CRUX KC - Key Persons

Abbey Morgan

Job Titles:

Marketing Manager
Member of the Leadership Team

Abbey is a passionate communications professional with a background in restaurant and hospitality. From content creation to strategic communications strategies, Abbey's marketing experience encompasses copywriting, brand design, social media management, reputation management and customer relations. Abbey grew up in her parents' restaurant throughout the last decade, trying her hand at nearly every role - from server to hostess to cashier - and gaining appreciation for small business and entrepreneurship. Her eagerness to pick up a new task, coupled with her creativity make her a strong asset to Crux's account services team and its clients. A self-declared foodie, Abbey loves testing out new recipes and visiting the newest restaurants in town. She can be found exploring the mountains in Telluride with her dog, Remy, or keeping pace in Zumba class. "I'm passionate about producing meaningful work that exceeds my clients' goals."

Abby Smith

Job Titles:

Member of the Leadership Team
Research Strategist

Amber Wright

Job Titles:

Member of the Leadership Team
Traffic Manager

An experienced account executive with a demonstrated history in social media, project management and account service, Amber is the salve that brings calm and order to the creative problem-solving process. Whether she's bridging inefficiencies or analyzing project workflow, Amber is the gatekeeper who ensures accuracy, timeliness and quality execution across teams. Prior to joining Crux, Amber was an account executive and project manager at InQuest Marketing, creating project estimates, implementing project schedules and managing media trafficking for brands, including Mosaic Life Care, TouchNet, ECSI, Starlight Theatre, Horizon PSI, Simplifyy and Hawaiian Bros. Prior to that, she with Lundmark, managing accounts for Crown Center, Homeroom Health and Visit Santa Clarita. Amber is on a mission to find the best cinnamon roll and breakfast sandwich in Kansas City, and when she's not cooking up something delicious, she can be found playing pickleball, engrossed in a Bravo show or drawing portraits for friends and family.

Andrew Meiller

Job Titles:

Member of the Leadership Team
Content Manager

Bailey Mitchell

Job Titles:

Art Director
Illustrator
Member of the Leadership Team
Frontend Developer & Designer

A creative in every sense of the word, Bailey is an experienced art director and illustrator with a talent for both digital and print work. From graphic and layout design to production and creative concepting, Bailey is skillful at understanding client needs and executing on small- or large-scale design work that influences, sells and inspires. Prior to working at Crux, Bailey worked on brands across a variety of industries and verticals, including Olsson, The Kansas City Royals, Olathe Health, MidAmerica Nazarene University, the State of Kansas, The Boys Scouts of America, PKD, Prairie Band Casino, McCown Gordon Construction, Enterprise KC, the American Royal, Maple Ranch, Learning Quest and Dairy Queen. When she's not illustrating cityscapes or designing a new logo, Bailey can be found running, reading or baking. "I see all aspects of a project and bring them together in a successful way."

Becky Schieber

Job Titles:

Member of the Leadership Team
VP, Marketing & Client CMO

A card-carrying grammar nerd, Becky has spent much of her life as a crusader for accurate and awesome communication. A natural dot-connector with bottomless curiosity, she's relentlessly resourceful in connecting ideas, people and words in unexpected ways to build lasting relationships and achieve strategic outcomes for her clients. Becky started her more than 20-year career as a television news producer in some of the country's biggest markets before putting down roots in Kansas City. She's raised millions for cancer research at The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and The University of Kansas Cancer Center, she's honed her experience as a freelance writer, editor and campaign strategist, and she's a proud 2013 graduate of the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce Centurions Leadership Program. Aside from her family, Becky's favorite things in this world are Springsteen, giant LEGO sets and the stack of soon-to-be-read books on her nightstand.

