TEAM HCC - Key Persons


Andrew Critchelow

Job Titles:
  • ACCOUNT COORDINATOR
Andrew is on the front lines of the fight against Artificial Intelligence, writing one paragraph at a time. As a former journalist, he has a mastery of AP style as well as casual writing styles appealing to many stakeholders. Andrew works behind the scenes for most clients, but they all know his great press releases, copy, and technical writing.

ANDREW JOHNSON

Andrew really stands out in a crowd - that happens when you are a 6'4" ginger. He is also an experienced videographer who has an artistic eye for details and movement. Andrew is well known for two things: getting hit by a car and living to tell the story and for his work as an extra in feature films.

ASHLEY ABELL

Ashley specializes in diverse filmmaking including short and long format videos. Ashley also owns and operates Abell Media, a wedding video production service that stays busy during the wedding season. When she is not filming, she is in Honduras, her second home, or following Taylor Swift's concert tour.

BETSY MCELWEE

Job Titles:
  • ART DIRECTOR
  • Resident
Betsy is the resident musical aficionado. Whether it be Kendrick Lamar or Radiohead, she is always introducing co-workers to a wide range of musical acts they have to check out. Betsy is an artist at heart and makes us all look hip and cool. She is also a military wife and tough as nails. (That's what she said).

BRI JANES

Job Titles:
  • ACCOUNT COORDINATOR / Bardstown, KY
Bri is a lover of lists and a born project manager. She joined Heartland after spending time in the classroom and the real estate industry. This unique perspective provides her clients with a strategic and stakeholder-minded approach to marketing and communications.

CHRIS PORTER

Job Titles:
  • WEB DEVELOPER / Lebanon, KY
Chris is the coolest and best-smelling team member. He is the talent behind a large majority of Heartland's websites and has an uncanny ability to translate the client's vision into a digital masterpiece. Chris is an advocate for teaching elementary and middle school students web design skills through free coding classes.

GREG MILBY

Greg loves a good story. He is always telling them, especially those taking place in central Kentucky. Greg is the Community Storyteller for Kentucky's Heartland, a regional digital outlet producing videos and podcasts that celebrate all that is great in our region. Greg is a hopeless fan of the University of Louisville and the Tennessee Titans. Your day is coming Greg… hopefully.

HEATHER WHELAN

Job Titles:
  • MARKETING PROJECT MANAGER
Heather doesn't work in aviation, but she specializes in air traffic control at Heartland when it comes to digital and video services. She keeps the entire team on schedule and makes sure we don't drop the ball.

jASON KERR

Job Titles:
  • WEB DEVELOPER
  • Heartland 's Resident Animator
Jason is Heartland's resident animator and chalk artist when the unique needs of our client's rise. However, much of his working time is spent on web developments and maintenance. When a site needs to be created or updated, there is a good chance that Jason will be getting the client up and running.

JOE BENNETT

Job Titles:
  • CONTENT DEVELOPER
Joe is the resident creative who always offers a fresh perspective and a fun point of view. When he is not writing scripts, creating social media, or brainstorming an advertising campaign, he is volunteering at his church or preparing for the upcoming edition of The Eric and Joe Show, a local variety show.

KASEY MCREARY

Job Titles:
  • ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE
Kasey loves black turtlenecks, loud talking and sharing her opinions. Onboarding clients and working with nonprofits are some of her favorite things to do at the office, but she loves a good challenge on behalf of her clients when the situation arises. Kasey struggles to say "no," so you can often find her volunteering at church and her children's schools as well as the local baseball fields and tennis courts (when the mom taxi demands).

KATIE KURTZ

Job Titles:
  • ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE
Katie is the master of task management and a client favorite for those managing multiple projects for multiple audiences. She is known among clients for her expertise in creating and executing long-term marketing strategies and processes. When she is not working with clients, she is supporting her daughters' athletic endeavors or hiking across America (and calling it vacation).

Kenny Rambo - CEO, President, VP

Job Titles:
  • CEO
  • Leader
  • Managing Partner
  • President
  • Vice President
Kenny has been a leader in the adoption and use of new media since 2003 and has helped over 500 organizations across nearly two dozen states plan, develop and execute their online strategy. He is invited regularly to give talks on the use of web and social media as part of an organization's internal and external communications efforts. Kenny Rambo joins Heartland as a managing partner, growing the company to three full-time employees. Kenny Rambo became President and CEO as Avey transitioned to a new role with the Knox Regional Development Alliance. Managing partner Stephanie Apple now serves as Vice President.

MEGAN BLANEY

Job Titles:
  • ACCOUNT COORDINATOR / Bardstown, KY
  • Reporter and Government Public Information Officer
Megan is a former newspaper reporter and government public information officer. She uses this experience to navigate the ever-changing waters of the media world. She is regularly communicating with local, regional and national reporters and distributing meaningful press releases and pitches.

Stephanie Apple

Stephanie has more than 15 years of experience in marketing communications, working with some of the world's most well-known companies in hospitality, retail, education and financial services. She has led many successful outreach campaigns, integrated marketing strategies and complex public relations efforts for a variety of clients, including professional services firms, workforce development organizations, nonprofits and more. Stephanie Apple joins the firm leading up to Curry's retirement.

WHITNEY Wurzel

Job Titles:
  • ACCOUNT COORDINATOR / Bardstown, KY
Out of the forests of central Kentucky comes the greatest snake tamer and spider enthusiast the Commonwealth will ever know. Fortunately for Heartland clients, this mythical creature has a name, and it is Whitney Wurzel. Whitney is an account coordinator and all in when it comes to her clients providing account management services with a special emphasis on copywriting. Yep, she loves to write.