HATCHER - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Associate
- Marketing and Communication Associate
- Next Team Member
Abby is a Marketing and Communication Associate with a passion for storytelling.
Before joining The Hatcher Group, Abby developed her marketing prowess and interest in promotional narrative at a variety of creative agencies. She has assisted a number of small businesses and public figures with Caandor Labs, and luxury brands and services with the sister companies Spring Studios and Spring place. She built her clients' social media plans and managed their copywriting and editing for online consumption. Her repertoire of clients includes program leaders, real estate business owners, and DC-local political candidates.
She began her career at Hatcher as a Communications Intern in the summer of 2021 before returning as a Marketing and Communications Associate at the start of 2022. She supports the Communications Team on several client accounts and assists on internal projects.
With a life that revolves around writing, Abby graduated from American University in the fall of 2021, earning her BA in English Literature with a concentration in Creative Writing and a minor in Marketing. Proficient in storytelling and a drive to always find that catchy hook, she strives to inspire and create change through her words.
Job Titles:
- Senior Accountant
- Next Team Member
Alexa plays a critical role in managing and overseeing financial operations within Hatcher. Ensuring accurate recording of transactions and analyzing financial data for strategic decision-making. She brings extensive experience to streamline processes, maintain compliance, and contributes to the overall financial health of the business.
Before joining the Hatcher Group, Alexa spent her time as an Accountant in Higher Education. During that time, she meticulously processed financial records, maintained ledgers, and collaborated closely with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless financial operations.
She holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration & Finance from Texas Tech University, where she graduated Cum Laude. An avid movie watcher & popcorn eater, Alexa spends her weekends at the local movie theater.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Leadership Team
- Partner
- Next Team Member
Amy Fahnestock is an accomplished practitioner with proven leadership in business strategy, program management, strategic communications, and change management. She has over two decades of professional experience related to the planning, development and execution of strategic initiatives for multiple clients in both the public and private sectors. She is an influential leader adept at working with cross-functional teams, building relationships and consensus with diverse stakeholders, developing innovative strategies and plans, and seamlessly executing contracts.
Amy previously co-founded a woman-owned small business (WOSB), Engenuity Consulting, a full-service consulting firm that specialized in the development of compelling change management and communications campaigns to help corporate, federal and nonprofit clients achieve program success. She managed the go-to-market strategy, financials and business operations. Prior to that, Amy served as a business leader for Booz Allen Hamilton and helped expand its Strategic Communications practice. During her time at Booz Allen, she led program and delivery management across multiple engagements with agencies within the federal government and managed sizeable, cross-functional client delivery teams. She played an instrumental role for business development, managing the proposal response process, identifying potential teaming partners, crafting the technical response capture and determining associated cost structures.
Amy has a bachelor's degree in communications and psychology from the University of Virginia and has earned a PROSCI change management certification and Project Management Professional (PMP) certification. In addition, she is a graduate of the Change Management Advanced Practitioner (CMAP) program at Georgetown University. She has held a Top Secret clearance issued by Defense Security Service (DSS). Amy and her husband live in McLean, VA with their children, Addison and Jack. Life is incredibly fun, adventurous, and fulfilling/exhausting trying to keep up with the two kiddos!
Job Titles:
- Member of the Leadership Team
- Partner
- Next Team Member
Amy Squire Buckley has more than 25 years' experience in marketing and communications, building and managing businesses and leading large-scale client engagements in the public and private sectors, with a focus in the education market.
As a Principal at Reingold for more than eight years, Amy developed strategic client and partner relationships, managed complex client engagements, and led organizational capacity-building within the firm. She was the project director for several public awareness campaigns with clients including the U.S. Department of Education, U.S. Census Bureau and U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
Amy previously launched a new business model for Varsity Group, producing an e-commerce textbook solution serving private educational institutions and their students that became an industry leader. Amy also managed an innovative grassroots-marketing program on more than 100 college campuses across the country. She worked as a management consultant for A.T. Kearney, and formerly served in the Office of the Secretary at the U.S. Department of Education and as deputy director of the Office of Presidential Personnel at the White House.
Amy has a bachelor's degree in economics from Boston College and an MBA from the Darden School of Business at the University of Virginia. Her first job after college was serving in the Jesuit Volunteer Corps as a public advocate in Seattle, working on behalf of homeless and at-risk families. She lives in Bethesda with her husband and three boys. A faithful (and sometimes obnoxious) Boston sports fan, Amy is most happy when visiting her native Cape Cod with her boys.
Andrea has more than a decade of experience in education, non-profits and writing. (Writing professionally, that is. Her early work can be found in storage in her parents' basement.)
Seeking meaningful work after college, Andrea joined AmeriCorps, which set ablaze her passion for education. She spent two years as an AmeriCorps member with City Year, working with underserved youth in Boston Public Schools. Afterward, she joined City Year's Program Design team, working on afterschool programming, family engagement, and school events. There, she created research-based guidebooks and training materials for field staff, oversaw the implementation of signature afterschool programming in 26 sites across the country, and supported events of up to 800 participants.
