STEPHEN RYBAK - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Director Creative Strategy
Jackie has over 18 years of marketing and advertising experience, from both in-house and the agency side of the business. She's worked closely with B2C and B2B clients in a range of industries, leading creative teams to build brands and develop award-winning ideas that become moving and effective marketing campaigns. She sees team collaboration as the key to newer, bigger, better; and she is sincerely delighted when she knows our work has struck a chord with a client. In her own words, "If we can catch them off-guard with the quality of our work, we've done our job."
From concept to production, her work expands from local to international, including industrial, manufacturing, oil and gas, grocery, retail, healthcare, food & beverage and more. She also brings her client-side experience to bear as a former in-house writer for Foley's and creative lead for Direct Energy. Jackie has spent the last decade leading diverse creative teams to design innovative and result driven strategies that achieve objectives and exceed expectations.
Job Titles:
- Director of Finance
- Director of Finance & Development at CANHelp
Jennifer Hancock is a seasoned financial expert with a rich background spanning corporate, manufacturing, government, and nonprofit sectors. Currently serving as Finance Manager at MDR, Jennifer leverages her extensive experience in cost accounting, budgeting, and financial reporting to drive financial strategy and operations.
Before joining MDR, Jennifer was the Controller at Majek Boat Works, where she managed critical accounting functions and conducted detailed financial analysis. Her role as an Accounting Consultant at Texas Notary Public allowed her to assist small enterprises and individuals with accounting, tax research, and business formation, showcasing her versatility and commitment to ethical business practices.
During her tenure as Director of Finance & Development at CANHelp, Jennifer significantly impacted the organization by leading financial initiatives, acquiring grants, and organizing major events like the Hopkins County Back to School Fair. Her strategic approach helped CANHelp transition to a paperless system, enhancing efficiency and transparency.
Jennifer's earlier roles include Corporate Accounting Consultant at Wynne Insurance Services, where she streamlined financial processes, and Accounting Manager at Merritt Insurance Services, where she improved operational efficiency. As Corporate Controller at CCSI, she presented financial statements and secured federal contracts, demonstrating her ability to collaborate effectively with senior management.
Her long-term role as Assistant Secretary-Treasurer at Heartland Security Insurance Group saw her managing consolidated financial statements and cash flow for multiple subsidiaries, while her early career at Hibbs-Hallmark & Company involved comprehensive accounting operations and internal controls.
Jennifer's skills in financial reporting, GAAP compliance, team leadership, and vendor management, combined with her proficiency in tools like QuickBooks and Microsoft Excel, underscore her comprehensive financial acumen. Her career is marked by a consistent drive for operational improvement and financial success across diverse industries.
A driving force behind the average 10-year tenure of MDR clients, Nancy has a natural rapport with clients and an amazing knack for decision-making that's proven to be instrumental in coordinating winning efforts for many of the agency's largest accounts. Previously a sign language interpreter, Nancy is a skilled listener and thoughtfully guides the Client Services team, overseeing their strategic account planning, development and first-rate campaign execution.
She believes collaboration is the key to successful marketing and the most rewarding part of her job is cultivating and nurturing those important relationships. From the biggest economic engine in the region to a nonprofit that provides food and shelter to our neighbors in need, Nancy ensures that every MDR client receives top-notch service and quality marketing that helps them reach their goals.
Quinton Smithwick is a seasoned marketing professional and Media Director at MDR Advertising, where he leads the agency's media team in managing clients' annual investments across traditional and digital platforms. With deep expertise in media strategy, analytics, and campaign execution, Quinton oversees the development of high-impact initiatives that maximize reach, engagement, and ROI for a diverse client portfolio.
His strategic approach blends data-driven insights with creative media planning, enabling clients to navigate an ever-evolving advertising landscape successfully. His experience spans industries such as healthcare, finance, tourism, and consumer goods, including collaborations with Fortune 500 companies and regional organizations alike.
Quinton is dedicated to fostering a high-performance culture, streamlining processes, and building strong partnerships with clients. Beyond campaign management, his leadership in media strategy and emerging trends drives measurable success and innovation for MDR Advertising's clients.
A former collegiate baseball player, Quinton graduated magna cum laude from St. Mary's University with a Bachelor of Business Administration and earned a Master of Science in Marketing from the University of Texas at Austin. He holds certifications in Google Analytics and Facebook Blueprint, complementing his campaign accolades and expertise in crafting seamless customer journeys.
Rebeka Eaton serves as the Sr. HR Manager at MDR Advertising, where she is instrumental in fostering a people-first culture that drives creativity and results. With over a decade of HR experience, Rebeka combines her expertise in employee relations, performance management, and organizational development to support MDR's dynamic team.
A graduate of Arizona State University with a degree in Organizational Leadership, Rebeka leverages her strategic insight to align HR initiatives with MDR's business objectives. Her proactive approach ensures compliance with employment regulations while cultivating an environment where employees feel valued, engaged, and empowered to do their best work.
At MDR Advertising, Rebeka is known as a forward-thinking HR leader who seamlessly balances employee advocacy with business growth. Whether she's implementing innovative performance strategies or enhancing employee satisfaction, Rebeka thrives on creating a workplace where talent and leadership come together to achieve big-picture success.
Job Titles:
- Associate
- Creative Director
Complex subject matter. Sensitive issues. Constantly shifting goals. Over the past decade as a writer, Ruth has helped clients face these challenges and more for B2B, B2C, technical, and internal facing projects. Ruth has a reputation for being the "yes, and…" creative that clients fight to have on their team because of an otherworldly ability to eloquently connect intent to outcomes.
She believes the one thing that rings true no matter what: successful communication starts with humanizing your target audience. Her mix of high emotional intelligence (EQ) and empathy come together to tailor messaging to the people who would be reading it.
Ruth's experience spans industries and focus areas-from helping a Fortune 50 energy company usher in culture change among one of its largest internal groups, to creating compelling external campaign messaging for Daikin, the world's No. 1 HVAC producer.
Sara oversees our Web Department where she's able to flex her pixel prowess and organizational skills across multiple industries. Originally a graphic designer, her razor-sharp coding skills are accented by her keen eye for clean, user-friendly design. Her list of awards runs the gamut, excelling in industries from public education, industrial, arts and entertainment to retail and energy. But for clients, it is always her unmatched skill for meticulous real world problem-solving and her magnetic leadership skills that shine the brightest.
For over 12 years, Sara's web development and UX skills blend seamlessly with our client digital strategies for a consistently trackable experience. HIPAA certified and ADA compliant, she ensures a client's digital footprint is both beautiful and inclusive from construction to launch.
Sara is the Senior Art Director at MDR Advertising, where she combines years of creative expertise with a passion for crafting impactful designs. She specializes in developing thoughtful and purposeful brand identities, typography, and illustrations that resonate across print and digital platforms. Her work has earned numerous awards and recognition.
At MDR Advertising, Sara leads creative projects with a focus on storytelling and innovation, helping clients bring their visions to life through striking visual concepts. Her ability to balance artistry with strategic intent makes her a driving force behind MDR's creative success.
Job Titles:
- Director Marketing & Development
Sherry is a relentless, resourceful marketer. Her background in brand building and integrated marketing management helps her move easily from vision to strategy to high performance execution and outcomes. With her 18+ years experience leading regional strategies for Fortune 100 brands, she brings award-winning corporate brand management, new market development and field marketing finesse from her roles directing large scale efforts across diverse Texas geographies.
She believes the ability to listen and the capacity to innovate greatly impacts the power, strength and longevity of an established brand. It has been the "how" behind gaining competitive advantage and new market share throughout her career.