Tod Martin

Chairman & CEO

Tod is the founder of The Martin Group and drives the agency’s unwavering entrepreneurial spirit and best-in-class approach to breakthrough creative and proactive marketing communication solutions for clients large and small. His focus on passion, connection and sophistication inspires all those around him to deliver dynamic ideas that truly work. Tod is a trustee of the Western New York Public Broadcasting Association and remains active on numerous boards including those of the BISON Children’s Scholarship Fund and the WNY Law Enforcement Foundation.

Matt Davison

Chief Business Officer

With an active role in guiding the agency’s new business, strategy, public relations, public affairs, and content divisions, Matt helps drive agency-wide growth and expansion, while advancing the positioning of The Martin Group within the many markets we serve. He also abides by the basic mantra of always—being kind, being truthful, taking the high road and never getting outworked. A former press aide, Matt’s many years of experience help support clients like M&T Bank, New Era Cap, and the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation. A past “40 under 40” and “Outstanding Practitioner” awardee, Matt is involved with several nonprofit boards, including the Children’s Hospital of Buffalo Foundation and Invest Buffalo Niagara, while also serving as a trustee for Canisius High School. In his free time, you can find Matt at a golf course or soccer field with his sons, Jack and William.

Tim Coppola

Chief Financial Officer | Chief Administrative Officer

Adding comprehensive business acumen to The Martin Group’s cutting-edge creative capabilities, Tim oversees all the agency’s business, financial, HR and IT needs. With 25 years of experience in finance and accounting, he is a key resource in guiding business strategies, decisions and plans for the agency’s future. Tim holds an MBA from Canisius College, and his previous positions include operations president at Sanford Brown Institute in Orlando, Florida, and vice president of finance at the International Academy of Design and Technology in Tampa. An easy going, good-natured agency leader, Tim enjoys capping off a great week with a cold pint of Guinness.

Lisa Bellacicco

Chief Operating Officer

A pillar of the company’s rapid growth since 2005, Lisa has played a critical role throughout major milestones of the agency. Always leading by example, Lisa has focused on building a culture that attracts the best talent in the industry. With a background rooted in client service, she lives by the philosophy that it’s a privilege to be our clients’ partner. Her diversity of experience spans that of healthcare, finance, sports, food & beverage, and more,  and crosses multiple disciplines to ensure clients receive solutions to their most challenging communication needs. With an MBA, graduate of Leadership Niagara, and past awardee of the Business First “Women of Influence” recognition, Lisa is dedicated to being a strategic and thoughtful partner for all of our clients, and volunteering her time to boards that have included the WNY Women’s Foundation Marketing Board, the Advertising Club of Buffalo, and currently the Niagara University Food Marketing Advisory Board. As a working mom with young children, she and her husband enjoy watching their daughter perform in theatre and being full-fledge soccer parents to their son.

Amy Pecoraro

Senior Vice President | Creative Operations

Inspired by the creativity and collaboration of the agency world, Amy loves the opportunity to use her right and left brain every day. Her diverse and well-rounded experience in account service, new business development, project management, and film production make her an ideal fit to lead The Martin Group’s Creative Operations department. Her detail-oriented duties include overseeing our traffic and workflow process, with an eye towards enhancing efficiencies in all areas, including production for print and video as well as editorial efforts. Outside of work, the engagingly extroverted Amy adores outside activities, everything Italian, music, cooking, travel, and spending time with her two young daughters.

Michael Tsanis

Senior Vice President | Creative

A dynamic visionary who spearheaded the rebranding of The Martin Group, Michael oversees the conceptual and visual output of our art directors, designers, writers, and creative supervisors. His creative passion and insightful leadership bring brands to life with distinguished style and distinctive results, whether they are for local concerns or international industries. Brands the ADDY award-winning Michael has designed and/or directed for almost two decades include ASICS, the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation, New Era Cap, Under Armour, Kaleida Health, BlueCross BlueShield of Western New York, Fisher-Price, Ford Dealers of WNY, General Electric, KeyBank, and National Fuel. Constantly creating, Michael spends his free time reimagining and renovating his 1890s home in the Elmwood Village.

Kate Chokshi

Senior Vice President | Account Service

Vast experience in a variety of verticals makes Kate a valuable asset. For healthcare, nonprofits, energy and sustainability, and retail, she has virtually done it all, strategizing issue and advocacy advertising, developing internal communications, planning cross-channel media campaigns as well as branding. Having worked at premier firms such as Ogilvy CommonHealth Market Access in Connecticut and The Glover Park Group in Washington, DC and New York City, Kate’s diverse client list includes Visa, eBay, Gap Inc., UnitedHealth Group, and Al Gore’s Alliance for Climate Protection. Her outgoing, versatile personality keeps her calm under pressure and moves projects along as she manages our account service team, participates in new business acquisition while also directing marquee clients. Outside of the office, Kate enjoys time spent with her two young children and husband, taking yoga classes, and cooking.

Levi Neuland

Senior Vice President | Digital Marketing

With over 18 years of experience, Levi serves as the Senior Vice President of Digital Marketing, overseeing teams focused on Social Media, Analytics, Campaign Optimization, and Website Development. His leadership ensures each service area aligns with strategic business goals and delivers measurable results.

Levi collaborates with internal teams to create best-in-class digital experiences across industries like Financial Services, Food & Beverage, and Sports & Lifestyle. He has worked with renowned brands such as Puma, Under Armour, Mattel, Fisher Price, and Rich Products, bringing valuable insights to every project. Known for his easygoing leadership style, Levi consistently drives brand growth and impactful outcomes for clients.

Biagio Patti

Senior Vice President I Media

A seasoned pro in marketing and advertising, Biagio Patti is responsible for advancing the overall success of our media department. His grasp of leadership, collaboration, and all things media—with deep expertise in syndicated consumer research, media and marketing analytics, brand and performance marketing, media strategy development, and negotiation—has made him a vital resource for employers and clients alike. Past accounts include M&T Bank, Highmark, Aspen Dental, AAA, Phillips Lytle, and Niagara University. When he’s not working, Biagio enjoys playing tennis and golf, making espresso drinks, and enjoying good bourbon with his friends. But most of all, he loves spending time with his family, whether they are vacationing, swimming, biking, going to the movies, being foodies, or having a game night.

Dan Giacomini

Vice President | Strategy

A former high school and college quarterback, Dan has scored an impressive marketing and strategic communications record, with specific expertise in branding and positioning, issue advocacy, and campaign planning. Prior to joining TMG in 2017, Dan amassed a diverse skill set, working in New York City for a global strategic communications firm, at a boutique creative agency in Orchard Park, and in media sales for a national broadcasting company. Today, he heads our Strategy practice, leading our efforts in research and discovery, brand strategy, and integrated campaign planning. His client experience includes a diverse mix of global brands like Under Armour and Coca-Cola; leading nonprofits like the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo and The Arc New York; and iconic local brands such as ECMC, National Fuel, Laux Sporting Goods, and Big Ditch Brewing Company – among many others.

John Mackowiak

Vice President | Public Relations

With an ardent interest in finance, economic development and innovation, John uses his many years of communication experience to lead The Martin Group’s public relations department, while planning and implementing strategic PR solutions for clients like M&T Bank, New Era Cap, FuzeHub and NYSTAR. Beginning his career as print journalist, John served as Communications Director and spokesman for New York State Senator and Transportation Committee Chair Timothy Kennedy. After his tenure in politics and government, John joined another notable agency where he aided various government and corporate clients in their public affairs, community relations, and social media efforts. A resourceful practitioner who routinely goes the extra mile, John unwinds by exploring Capital Region hiking trails with his wife, Sarah, and dog, Moosie.