Andrea went on to earn her MFA in creative writing at West Virginia University where she taught composition and fiction courses and published her work in literary magazines and other publications. She also worked as the creative writing program assistant, overseeing the department blog, supporting outreach efforts, and launching and maintaining the department Instagram. She volunteered with various groups organizing student and external readings, collaborating with local high school teachers to integrate poetry in their English curriculum, sending books to Appalachian prisons, and teaching adult ESL classes.
Just prior to joining The Hatcher Group, Andrea worked at LIFT, an anti-poverty nonprofit, as a grant writer. Originally from Staten Island, she currently lives in D.C. and enjoys travel, trying new fitness classes, and browsing small bookstores.
Job Titles:
- Art Director
- Next Team Member
Bailey Gregory is a skilled art director who brings deep experience in both print and user experience design to a wide variety of clients.
She previously worked as a senior designer at The Pew Charitable Trusts for nearly five years. There, she worked with the creative director to help rebrand the organization, creating styles and layout templates for things such as scientific reports, briefs, infographics, interactives, and brochures. She also sharpened her skills as an illustrator and map maker.
Bailey earned a bachelor's degree in graphic design from West Virginia University in 2012 and worked in the creative department at WVU University Relations. After graduating, she worked at several boutique design agencies and honed her skills in branding, print design, and user experience design.
Besides design, Bailey's other passions include having fun with her family, playing with her golden doodle Chauncey, or sewing handmade children's clothing for her 3 daughters.
Job Titles:
- Associate Director, Media Strategy
- Next Team Member
Becca is a passionate, skilled marketing and advertising professional with a strong expertise in digital strategy and media. She is a detail-and deadline-oriented multi-tasker able to work effectively across multiple accounts on any given day with strong negotiation skills; experience with media planning and buying such as print, OOH, digital and mobile; hands-on skill with programmatic media and paid social and search; and knowledgeable in media tracking software.
Job Titles:
- Next Team Member
- Senior Director, Integrated Marketing
Ben Abraham brings 12 years of experience in brand and integrated marketing, where he holds a proven track record of maximizing social impact through bold creative campaigns that drive results for his clients. He is in the business of uncovering insights and selling ideas that inspire behavioral change and improve health outcomes.
Before joining The Hatcher Group, he served in-house as the Senior Brand Marketing Manager at Storyblocks, where he led the integrated marketing strategy for Re: Stock, an initiative focused on elevating diverse voices in media. He has been featured on a panel at SXSW entitled "Unlocking Inclusive Media Through Intersectionality" and has provided thought leadership for organizations and media outlets such as Adobe, Fast Company, and Outfront Magazine.
Topically, he also specializes in environmental policy, public health, and consumer health. Over the years, he has supported digital and integrated marketing strategies for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the United States Coast Guard, the Environmental Protection Agency, and the US Department of Housing and Urban Development. His work has covered a wide range of topics, from indoor environmental health to HIV/AIDS policy.
Ben is a graduate of the University of Virginia, where he studied Environmental Thought and Practice, an interdisciplinary program that combines theories of economics, natural sciences, and policy to drive social change. He has also earned a certificate through NYU Tisch's Cinema Studies program in Film and Cinematography. Ben is a member of Out in Tech, Catalyst Sports, and AIGA's DC Design Week. When he's not building creative marketing strategies, he's probably eating sushi, playing billiards or hiking a precipice.
Job Titles:
- Next Team Member
- Proposal Writer
- Writer
Bernadette Davis is a proposal writer with experience providing support to government contractors including technical writing and overall compliance.
Prior to joining The Hatcher Group, Bernadette was a proposal consultant for several government contractors in the DC metro area. In addition, she was the Outreach Manager at Athleta where she managed their communications, events, community outreach, and volunteer efforts. In this role, she developed new and innovative ways to reach new markets amidst Athleta's inclusivity campaign. She also broadened their volunteer reach and supported non-profits such as I Support the Girls and Project Little Warriors.
Bernadette graduated from Rutgers University where she majored in Political Science and History.
Job Titles:
- Director
- Communication Strategist
- Next Team Member
Carrie Johnson is a communication strategist with nearly two decades of experience working with nonprofits. At The Hatcher Group, Carrie supports the firm's education portfolio.
Prior to joining The Hatcher Group, Carrie was the senior manager of communications and editor in chief at the Hearing Loss Association of America where she directed marketing and media campaigns and edited a 44-page quarterly magazine. She brought in a record-breaking 58 partners to the HLAA Externally-Led Patient-Focused Drug Development Meeting on Sensorineural Hearing Loss. HLAA received permission to hold this meeting from the U.S. Food & Drug Administration. While at HLAA, she managed social media campaigns, marketing email blasts, blog posts and press campaigns on World Hearing Day and over-the-counter hearing aids. She also managed digital and communications benefits for HLAA's 21 Hear for Life Corporate Partners.
Carrie was also an associate director of marketing and media relations for the Association of American Colleges and Universities for 10 years. While there, Carrie worked with reporters from national and trade media outlets to promote research about what hiring managers are looking for-beyond a student's major-when hiring college graduates. She also managed marketing email blasts, annual meeting and membership marketing, and business/trade partnerships with Inside Higher Ed, The Chronicle of Higher Education and Diverse: Issues in Higher Education. Previously, she was director of communications for the Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute, where she managed mobile apps for two meetings, an annual report, and AHRI Update, the member e-newsletter. Carrie also worked at the National Trust for Historic Preservation and interned for the Ohio Department of Education. She served as the Washington Women in Public Relations group's Pro Bono Co-Chair from 2018-20 20, co-leading 20 volunteers on communications activities on behalf of WWPR's pro bono client, Sitar Arts Center in Washington, D.C. Carrie continues to volunteer on WWPR's Pro Bono Committee.
