donors, as well as planning and executing fundraising events. Additional nonprofit experience includes: YMCA, YWCA, AIDS Services of Dallas, The Bridge of Lubbock and Child Protective Services of Lubbock. Rachel received a Bachelor of Arts in public relations and a Bachelor of Science in human development and family studies, as well as a minor in psychology from Texas Tech University. |
laurie nelson, account coordinator, HCK2 Partners
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Laurie Nelson is an account coordinator for HCK2 Partners in Addison, Texas, where she works on a variety of consumer and technology accounts. Previously, she served as the restaurant marketing director at a Chick-fil-A in McKinney. Prior to entering the DFW job market, she graduated from Texas Tech University with a Bachelor of Arts in public relations in Dec. 2014. As a student, Laurie interned for several nonprofit organizations and was a member of Tech PR.
This is Laurie's third year to attend the CDC, and her second year to participate as an alumni. |
Mary robb, Account Executive, TNT Dental
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Mary Robb is an account executive at a digital advertising agency that specializes in marketing for dental practices. Her current areas of focus are website development, SEO, SEM and social media. However, she has experience on both the agency and client side. On the client side, Mary worked as a marketing coordinator at a home builder. In her first job post-college, she was an account executive at an automotive advertising agency that specialized in TV, radio and print. She attended the Career Development Conference in 2013 and 2014 as a student and volunteered in 2015 as an alumna. She received her bachelor of arts from Texas Tech University in 2014 with a degree in Public Relations and minor in General Business.
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jennifer powell, SEnior account executive, hck2 partners
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Jennifer Powell is an account executive at HCK2 Partners. In this role, she supports clients across multiple industries and media channels through strategic planning, project management and traditional media relations efforts. Previously, she served as PR coordinator for M/C/C where she assisted teams on a variety of PR tasks including social media efforts and media relations responsibilities. She held several non-profit internships during college and post-graduation internships with Weber Shandwick and Firehouse Agency. Jennifer’s experience includes working with clients in a range of industries including technology, healthcare, legal and B2B services.
She received her Bachelor of Arts in public relations from Texas Tech University. Jennifer has been involved with the CDC event every year since its inception, either as a student attendee or alumnae committee chair. |
james hering, principal/brand management, the richards group
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James Hering is currently a principal specializing in digital marketing with The Richards Group - the largest independently-owned agency in the U.S. James previously spent 18 years at TM Advertising, most recently as chief innovation officer. He has garnered more than 120 digital marketing and advertising awards.
James has handled marketing efforts, digital and otherwise, for American Airlines, EDS, ExxonMobil, and Nationwide Insurance. Today, he brings his green thumb to Pier 1 Imports, TGI Fridays, AAA (Auto Club Group), and GameStop. James Hering is a 1986 alumnus of Texas Tech University with a Bachelor of Arts in advertising. |
sarah chollar ward, PR & Social media strategist, m/c/c
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Sarah works at the Dallas-based integrated marketing agency M/C/C with the PR team to enhance clients' presence on social media, assist with media relations and research tradeshow and award opportunities. Prior to working for M/C/C, Sarah graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations from Texas Tech University in 2013. She has experience in writing blogs, content creation, content marketing, editing, event planning, ghost writing, media relations, social media and social advertising.
Born in San Antonio, and raised in Comfort, Texas, Sarah moved to Dallas shortly after being hired. When she is not working, she enjoys scouring Pinterest for freezer meals, watching Red Raider sports and discovering all that Dallas has to offer with her husband Andrew and two pooches, Walter and Darla. |
alex wells, president, aars | wells
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Alex Wells is the President of Aars | Wells, an integrated creative communications firm located in downtown Dallas. Since its founding in 2002, Aars | Wells has provided an array of marketing communications services to over 350 clients, earning more than 80 awards for creative excellence along the way.