Andrew Mangini

Vice President | Public Affairs

Andrew has almost two decades of high-level campaign, advocacy, and crisis communications experience. He has assisted clients and multinational corporations in energy, financial services, transportation, defense, economic development, health care, and education and has been at the forefront of industries like cannabis and casino gaming. An expert at dealing with high-stakes, complex, and confidential issues, the Capital Region native is skilled at crafting messages that speak to different stakeholders and has run comprehensive and successful statewide issue advocacy campaigns. This dynamic mix of experience and insight enables him to lead The Martin Group’s Public Affairs team. Andrew is a past honoree of the Albany Business Review’s 40 Under 40 and is a perennial fixture on City & State’s Upstate Power 100 and Political PR Power lists. The Siena College graduate previously served as a communications director in the New York State Senate and Assembly.

Jim Lynch

Vice President | Media

Jim’s 30+ years of experience in media, media research, planning and buying allow him to provide clients with educated, strategic media solutions that consistently deliver results. An energetic, enthusiastic operator known for his steadfast dedication to clients, he takes every assignment head-on with a positive attitude. Jim’s fast-paced personality isn’t limited to his work ethic; this running enthusiast has completed numerous triathlons, and he’s twice ran in the Boston Marathon.

Kelli Putney

Vice President | Senior Healthcare Advisor

An architect of The Martin Group’s Brand Fuel process, Kelli is instrumental in developing the identity behind our clients’ brands. With nearly 25 years of advertising and branding experience, Kelli is a veteran strategist who’s created numerous branding blueprints designed specifically to move the needle for clients. Her previous experience includes positions as vice president of account service with The Wolf Group in Buffalo; marketing manager for Andersen Consulting (now known as Accenture) in Washington, D.C.; public affairs specialist and speechwriter with the Department of Defense; and communications manager for a trade association in Northern Virginia.

Alexa Christopher

Senior Advisor | Strategy

With a well-honed intellect for business strategy and in-depth marketing communications experience, Alexa’s 22-year industry tenure enables her to consistently deliver astute insights and high-level counsel to clients. Her professional path includes various marketing and management roles at Travers Collins, Crowley Webb, Kenney Shelton Liptak Nowak, LLP, and White Bicycle. Alexa joined The Martin Group in 2004 as the firm’s first brand strategist and spent five years stewarding the agency’s brand discipline. After spending time raising her family and expanding her professional experience, Alexa returned to the firm in 2017, where she leads brand strategy.  In her current role, she develops, conducts and analyzes all qualitative research, crafts brand and social media strategies and assists in new business and employee development. An affable, well-rounded agency asset, Alexa holds a B.A. in English language and literature from the University of Michigan and an Ed.M. in secondary education for English from the University at Buffalo.

Amy Moritz

Public Relations Manager

A natural storyteller and seasoned writer, Amy Moritz has worked in print journalism for more than 20 years, primarily reporting on sports. From her four years at the Olean Times Herald to her 19 at the Buffalo News, Amy’s love for communication and her kind, compassionate nature have made her a key asset to every team she’s worked on. Following her time at the Buffalo News, Amy worked in the nonprofit sector for Kevin Guest House and Literacy Buffalo Niagara, spending stints as Communications Director for the Stained Glass Association of America and president of the Association of Women in Sports Media. Today, Amy’s extensive expertise is put to good work at The Martin Group. As a Public Relations Manager, Amy works collaboratively with our PR team to tell our clients’ stories and serve their ever-expanding needs. In her free time, Amy is an avid runner and triathlete—even completing an Ironman! Amy also enjoys spending time with her family hiking, biking, or just hanging out.

Andi Ridge

Account Director

Growing up around her family’s garage door business, Andi knew she wanted to work with people to grow businesses and learn new industries. Before joining The Martin Group, Andi was a Lockport agency’s director of client services, where she had a hand in nearly every account and became known as someone who can be counted on to deliver for clients and coworkers. As our Account Director for Rich Products, Andi utilizes her deep expertise and experience to manage client projects and relationships—from developing integrated marketing strategies to communicating with her team to ensure time and budget are spent efficiently. In her free time, Andi enjoys staying active, playing sports, and spinning workouts (she’s even a certified instructor).

Ashlee Bueg

Senior Art Director

Ashlee’s enthusiasm for both good design and good food makes her a perfect fit for our Wegmans team, developing creative concepts for the company’s restaurants, events, pharmacy, and more. After graduating magna cum laude from SUNY Fredonia with a BFA in graphic design, she gained experience in a variety of markets, with companies from Fisher-Price to Gannett. Ashlee is a jane of all trades whose hobbies include cooking, shoe shopping, boxing, tennis, and home remodel/repair. Ashlee prides herself on being an excellent cat mom and a devoted Harry Potter fan.

Andrea Elliott

Associate Creative Director

Coupled with her passion for typography, design and branding, Andrea’s dedication to delivering meaningful, award-winning work has made her an invaluable asset to our creative team. With degrees in both graphic design and communications from the University at Buffalo, Andrea joined the advertising world in 2009 and quickly rose through the ranks with much acclaim. Her versatile list of clients includes Wegmans, Three Brothers Wineries & Estates, Generations Bank and Catholic Charities of Buffalo. Andrea works and lives in Rochester with her husband Matt, daughter Julep and cat Banksy.

Andrew Henesey

Creative Supervisor

Andrew earned his stripes at the agency, starting at The Martin Group as an intern in 2012. His dedication and creative drive led to a full-time position, and he now specializes in branding/identity projects, campaign promotions and motion graphics. With five years of experience, he works with marquee agency clients like New Era Cap, Lids and Under Armour. Andrew’s particular passion for typography transcends his professional work; he has the entire alphabet tattooed on his body.

Andrew Martis

Senior Art Director

Before joining TMG, Andrew spent two years as Lead Graphic Designer at Holstee, a New York City based startup that created products and experiences to inspire a more mindful and fulfilling life. There, Andrew focused on identity, lettering, illustration, branding, packaging and design for letterpress and screenprinting for clients like National Public Radio (NPR) and the BREWROOM. For TMG, he services New Era, Buffalo Medical Group and any client who could benefit from his discerning eye. A SUNY Fredonia graduate who once had artwork displayed in the Albright-Knox Art Gallery, Andrew is passionate about the visual storytelling behind brands and is always determined to build work that lasts.

Anne Trabold

Senior Production Designer

With a positive attitude and a mantra of “I get to,” Anne doesn’t take any experience in life for granted. In her 30 years in the advertising industry, she has gotten to work with well-regarded institutions such as Dick’s Sporting Goods, Xerox, Buffalo Bills, MetLife, MassMutual, and Quest Diagnostics. Her cultivated command of graphic and production design eventually led her to The Martin Group, where she helps to ensure consistent quality in Wegmans packaging design. A native of Rochester (the 19^th Ward, to be exact), she is also a member of the Rochester Advertising Federation. Outside of work, Anne’s favorite activities include traveling with family and friends and hitting the links for a round of golf.