Carrie earned her master's degree in public communication from American University and her bachelor's degree in public relations from Otterbein University. She lives in Rockville, Md., with her twin sister, Beth.
Job Titles:
- Digital Marketing Associate
Cataysha is a Digital Marketing Associate with a passion for social media and content creation.
Job Titles:
- Next Team Member
- Vice President, Integrated Production
As an experienced project manager and master multi-tasker, Cate delivers multiple concurrent projects on-time and on-budget. At The Hatcher Group, Cate serves as the Production Manager making sure everything runs smoothly and deliverables exceed expectations.
Cate has spent 20 years managing projects big, small, and everywhere in between. Most recently Cate was Production Manager for Speak Agent, Inc. managing the development of game-based academic vocabulary tools for English Language Learners. She has spent the past 13 years working in education technology with project highlights including Johns Hopkins University Virtual Performance Assessment and PBS KIDS PLAY!. Previously she has worked as a Project Manager at AT&T and Exent Technologies.
Cate holds a BS in Industrial & Manufacturing Engineering from Penn State University and is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP).
Job Titles:
- Associate
- Next Team Member
Chelsi Hall is a public relations and communications professional with a passion for human connection and storytelling.
Before joining the Hatcher Group, Chelsi served as a Public Relations Account Coordinator at VSC. In her role she was able to facilitate connections and storytelling opportunities for clients in the startup tech space. She has a few years of experience developing social media strategy, pitching media for stories and podcasts, and developing product launch and media strategy.
At Hatcher, Chelsi supports the Communications team with copywriting, client strategy, and media relations.
Chelsi received a Bachelor's Degree of Media, Journalism and Film Communications from Howard University
Job Titles:
- Graphic Designer
- Next Team Member
Cindy Ramos is a passionate graphic designer who strives to learn and inspire others.
Before joining The Hatcher Group as a full-time Graphic Designer, Cindy worked at Hatcher as a Design Intern and then as a Design Fellow during the summer and fall of 2021. As a part of Hatcher's design team, she collaborates and takes lead on a variety of projects including social graphics, digital ads, videos, one-pagers, logo designs, and more.
Cindy graduated from George Mason University, receiving her B.A. in Art and Visual Technology with a concentration in New Media Art and a minor in Graphic Design. She enjoys bringing her colorful vision into the world and is committed to using her creative skills to support positive changes.
Job Titles:
- Data Analyst
- Digital Project Coordinator
Cristobella is a dynamic data analyst with a wide range of analytics and project management experience across the journalism and hospitality industries.
Daniela Aguero is a passionate and skilled designer who strives to turn dreams into visually striking realities.
Daniela studied graphic design at George Mason University and graduated in 2020. Before graduating, she interned at Wolf Trap and assisted their in-house creative team with various projects, including newspaper ads, event invitations, postcard mailers, dinner programs, and more.
Before joining The Hatcher Group, Daniela worked as a freelance artist and graphic designer, creating brand identities and illustrations. Daniela hopes to continue using her creative skills to help bring awareness to important issues and leave a positive impact on the world.
Job Titles:
- Next Team Member
- Senior UX / UI Designer
David is as an experienced UX and graphic designer passionate about design that is driven by people in marginalized communities.
Prior to joining the Hatcher Group, David worked for George Mason University. In his role, David worked on a wide range of print and digital design projects, including the visual design and user-experience for Mason's website templates. David earned his bachelor's degree in Print Journalism at American University and studied abroad at the University of Cape Town in South Africa.
At The Hatcher Group, David provides strategic communications, writing, and earned media support to a variety of education clients.
Prior to joining The Hatcher Group, David was a program manager at the Education Writers Association. There, he collaborated with reporters and media outlets to strengthen the quality of education coverage. Originally a pre-K teacher, David is passionate about learning and writing about issues that affect students and schools. His writing about education has appeared in The Atlantic and Education Next, among other outlets. He has also held internships at the U.S. Department of Education and New America.
David earned a bachelor's degree in government from The University of Texas at Austin. Following graduation, he was a Teach for America corps member in St. Louis.
Job Titles:
- Graphic Designer
- Next Team Member
Debbie Rappaport works with clients through print and digital design, including the Aspen Institute and the News Literacy Project, among others. Debbie is a graphic designer who combines decades of advocacy and communications experience with the visually creative intuition that brings a story to life.
Debbie received a certificate in graphic design from Montgomery College in May 2017, after a 25-year career directing advocacy campaigns and policy communications. Before going back to school, Debbie directed the ZERO TO THREE Policy Network by cultivating and mobilizing key professionals in the early childhood field to influence federal and state policy on behalf of infants, toddlers, and their families. She oversaw all aspects of the Policy Network's work, including strategic communications planning and implementation, the creation and execution of live and digital advocacy engagement campaigns, and the development of advocacy tools and resources.