Alex is a Lubbock native and a 2001 graduate of the College of Media & Communication. He was recognized as an Outstanding Alumni of the College in 2013. |
mark detranaltes, vp of advancement, st. thomas high school
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Mark deTranaltes is the vice president of advancement at St. Thomas High School. He is a native Houstonian and a 1987 alumnus of Texas Tech University with a bachelor's degree in advertising. Having spent the majority of his 25 years in the field with two international advertising agencies – Omnicom's Bernard Hodes Group, then as managing director of WPP's J. Walter Thompson Houston Office. Mark has been recognized for his contributions in the area of employment communications in copywriting, media planning and campaign management. A frequent speaker at local and state SHRM events, Mark presents his holistic communication perspective on ELM © Employee Lifecycle Management. In 2011, he made the jump from agency to client side working in employee brand management as managing editor for corporate communications at St. Luke Healthcare. This foray into the non-profit sector ultimately lead him to his current position at his high school Alma Mater where he oversees a team dedicated to the school’s communications, alumni relations and fund raising efforts.
Mark was recognized as an Outstanding Alumnus from the College of Media & Communication in 2007. Most recently, he was recognized by the Association of Fund Raising Professionals at the National Philanthropy Day Awards Luncheon for his work on the school’s 2014 Capital Campaign winning Outstanding Fundraising Program, more than $2 million. |
lynn gilmore, manager of global corporate citizenship, northrop grumman corporation
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Lynn Gilmore is manager of the central region for global corporate citizenship at Northrop Grumman Corporation based in Irving, Texas. She is responsible for providing strategic direction, developing and implementing philanthropy and volunteer programs in the company’s focus areas of STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) K-12 education, military and veterans, health and human services and the environment for 23 states in the central part of the country.
Lynn graduated from Texas Tech University with a Bachelor of Arts in telecommunications and from Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary with a master’s in religious education. She has earned a certificate in corporate citizenship involvement from the Boston College Center for corporate citizenship and a certificate in corporate citizenship leadership from the Boston College Carroll School of Management. |
erin steed, president and texas founder, working women of dallas/fort worth
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Erin Steed is Executive Producer of Digital Communications for Steed Creative, the company she founded in 2005. With an emphasis on educational programming and purposeful connection events, the organization seeks to empower and support women at all career levels. Erin celebrates nearly three decades of communications excellence, slipping seamlessly between the roles of PR strategist and consultant, digital media producer, writer and public speaker.
Erin earned a Journalism degree from Texas Tech University in May, 1992, with a broadcast specialization. Erin spent 15 years as an on-air TV news anchor and reporter, working many Texas markets, as well as at the network level. Erin also served in an executive newsroom management capacity for the Gannett Corporation, a long-time broadcast industry powerhouse that just recently acquired Belo and its 21 TV news properties. Erin has covered historic hurricanes, interviewed three sitting U.S. Presidents and traveled extensively, reporting live from the scenes of breaking news around the country. Erin’s career in TV news began before the era of internet and computers and finished in a time when scripts were typed into smart phones and uploaded remotely to the teleprompter. While social media boomed after she left news, Erin quickly mastered its best uses and enjoys it as a new, instant and extremely effective communications tool for her wealth of contacts who continue to punch the clock as working news reporters, producers and managers. Hurricane Katrina was the turning point in Erin’s career. With a one year old daughter, Erin was asked to commit to spending a month in New Orleans for the NBC network covering Katrina. Erin, always one to volunteer first for spot-news events and travel, realized family had changed her priorities. After finishing her NBC contract, Erin left TV news in 2005 and became a stay-at-home mom. The curious nature and writer’s mind of a true newsie cannot stay idle long, and Erin quickly transitioned into the PR world. Erin launched Steed Creative in 2005, an agency that delivers a new blend of PR to include client coaching and consulting, with a focus on training clients to be their own news reporters. Cross-media affords businesses and individuals the opportunity to tell their own stories and put them before their chosen audiences, yet doing so requires guidance and training or the results can be contradictory to the goals. Erin’s current and past clients include Country Music Television (CMT,) the cities of Frisco, Dallas and Fort Worth, American Airlines, Presbyterian Hospital and a number of small businesses. Erin also enjoys non-profit work and offers pro-bono services to a number of organizations. In addition to her role on the National Professional Advisory Board, Erin also serves on the board of Houston’s Character Matters Service Dogs, a companion animal and service dog training and placement non-profit. |
jennifer schuder, vice president of marketing, state fair of texas
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Jennifer Schuder is a marketing professional with extensive experience in experiential marketing and customer acquisition. Currently, Jennifer is the vice president of marketing for the State Fair of Texas, where she oversees the Fair’s brand management and creative initiatives as well as all sponsorship management. Jennifer is also serving as an Adjunct Lecture for Arts Management and Arts Entrepreneurship program within the Meadows School of the Arts at Southern Methodist University.