Beth Wood

Job Titles:

HR Specialist
Member of the Leadership Team
Office Manager

A meticulous multitasker with a knack for creating efficiencies and a flair for the creative, Beth is a lifelong learner and an award-winning educator. Formerly an adjunct French professor at University of Missouri - Kansas City and French educator at The Unconventional and JC Harmon High School, Beth is an expert level communicator, interpreter and project manager who's committed to clarity and consistency. A member of the American Association of Teachers of French and Alliance Française de Kansas City, Beth is a native English speaker who can speak fluently, read and write with high proficiency in French. She's received numerous awards throughout her illustrious teaching career, including the David A. Dinneen Award for Pedagogical Excellence, the Excellence in Teaching Award from Rockhurst University and Teacher of the Year at Harmon High School. When she's not skillfully orchestrating schedules and keeping the office organized, Beth can be found working out, cooking, or baking delectable red velvet cupcakes for the Crux team. "I love to learn, and that manifests in my ability to understand how things function, allowing me to improve processes and efficiencies."

Brett Gordon

Job Titles:

Chairman of the Board, McCownGordon

Brooke Barrier

Job Titles:

Creative Director
Member of the Leadership Team

A creative director and storyteller, Brooke has spent her career partnering with clients to craft insight-driven brand narratives, differentiated voice and messaging systems, and full-funnel marketing strategies. Her approach elevates the core strengths of each business through the development of breakthrough messages and on-brand communications that establish a consistent, relevant and impactful experience for customers. Throughout her career, Brooke has led strategic and creative engagements for industry giants and global nonprofits, including Microsoft, Humana, Citigroup, HDR, Deloitte and Children International. Her client experience also extends to local businesses and organizations, including Tortilla Ranch and Boys Grow. Before her time in marketing, Brooke worked as a journalist, contributing to such publications as Nation's Restaurant News, New York Magazine and Self. A big believer in giving back, Brooke played an integral role in bringing the global lecture series CreativeMornings to Kansas City and has served on the boards of several nonprofits, including Amethyst Place and What If? Puppets. Brooke spends her free time discovering KC's best restaurants, practicing yoga and chasing her son down local hiking trails.

Caroline Koncki

Job Titles:

Marketing Coordinator
Member of the Leadership Team

Caroline is a highly motivated and successful digital marketing specialist with a passion for aiding brands in putting their best face forward through graphic design, pay-per-click campaigns, search engine optimization and social media management. Caroline is a utility player in the marketing space, earning certificates in blockchain business strategy, HubSpot marketing software, Google Ads, Meta Ads and Adobe Creative Suite. Prior to joining Crux, she devised and implemented SEO strategies for clients, and maintained social media presences for multiple brands while forecasting marketing campaign growth at CNH Industrial. Before that, she designed brochures, magazine covers, billboards, web pages and advertising for various media formats with A&J Restaurant Management. In her free time, Caroline can be found exploring new restaurants in the KC area, vintage shopping, and spending quality time with her family at the lake.

Christina Hager

Job Titles:

Member of the Leadership Team
VP, Marketing & Client CMO

A versatile performer with a reputation as a masterful artist in her former career as an opera singer, Christina has leveraged her innate gift for storytelling to become a skillful digital marketing strategist, helping companies enhance their market position through incisive and meaningful communication. As a trusted authority on social media marketing, digital communication, corporate identity & branding, executive communications, and thought leadership, Christina applies her knowledge in the B2B and B2C industries, supporting clients in construction, manufacturing, health & wellness, SaSS, tech, professional services, restaurants/hospitality, cannabis, luxury goods, nonprofit, and the performing arts. As President & Founder of Ovations Digital, Christina helped individuals, brands, and businesses use social media to strategically reach their business goals, and she previously served as Head of Marketing/Social Media Manager for StorieChild, Rain Africa USA and Kimberly House. Christina is a member of the Forbes Communications Council, and her insights on social media marketing have appeared in publications like Inc., People Maven Magazine, National Jewelry, Social Media Today, and Forbes, and she has served as a keynote speaker, as well as given numerous presentations and podcast interviews on social/digital media tactics and strategy, including a workshop series attended by 1,200 in 38 states and 24 countries. Christina is committed to empowering people and organizations through engaged boards and volunteerism. She's the outgoing Steering Chair of the Apex Centurion Leadership Program through the Kansas City Chamber and now sits on the Executive and Marketing Committees for its alumni board. She recently completed her tenure on the Greater Kansas City Chamber Board, and she serves on the board of Red Bridge Early Childhood Education Center. Christina recently completed a 5-year term as Vice President & board member of New Amsterdam Opera in New York City. She's also a board member of Nature's Key and volunteers with Prep-KC, UMKC's e-Scholars Program, Junior Achievement, and others.