Debbie also served as the KIDS COUNT network coordinator for the Annie E. Casey Foundation and as the director of strategic applications for the FrameWorks Institute. She has a master's in policy sciences from University of Maryland, Baltimore County, a master's in Jewish studies from Baltimore Hebrew University, and a bachelor's in history from Indiana University.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Leadership Team
- Vice President
- Next Team Member
- Strategist
Derek Turner is a strategist with 20 years of experience working at the intersection of communications, equity and innovation. At The Hatcher Group, he supports clients working to advance equity and opportunity through advocacy, marketing, and smart communications.
Prior to joining The Hatcher Group, Derek served as the Chief of Engagement, Innovation and Operations for Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS), Maryland's largest school district and one of the 20 largest school districts in the nation. He led the school system's strategic communications and stakeholder outreach efforts; managed crisis response; acted as the primary spokesperson to the media; and served as a key advisor to the Superintendent and the Board of Education. During his tenure, Derek oversaw the redevelopment of the school system's brand and website; crafted editorials on diversity, equity, and inclusion; enhanced multilingual engagement tactics; and oversaw the development of the system's virtual learning academy.
Before MCPS, Derek served as Director of Communications for the Kapor Center for Social Impact and the national NAACP, respectively. In these roles, he developed multi-pronged communications campaigns to highlight critical civil rights and social justice issues, including climate change, criminal justice reform, marriage equality, and unconscious bias in hiring. His strategies helped expose attacks on voting rights and disparities in hiring within the tech industry.
Derek holds a bachelor's degree in psychology from Duke University, a juris doctor from Southwestern Law School, and studied film production at American University. He has also earned a change management certificate from Cornell University and a certificate focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace from the University of South Florida. He has lived in 9 states, and the District of Columbia. He currently lives in Wheaton, Maryland with his wife, daughter and son. Derek is a karaoke enthusiast and dabbles in woodworking.
Job Titles:
- Integrated Production Manager
- Next Team Member
At The Hatcher Group, Emma supports the Production Manager on all creative projects, print and digital, to ensure deliverables are produced and implemented efficiently and smoothly. She also provides technical assistance to the Events team.
Before joining The Hatcher Group, Emma was the Visual Brand Manager at Active Minds, a nonprofit dedicated to changing the conversation about mental health based in Washington, DC. There, she managed and mentored a small team of interns and design contractors to meet the needs of the organization. She led the integration of Active Minds' visual brand into programmatic materials, social media and web campaigns, and chapter and partnership activities of Active Minds.
Emma's first love was dance having spent the majority of her upbringing standing at a ballet barre. The dance studio is where she learned the value of collaboration, discipline, and self-expression. This lifelong appreciation for the art form led her to work alongside the video teams at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and Jacob's Pillow Dance Festival.
Emma holds a bachelor's degree in digital media production from Butler University, where she wrote her honors thesis on the ways in which the arts impact an individual's development of civic mindedness.
Job Titles:
- Senior Director, Product and UX Design
Ernest Chua is an advocate of user-centric design to create products, services and experiences that improve the lives of people. Over the last decade, Ernest helped develop product designs from initial concept through delivery, create effective campaigns for print and digital for a variety of technical audiences, to increase customer engagement across multiple touch points.
Prior to joining the Hatcher Group, Ernest worked for Doxim, a financial institution SaaS (software as a service) provider. In this role, he worked on front-end development and designed client campaigns and responsive 508-compliant templates. Ernest graduated summa cum laude from George Mason University with a bachelor's degree in graphic design. His main goal in life is to create a better world through design.
Job Titles:
- Next Team Member
- Senior Digital Marketing Associate
Heather is a Senior Digital Marketing Associate with a wide range of skills across a multitude of digital platforms.
Prior to joining The Hatcher Group, Heather worked as a Social Media Specialist at Fishbowl, Inc., a marketing agency in Alexandria, VA. During that time, she focused on managing social media accounts, content creation, and email campaigns for multiple different clients. She is well versed in a wide range of programs, from Facebook Ad Manager, Hootsuite, and Adobe Captivate, to Salesforce and Google Analytics.
In 2016, Heather graduated from James Madison University with a bachelor's degree in Communication Studies and a minor in Educational Media.
Job Titles:
- Next Team Member
- Senior Digital Marketing Associate
Imani is a Senior Digital Marketing Associate with a passion for creating content centered in empathy and creativity to effectively connect with audiences.
While in college, Imani worked at Apple, where she learned interpersonal skills that are key to designing unique digital marketing strategies that yield results. She has managed brands in a diverse group of clients in retail, real estate, and professional athletics. However, she loves creating social media content and email campaigns that communicate the mission of non-profit organizations!
Before joining The Hatcher Group she spent years developing organic growth systems for clients of Strike 3 Marketing Agency. She also was able to utilize her passion for social justice and advocacy in managing government campaigns at BGH & Associates Consulting Firm.
Imani attended University of Kentucky and worked in the media department for UK Athletics, Go Big Blue!
Job Titles:
- Associate
- Next Team Member
Izzy is a compassionate individual with experience in non-profits as well as customer relations.
Prior to joining the Hatcher Group, Izzy held positions in customer acquisition and retention, non-profit event planning and coordination, and the fitness sector. At the Hatcher Group, Izzy handles strategic marketing and event management.