Previously, Jennifer was chief marketing officer and director of community outreach for the Dallas Opera where she led a multi-functional communications staff. During her nine-season tenure at the opera, she developed and executed an acquisition and messaging strategy to expand ticket sales and deepen the patrons’ bond to the company. She also formulated an interactive strategy to take ticket sales online and create a robust CRM/e-mail program. Jennifer earned a master’s degree in mass communications with an emphasis on public relations, in 1996 from Texas Tech University’s College of Media & Communication. She earned a bachelor’s degree in 1992 in management information systems from Texas Tech’s College of Business Administration. |
kim rice, vice president, visual resource group inc.
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Kim Rice is vice president of Visual Resource Group, Inc., a Dallas advertising and communications firm. She previously served as director of marketing and communications for the World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth for six years and remains in a consultant role with the organization. Prior to working at the Council, she was community relations manager at KERA 13/90.1, the public television and radio stations for North Texas.
Kim received a Bachelor of Arts in telecommunications from Texas Tech University. A recipient of the Quill Award of Excellence from the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC), she currently serves on the marketing advisory board for the Dallas Museum of Art and is involved in numerous community organizations. |
tim loecker, senior vice president, weber shandwick
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Tim Loecker is a senior vice president in the Dallas office of Weber Shandwick, one of the world’s leading global public relations firms. He has extensive experience in developing and implementing strategic communications programs for organizations ranging from Fortune 500 corporations to start-up enterprises across a diverse cross section of industries. He currently leads the national storytelling program for the United States Army client, executing strategic media relations and social/digital content marketing initiatives.
He formerly served as a day-to-day client lead for American Airlines, managing global media relations strategy, issues and corporate reputation management, executive visibility and brand positioning. His work has earned numerous industry accolades from PRSA, PRWeek, IPRA, PR Bull Dog Reporter and SABRE, among others. Tim Loecker graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in public relations from Texas Tech University. |
charlene stark, vp of marketing and development, metrocare services
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Charlene Stark is the vice president of marketing and development for Metrocare Services. Previously, she served as president of Hope for the Brave, a nonprofit organization that builds capacity and collaborations with other nonprofits serving U.S. military veterans and their families. Prior to founding Hope for the Brave, Charlene worked with technology companies in marketing, communications, business development and consulting roles.
Charlene received a Bachelor of Arts in advertising/marketing from Texas Tech University. Charlene has had the honor to serve the College of Media & Communication at Texas Tech University since 2000 and currently serves as chairman of the college’s National Advisory Board. |
sophia hargrove, direct marketing manager, carlisle partners
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Sophia Hargrove graduated with a public relations degree in December 2012. She is the direct marketing manager at the integrated advertising agency, Carlise Partners, where she has worked for 3.5 years. She currently manages the direct mail marketing for agency client, HomeVestors, otherwise known as the "We Buy Ugly Houses" property investors.
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erika cole, Jr. media planner, zimmerman
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In an effort to avoid the numbing Canadian winters, Erika moved with her family to Dallas from Calgary, Alberta when she was 10 years old. Erika fell in love with Texas, and despite her parents wishes of her attending The University of Toronto, she knew she was destined to be a Red Raider. While at Texas Tech Erika had several internships, and after graduation she landed a job planning digital and traditional media for Nissan's regional advertising agency, Zimmerman Advertising. Wanting to dive deeper into Dallas's advertising community, Erika started attending Ad2Dallas happy hours and events, and this past June accepted the role of Social Media Analytics Chair on their board of Directors.
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Kelly linthicum, digital manager of social media, golin
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Kelly Linthicum is a Digital Manager of social media with Golin, a globally recognized integrated communications agency. In this role, she supports clients across multiple industries through influencer marketing, community management, real-time listening and trend spotting, digital strategy, copywriting, creative ideation, project management, paid media and on and off-site event support. She also sits on Golin’s Global Digital Platform Council and is a member of the company’s Intern Committee and University Committee.