Claire Vedock - COO

Job Titles:

Director of Operations
Member of the Leadership Team
Board Member for the American Heart Association

Prior to joining Crux, Claire served as business operations manager at Brightedge where she led a global sales team, owned budgets and decisions for vendors and offshore resources, and collaborated with the CEO and department heads to elevate and achieve organizational goals. In her three years with Rx Savings Solutions, she created content and strategies to gain and retain clients while generating and managing inbound leads. Claire serves as a Young Professionals Board Member for the American Heart Association and a 2nd grade tutor through Lead to Read. When she's not refining process or rallying to bring great ideas to fruition, Claire can be found grabbing a Starbucks pup cup for her rescue, Holly, or dominating on the pickleball court.

Cody Carnes

Job Titles:

Graphic Designer
Member of the Leadership Team

Friendly, honest and adaptable, Cody is one of the newest additions to Team Crux. A recent graduate of Northwest Missouri State University, Cody has worked with the university's Athletic Department, designing graphics for all sports, including player highlights and team accomplishments. Well-versed in social media engagement and promotional campaigns - and passionate about creating visuals that tell a strong brand story - Cody's skills translate seamlessly for clients across all industries. When he's not in the office, Cody can be found out on the town or off the grid, hunting, fishing and camping in the great outdoors. "I try to learn as much as I can from the people around me, and I try and find different ways of looking at things."

Dr. Jillian L. Wenburg

Job Titles:

Account Director
Member of the Leadership Team
Senior Marketing Director

Sharp, driven and curious, Dr. Jillian L. Wenburg is an account director who specializes in writing, project management, design and critical thinking. A marketer who's worn the hat of both student and professor, Jillian brings a winning methodical approach to her client strategies. Prior to joining Crux, Jillian served as an instructional designer and director of the Digital Learning Team at Park University, and she continues to write, edit, and design through her company, Rural Designs. She taught English as an assistant professor and served as a writing coach for teacher education at Fort Lewis College, and previously served as a graduate teaching instructor at the University of Missouri-Kansas City. She's a member of the Mari Sandoz Heritage Society, Modern Language Association, College English Association, American Historical Association, and Pop Culture Association and American Culture Association. Jillian is a certified yoga teacher who teaches at the Yoga Patch, and she enjoys reading, running, gardening, leathercraft design and pickleball. She can also be found spending time with her husband, Chris, and two senior cats, Taboori and Pluto (ages 18 and 13, respectively). She's passionate about grammar and a bucket list item includes bringing a Sharpie with her across the nation to correct errant apostrophes in menus.

Emily Tanner

Job Titles:

Marketing Manager
Member of the Leadership Team

Emily is a recent Missouri State grad driven by connection, creativity and curiosity. Her marketing expertise lies in project management, focusing on copywriting and building connections with clients. Emily was an intern at Crux during the summer of 2022 and loved it so much she had to come back after graduation. Prior to her time at Crux, she worked as a social media coordinator at Missouri State and several businesses in the Springfield area. Emily is known for her outgoing personality and her strong work ethic, which makes her a confident innovator and fun teammate. As an aspiring leader, she strives to make the world a better place, both through her work and by how she interacts with those around her. In her free time, you'll likely find her stuck in a book, exercising her green thumb, or socializing at a local coffee shop.

Ethan Whitehill - CCO, President

Job Titles:

CCO
Member of the Leadership Team
President

Ethan has made a career out of building agencies and growing brands. He founded the firm Two West in 1997, running it as an independent shop for nearly 20 years before combining his firm with Sandbox and later MERGE, where he served as CMO for the AdAge Top 100 Agency. As an agency founder and entrepreneur, Ethan brings a business owner's mindset to marketing, working on a host of diverse brands, from packaged goods and professional services to hospitality and healthcare. On a personal level, Ethan's been lauded for his entrepreneurship (Helzberg Entrepreneurial Mentoring Program), leadership (Ingram's 40 Under 40), innovation (Techweek 100) and industry expertise (Chief Marketer's Promo 100 and 2018 AAF KC Ad Professional of the Year). He's worked with many blue-chip clients, including American Century Investments, H&R Block, Hallmark, Holiday Inn, Time Warner, Sprint, T-Mobile, LG, John Deere, AMC Theatres, Yellow, Ferrellgas, and Abbott Nutrition. His client experience also counts favorite local brands and organizations The Roasterie, Helzberg Entrepreneurial Mentoring Program, UMKC Henry W. Bloch School of Management, Kauffman Fasttrac, Tippin's and Donutology. Ethan's served on several non-profit boards, including KCPT/90.9 The Bridge, STEAM Studio, and DeLaSalle Charter High School, and he currently serves on the board of The Rabbit Hole, an experiential museum celebrating children's literature. A gearhead and adventurer at heart, Ethan has a (mostly) healthy obsession with vintage sports cars, rugged overlanding rigs and Italian motor scooters. Ethan has made a career out of building agencies and growing brands. He founded the firm Two West in 1997, running it as an independent shop for nearly 20 years before combining his firm with an AdAge Top 100 Agency, where he served as CMO. As an agency founder and entrepreneur, Ethan brings a business owner's mindset to marketing, working on a host of diverse brands, from packaged goods and professional services to hospitality and healthcare.

Heather Perry

Job Titles:

Member of the Leadership Team
Content Manager

Heather Perry is a driven communicator with a passion for powerful storytelling. Her background in marketing, journalism and social media allows Heather to produce authentic content that connects. Her eclectic background in news and real estate give her a unique perspective on how content can be created, shared and edited for a wide array of audiences across the B2B and B2C landscapes. After graduating with a degree in print journalism from Kansas State University, Heather took a job as reporter and editor of her hometown newspaper to cover small-town news. She served as a freelancer for two Kansas magazines and was later drawn to local television news where she became a web editor for Channel 6 News in Lawrence, combining her two great loves (fashion and pop culture) in a segment devoted to weekly web trends. After a minor existential crisis that resulted in the ownership of two cats and a dog, Heather created her own fashion website and began a career in marketing. In her free time, Heather enjoys playing and coaching volleyball, binge-watching reality trash TV, and starting (but rarely finishing) Old Hollywood autobiographies.

Janine Smiley

Job Titles:

Member of the Leadership Team
Director of Public Relations & Communications

Janine is an entrepreneurial-spirited communications leader with expertise in simplifying the complex to achieve extraordinary outcomes. Her business experience includes working for both private and public companies that have focused on acquisitions, new products or service launches, as well as leadership and organizational restructuring in industries with changing regulatory and customer demands. Her communications experience includes media relations, crisis management, C-suite communications, branding and audience persona development, event planning, and content creation. Janine has been a featured conference speaker on reputation management and de-escalating customer issues in social media channels. Her desire to "go deep into operations" offered her the opportunity to work on the operations side of corporate and manufacturing businesses and develop a business acumen that she continues to foster. Janine previously served as audience and insights lead at Woodruff, director of industry communications for Dairy Farmers of America Inc., and director of corporate communications for H&R Block. While thriving amid change is easy for Janine, she enjoys the relaxation of lake life and the sounds of waves lapping up against a boat surrounded by the Ozark Mountains.

Jennifer Evans

Job Titles:

Member of the Leadership Team
SVP, Marketing Operations

Over her 20-year career, Jenn has worked in a variety of strategic roles from email and database marketing, to guiding marketing, brand development and communication strategies for large corporations and multi-unit concepts. She's launched national and global brands, passionately led international teams, and partnered closely with key stakeholders to create annual business plans and KPIs. A strategic thinker and strong brand storyteller with a "get it done" approach, Jenn loves digging into complex data to create simple, effective solutions for her clients. With experience in hospitality, entertainment, big tech and pharma, Jenn has always focused on understanding business objectives and identifying and prioritizing the opportunities that drive ROI. She's comfortable working in ambiguous environments and can quickly pivot strategies and tactics to respond to evolving business needs.