Izzy graduated from Georgetown University with a degree in English Literature and minor in Theology. She enjoys using use her analytical skills to help create meaningful relationships and work.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Leadership Team
- Vice President
- Next Team Member
Jenny Pascaran Beard manages Hatcher Events and brings broad professional expertise from her work in museums, higher education, the environment and entertainment.
Prior to joining The Hatcher Group, Jenny was a communications strategist for the University of Maryland's School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation. In this role, she managed the Environmental Finance Center's overall communication efforts for its work in community resilience, sustainability, and environmental protection. She produced educational videos and stakeholder engagement events such as symposia, forums, town halls and meetings to advance communications goals. In addition, she was an event planner for the School's 50 th Anniversary Gala at the Library of Congress and led communications for the Diversity and Inclusion Committee.
Jenny is also an award-winning television producer, with more than 15 years of storytelling experience for networks including the Travel Channel, Discovery Channel, National Geographic, Bravo and TLC. She began her public affairs career at the Smithsonian Institution and the J. Paul Getty Museum. She managed community outreach efforts for the grand opening of the Getty Center, executing an inclusivity-driven events strategy that targeted educators, students and families through special receptions and a gala, as well as public workshops. She produced monthly Family Festivals which included multiple live performances and hands-on educational activities for more than 10,000+ visitors a day.
Jenny received her bachelor's degree in journalism/public relations from the Philip Merrill College of Journalism at the University of Maryland.
Katelynne Vizcayno is a creative problem solver and a senior graphic designer at The Hatcher Group who has a strong love for art and inspiring others.
Prior to The Hatcher Group, Katelynne worked as a freelance artist creating portrait paintings, cover art, and logos and branding. She also worked at a local restaurant designing chalkboards. She received her A.F.A at Montgomery College with a focus in Studio Art, and her B.F.A at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County with a focus in Graphic Design. Katelynne is at a new chapter in her life where she is determined to get involved and explore creative opportunities where art and design make a difference for others.
Job Titles:
- Editor
- Senior Editor
- Next Team Member
Katie Freeman is an editor with a passion for storytelling and enhancing a writer's voice.
Katie has more than 15 years' experience in editing in both nonprofit and trade publishing. Before joining The Hatcher Group, she spent 13 years at the education nonprofit ASCD, where she was a marketing writer and campaign strategist for two years and an editor for 11 years. As an editor, she specialized in event and marketing information, communications, and marketing pieces, ensuring accuracy and consistency across suites of materials. She also edited press releases, social media content, newsletters (both print and electronic), professional development courses, catalogs, emails, and web content.
Katie's freelance clients include MindRocket Media Group, Spaulding for Children, the American Bankers Association, and the U.S. Green Building Council. Before joining ASCD, she worked for The Great Courses, where she edited marketing materials, and Potomac Books, where she evaluated book proposals and edited manuscripts and marketing materials.
Katie earned a bachelor's degree in English with a minor in women's studies from Colgate University, where she was a writing tutor and student volunteer coordinator. She earned a master's degree in publishing from The George Washington University with a focus on journals.
Job Titles:
- Vice President
- Next Team Member
Kristen joined The Hatcher Group in 2016 and currently oversees the firm's environment sector and a broad range of clients, such as the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Prior to joining the firm, Kristen was the senior manager of strategic communications for the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, where she developed and executed communication plans to advance the department's mission. Kristen also enhanced departmental communications materials-translating technical information into clear, concise and compelling copy. She managed messaging and media relations for significant state and regional environmental issues, including restoring the Chesapeake Bay and adapting to climate change.
In addition to her work for Maryland, Kristen worked in communications, crisis communications and media relations for several Fortune 500 companies, including Stanley Black & Decker in Towson, Maryland-where she worked with nonprofits, overseeing her division's charitable giving program-and Sun Life Financial in Boston, Massachusetts and Waterford, Ireland.
She has a Graduate Diploma in Journalism/Media Communications from Griffith College Dublin and a bachelor's degree in communications from Villanova University.
Job Titles:
- Senior Director
- Next Team Member
Lauren has 15 years of experience in health research, education, and program management. Her background has provided her with in-depth knowledge of health outcomes research, education policy, and grants management. This was demonstrated through her published work in peer-reviewed academic journals and public speaking engagements at various national and international conferences.
Prior to joining The Hatcher Group, Lauren served as editor for the 2018 U.S. Status Report on Diversity in Engineering Education. This publication examined areas of growth and changes in racial, ethnic, and minority populations within the engineering field and was funded by The National Science Foundation. Her previous work experience includes proposal strategy for the management of pharmacy benefits at Elixir (Rite-Aid) and Magellan Rx Management, Associate and Interim Director at the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities, Senior Specialist for Clinical Practice Guidelines Development at the American College of Rheumatology and graduate studies in epidemiology and biostatistics as a Master of Public Health executive candidate at Emory University.
When recruited for the position of Program Manager for Access, Diversity, and Inclusion in the American Dental Education Association's Policy Center, she oversaw the public relations, media affairs, and program development for the Dental Pipeline National Learning Institute, a new training program designed to increase educational access, recruitment, and retention among low-income and underrepresented minority students at dental schools. She managed the social media end of the portfolio, including the management of project websites and writing for ExploreHEALTHCareers.org.