Bayley Ward

Senior Account Manager

As one of The Martin Group’s talented Senior Account Managers, Bayley supports her team and her clients with a laser focus on building relationships and solving problems. Her trademark can-do attitude and collaborative nature have made her the perfect fit for clients such as the Rochester Museum & Science Center, Jewish Senior Life, BISON Fund, and CooperVision. Before joining our ranks, Bayley worked at CGI Communications as their Managing Website Coordinator. Bayley has also assisted a number of small mom-and-pop operations with their marketing efforts over the years, focusing primarily on the performance of their websites and overall online presence. During her off hours, this Rochester native is a hot yoga enthusiast and ravenous connoisseur of local food, fun, and adventure.

Brendan Kennedy

Public Relations Manager

Born and raised in Monroe, NY, in the Hudson Valley, Brendan Kennedy joins The Martin Group as an experienced Public Relations Manager. After graduating from the University of Tampa with a BA in Communications and a minor in writing, Brendan worked two years at ESPN in their Stats & Information Department. From there, Brendan accepted the position of Associate Director of Public Relations for the College of Mount Saint Vincent in the Bronx. Just prior to joining The Martin Group, Brendan was a content and communications specialist at the New York State Bar Association in Albany. When he’s not providing our partners with expert public relations, Brendan enjoys traveling, trying new foods, playing basketball, watching sports, and spending time with his family.

Bria Meredith

Project Specialist

Hailing from North Tonawanda, Bria Meredith is a determined, organized expert with a love for learning (and Harry Styles). As a project specialist, Bria supports our Creative Operations department by managing, organizing, and communicating client requests and schedules regarding various campaigns and projects. A graduate of St. John Fisher University, Bria’s previous roles were project procurement team assistant and expeditor at Linde Engineering. In her free time, Bria loves reading, listening to true crime podcasts, running, traveling with her brother and parents, and hanging out with her golden doodle and two pugs. When she’s really treating herself, nothing quite compares to listening to ABBA’s greatest hits and taking a trip to the mall.

Brittney Sikora

Creative Supervisor

Buffalo born and raised, and a firm believer in celebrating small victories, Brittney approaches design (and just about everything else) with a focus on being artful, thoughtful, and purposeful. Over the course of her career, she has worked across a range of industries on brands such as the Burchfield Penney Art Center, Community Beer Works, Buffalo Promise Neighborhood, and Villa Maria College. Along with being recognized in PRINT Magazine and by the American Alliance of Museums, her work has earned numerous regional and national ADDY awards. A former AAF Buffalo board member, Brittney gives back to the creative community by providing mentorship to, and advocating for, students seeking to enter the industry. In her free time, she loves attending concerts, introducing others to new music, hiking, and building new Lego creations.

Caitlin Tracy

Strategy Specialist

A SUNY Geneseo graduate and a member of multiple honor societies, Caitlin Tracy joins our team with a unique passion for self-improvement and strategic solutions. A lifelong learner by nature, Caitlin loves gleaning new insights and broadening her knowledge on interesting and unexpected topics. In her current role, Caitlin will assist our team with conducting research and surveys, developing brand briefs, and providing support throughout the discovery and strategy phase of client projects. When she’s not magnifying the strategic might of The Martin Group, Caitlin enjoys reading, traveling, and spending time with her friends and family. After a particularly stressful week, nothing beats some online shopping and a chocolate chip muffin.

Chase Martin

Business Development Coordinator

With a can-do approach to wrangling all the moving pieces and parts that come along with our agency growth efforts, Chase keeps things running as smoothly as possible. An easy-going teammate with a keen mind for market research and agency processes, he’s a valuable resource in keeping our prospecting—and business development work—humming along steadily, while also supporting our push to grow and market The Martin Group’s portfolio and helping to evolve our services.

Chelsea Turton

Art Director

Chelsea’s experience working on an in-house marketing team as well as the agency and freelance sides has equipped her with a diverse skillset that she applies to her work on our Wegmans team. Over the course of her career, she has partnered with major brands, including Fisher-Price, Disney, and Warner Bros. and celebrity licenses like Elton John, Elvis, and RuPaul. Chelsea’s keen understanding of how to work within guidelines while seizing opportunities to take brands further has played an important role in her success. In her free time, she enjoys exploring new creative outlets and spending quality time with her friends, family, and pets. Fun fact: Chelsea holds an Angler Achievement Award for catching a monster Sunfish.

Chris Colton

Public Relations Director

Chris Colton is a media, storytelling and public relations veteran who has served as a trusted advisor to executives at some of the nation’s top name-brand organizations. As Public Relations Director at The Martin Group, Chris leads our Executive Communications and Content practice, where he and his colleagues work directly with our clients’ leadership teams to proactively manage reputation, engender trust, deliver key messages, and ultimately elevate their C-suite communications. After getting his start with Excess dB Entertainment, a concert promotion and artist-management company based in New Jersey, he garnered over a decade of experience in journalism, marketing, and PR with CBS Radio as Managing Sports Editor for WFAN.com and CBSNewYork.com and as Director of Communications and Marketing for Albany Law School. He has combined those experiences at The Martin Group, where he has led client relationships with the NFL, Spartan Race, Vendée Globe, Beard Club, Empire State Development, Western Governors University, and others. An avid reader and “seriously amateur” photographer, Chris spends his spare time getting outdoors and making memories with his wife and son.

Christine Goodwin

Creative Director

When it comes to managing and motivating people, Christine relies on her patience and can-do spirit to help her team excel. A seasoned professional with 20 years of experience, she has worked for world-class consumer packaged goods, beverage, and beauty brands including PepsiCo, Smirnoff, Johnson & Johnson, Pantene, Sephora and more. Today, she leads our Wegmans print team, guiding the creative direction of various print media while maintaining a strong agency-client relationship. Born with a passion for all things creative, Christine spends her out-of-office time crafting, painting, and drawing with her daughters as well as taking on challenging DIY home projects. When she isn’t building a dresser-desk-bunk bed combo, she enjoys pizza nights and dance parties with her girls and walking their dog Charlie at Mendon Ponds Park.

Cody Andres

Art Director

Inspired by an undergraduate internship at Travers Collins (since acquired by The Martin Group), Buffalo native Cody Andres decided to pursue an ad agency career. After an impressive turn at Tony Walker & Co., where he led development and design on the retail innovator’s trendsetting annual catalog (with 40,000+ hard copies distributed), he worked at a local graphics firm before joining The Martin Group. Now, he collaborates with our creative studio on a variety of projects.  Outside of work,  Cody enjoys fly-fishing the Lower Niagara River, Cattaraugus Creek, or in smaller tributary streams, even tying his own flies. The Daemen College graduate’s other artistic pursuits include watercolor painting and outdoor photography. You might be surprised, as we were, to learn that he can also beatbox some funky beats.

Darwin McPherson

Proofreader | Copy Editor

Darwin’s 30 years of professional communications experience include positions as a marketing freelancer for DC Comics, contributing writer for Buffalo Spree and Artvoice, and director of corporate communications at Buffalo television station WNED, all of which helped cultivate his interest in creative, well-executed projects. As proofreader and copy editor, Darwin’s keen eye for detail and understanding of client style and brand standards allow him to ensure our clients’ work is executed to the best of our ability. Though known for his quiet, observant personality, Darwin has an appreciation for the theatrical, having been a theatre reviewer for 17 years and judge for “the Arties,” the Artvoice Theatre Awards.