Jessica Toms

Job Titles:

Member of the Leadership Team
VP, Marketing & Client CMO

Thanks to a career working across multiple major industries and in countless capacities - designer, copywriter, media buyer and an entrepreneur, to name a few - Jessica approaches marketing from a business perspective. Throughout her 14-year career, Jessica has supported national sales teams, built comprehensive campaigns for some of the nation's largest brand names, managed consumer brands, written for and directed award-winning videos and commercials, and implemented executive and corporate communications plans for industry leaders. Jessica is relentless in her pursuit of the best solutions to fit her clients' needs and is extremely passionate about her work. She has a special knack for identifying gaps in the marketing life cycle and aligning the appropriate activities and programs to achieve success. She prides herself on being a critical thinker who looks at marketing challenges from a business perspective and sees the "big picture." And above all, she lives, breathes and worships the brand. A lifelong fitness fanatic, Jessica can often be found outdoors running, practicing yoga, camping or exploring all Kansas City has to offer with her family. "I'm constantly thinking about what I have - and can be - delivering for my clients, and I'm constantly learning from the actions taken, infusing those learnings into my next steps."

Josh Martin

Job Titles:

Member of the Leadership Team
Social Media Manager

Josh is strategic, creative storyteller driven by deadlines. A four-time Syracuse Press Club award winner, Josh has uncovered corruption, fraud and injustice, and he's collaborated with colleagues and communities to simplify complex ideas and develop content that both informs and inspires. Prior to moving to Kansas City, Josh spent three years at NewsChannel 9 in Syracuse, New York and four years at WBNG 12 News in Binghamton where he helped launch the franchise "Digging Deeper" and was named New York State Broadcasters Association Social Media Personality of the Year in 2018. A sports enthusiast who bleeds Orange, Josh enjoys playing basketball and golf, and cheering on Syracuse football, the New York Yankees and the Buffalo Bills.

Kara Brooks

Job Titles:

Member of the Leadership Team
VP, Brand & Communications
Writer

Katie Ragan

Job Titles:

Member of the Leadership Team
HR Generalist
VP, HR & Talent Development

To Katie, it all comes down to people. With a passion for aligning companies' strategic plans to employees' growth trajectories, Katie is skilled at providing strategies for collaboration that strengthen business goals and the employee experience through compensation, organizational and employee development, and benefits. Katie is an HR Generalist with 12+ years of experience and a demonstrated history within the architecture and planning industry. Prior to joining Crux, Katie was the HR Business Partner for Cyber Security Company CYDERES. She also served in various HR roles with Fishtech Group where she created and implemented salary bands, created career ladders, and implemented employee satisfaction surveys, as well as improved strategic HR relationships and led Total Rewards Program analysis. Prior to that, Katie completed the employee lifecycle, perfected benefits administration and worked on performance review oversight efforts at HOK. When she's not strengthening employee experiences, Katie can be found gardening (aka playing in the dirt), cooking or hanging out with her two boys who keep her on her toes!

Kristy Meyers

Job Titles:

Executive Assistant
Member of the Leadership Team

Kristy is no stranger to supporting owners and executives through business change and growth. From small businesses and startups to globally charged business environments, Kristy is adept at reaching across various departments, engaging teams to forge toward common goals together to efficiently move businesses forward. Prior to joining Crux, Kristy served as Director of Facilities and Administration at Cyderes (formerly tech accelerator and cloud-based solution provider Fishtech Group), where she moved up the ranks from office manager of a small startup to director of a large company of 200+ employees. In addition to providing administrative support to the executives throughout the company's explosive growth, Kristy also managed two 20,000 SF world-class office buildings, five office suites worldwide, and a park with a golf hole replicating Golden Bell from Augusta. Her previous experience also includes roles with Ameriprise Financial Services, D&R Packaging Inc. and Firestone Tube Company (Bridgestone).

Mary King

Job Titles:

Member of the Leadership Team
Content Manager

Meg Zander

Job Titles:

Member of the Leadership Team
Senior Manager, Search & Web
SEO Consultant and Strategist