Kelly graduated from Texas Tech University in May 2014, where she received a BA in public relations, was a member of Texas Tech’s student-run PR firm, sat on the PR Club board and was a member of Alpha Phi sorority. After graduation, Kelly launched her career with Golin as an intern in their Dallas office where she worked on a variety of tech, b2b and consumer-facing clients. Two months after interning, Kelly was hired on as a Digital Associate and then promoted to Digital Manager. Kelly resides in Dallas and is an active member of Watermark Community Church. She loves being outdoors and attending concerts and musical theater productions! |
Erin Smith, The starters club, entrepreneur summit
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Erin Smith started her entrepreneur journey over 13 years ago when she started investing in real estate across the country. Since then she has started several other businesses in various industries and sold them. After being told time and time again by others they would like to start a business, but just didn't know how, she launched The Starters Club. It's a place to learn business fundamentals, content creation, and social media marketing strategies. She is also a podcast host, speaker, mother of 2, and best-selling author. Erin also is the owner of the Entrepreneur Summit which hosts events focused on business growth. You can learn more at www.thestartersclub.com or EntrepreneurSummitDallas.com.
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Tim davila, digital strategy & web development, timdavila.com
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Tim Davila graduated from Texas Tech with a bachelors degree in Electronic Media & Communications in 2012. Since then he has worked in digital strategy and web development at two digital agencies and started a freelance web development business. His portfolio includes brands such as Welchs, Klondike, and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. His personal website is at timdavila.com
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emily black, public information officer, city of dallas
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Emily Black is currently working with the City of Dallas as a public information officer. She serves as a city spokesperson and works to further improve community and media relations. Emily and the PIO team handle events including press conferences and media tours to address City of Dallas issues. During a crisis, Emily and the PIO team work with the Office of Emergency Management to plan an emergency response and ensures residents have the information needed to stay safe and informed.
She develops and heads campaigns for different city initiatives to work towards becoming a more transparent government entity. The most recent example is DallasPETS for Dallas Animal Services at DallasPETS.org. Emily develops communications including press releases, media advisories, web stories, newsletters, speeches and statements for the City of Dallas and executive leadership. She media trains City of Dallas department leaders in best practices for talking with local and national media. Additionally, she writes, produces and anchors on-air segments promoting City of Dallas programs and news. Emily comes from a background in journalism. She previously worked with the CBS affiliate TV station in Shreveport, La., and the NBC affiliate in Lubbock, Texas. She was a TV news anchor, reporter, multi-media journalist and producer. She acted as the station’s live reporter focusing primarily on breaking news and crime stories. Emily also solo-produced and anchored weekend newscasts. Along with reporting, she worked in the marketing department at KCBD. Emily was charged with the Brand of the station, designing and producing different on-air promotional segments to gain viewers. She also wrote, produced, and edited TV commercials for various local clients. She has years of experience managing and developing strategic public relations plans for various clients. This includes writing crisis communication plans, executing social media campaigns, managing team members to ensure all goals are met, and handling breaking client crisis situations. Emily graduated with a bachelor's degree in communication and a minor in studio art from Southwestern University. |
sano blocker, senior vice president of state & local political affairs, energy future holdings
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Sano Blocker is the senior vice president of state and local political affairs for Energy Future Holdings Corp., a Dallas-based energy company with a portfolio of competitive and regulated businesses, including TXU Energy, Luminant and Oncor.
Sano is responsible for public advocacy, policy and political affairs activities. She oversees EFH legislative policy initiatives and political strategy, management of the organization’s political consultants and administration of the employees’ political action committees. Before joining the company in 2008, Blocker was executive director for EDS global government affairs where she was responsible for political relations across the nation’s 50 states, leading a team of regional directors and political consultants. Sano is a board member of the NCSL Foundation of State Legislatures and sits on the private sector board of the American Legislative Exchange Council. She also serves on the executive board of the Texas Taxpayers and Research Association and the board of the Association of Electric Companies of Texas. Additionally, Blocker is a member of the State Government Affairs Council. Sano also serves on the board of the World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth. She served as the EFH chair of United Way’s Annual Program and is a current member of the Women of Tocqueville. Sano completed the “Leadership in the Global Enterprise” course through the Thunderbird School of Management as well as the executive management program at Southern Methodist University. She graduated from Texas Tech University with a bachelor’s degree in journalism and Spanish. |
john blomberg, internet ad sales executive
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John Blomberg is currently an Internet Ad Sales Executive in Dallas. He previously served as an account director at AOL, responsible for digital advertising sales across AOL premium content sites and the Advertising.com network. In addition, he served as the director of south central region for Centro, a regional account executive for NBCUniversal, Inc. and a sales assistant at Seltel.