Dave Riley

Creative Director

Dave’s creative drive is to make the complex simple and the user experience memorable. His career began with The Wolf Group where he designed a logo for the Niagara Falls Chamber of Commerce that’s still in use today and has been viewed by millions of people. Since then, Dave has developed a versatile arsenal of creative skills including art direction of television, print design, environmental branding, identity design, and digital architecture and design. His impressive roster of national clients includes Under Armour, Dick’s Sporting Goods, New Era Cap Company, Delaware North, ESAB Welding and Cutting, LEKI USA, and Greatbatch Inc. An imaginative industry veteran, Dave’s work goes beyond the typical and delivers well-crafted results. Outside the office, Dave channels his passion for mentoring as a youth travel baseball coach and enjoys the comedic banter of Conan O’Brien.

Dre LoPiccolo

Motion Designer

A natural problem-solver and a self-proclaimed maximalist, Dre LoPiccolo utilizes their command of graphic design, animation, and video production to deliver motion design solutions suited to our clients’ unique needs. Dre’s desire to work in a creative profession led them to earn two separate degrees in their field, build their experience on set and in post-production (video editing, audio editing, effects, color correction, etc.), and to join and become a board member of AAF Buffalo. Over the course of their career, Dre has worked on various accounts, including Rich Products, Upstate Farms, Freed Maxick, and the Pierce Arrow Museum. A diehard Bills fan and an ardent concert-goer, Dre enjoys doing arts and crafts, going to the movies, playing sports, skateboarding and snowboarding, discovering vinyl records and vintage treasures, and spending time with their four fabulous cats.

Fadia Hassan

Senior Account Manager

A runner and competitor who diligently worked her way up to a full marathon in 2019, Fadia is a mover and shaker in the account service arena. A graduate of Baldwin Wallace University with a B.S. in Marketing and minor in Business Administration, Fadia is certified in Google Analytics and Google Ads, and her skills include CRM database management, content and design management, client relations and retention management, new business development, and project management. The Cleveland native relocated to Buffalo to serve as liaison between The Martin Group and clients like Bolaños Lowe, Grow-NY, Towne Automotive Group, and Garwood Medical. Besides enjoying an active lifestyle, Fadia is a board member of Empower Sports, a nonprofit that creates sports programs for children and adults with disabilities.

Frank Conjerti

Creative Director

Frank offers over a decade’s worth of diverse industry experience and creative insight and oversight. With roots in video production and digital design, the University at Buffalo graduate also worked as a video editor and motion graphics artist, and served a short stint as a front-end developer. His previous client list includes Life Storage, the Mentholatum Company, Northwest Bank, and Sahlen’s Hot Dogs. For The Martin Group, he serves many clients with his singular aesthetic sensibilities and considerable copywriting skills.  Constantly creative outside of work as well, Frank writes screenplays and sketch comedy in his free time.

Gail Sklair

Senior Production Designer

Gail is a veteran production designer, amassing over 20 years of industry experience with stints as a senior production artist at Roberts Communications and Partners + Napier, as well as spending time as a freelancer. Outgoing, approachable and thoughtful, Gail now uses her talents to provide high-end creative to agency client Wegmans, producing mechanicals for packaging and assisting with a wide array of additional graphic design needs. A graduate of the Rochester Institute of Technology, Gail’s passion for watching her ideas grow spans beyond her interest in art and design; she’s also an avid gardener.

Jana Eisenberg

Proofreader I Copy Editor

Jana Eisenberg is a seasoned expert in the worlds of proofreading, editing, and writing who has played a vital role in maintaining the quality of The Martin Group’s written content. Always striving to be as responsive, adaptable, and effective as possible, Jana has worked as a freelance proofreader for various Western New York agencies, a freelance marketing and magazine writer for numerous clients and publications, and has held several full-time marketing and communications positions. In her free time, Jana enjoys yoga, dancing, cooking, viewing art, watching movies, and spending time with family and friends. Fun fact: Jana is also an excellent and somewhat renowned zydeco (Creole music from Southwest Louisiana featuring accordion and rubboard) dancer in certain circles.

Jeanie Guity

Senior Art Director

A versatile designer who prides herself on the variety of industries, projects, and people she’s been successful with, Jeanie Guity leverages her wealth of experience in advertising and marketing to wow clients and coworkers alike. Throughout her career, Jeanie’s work has benefited clients, such as UAlbany School of Business, Whiteman Osterman & Hanna, WERC, Agricultural Stewardship Association, Carver Companies, Troy Savings Bank Music Hall, Albany Medical College, and many others. Along with having a deep passion for human rights and underserved communities, Jeanie greatly enjoys lending her talents to nonprofits and her family’s creative endeavors. She also loves cooking, exploring new places, connecting with nature, immersing herself in other cultures, and visiting her children in Boston and Philadelphia with her husband.

Jenna Perry

Senior Project Manager

With a knack for seeing the bigger picture and a deep project management toolbox at her disposal, Jenna serves an essential role on our Creative Operations team. As project manager on our New Era Cap account, Jenna coordinates a vast spectrum of projects across numerous leagues, teams, and campaigns, managing our creative team to ensure deadlines are met and expectations are exceeded. Coming from a family business background—note the last name—the world of marketing always felt like a perfect fit to Jenna. When she’s not working, Jenna enjoys adventuring with her husband and their rescued German Shephard, Goku, as well as spending time with her family and friends. She’ll also never say no to a bowl of ice cream. As long as it’s Perry’s, of course.

Jennifer Hunold

General Manager, Albany I Director of Growth and Business Development

Cheerful, collaborative, and creative, Jen is an outgoing communicator who brings contagious enthusiasm and organizational expertise to our firm and clients. As general manager of our Albany office, and one of the employees responsible for establishing it, her leadership has been critical in furthering our Capital Region presence. Jen also plays an integral role in The Martin Group’s success as our director of growth and business development, from spearheading key agency growth initiatives and fostering business relationships—within the region and beyond—to managing numerous client relationships and award-winning projects. Working in marketing and business development for more than a decade, the Iowa native has lived in Albany for nearly 20 years. Jen holds an MFA, a BFA, and she runs her own visual arts practice. Outside of work, Jen enjoys working out, hanging out, gardening, hiking, and exploring with her husband in Troy, NY.

Jenny LePore

Director of Public Relations and Social Media

Jenny LePore is an agency veteran with more than a decade of experience. Whether guiding a client through a new product launch, a rebrand or a corporate crisis, there’s no public relations challenge she doesn’t rise to meet. Jenny has led integrated marketing campaigns for FORTUNE 500 companies including Frontier, Windstream, Paychex, Olympus and Sirona. Her work with Windstream received national recognition, winning both a BMA B2 award for “B2B PR program of the Year” and a Global Ace Award for “PR Campaign of the Year.”  As Public Relations Director at The Martin Group, Jenny leads our B2B Communications practice helping clients nurture stakeholder relationships, promote solutions and manage industry reputation. Originally based out of our Rochester office, she has since relocated to Dallas to support our national accounts, including Student Transportation of America. She is a Cum Laude graduate of Cornell University, double majoring in Communication and receiving a minor in Marketing. Jenny is deeply involved in her local community, volunteering with the Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas and coaching competitive softball.

Jesse Schaller

Art Director

Jesse Schaller is a multidisciplinary designer skilled at developing solutions for a wide range of creative challenges. Delivering his signature artistic flair, Jesse has provided everything from branding to website design, from logos to album covers and merchandise, from one-off projects to complex campaign initiatives. He’s served various clients, including Fenimore Asset Management, New York State LECET (Laborers-Employers Cooperation and Education Trust), H2OBX Waterpark, and Fulton-Montgomery Community College. In his spare time, Jesse is a freelance illustrator who has designed for clients, such as Burton Snowboards and various metal and rock bands from around the world. Jesse has also exhibited his artwork in galleries from California to Indonesia. Outside of work, Jesse enjoys the quiet of living in the country with his wife, cat, and new corgi puppy.