Meg is an experienced SEO consultant and strategist who helps clients overcome obstacles to create effective, search-friendly content within the melee of processes involved in complex digital ecosystems. Prior to joining Crux, Meg served in various SEO and content roles at Local SEO Guide, Wpromote, VMLY&R, Signal Theory (formerly Sullivan, Higdon & Sink), as well as partnering with Barkley and DEG to develop content for clients like Spirit Airlines and MoLotto. Her client list is as broad as it is long, including award-winning work for household brands like AAFP, Cargill, Children's Mercy, Christopher Elbow Chocolates, Colgate Professional, Enfamil, Ford Motor Company, Freddie Mac, Kansas Health Foundation, Kodak Print, Meritage Homes, Old Mutual, Old World Spices, Sonic Drive-In, Tide Dry Cleaners and YMCA. Her work for Twist'd Q earned Best-In-Show and Gold AMBIT accolades in the Integrated Campaign and Social Media categories, and her work on Children's Mercy's "Dear Mom" campaign earned both a Gold AMBIT and Gold PRISM award. When she's not analyzing search data or auditing web content, Meg can be found writing and reading, hiking, camping, and enjoying the chaos of family life while raising two kids and three cats.

Megan Snook

Job Titles:

Controller
Member of the Leadership Team

A clear communicator with a passion for helping others, Megan is the glue that holds the Crux office together. With more than a decade of experience, Megan brings accounting and finance expertise to her role. She previously served as a staff accountant at The Whitlock Company and Walters McCann Fanska, LLC, bringing with her expert project management and accounts payable expertise. A QuickBooks whiz with a knack for organization, Megan enjoys traveling to new places and kicking back with a great book. "There's nothing I love more than coming in under budget and having a well-organized fridge."

Melea Mcrae - CEO, Founder

Job Titles:

CEO
FOUNDER
Member of the Leadership Team
Marketing Strategist With 25 Years of B2B
Member of the Forbes Communication Council

Melea McRae is a marketing strategist with 25+ years of B2B and B2C experience leading client-facing marketing departments, where she earned the reputation of an insightful brand strategist. Formerly the senior vice president and chief marketing officer at the Greater KC Chamber, she led the organization's marketing and business development efforts. In July 2016, Melea made the entrepreneurial leap and launched her own marketing firm, Crux KC, a certified WBE providing in-house marketing, outsourced - the "un-agency" - for small to mid-sized clients, combining the leadership of a fractional CMO with a marketing-department-as-a-service model to provide simple, smart and affordable full-funnel marketing solutions. As founder and CEO, she builds marketing, communications and business development strategies for clients, while positioning them for sustainable growth. The Crux team of 40 then executes on those strategies. In January 2019, she co-founded its sister company Crux-Xcelerate with an emphasis on sales coaching and leadership development paired with marketing to positively impact revenue growth. Melea received her Executive MBA from Rockhurst University's Helzberg School of Management in 2020 and is a fellow in the Helzberg Entrepreneurial Mentorship Program (HEMP). She also serves on multiple boards in the region, including: vice chair of the Kansas City Repertory Theatre board of directors; Arvest Bank's Kansas City board of directors; the ECJC (Enterprising Center of Johnson County); Circle of Red supporting the American Heart Association and co-chairing the AHA's Go Red For Women event in 2023; the Children's Mercy Research Institute Advisory Council; and is a member of CEOs for Real World Learning, a collaboration among the Civic Council, KC Chamber, Aligned, Kauffman Foundation and KC Rising. Melea is a member of the Forbes Communication Council and Kansas City Business Journal's 2021 Women Who Mean Business class and was a recipient of Enterprising Women Magazine's 2021 Enterprising Women of the Year Award. Crux KC was recently named to the Inc. 5000, a 2022 Kansas City Business Journal Champion of Business, a Greater KC Chamber of Commerce Top 10 Small Business for 2021 and 2022, and named to Kansas City Business Journal's Best Places to Work for 2021. Melea is a marketing strategist with 25+ years of B2B and B2C experience leading client-facing marketing departments, where she earned the reputation as an insightful brand strategist. As SVP and CMO at the Greater KC Chamber of Commerce, she led the organization's marketing and business development efforts. In July 2016, Melea launched Crux KC, providing an in-house marketing team, outsourced - the "un-agency" - for her small-to-mid-sized clients. As founder and CEO, she builds marketing, communication and business development strategies for her clients, while positioning them for sustainable growth.

