SYNERGY MARKETING STRATEGY & RESEARCH - Key Persons


Crystal Ogden

Crystal Ogden joined Synergy after a successful 10-year engagement with a global automotive aftermarket supplier. During her tenure, she wore many hats, including marketing, project management, sales, and executive and marketing department support. She managed all aspects of the company's involvement in international trade shows and special events, as well as corporate communications materials and marketing department budgeting. She also served as a communication and organization hub for the group. Here, Crystal acquired the rare combination of skills, experience and passion that allow her to motivate her team members and maintain their enthusiasm throughout a project lifecycle. As a member of the Synergy team, Crystal's exceptional capabilities ensure that the deadlines are met and promises are kept. Crystal's targeted-insights ensure our diverse clientele have everything they require-sometimes at a moment's notice-rather like a trade-show. Crystal holds a BS/BA in Marketing Management from the University of Akron, where she graduated Cum Laude. She is also a certified Project Management Professional.

Dr. Fitz Gibbon

Job Titles:
  • COO & VP of Program Development for Ideal Portland, Inc
Dr. Fitz Gibbon's broad experience in entrepreneurship, new venture development and minority inclusion in the innovation economy make her a valuable addition to the Synergy team. In her professional practice with Fitz Gibbon Inc. Venture Development, Dr. Fitz Gibbons helps high-potential businesses that involve women and minority-owned companies to increase their capacity, capabilities and profitability. Her corporate involvement assists many large to medium firms and pubic utilities identify and bridge opportunities with their minority supplier development processes, design strategies and implement plans which increase the effectiveness and profitability of their inclusion efforts. She co-authored the Minneapolis Saint Paul Innovation & Entrepreneurship Prospectus presented to international economic policy constituents at the Brookings Institution in Washington, D.C.

Dr. Rachel Talton

Dr. Rachel is a strong advocate for women and girls - taking on mentoring two young women per year in addition to her service in the Links, Inc. and her sorority, Delta Sigma Theta, Inc. In her spare time (you heard that right), Dr. Rachel has dedicated countless hours to designing leading The Northeast Ohio Economic Inclusion Collective, a regional initiative to move the needle on minority and female business growth across the region.

James M. Talton

Job Titles:
  • Synergy 's Chief Operating Officer
Results-driven. From the executive suites and strategic human resource management circles to strategic planning and research management for global multinational firms, James M. Talton is an operations and human resource expert who gets things done. Before coming to Synergy, James served as Executive Vice President of Human Resources for Forest City Enterprises. He received a Bachelor of Science in biology and chemistry from Knoxville College in Knoxville, Tennessee, and a Master of Science in industrial and labor relations from St. Francis College in Loretto, Pennsylvania. As Synergy's Chief Operating Officer, James is responsible for staff management, strategic oversight of all client projects, and business development. His interpersonal and relationship-building skills fit perfectly with Synergy's client-focused mission.

Steve Harf

Steve gives back to the community as an adjunct professor at John Carroll University, where he teaches marketing and strategy at the graduate and undergraduate levels. In his spare time, he offers students advice on careers and resume writing. More recently, he went door-to-door, encouraging people to vote for the Cleveland Metropolitan School District levy to help elevate the quality of education in city schools.