Lauren is a native of Miami, Florida, and a graduate of Spelman College with a degree in International Studies as a Target scholar. During her matriculation, Lauren was a Women of Excellence Leadership (WEL) Series scholar, served as Class President, graduate of the Spelman Civic Engagement Fellows program and a JP Morgan Chase scholar for Study Abroad in Madrid, Spain. In her free time, Lauren can be found trading and investing in cryptocurrency and stocks, reading books, watching stand-up comedy, spending time with friends and family, and decompressing to music with her Yorkie.
Job Titles:
- Next Team Member
- Senior Director, Government Sector
Lauren has more than 22 years of marketing experience, and for nearly 20 years she has focused on marketing related to all aspects of non-profit associations and professional societies.
Lauren previously was a senior manager of marketing and communications services at Smithbucklin, providing marketing and communications support to help client organizations, including the Neurocritial Care Society (NCS), Lamaze International, Brand Chain (formerly the Print Services & Distribution Association (PSDA)), the Railway Supply Institute (RSI) and Worldwide ERC (WERC) achieve their missions.
In addition, Lauren worked at the American Chemical Society (ACS) for over 15 years. She led both product and audience focused marketing and communication teams, leveraging her consultancy and communications skills to a breadth of areas including: branding, client services, engagement, segmentation, diversity programs, fundraising, third-party partnerships, and more.
She earned her bachelor's degree in political science and German with a minor in economics at Randolph-Macon College in Virginia. She currently resides in Bethesda, MD with her husband, two children and Sheepadoodle, Brady
At The Hatcher Group, Lauren directs Tax Credits for Workers and Their Families and works with a variety of other economic policy and education clients, including Prosperity Now and The Wallace Foundation.
As director of Tax Credits for Workers and Their Families, Lauren develops strategic communications plans to improve tax credits at both the state and federal levels, tracks legislation, conducts interviews with key policymakers and thought leaders, provides support for advocacy groups and regularly blogs on key policy developments. She speaks often about tax credits on Capitol Hill and at various partner events. Lauren also works closely with The Wallace Foundation and its communications partner organizations to disseminate research on the importance of school leadership for improving teaching and learning. She brings broad experience in event planning, media outreach and advocacy.
Prior to joining The Hatcher Group in 2012, Lauren worked in the communications office at the Maryland Department of the Environment, where she helped generate press for key environmental issues affecting the state. She holds a bachelor's degree from St. Mary's College of Maryland, where she wrote her senior thesis on providing accessible "survival English" courses for low-income immigrants in the D.C. metro region.
Job Titles:
- Next Team Member
- Senior Proposal and Capture Specialist
- Senior Proposal Specialist
Lily Brock is a senior proposal specialist experienced in business development, marketing, and creative writing.
Prior to joining the Hatcher Group, Lily worked as a proposal manager at Creative Systems and Consulting (now ICF) where she coordinated, wrote, and edited RFI, RFP, and RFQ written responses and presentations for federal contracts at the U.S. Department of Agriculture and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. In this role, Lily managed several winning proposal responses and revamped client-facing graphics and proposal materials.
In 2020, Lily graduated from the University of Virginia (UVA) with a distinguished major in American Studies. As a student at UVA, Lily interned at the Seymour Agency, the UVA Admissions Department, UVA Curry School of Education, and the Legal Aid Justice Center. Additionally, Lily ran a supper club during her time at UVA-doing everything from marketing, budgeting, and building furniture to cooking, plating, and serving generous helpings of moussaka and heaping strawberry shortcake trifles.
Job Titles:
- Art Director
- Next Team Member
Lindsey Heyl's background in graphic design and communication brings strength and cohesion to her projects.
For 20 years, Lindsey has had one foot in design and one foot in communications. Before joining The Hatcher Group, she was a Senior Graphic Designer with the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD), designing books, brochures, ads, print materials, annual reports, and websites. Lindsey also brings a wealth of prior freelance experience for clients including the American Bankers Association, US Chemical Safety Board, US Geological Survey, National Geographic, and Smithsonian Botanic Garden.
Lindsey earned her public relations degree in 2002 from Northern Arizona University and received an international communications minor from Hanze University in Groningen, Holland. After graduation, she served in the Peace Corps in Kyrgyzstan as an English teacher. She then earned a BFA in graphic design from George Mason University in 2011. Upon graduation, she received the Outstanding Undergraduate Graphic Design Award. She recently served on the board of AIGA DC and worked on the committee for the AIGA DC Continuum Scholarship Fund.
Job Titles:
- Senior Graphic Designer
- Next Team Member
MaameYaa Danso is a creative and organized senior graphic designer at The Hatcher Group who creates unique design deliverables for all clients.
MaameYaa graduated from Towson University in 2018, where she received her B.F.A with a concentration in graphic design. After graduating, she worked at Dreamscape Marketing and assisted their creative team with all client work, including website design, branding, print materials, web ads, infographics, and more.
Before joining The Hatcher Group, MaameYaa was a contract graphic designer at Horne Creative Inc. At Horne, she worked alongside the creative team to create various design materials for its federal clients. MaameYaa hopes to grow her creative skills and explore new opportunities as she continues to pursue her career.