John Blomberg graduated from Texas Tech University with a Bachelor of Science in broadcast journalism. |
bryan camella, regional sales director, quantcast
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Bryan Camella is the regional sales director for Quantcast, an online audience measurement and real time advertising company, leading the field sales team for the Dallas-Fort Worth area. He previously served as the senior sales director of the southwest region for Thinknear by Telenav; senior connected devices sales specialist for Amazon Media Group; senior business development manager of Xbox Live advertising for Microsoft; general manager, director of sales, and local sales manager at Time Warner Cable Media Sales/Comcast Spotlight; general sales manager at Clear Channel Entertainment; and general sales manager as well as account executive at CBS Radio.
Bryan graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in journalism, specializing in advertising, from The Ohio State University. |
eddy clinton, espy award-winning sports broadcaster
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Eddy Clinton is currently an actor with Moxie Entertainment. Eddy has appeared in more than 75 commercials, including AT&T, Dick's Sporting Goods, Southwest Airlines, Methodist Rehab Hospital and Farm Bureau Insurance.
Previously, Eddy worked as a sports broadcaster in Texas and won two Texas Sportscaster of the Year awards, as well as an ESPY award from ESPN for his role in broadcasting and commentary during the 1994 Plano East v. Tyler John Tyler high school football game. Game appeared on five broadcasting networks around the globe, and played nationwide on ESPN and ESPN2. Appeared as principal actor in Paramount Pictures "Varsity Blues" and appeared on the "Tonight Show with Jay Leno" and "Jim Rome Show" on ESPN. Eddy studied broadcast journalism at Texas Tech University. |
melanie cornell, social media lead for skagen denmark, fossil group, inc.
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Melanie Cornell currently serves as the social media lead for Skagen Denmark at Fossil Group, Inc. She previously worked for JC Penny as the social media community manager, engaging and communicating with fans across more than nine social sites the company has a presence on. Additionally, Melanie served as an account coordinator at HCK2 Partners, after receiving a full-time position from the company's internship program. She also interned with Texas Tech Public Media.
Melanie graduated from Texas Tech University with a Bachelor of Arts in public relations. As a student, she held positions of vice president of Tech PR and president of the Tech Raider Lions Club. |
adam hernandez, social business specialist, southwest airlines
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Adam Hernandez currently works for Southwest Airlines as a social business specialist. Housed under the communication and outreach department, Adams works with a really dynamic group of people that are dedicated and committed to positioning Southwest as the world’s best airline. Southwest is all about connecting people to what’s important in their lives, and Adam has the opportunity to share those stories with our social audience. Whether it be through a blog, a tweet, a photo or a video, Adam makes sure the Southwest brand is being appropriately represented and received via social media.
Southwest Airlines has been Adam's sole employer since graduation in December of 2012. In his three years, he has spent time as an intern in the training department and also as a representative in customer relations. He has been working with the social media team since June of 2014. Adam graduated from Texas Tech University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in advertising. |
jim gaither, principal/Brand Media– Broadcast/Cable and Audio/Video, the richards group
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Attracted to The Richards Group’s forward-thinking approach to media, he made the move from Tracy-Locke in 1987. Today, Jim heads up our group responsible for broadcast and digital streaming media negotiation. He also coordinates planning and negotiating efforts for direct-response clients.