Jessie Lewis

Media Coordinator

East Aurora native, lifelong equestrian, sneaker collector, spin instructor—media maven. At The Martin Group, Jessie Lewis is responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of the media team, supporting internal projects and processes, and ensuring the successful execution of deliverables for our clients. Jessie values the marketing industry and working at an agency both for the constant stream of opportunities available and the broad spectrum of accounts she can work on. When she’s not working, Jessie enjoys engaging in a variety of fitness-oriented activities, eating out and trying new restaurants, hanging with her Labradoodle and French Bulldog, and sipping on Starbucks peach green teas. She’s also an elite mini golfer.

Jillian Gallagher

Associate Creative Director

Jillian’s confidence in her copywriting abilities allows her to develop and enhance the creative concepts that make The Martin Group’s work consistently exceed expectations. Bringing keenly sharpened skills from her experience at New York agencies FutureBrand, Siegel+Gale and the Brand Union where she worked with national and international brands like Oculus VR, [yellowtail], Cadillac, Dockers and AB InBev, Jillian works on a variety of agency clients including YMCA Buffalo Niagara, ECMC, ABC-Amega and Galbani. A graduate of Fordham University, Jillian spends her time exploring her rediscovered hometown of Buffalo and reading the works of authors like Margaret Atwood, Marilynne Robinson and Flannery O’Connor.

Jodi Matthias

Senior Art Director

Having worked over twenty years in the advertising industry, Indiana native Jodi has experience developing strong concept, design and mechanical artwork for local, regional and national clients Lincoln Financial Group, Vera Bradley Designs and Artlink. Recipient of over 30 Addy Awards and Citations from the Advertising Federation of Fort Wayne, she has done design and layout of ads, brochures and other collateral material as well as website design, corporate identity, photo retouching and photo direction. Working primarily on Wegmans for our Rochester office, Jodi produces mechanicals, design and illustrations and maintains design and brand consistency within creative jobs. Always up for an outdoor adventure, Jodi is a world traveler who sails competitively and loves hiking and camping in the Adirondacks with her family.

Joe Sawyko

Senior Production Designer

A Rochester native and graduate of Mercyhurst University, Joe is a senior designer with over 20 years of packaging and design experience with major brands including Hanes, Fisher-Price, and The Hershey Company. Primarily working with agency client Wegmans, Joe ensures that all creative materials maintain brand consistency, and he plays a critical part in the creation and development of packaging mechanicals. A self-proclaimed foodie, he is always looking to scratch another “place known for the best…” off his list. He also enjoys fishing and attending Major League Baseball games with his two sons.

Kate Measer

Public Relations Director

Kate Measer is a journalism industry veteran who leverages her intimate understanding of the news to help clients gain the best earned media coverage possible. As a former Executive Producer at television newsrooms in Washington, D.C., Phoenix and Buffalo, Kate has won two Emmy Awards and two Edward R. Murrow Awards for outstanding achievements in broadcast journalism. As Public Relations Director at The Martin Group, Kate leads our Media Relations and Community Engagement practice area, and supports high-level clients like Independent Health, Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation and Chautauqua Institution in the planning and implementation of strategic communications solutions, as well as with media training and crisis communications planning and response. Her experience leading PR campaigns also includes clients in the sports, cannabis, and construction industries, among others. The Canisius University alum is active with organizations like Make-a-Wish, FeedMore WNY and PRSA Buffalo Niagara. In her free time, Kate enjoys trying new restaurants and exploring new destinations with her family.

Katie Steelman

Proofreader | Copy editor

A summa cum laude graduate of St. John Fisher College with a double major in Communication/Journalism and Spanish, Katie is poised to ask the right questions to get to the heart of a company’s brand story. An inquiring mind and an eye for detail are great assets for her job of ensuring accuracy and consistency in all content and every job for our Rochester clients. Along with possessing a love for all forms of writing, Katie is HubSpot Certified in content marketing, inbound marketing and the HubSpot platform. Outside of work, she enjoys biking, tennis, reading, watching television and treating herself to anything chocolate.

Kelly Lucyszyn

Account Supervisor

Kelly Lucyszyn has an eye for detail and two decades of experience strategizing and executing successful marketing plans. Her varied proficiencies include brand standards, writing and editing, project coordination, and nonprofit marketing. In previous roles, she directed marketing and communications for the University of Cincinnati and The Strong National Museum of Play. Having worked with agencies as a client, Kelly has valuable insight into clients’ needs and expectations, which she brings to her role as account liaison between The Martin Group’s teams and Wegmans. In her spare time, Kelly enjoys photography, travel, British mysteries, and spending time with her husband and two children. An avid walker, she’s been logging 10,000+ steps a day for more than five years.

Kendra Breen

Account Supervisor

With her optimistic outlook and more than 15 years of experience in accounts, event management, and experiential marketing, Kendra thrives in creative environments. She brings this enthusiasm to her role as Account Supervisor on our Wegmans team, acting as liaison between the agency and Wegmans and ensuring the overall success of the relationship. Throughout her career, she has worked with notable brands such as Dole, PepsiCo, Ford, Lincoln Motor Company, PNC Bank, Dave’s Killer Bread, and Can-Am. A confident and collaborative manager who loves working with people, she’s adept at cultivating strong teams. At her last agency, she was a founding member of the Women in Leadership board, a company-wide initiative to promote diversity and growth among agency leaders. Kendra is also an avid traveler who has visited 46 states, and she recently moved back to her hometown of Rochester after seven years in Boulder, CO. In her free time, she enjoys spending time outdoors with her family, hiking, camping, and cooking.

Kori Walek

Senior Media Planner

Kori is an experienced media professional who has worked with some of Western New York’s most prominent advertising agencies over the course of her career. Her previous client list includes BlueCross BlueShield of WNY, WNY Ford Dealers, Hospice Buffalo, Maid of the Mist, and Daimler Trucks North America. Now she provides media buying services for The Martin Group’s valued clientele, including ECMC, Kaleida Health, Samaritan Medical, Regional Transit Service, Student Transportation of America, among many others. An East Aurora native and dedicated vegetarian, Kori finds inspiration perusing fashion magazines and sifting through thrift stores for the less expensive version.

Kristina Robinson

Senior Digital Developer

Happily engineering digital experiences since 2016, Kristina graduated from SUNY Alfred State College of Technology with a focus in Web Development. Previous industry clients include SharkNinja and Mattel, the latter spawning Silver ADDY and Gold AVA Digital Awards for Hot Wheels Stunt Designer in 2019. Now as a Senior Digital Developer for The Martin Group, she helps with the tactical execution of our digital projects (websites, landing pages, emails, and more) for such clients as Perry’s Ice Cream, Sodexo, Chautauqua Institution, and the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation. In her spare time, Kristina is a “flow artist,” using the hoop as her prop. The “Hoop Wizard” can spend countless hours at a park, spinning her hoop and getting her flow on.

Lauren Payne

Senior Advisor I Growth

With decades of creative and entrepreneurial experience, Lauren helps counsel The Martin Group and our clients regarding various growth and new business opportunities. The former owner of an award-winning, boutique design firm, she offers an unparalleled enthusiasm and dedication to delivering for both clients and the many communities our agency serves. Active outside of the office, Lauren is involved with several leadership and civic organizations, including the Forum for Executive Women of the Capital Region (FEW) and the “50 Group” of Albany-area business leaders.

