APPLETON CREATIVE - Key Persons


Alexi Kim

Job Titles:
  • Copywriter
  • Digital Strategist
Alexi Kim has spent her career shaping brands' narratives across diverse digital platforms. She thrives in multifaceted roles where she can craft engaging copy and design assets for various communication channels. Alexi blends meticulous attention to detail with creative flair to create compelling content for notable clients. Her portfolio is a testament to her imaginative thought process and writing prowess.

Derricka White

Job Titles:
  • Production Assistant
Derricka has been keeping the ball rolling on projects since 2012. With a methodical approach to tasks, a commitment to excellence and experience in various creative design programs, Derricka makes a perfect production assistant. In this capacity, she ensures projects are flowing with speed and efficiency, confirming every detail is noted and completed with accuracy. Derricka takes great pride in working behind the scenes, seeing her efforts come to fruition. She counts team collaboration as an integral element of each project, and credits Appleton's close-knit company culture to every success.

Desi Pappas

Job Titles:
  • Advertising Account Manager
Before coming to Appleton in 2023, Desi worked in a variety of different marketing scenes from digital marketing to nonprofit. She has an expertise in project management and a knack for leading others, which has allowed her to thrive in every role she's held. Desi's top priority is to establish and maintain client relationships. This isn't too difficult considering her bubbly and likable personality, paired with professionalism. Desi feeds off producing results and when it comes down to it, there is not one better to turn to.

Diana LaRue - CEO

Job Titles:
  • CEO
  • Principal
Diana has a keen eye for exceptional creativity using her special style of minimalist design to create maximum results. With right-brained creativity and left-brained practicality, Diana is a seasoned professional with an uncanny insight for the next marketing trend. How's that for the best of both worlds? A distinguished designer and creative director who wields today's mediums with finesse and unerring accuracy for optimal results, she is a brand expert who brings multiple skill sets to your company's table.

Dolly Sanborn

Job Titles:
  • Senior Art Director
  • Senior Art Director Web Designer
Dolly has been spawning new ideas and creating award-winning work since 1999. When it comes to the creation of interactive experiences, concept development and strategic branding, Dolly knows it all. She's an art director and expert designer well-versed with anything from the digital realm to the print world. Dolly creates user experiences recognized for their engaging designs and impactful visuals. With her expertise and skills in art directing and branding, Dolly combines her talents to create the perfect recipe for client success.

Doug Stewart

Job Titles:
  • Vice President of Strategic Marketing
Doug has been fusing organization with adaptability since 2012. As a success-driven team player, Doug has an aptitude for leadership, strategic planning and getting the job done. By communicating precisely organized action plans, innovative ideas and fine-tuned schedules to each Appletonian, he ensures that deadlines are met and goals are conquered, creating mutual satisfaction between clients and the agency. Doug combines his approachable personality with a focused and dedicated work ethic to guarantee the Appleton team produces the best work possible for its clients.

Eric Czerwonka

Job Titles:
  • Art Director
  • Art Director Animator
Eric has been conceptualizing big ideas and creating unique and award-winning designs since 1998. With his innovative design style and art direction, Eric has proven himself as one keen Appletonian. And he's no one-trick pony. Eric's portfolio is well-rounded by a print design and 3D interactive media background, in addition to animation. That's innovation you can depend on.

Gaylen Berlinger

Job Titles:
  • Project Manager
  • Senior Producer
Gaylen is passionate about bringing projects and ideas to life by utilizing her strengths of Maximizer, Arranger and Developer. She had a wide breadth of marketing experience working in the Big Apple for iconic brands such as Jordache, VH1, MTV before moving to Orlando. She is now taking a bite out our "Apple-ton" by elevating our clients and growing them to new heights. Gaylen is a highly skilled producer and superior in navigating brands through our wide range advertising services. And if that is not enough, her smile and positivity is contagious.

Hector Gutierrez

Job Titles:
  • Art Director
  • Art Director Videographer
Going on 10 years of design experience, Hector started his career in Orlando, Fl doing graphic design for the thriving tourism sector. Today as an Appletonian, Hector focuses on meeting and exceeding any graphic design needs a client may have. Working proficiently across many design platforms allows Hector to always stay up to date on software updates as well as best industry practices and procedures.

Jennifer Graven

Job Titles:
  • Art Director
  • Art Director Photographer
Jennifer has been creating stellar work and a lively work environment since 2009. Her passion for art and photography combined with a dual degree in graphic design and advertising/public relations gives her a well-rounded perspective on her work. Add that to her love of fun and contagious team spirit, and what do you get? A designer that gives clients innovative creativity and Appletonians a reason to love coming to work. Jennifer leverages her appreciation of art and the advertising world, capturing the essence of who Appleton is.

Lon Winter

Job Titles:
  • Senior Creative Copywriter Brand Strategist

Matthew Slider

Job Titles:
  • Copywriter
  • Copywriter Public Relations Strategist
Matthew brings to the table a diverse skillset covering crisis communications, advertising strategy and content creation, with a breadth of experience spanning health and wellness to cyber security industries. Matthew excels in crafting tailored, action-inspiring messages for a variety of industries and clients. Known for their dedication to perfection and quality-driven results, they leverage media analytics software to ensure their crafted messages strike a chord and reinforce brand identity.

Michael Speltz

Job Titles:
  • Director of Videography Principal
Mike has been telling stories through video and creating award-winning work since 1976. With an incredibly creative eye, he uses his divine talents to see things others don't. It's all in the details, and that's how Mike brings it all to life. He visualizes the scene and collaborates with the client, the writer and the talent. That's why, from concept to completion, from 16mm film to high def digital, Mike delivers a seamless flow that brings mere words and thoughts into compelling, engaging images that motivate, titillate and educate.

Nicole Lent

Job Titles:
  • Director of Account Management
  • Director of Account Management Strategy
Nicole started her career in broadcast media and successfully transitioned to the print and digital domains. Her previous roles have honed her skills in creative copywriting, strategic advertising, client communication, direct mail campaigns, social media networking, SEO, SEM through PPC, and more. She employs her rich industry knowledge, deep enthusiasm and remarkable client-centered approach to foster new business development. Her varied expertise makes her an asset to any team.

Ruth Graves Wakefield

Job Titles:
  • Inventor of the Chocolate Chip Cookie, Sold the Idea to Nestle Toll House in Exchange for a Lifetime Supply of Chocolate
Ruth Graves Wakefield, the inventor of the chocolate chip cookie, sold the idea to Nestle Toll House in exchange for a lifetime supply of chocolate.

Ryan Hamilton

Job Titles:
  • Editor