Jim is a member of the 4A’s Media Measurement Committee. He’s also a past adjunct advertising and media instructor at Southern Methodist University and Texas Tech University. |
greg heitzman, vice president of advertising, fort worth business press
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Currently, Greg Heitzman is the Vice President of Advertising for the Fort Worth Business Press. Previously, he served the Vice President / Sales & Business Development for Entravision Communications in Dallas, Texas. Entravision is a leading media company targeting the US Latino market, reaching 105 markets that aggregate 94% of all US Latinos, including 53 television stations, 49 radio stations.
A 1981 graduate of Texas Tech with a Bachelor of Arts in telecommunications, Greg was honored as an Outstanding Alumni in 2004 from the College of Media & Communication. He earned the ABC Circle of Excellence award in 2002 and is a multi-year recipient of The Excelsior award honor from Interep as the top National Sales Manager in the country. He and wife Cindy have two children, Matthew & Elizabeth, who have both earned post-graduate degrees from Texas Tech University. |
grant gold, vice president of leasing, the howard hughes corporation
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Grant Gold is the Vice President of Leasing at The Howard Hughes Corporation. He specializes in tenant representation, developing strategic real estate solutions for his retail tenant clients, with a focus on lease negotiation, strategic planning and project management. His commercial real estate background includes a history of success in the Dallas-Fort Worth market in landlord as well as tenant representation experience. Grant previously worked for Transwestern, The Weitzman Group, CBS Television, NBC Television, Clear Channel Radio and WFAA-TV.
Grant graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in broadcast journalism and political science from Texas Tech University. He also participated in the following activities and organizations: Sigma Chi Fraternity - Social Chairman, Inter-Fraternity Council Representative and Texas Tech Student Foundation. |
Susan abrahamson, principal, searchcom, inc.
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Susan Abrahamson is the principal of SearchCom, Inc., a Dallas-based national search firm that also provides career and performance coaching and consulting, as well as resume services and training on effective job-search and interviewing strategies. She frequently gives presentations and leads workshops on these topics, an is a qualified mediator. Susan earned her MBA,with an emphasis in Marketing, from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas, and a B.A. in Journalism and Sociology (double major) from Trinity University in San Antonio.
Prior to joining SearchCom, Susan managed a seven-state sales territory for a leading high-technology publishing company, with key advertising revenue responsibility for the #1 electronics trade magazine in the country. She also managed the marketing communications department for a leading semiconductor manufacturer, held account service positions with marketing agencies specializing in both business-to-business and business-to-consumer communications, and served as communications project manager for an industrial chemical and fastener manufacturing company. She began her career as a retail and radio copywriter. Susan’s professional contributions include serving as president of the Dallas/Fort Worth Chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO D/FW), where she led its major expansion to serving four counties in North Texas. She is also past president of the Dallas chapters of the Business Marketing Association and Women in Communications, a Dallas Times Herald “40 Under 40” honoree, and a graduate of both Leadership Texas and Leadership Dallas. Susan has a rich history of civic involvement in Dallas, currently volunteering as a Student Mentor at Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts, and for the Meals on Wheels program of the Visiting Nurses Association. She was appointed to and served on the City of Dallas Commission on Productivity and Innovation from 2004-09 and is a past chair of The Dallas 40, a civic-issues forum. Susan is a past president of The Women’s Center of Dallas and formerly served on the board of the Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas, as well as the boards and executive committees of the Leadership Dallas Alumni Association, the YWCA of Metropolitan Dallas, Literacy Instruction for Texas (LIFT) and Dallas Agility Working Group (DAWG). Susan’s advisory board service includes Shared Housing, Inc. She is a recipient of the prestigious Maura Award from The Women’s Center of Dallas. |
LARRY KELLY, Communications & Marketing Director, DALLAS SPORTS COMMISSION
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Larry Kelly joined the Dallas Sports Commission in October, 2014 bringing to the DSC over 15 years of sports management experience in Dallas. A graduate of the University of New Hampshire, Larry's background includes nine years with the Dallas Stars as Director of Public Relations and six years with the Texas Rangers as Assistant PR Director. He handles all media relations and marketing efforts for the Dallas Sports Commission and its event rights holders.