Laura Werling

Project Specialist

With a background that includes working as a professional photographer, managing over 40 people in a retail environment, and serving as the logistics lead on a marketing events team, Laura brings a versatile skillset to The Martin Group. She applies her abundant experiences and expertise to serve the diverse needs of her clients and her team in our Creative Operations department. On the side, she still works as a photographer, shooting fashion and lifestyle content as well as weddings. A regular marathon runner and passionate baker, Laura enjoys reading, spending time outside, watching shows and visiting restaurants with her boyfriend, and digging into fashion and photography on Pinterest.

Leanne Politi

Public Affairs Supervisor

Succeeding in public affairs calls for expertise spanning politics, media, and public discourse—an aptitude that Leanne Politi demonstrates daily. An alumna of SUNY Brockport’s broadcast communications program (who interned with CBS News London and worked at the G20 Summit for President Barack Obama’s first visit as president), Leanne has excelled in various positions throughout public affairs, broadcast news, and public relations. A City and State of New York 40 Under 40 Rising Star, Leanne is an active member of the PRSA’s Capital Region chapter. Combined with her vast knowledge of New York State politics, Leanne’s multifaceted, multi-industry skillset aligns the variables that produce results for our clients. In her free time, Leanne spends time with her family enjoying the outdoors and learning new recipes.

Lee Rowland

Senior Production Designer

Lee brings 15 years of industry experience to her role as senior production designer, producing mechanical designs and ensuring brand consistency for Wegmans packaging and line extensions. While earning her BFA in graphic design from RIT, she won a student ADDY award for a logo design for the Memorial Art Gallery. Since then, she has worked in both an agency and freelance capacity, with notable clients including Frontier Communications, Xerox, Kodak, and George Eastman House. Outside of the office, Lee enjoys knitting, cooking, and indulging in her favorite treat: tiramisu. She also delights in quality time spent with her husband and two daughters—boating and kayaking on Canandaigua Lake, going to the movies, and traveling. She and her family have even traveled with her parents to Vietnam, her mother’s homeland. Lee’s adventurous spirit is evident in her personal mantra: “If you are ever offered a new and challenging opportunity, always say yes, no matter how intimidating it may seem.”

Lianne Coogan

Creative Director

Lianne’s love of graphic design, typography and branding, coupled with her passion for fine art and photography, have laid the groundwork for her award-winning creative. A member of The Martin Group since 2009, she brings an innate appreciation for beautiful design to her role as associate creative director. From concepting to producing and directing creative, Lianne ensures that our work is engaging, strategic and cohesive. Her collaborations with clients like New Era Cap, the Buffalo Bills, Buffalo Medical Group, Independent Health, Evans Bank and Galbani have won numerous local ADDY® awards. A graduate of SUNY Fredonia, Lianne loves hiking, visiting wineries and traveling to new destinations, with her camera always in hand to document her adventures.

Lisa Aiello

Digital Media Director

A leader on our media team, Lisa helps to create winning digital marketing campaigns for clients such as Rich Products, Niagara University, Adnet, and Grow-NY. She’s an expert in full-funnel strategies, paid digital, and analytics; however, it was a love of art and design that gave Lisa her start in the industry. After earning her BFA from Pratt Institute, she held creative roles at several agencies in NYC, including Vox Advertising & Design, which she co-founded. She then transitioned into digital marketing, co-founding digital media company Clickit Digital. Her experience spans healthcare, higher education, entertainment, destination marketing, and other verticals. Outside of work, Lisa is an accomplished dancer, focusing on belly dance and flamenco. She also keeps busy as a dance and art mom to her two daughters.

Lisa Braun

Senior Accounting Manager

Armed with a logical thought process, a mind for numbers and an uncanny knack for never missing the tiniest of details, Lisa keeps our accounting process humming along smoothly. With over 30 years of experience, having worked for other Buffalo agencies Travers Collins and Faller, Klenk & Quinlan, Lisa’s organizational aptitudes and extensive familiarity with the advertising industry ensure that all of our accounting needs are tended to with the utmost efficiency. Crunching the numbers for The Martin Group is a serious affair, so Lisa likes to keep things lighthearted by going out dancing in her free time.

Madeline Rickett

Public Relations Specialist

Madeline began making a difference for our clients even before she was hired. While earning her bachelor’s in communication studies at Canisius College, she interned with M&T Bank, and later with The Martin Group. Now, as our public relations coordinator, she writes press releases and media alerts, builds media lists, and pitches stories for clients such as Fashion Outlets of Niagara Falls USA, New Era Cap, M&T Bank, Phillips Lytle, and Grow-NY. In her free time, Madeline enjoys getting together with her large family, reading, and DIY projects. She loves a good latte and can often be found exploring Buffalo’s coffee shops and restaurants.

Maggie Stalter

Project Manager

With the power of planning at her fingertips and a sixth sense for people at the ready, Maggie elevates project coordination to an art form. Known for thriving in busy, even chaotic, environments, Maggie formerly worked for the Tri-City ValleyCats where she handled client services, sponsorship fulfillment, hospitality, guest relations, and managed over 100 seasonal staff. At The Martin Group, she leverages her organizational expertise and people skills to the advantage of our clients, coordinating project deliverables and documentation to ensure deadlines are met and expectations are exceeded. In her free time, Maggie enjoys spending time with friends and family—especially her dog Charlie—as well as popping by breweries, wineries, restaurants, and sporting events. She’s also an incredible cook and loves organizing and hosting dinner parties.

Mandy Bly

Senior Digital Marketing Manager

Inspired by art and driven by data, Mandy brings a broad perspective to The Martin Group’s Buffalo office. A graduate of St. John Fisher College with a B.S. in Media Management, Mandy has worked with high-tech and manufacturing companies, start-ups and product launches. Coming from the B2B marketing world, she specializes in digital marketing, inbound/content marketing and analytics. As a Senior Digital Marketing Manager, she supports our team’s tactical efforts, provides strategic insight and manages project timelines and deliverables while also serving as liaison between the digital, media and brand management departments. Outside the office, Mandy’s creatively analytical mind focuses on painting, drawing, DIY projects, trying new restaurants and building up her amateur pizza connoisseur status with her pizza blog.

Margaret Niederpruem

Public Affairs Specialist

A magna cum laude graduate of the University at Buffalo and a dedicated professional, Margaret applies her understanding of media to supporting our public affairs team. Previously, Margaret worked at Buffalo Toronto Public Media, where she gained experience in live studio TV and radio production, as well as Shea’s Performing Arts Center. As a Public Affairs Specialist at The Martin Group, Margaret helps clients increase their media presence, communicate with the public, preserve a favorable image, and concept ideas and strategies to help them reach their objectives. This includes everything from drafting, editing, and distributing press releases to maintaining relationships with news media, consumers, government, and other public interest groups. In her free time, Margaret enjoys cycling, skiing, golfing, and trying new restaurants.

Marley Gleason

Digital Marketing Manager

With veteran journalists and writing pros as parents, Marley was naturally set on the PR path. She received a B.A. magna cum laude in Public Relations & Advertising from University of Tampa while working for a bridal boutique where she learned the power of sales and social media. After interning at The Martin Group, Marley refined her skills as a social media intern for a Washington, D.C. nonprofit and worked in marketing for a Buffalo construction firm. As our Digital Marketing Manager, Marley provides strategic support to the digital team for clients such as ECMC and TechnoServe on websites and social media platforms. In her free time, Marley continues to sell wedding gowns and can also be found enjoying a spin class, morning run, or Buffalo’s restaurant scene.