Job Titles:
- Associate Director, Data and Analytics
- Digital Data Analyst
- Next Team Member
Maggie Petrella is a resourceful digital data analyst with a passion for problem-solving. She supports The Hatcher Group's digital initiatives by leveraging data to tell meaningful and actionable stories about the progress of digital campaigns. She seeks to inform our clients on how they can make the most of their digital presence to have the strongest impact on their desired audiences.
Prior to joining The Hatcher Group, Maggie was a Business Analyst at M&T Bank. In that role, she advocated for contextualizing data and considering the human impact of business decisions. She developed thorough reporting on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on customer well-being, and informed strategic initiatives that impacted a network of nearly 700 retail branches. Maggie combined quantitative and qualitative data to understand and deepen customers' engagement with digital services.
Maggie is an alumna of the University at Buffalo, where she graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Applied Mathematics. After graduating, she completed a one-year Management Development Program to hone her professional skills.
Originally from Syracuse, NY, Maggie lives in Baltimore, MD, by way of Buffalo, NY.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Leadership Team
- Next Team Member
- Vice President, Talent and Cultur
- Vice President, Talent and Culture
Maia Alexander is The Hatcher Group's internal champion of talent and culture. She supports our Human Capital Management including talent acquisition, talent management, total rewards and employee engagement.
Prior to joining The Hatcher Group, Maia was a Human Resources Business Partner at Newmark, a global commercial real estate firm. In that role, she was an advisor and coach to over 500 real estate professionals throughout the United States. She managed the compensation process, performance management cycle, full-cycle recruiting, and employee relations for the multifamily division. Maia has worked on a variety of special programs including an annual intern program, analyst development program, and campus recruiting.
Maia is a graduate of the University of Maryland Robert H. Smith School of Business in College Park, MD, where she majored in Management and Finance. After graduating, she immediately started working as a Human Resources Generalist with special focus on talent acquisition and special programs. Originally from Prince George's County, MD, Maia currently lives in Edgewater, MD with her husband and energetic son.
Job Titles:
- Planner
- Senior Manager, Events and Experiences
Mallory Werthamer is a detail-oriented event planner with a passion for bringing people together in meaningful ways.
Prior to joining The Hatcher Group, Mallory was a senior meeting planner at the Investment Company Institute where she was responsible for overseeing the logistics of multi-day conference events, multi-day virtual events, webinars, and committee meetings. She has extensive experience with stakeholder, speaker, and vendor management, and excels at bringing event goals to fruition. Mallory began her career in events at the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy planning multi-day conferences, creating event promotions, and managing event registrations.
Mallory earned her Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) designation in 2019 and became certified in Virtual Event and Meeting Management in 2020. She holds a bachelor's degree in broadcast journalism and history from the University of Maryland.
Mana Mostatabi is a marketing & communications professional with over a decade of experience in helping non-profits tell stories, craft powerful messages, facilitate rebrands, combat disinformation, head crisis communications, innovate communications, marketing, and digital strategies, and much more.
Prior to joining Hatcher, Mana was the Communications Director at the National Iranian American Council, where she worked to bolster the visibility and reach of the organization's work and staff, all while refreshing its brand and designing dynamic content and campaigns to draw in new audiences. Before that, she worked as a Research Associate at a non-profit focused on weapons non-proliferation. Mana also worked as a Digital Strategist at the California-based environmental nonprofit Sustainable Conservation, where she built the organization's digital program from the ground-up; co-founded a citizen journalism platform at the height of the Arab Spring; and was the online community manager for an Iran-focused human rights group in the Bay Area.
Mana has an M.S. in Foreign Service from Georgetown University with a concentration on Global Politics & Security. She is also a School of Foreign Service Merit Scholar who received Distinction upon graduation. During her time at Georgetown, Mana served as the Executive Editor (Online) of The Georgetown Journal of International Affairs and taught Intro to International Relations to multiple undergraduate sections. She also earned a B.A. in Creative Writing and Literature and a minor in Professional Editing & Writing from the University of California, Santa Barbara.
Job Titles:
- Director
- Senior Director
- Next Team Member
As a director at The Hatcher Group, Mary works with a range of clients, including Humanim, MANSEF, the Annie E. Casey Foundation and the Green and Healthy Homes Initiative. She brings with her 13 years of experience in nonprofits, with a focus on education and community development.
Before joining The Hatcher Group, Mary worked at Enterprise Community Partners, where she managed internal communications. She also worked on content development and distribution for several departments, ranging from white papers and issue briefs to feature writing for newsletters and annual reports. Prior to Enterprise, she worked at Belair-Edison Neighborhoods, Inc., a community development corporation in Northeast Baltimore. There, she managed communications and programs, including housing counseling, financial literacy and community engagement.
Mary graduated from the University of Virginia with a bachelor's degree in history. She received a master's degree in writing from Towson University.
Job Titles:
- Graphic Designer
- Illustrator
- Next Team Member
- Senior Art Director
Marzia Motta is a reliable and passionate graphic designer and illustrator. Her love for design and dedication to social justice will drive her contribution to any project.
Originally from Italy, her experience includes design, photography, teaching, fine art, and performance art.