Melody Messenger

Job Titles:

Member of the Leadership Team
Social Media Coordinator

For Melody, it all comes down to consistency - whether she's building a content strategy or analyzing social media performance. A true digital marketer at heart, Melody specializes in copywriting, market research and content creation for Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, Pinterest, Twitter and YouTube. From photo and video content to graphics and captions, she develops and implements strategies that connect with target audiences and generate sales. Before joining Crux, Melody was a social media management consultant, helping brands grow their online presence and build awareness through customized social media strategies. Melody is also the creator of the Engage Your Audience eBook to help fashion and beauty brand owners increase engagement and build a community around their brands, and the Next Level Strategy Course for brands that aren't yet ready to outsource but want to learn how to create effective Instagram marketing strategies. A lover of both fashion and sports, Melody can be found watching moves or playing video games beside her cat, Obi, or cheering on the Chiefs with her husband. "I'm passionate about finding creative and impactful ways to communicate our clients' purpose, mission and values through social media."

Mike Malone

Job Titles:

Marketing Executive
Member of the Leadership Team
Senior Marketing Director
Team Leader

Mike is a decisive marketing executive and team leader with a record of achievement leading to accelerated growth and improved business operations. From product management and strategic development to change management and end-to-end project management, his marketing strategies are as informed by industry best practice as they are by his depth of knowledge on how a business runs. A self-professed data geek who appreciates the power and artistry of creative, Mike has a demonstrated ability to both provide a vision and translate that vision into action. Mike previously served as senior product manager at H&R Block where he managed all functions associated with Peace of Mind, a $100M+mproduct, increasing sales by 5% through extensive interviews with field associates, operations stakeholders and leadership across the organization. As a sourcing leader, he partnered with marketing, PR and corporate analytics teams to develop strategic partnerships. Prior to that, he served as an account supervisor at DATACORE where he drove the strategic direction of marketing and conducted long-term road mapping for clients. Mike loves to travel and spend time outdoors-especially if he has a glass of wine in hand. "I'm passionate about finding where the right message, the right customer, and the right place all converge."

Miranda Read

Job Titles:

Art Director
Member of the Leadership Team

Miranda's keen eye for good design, boundless curiosity and unfailing enthusiasm make her a creative force to be reckoned with. A marketing-minded art director with more than a decade of experience working with companies in the beverage, restaurant, publishing, nonprofit, and healthcare industries, she employs a well-rounded, ever-evolving skill set to meet a growing range of marketing and design needs for clients and her team.

Ogletree Deakins - Shareholder

Job Titles:

Shareholder

Paityn Forgey

Job Titles:

Member of the Leadership Team
Social Media Coordinator

Paityn is a recent Missouri State grad who enjoys both the creative and analytical sides of marketing. She brings a depth knowledge in an array of social platforms to her role as social media coordinator, and her clear communication and efficiency allows her to thrive in deadline-driven environments. Before joining Crux, Paityn managed social media ads, designed direct mail campaigns and oversaw digital strategy as a marketing coordinator at United Country Real Estate. Prior to that, she served as a junior paid search manager at 417 Marketing where she reviewed client accounts through keyword research, operated Google Ads and Analytics to oversee trends and optimize strategies. Paityn is a fan of scary movies and loves binge-watching TV. When she isn't crafting content, she can be found hiking, reading, or hanging with friends and family.

Patrick Jacquinot

Job Titles:

Member of the Leadership Team
Senior Marketing Director

Regan Smith

Job Titles:

Member of the Leadership Team
Digital Marketing Analyst

Regan brings a creative approach to client engagement and a curiosity to the data strategies that help them win. Skilled in government relations, Regan brings a demonstrated history of working in the political organization industry, canvassing and policy analysis to her role at Crux. Prior to joining the team, Regan served as a competitive analyst for AL Media Strategy where she tracked competitive spending in federal and statewide caucus races, offering in-depth and individualized analysis of client and opponent spending to lay the groundwork for opposition strategy. Prior to that, she served as constituent services coordinator for the Office of Governor Laura Kelly, managing all casework, drafting proclamations, and organizing proclamation and bill signing ceremonies. As a field representative for Progressive Turnout Project, she worked with state leadership to quantify voter data for the Northeast Kansas metro and facilitate data collection improvements for the next election cycle. Though the data has her heart, Regan loves to get outside. She can be found hiking around northeast Kansas by day and binging a great tv series on Netflix by night. "I'm passionate about transforming data into comprehensive strategy."