Matt Lahue

Senior Copywriter

With copywriting in his DNA (both his father and brother are copywriters) and a love for exploring ideas in his heart, it was only natural that Matt’s path led him to advertising. Before joining The Martin Group, Matt wrote for a firm in Rochester, where he serviced clients such as Pacific Gas & Electric, The Strong, AZEK, NYSERDA, CenturyLink and ProNexus. At TMG, his talents have been utilized for Galbani, Under Armour, ECMC, New Era Cap, Kaleida Health and many others. When he’s not thinking of new ideas, like his New York Times-featured invention the “Bathroom Bodyguard”—which locks broken bathroom stall doors—the Buffalo State College graduate enjoys lifting weights and staying active outside.

Meghan Fitzpatrick

Senior Account Manager

Meghan’s love for helping others, problem solving, and—possibly (definitely) inspired by Mad Men—advertising/marketing in general contribute to the great work she does here at The Martin Group. Throughout her career, Meghan has worked for a variety of higher education brands managing admissions-focused marketing, large- and small-scale media plans, video production, fundraising campaign development, and creative projects of all sizes. With experience both in-house and in agency roles, she has served institutions ranging from the University of Rochester and Thomas Jefferson University to Albany Law School, Siena College, UC Berkeley, and the National University of Health Sciences. In her free time, Meghan enjoys taking classes at Orangetheory, racing sailboats on Lake Ontario, and cheering on the Bills.

Melissa Ortiz

Art Director

When it comes to food marketing, you could say Melissa is well seasoned. She spent almost 15 years rising through the ranks at Wegmans Food Markets, first in stores where, as a Service Team Leader, she managed a team of about 35 employees and completed a Dale Carnegie course in leadership. A SUNY Oswego grad with a BFA in graphic design, Melissa later made the switch from the store to the creative side, honing her skills on a special assignment within the Wegmans Marketing Department. There she assisted with concept design and quality assurance for packaging and other projects. Melissa brings that experience to The Martin Group’s team, using her creativity to elevate the design of Wegmans Brand products. In her free time, Melissa loves spending time with her husband Oscar and dog Macho (a 6-pound Morkie-Poo), hand lettering, and cooking.

Michelle Anlyn

Senior Production Designer

With over 20 years of industry experience, Michelle is doing what she has always wanted to do. After graduating from Monroe Community College with an A.S. in Communications and Nazareth College with a B.S. in Studio Art with a concentration in Graphic Design, the Rochester native has worked for some Rochester’s most notable agencies as a senior mechanical artist. Her impressive client list includes Xerox, Excellus BCBS, ITT, Causewave Community Partners, Frontier, BlueCross BlueShield of Minnesota and MasterCard. Currently, she works with our Wegmans creative teams to keep projects moving seamlessly and accurately within the Wegmans brand. When not working, Michelle spends time with her two daughters—enjoying family movie nights, taking walks, laughing and exploring places they’ve never been.

Mike Farrell

Content Supervisor

With more than 15 years of writing experience across a kaleidoscopic variety of mediums, Mike’s covered a lot of ground. The St. Bonaventure University graduate has reported on sports, music, and nightlife for The Boston Herald and The Buffalo News; managed media relations and communications for SUNY Erie Community College; and with an MFA in Creative Writing, has authored two novels. Now, he manages an evolving number of content needs for The Martin Group, crafting multifaceted copy for names like Galbani, M&T Bank, and the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation. When he’s away from his desk, he can be found telling stories about the 1990s, or explaining to his two young children why Dinosaur Jr. is more sonically significant than Nirvana.

Molly Lennon

Senior Project Manager

Known for her highly organized and detailed approach to planning—and her undying love for completed to-do lists—Molly sees project management less like a job and more as a way of life. Molly has honed her skills in a variety of roles for higher education institutions such as the University of Maryland College Park, American University, and the George Washington University. At The Martin Group, Molly applies her expertise to managing the digital account for our Wegmans client, ensuring every execution is delivered on time and on budget. When she’s not perfecting the art of project management, Molly can be found cooking, reading, or serenading her family on their karaoke nights.

Monica D’Angelantonio

Senior Production Designer

Monica’s proactive work ethic and keen attention to detail have made her a powerhouse at The Martin Group. As just the fifth employee hired in our Rochester office, she paved her own path from production artist to studio supervisor, hand-selecting a team of incredibly talented mechanical artists to support agency client Wegmans. She developed a seamless workflow for the client’s packaging design team, which helped to turn the relationship into a true partnership. Utilizing her mechanical design background, she has continued to improve processes with on-the-ground insight, while also handling management and office operations roles. Known for her vibrant, outgoing personality, Monica is an ardent proponent of office culture, always ready to help plan the next themed event or happy hour. At the end of the day, being a mom is her biggest role—her little boy is her world.

Natalie Ryan

Account Manager

She can organize just about any space she encounters, and she makes developing relationships look effortless. Needless to say, Natalie was a natural fit for The Martin Group. Natalie first became interested in marketing and PR while working as a graduate assistant and earning her master’s degree from Canisius College. After graduating, Natalie sharpened her skills as an account coordinator for Hunter PR in New York City, developing media lists and brand fact sheets and pitching to well-known publications on behalf of brands such as Benjamin Moore, Command Brand, The Shade Store, and Burpee. At The Martin Group, Natalie manages the day-to-day operations of the account service team, coordinating internal projects and processes and ensuring client deliverables are executed effectively. Outside of work, Natalie enjoys spending time with her cousins and exploring new restaurants with her friends.

Nicole Napodano-Borelli

Senior Art Director

Growing up in a close-knit Italian family, Nicole learned to value establishing emotional connections with those around her. While attending Nazareth College for Visual Communication, she quickly fell in love with the advertising industry due to the fact that she could evoke emotions in consumers through her visual designs. She went on to work for a wedding stationery company where she designed for 2,000+ weddings, creating excellent customer experiences by helping couples to see the stationery as a reflection of their big day. A food and wine enthusiast, her passions have also translated to successful freelance work with clients such as Robert Mondavi, Svedka, and Corona. Nicole’s professional experiences and personal values make her the perfect fit for our dedicated Wegmans team, where she uses her love of food and family to connect with Wegmans’ diverse consumer following through graphic design. When she’s not in the office, you’ll likely find Nicole spending time with family and friends while partaking in her favorite hobbies: baking and cooking, hitting up wineries and breweries, and lounging out at her family’s cottage in the 1000 Islands.

Pauline Wegman

Senior Digital Designer/Developer

The intersection of art and business has always been an area of interest for Pauline. A graduate of Nazareth College, she received her B.S. in Fine Arts and Studio Art with a concentration in painting and a minor in entrepreneurship. In addition to freelance design and working for a startup, her already accomplished career has included managing a team of graphic designers and web specialists in the production and maintenance of 5,000+ websites, as well as internal and external print production. Today Pauline is a valued member of our digital studio, where her outgoing personality and enthusiasm for problem-solving help to ensure a positive experience for clients such as Wegmans and New York Wine & Grape Foundation. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, painting, kayaking, and being taken for a walk by her human-size Great Dane.