During his tenure with the Stars, Kelly's duties included all communications and media relations activities for the NHL club while serving as the main liaison between the Stars and both local and national media. Under his leadership, the Stars were recognized for top PR department and best media guide by the Professional Hockey Writers Association. He also has the honor of having his named engraved on the Stanley Cup from the Stars' 1999 championship. A native of North Quincy, Massachusetts, he is an avid fan of the New England Patriots. He and his wife, Nanette, have two children, Caroline, a junior at Texas Tech, and Cameron. |
matt mcguire, digital media professional
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Matt McGuire is a digital media professional in the Dallas area. He previously served as an account executive and senior account executive at Microsoft in digital (display & search) advertising sales, responsible for maintaining relationships with key & strategic clients. Clients included Dell Computer and GSD&M Idea City (MasterCard, BMW, Norwegian Cruise Lines, US Air Force, etc.) Additionally, Matt was responsible for relationships with Frito Lay, Dr Pepper Snapple Group, Nokia, Samsung Telco, American Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Tribal DDB, T:M Advertising, and numerous other clients in the Texas area. He also served as vice president of sales at Winstar Interactive Media.
Matt received a Bachelor of Arts in marketing from Texas Tech University. |
mindy shepperd, account executive, dieste inc.
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Mindy Shepperd is an account executive at Dieste, Inc. Upon receiving her Bachelor of Science in advertising from Texas Tech University, Mindy attended the first annual CDC and has been involved ever since. She got her first job in account service at the agency Group360, working on Dr Pepper Snapple Group brands. After a year, she moved to the larger full-service agency Dieste, Inc., known for its expertise in multicultural advertising. During her time, she has developed and executed a successful internship program, as well as received promotions and recognitions in the last three years.
In addition to her professional career, she's also a blogger and has been involved in helping DFW Style Daily in executing the early stages of their blogger conference. |
mat threadgill, vp of client services, standing dog interactive
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Mat Threadgill is vice president of client services at Standing Dog Interactive in Dallas. Previously, he served as an account direct at TM Advertising and vice president of corporate relations at the National Breast Cancer Foundation. Additionally, Mat co-founded DIB Creative, launching 50+ websites, led online marketing efforts, initiated social media programs, built iPhone apps, launched the first-ever, hyper-local TV station on the web and established five new digitally-driven business entities. He started his career at The Richards Group, supporting The Home Depot, Fruit of the Loom and Adams Golf accounts.
Mat graduated from Texas Tech University with a Bachelor of Science in advertising. He has been on the Texas Tech College of Media & Communication's National Professional Advisory Board since 2005 and co-chaired the Texas Tech Dallas Scholarship event in 2009. |
melissa tyink, campaign manager, pandora
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Melissa Tyink is currently a campaign manager at Pandora. She previously spent two and a half years as a media finance analyst for DigitasLBi.
Melissa graduated from Central Michigan University with a Bachelor of Science in business administration and finance. |
matt wilson, director of sports, arlington convention & Visitors Bureau
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Matt Wilson is the Director of Sports for the Arlington Convention and Visitors Bureau in Arlington, Texas. In this position, Matt is responsible for marketing Arlington as a destination for sporting events ranging from national youth sports tournaments to NCAA championships and Super Bowls. Matt has served on the Local Organizing Committee for events such as the NCAA Final Four, College Football Playoff National Championship and Wrestlemania. Prior to his work in Arlington, Matt was a founding member of the Austin Sports Commission in Austin, Texas where he worked on events ranging from USA Taekwondo World Championships to Formula 1 racing. Matt’s career began with an internship at the Sylvania Alamo Bowl in San Antonio that later materialized into his first full-time position immediately after graduating from Texas Tech University. In San Antonio, Matt worked for the Alamo Bowl, the US Army All-American Bowl and the East-West Shrine Game. Currently Matt serves as the Chairman of the Dallas-Fort Worth Area Tourism Council Sports Alliance, director of the Arlington Sports Advisory Council and a member of the Maverick Club Advisory Committee (University of Texas – Arlington) and recent addition to the Texas Tech College of Media & Communication National Advisory Board.
Matt is a native West Texan and a proud graduate of Levelland High School (’96) and Texas Tech University (’01). Matt’s family has strong ties to Texas Tech as his grandparents, parents and three siblings attending the university. He married his high school sweetheart, Leah, and together they enjoy their two beautiful young ladies – Ella and Ava. |