Prior to joining The Hatcher Group, Marzia was Senior Graphic Designer at MicroStrategy for eight years, where as part of the marketing department, she helped develop the company's branding and assisted all worldwide design needs. As a freelancer, she worked with a variety of clients, including New America Foundation, Batalà Washington, ShareXMobility, Zawadi, NABE, independent scientists, musicians, and more.
She earned her BFA from George Mason University where she graduated Summa Cum Laude with honors. In her spare time, she enjoys writing and illustrating children's books, traveling, drawing, drumming, and visiting the best playgrounds the world has to offer.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Leadership Team
- Digital Communications Executive
- Next Team Member
- Senior Vice President, Digital
Matt is a seasoned digital communications executive with over 20 years of experience in strategic communications, advocacy, and technology-driven public sector solutions. At the Hatcher Group, he is focused on the growth and development of the firm's digital offerings, integrating innovative solutions into their existing suite of communications services to build a robust digital toolkit.
Matt has an entrepreneurial spirit highlighted by his past experiences. Matt Co-founded and oversaw an acquisition of SociallyMined, a boutique digital agency leveraging analytics to deliver content and engage with target audiences. As CEO of SociallyMined, he utilized Big Data and unique algorithms to effectively micro-target relevant audiences with a targeted message. He worked closely with notable brands, government agencies, non-profits, professional athletes, celebrities, and sports franchises to assist with branding, reputation repair, and crisis communications.
Previously, Matt founded and served as Managing Partner of Union Square Strategic, a public affairs consultancy. In his role he focused on strategic communications and public sector procurement, positioning his clients for large-scale government contracts.
In addition, Matt opened and managed the Washington DC office of the Liberty Square Group, a Boston-based strategic communications firm, where he served as Senior Vice President for four-plus years. Formerly, Matt spent eight years as Director of Federal Affairs at the largest independent lobbying firm in Washington, DC, Van Scoyoc Associates.
Matt began his career in the White House West Wing serving the Clinton Administration's Political Director. In his role he developed political landscape briefings for members of the Cabinet and served as a link between the Executive Office of the President and elected officials nationwide.
Matt is a graduate of Wheaton College in Norton, Massachusetts and attended graduate school at Georgetown University. He has been appointed to several boards, including the Homeland Security Foundation of America, Screening for Mental Health, and VoltaHive. Matt lives in National Harbor, MD and, as a Massachusetts native, is a die-hard Boston sports fan.
Melissa Johnston is a dedicated designer whose background in marketing and graphic design brings a unique understanding of both the creative and business sides of projects.
For nearly two decades, Melissa has been client-focused from both the perspective of a graphic designer and a business and marketing professional. Prior to joining The Hatcher Group, she worked at ASCD, a nonprofit membership association supporting educators worldwide, as a senior graphic designer creating books, websites, marketing materials, publications, advertisements, conference and signage materials, logos and motion graphics. Through freelance opportunities and previous experience at design agencies and in-house creative teams, Melissa also brings valuable expertise in print and digital communications from working with clients including AARP International, American Bankers Association, Children's National Medical Center, Ledger Bennett, The National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), National Geographic Society, National Institute on Aging, and UNESCO.
Melissa earned her B.B.A. degree in marketing from the University of Iowa in 2002. After realizing her passion for visual communications, she then went on to earn her B.F.A. in graphic design from George Mason University in 2012 to pursue a career that utilized her creative talents. In her spare time, Melissa enjoys having dance parties with her daughter, traveling, exploring nature, and making memories with family and friends.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Leadership Team
- Vice President
- Communication Strategist
- Next Team Member
Melissa Mellor is a communication strategist with two decades of experience in the education and youth sector. At The Hatcher Group, Melissa leads the firm's education portfolio.
Prior to joining The Hatcher Group, Melissa was the senior director of communications at America's Promise Alliance where she spearheaded communications for several distinct campaigns and initiatives, including GradNation and How Learning Happens. At America's Promise, she helped to maximize the impact of the organization's research and amplify youth experiences and perspectives on a wide variety of topics that influence their lives, from learning about racism to the pandemic's effects on education and wellbeing.
Melissa also led communications for the Aspen Institute National Commission on Social, Emotional, and Academic Development, including the release of the Commission's final report, A Nation at Hope. Previously, she was manager of government relations outreach at ASCD where she led the association's advocacy communications and promoted whole child education policies. Melissa has also held positions at the Council of Chief State School Officers and at Education Week.
Melissa earned her master's degree in education from Wake Forest University and her master's in public relations and corporate communications from Georgetown University. She lives in Arlington, Va., with her husband and three young children.
Job Titles:
- Director, Multimedia Production
- Next Team Member
Job Titles:
- Senior Associate
- Next Team Member
Job Titles:
- Member of the Leadership Team
- Senior Vice President
- Next Team Member
Job Titles:
- Senior Associate
- Next Team Member
Job Titles:
- Associate Director
- Next Team Member
Job Titles:
- Member of the Leadership Team
- Executive Vice President, Senior Creative Director
Job Titles:
- Next Team Member
- Senior Director, Digital
Job Titles:
- Next Team Member
- Senior Production Designer
Job Titles:
- Creative Production Specialist