Rachel Giralico

Creative Supervisor

Rachel is a creative dynamo who brings past experience with the client to our Wegmans-focused design studio. In addition to having worked on all levels of Wegmans jobs and being familiar with their systems and team, she has worked on both the agency side and client side of the industry. With a limitless creative imagination, she excels at conceptual projects and building work from the ground up. However, being meticulous and detail oriented, she also loves production work. Outside of the office, Rachel is a CrossFit Level 1 coach and dedicates much of her time to the sport. She also loves interior decorating, antique shopping and abstract painting.

Rachel Surdi

Senior Digital Marketing Manager

Known as the “strategy and digital expert” and a “ray of sunshine” in past roles, Rachel Surdi brings a wealth of experience to her role at The Martin Group. From beginning her career as a graphic designer, to functioning as an account manager, to managing a team of 10 software developers, to aiding with the scaling of a boutique social media agency, Rachel lives for new challenges and new opportunities to grow. As a child, Rachel designed magazines in Microsoft Word, and at the age of 10, taught herself basic HTML, graphic design, and how to create animated GIFs (a dangerous skill in the hands of a ten-year-old). When she’s not elevating our digital capabilities, Rachel enjoys supporting her friends’ bands at local shows and curating her collection of nearly 300 Spotify playlists.

Ryan Boyle

Digital Development Supervisor

Known for his contagious positivity and his all-too-real coffee addiction, Ryan finds web development to be uniquely rewarding in that he can create a product that people around the world use and enjoy. As Digital Development Supervisor, Ryan leverages his expansive knowledge of web design and development to deliver custom solutions and improved functionality. Prior to joining The Martin Group, Ryan was responsible for quality assurance, project management, SEO, and web design at LocalEdge/InVue, where he was named 2018 Employee of the Year. When he’s not bringing creative to life for clients such as Samaritan Health, National Fuel, Imagine Staffing, and the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation, he can be found pursuing his passion for music in his home studio or camping, kayaking, and playing basketball with his wife and son.

Sarah Avino

Art Director

Thoughtful, strategic, and a serious sticker enthusiast, Sarah is a talented designer whose skills have benefitted various brands. While working at Where Eagles Dare Agency, a small Pittsburgh-based firm, Sarah produced seasonal video campaigns for Dick’s Sporting Goods with responsibilities including concept development, casting, location scouting, creating hair and makeup decks, sourcing props, building shoot schedules, and designing small social animations and graphics. As a freelance designer, she has served clients such as Riveter, Mirror Matter, and Borderland Music Festival. To recharge, Sarah loves spending time in nature and hiking. She also greatly enjoys hot yoga, Pilates, home projects (especially refinishing furniture), exploring new restaurants and cuisine, and supporting friends with her design talents.

Sarah Warner

Senior Account Manager

A Buffalo native with a love for communications that spans client relations, public relations, and strategy, Sarah Warner proudly calls herself a marketing jack-of-alltrades. Before joining The Martin Group, Sarah worked as a freelance marketing consultant for a range of clients. Prior to that, she served as Director of Communications at the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus and held several marketing positions for local companies, including MJ Peterson Real Estate and The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Sarah also serves on the board of directors for AAF Buffalo and has held board positions at the Allentown Association, BNMC Rotary Club, and NativityMiguel Buffalo. When she’s not working, Sarah loves nothing more than spending time with her husband and two daughters, visiting coffee shops, and watching the Buffalo Bills.

Shantel Coleman

Public Relations Specialist

A skilled practitioner with a keen understanding of people, Shantel Coleman’s distinctive expertise and outgoing personality made her a natural choice for our PR team. After earning her Master’s Degree in Public Relations from SUNY Buffalo State College, Shantel went on to excel in her PR roles at several reputable firms. In her previous position, she facilitated client engagements with NBA and NFL athletes and served as an experience teammate for multiple NFL Drafts and Super Bowls. At The Martin Group, Shantel supports a range of clients, providing earned media storytelling, pitching, writing, and consultation. Off the clock, Shantel enjoys spending time with family, traveling, and making her own wine.

Steve Soroka

Project Director

His passion for people, his visual acuity, his fiercely loyalty and deep patience combine to make Steve Soroka a potent project supervisor. An East Aurora, NY–native who spent time in L.A. pursuing film and TV, Steve returned home to establish his career and family in the region he loves. He earned a BA in Media Studies at UB, where he concentrated on film.

Steve spent time at award-winning boutique agency Block Club, where his roles included project manager, photographer, web designer and studio manager. With over 10 years’ experience in the agency world, Steve has worked with a range of clients including Freed Maxick, Insyte Consulting, Hotel Henry Urban Resort Conference Center, and BlueCross BlueShield. At The Martin Group, he works with clients including New Era and Rich Products.

He’s a graduate of Leadership Buffalo, and has a personal interest in the East Aurora Boys and Girls Club, where he sits on the board. If you want to find him taking a break, check the movie house, where he’ll be soaking in a good flick. Otherwise, you’ll find him enjoying his wife and three kids, or playing an ever-so-slightly competitive game of frolf (Frisbee-golf).

Susan Zeigler

Associate Media Director

Susan joined The Martin Group already possessing a depth of media knowledge and expertise. Previously, she worked for TMX Finance, Push, and Kidd Group, where she provided top-tier media services to such organizations as TitleMax, Daytona Beach CVB, Smokey Bones BBQ, Tijuana Flats, Arnold Palmer Invitational, Wright State University, Orlando Health, and Palm Beach Cultural Council. With experience spanning the financial, healthcare, education, travel & tourism, and restaurant industries, Susan’s organized, analytical nature and passion for all things media have been an unstoppable pairing. Susan is Google Ads and Analytics certified and has managed a team overseeing buys in 50+ markets. When not making media magic for our clients, this self-described coffee addict enjoys hiking, boating, and taking part in any activity that allows her to relax in nature with the people she loves.

Taylor Augustyn

Senior Account Manager

With experience navigating complex projects for clients big and small, Taylor Augustyn prides herself on her discerning eye, listening skills, and thoughtful perspectives. Before bringing her talents to The Martin Group, Taylor was a brand manager at a Buffalo agency, where she worked across industries on various accounts, such as Highmark Health, the Corning Museum of Glass, and Wayland Brewing. Before that, she worked as an English teacher at The Albany Academies. In her free time, Taylor pursues a variety of interests, including dancing, yoga, reading, baking, and interior design. She also enjoys hiking and exploring Upstate NY with her husband and her Tibetan Terrier, Boomer.

Victoria Kopra

Operations Coordinator

In the fast-paced, hustle-centric advertising industry, Victoria’s friendly face and warm attitude provide a welcome relief from the daily grind. She’s no stranger to the advertising world, having spent 11 years in the accounting department at local agency Crowley Webb & Associates. As a part of our operations team, Victoria helps keep the agency’s wheels moving, coordinating various administrative and accounting needs. To unwind, Victoria enjoys sharing a tall glass of ice-cold beer with family and friends.

WIll vonWedel

Director of Web Development

Drawing on decades of experience, Will vonWedel utilizes his proficiency in web programming and his collaborative approach to web development to optimize the digital presence of our clients based on their unique technical needs. His skill in HTML(5), CSS(3), jQuery, Adobe Creative Suite, and SEO best practices—and his tireless work establishing impactful display, compatibility, and functionality across browsers and devices—make him a vital asset to all those he serves. An avid basketball fan, Will also runs a youth basketball program, a regional youth basketball league, and referees high school basketball games. Outside of work, Will enjoys cooking, camping, playing board games, and spending time with his three kids, wonderful wife, German shepherd Sadie, and Boston terrier rescue Keda.