Meet the SPI Team

I design and develop webpages and other imagery for print and social media as well as editing images and video as necessary

Work Motto:
“Facts can be turned into art if one is artful enough.”
~ Paul Simon

Life before SPI:
After earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Graphic Design from The College of New Jersey I worked for an internet marketing company designing websites and ads for paid marketing. Next I worked as a media producer for a tool manufacturer and gained experience with product photography, packaging, and the design of other various print materials. I also work on a variety of freelance projects which include WordPress and e-commerce development.

What’s in my tool belt:
Web design and development across various platforms, WordPress & mobile-compatible layouts, e-commerce development & management, social media, data management, heavy photo editing/retouching, extensive print experience & customer service.

I’m a Graphic Designer, creating the visuals for our clients and bringing ideas to reality from print to web.

Work Motto:
“Bigger isn’t better, better is better.”
~ unknown

Life before SPI:
Straight out of William Paterson University I got a job with The Creative group a talent agency for graphic designers where one of my first clients was SPI. Before that I was designing Books for my professor’s art shows in China.

What’s in my tool belt:
The Adobe suite, a swath of 2D Animation and video creating tools, as well as an understanding of HTML5 & Maya.

Work Motto:
“Caffeine and then the world.”
~ My coffee cup

Life before SPI:
My career began in account management at an advertising agency, followed by some time in the nonprofit sector as a marketing coordinator. Now I am happily rooted at SPI Group!

What’s in my tool belt:
Writing, editing, social media, account management, public relations, advertising.

I code and manage the web development team.

Work Motto:
“I don’t believe anything, but I have many suspicions.”
~ Robert Anton Wilson

Life before SPI:
Was there such a thing? I freelanced on a lot of different projects ranging from simple HTML to dynamic multimedia ones before starting at SPI. I initially come from a fine art background in sculpture and photography, originally coding was a hobby in the early days of the web and just grew from there.

What’s in my tool belt:
HTML, CSS, JS, AS, Video production, Animation, Audio Production and more.

I get to do a little bit of everything and come to work every day in awe of what we are able to accomplish as a team!

Work Motto:
“The only place success comes before work is in the dictionary. Clients don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care”
~ David Maister

Life before SPI:
I spent most of my career before The SPI Group at Ogilvy & Mather and BJK&E communications agencies. I describe myself as a ‘reluctant entrepreneur’ having founded SPI Group only to continue serving clients when the agency I was working for decided to eliminate its corporate communications function. It’s an interesting story!

What’s in my tool belt:
Communications strategy and counsel, client service, finding design and technology solutions to communications challenges, innovating and collaborating.

I work with clients and internal team members to manage the execution of digital projects from start to flawless finish.

Work Motto:
“The greatest mistake you can make in life is to continually fear you will make one.”
~ Elbert Hubbard

Life before SPI:
As Director of Consumer Marketing for Coldwell Banker Real Estate, I planned and executed multi-channel advertising campaigns that supported the company’s marketing objectives. In my previous role at Coldwell Banker as Marketing Communications Manager, I supervised the redesign of the company’s intranet site and executed a comprehensive communication plan to successfully roll out the new site to all user groups.

What’s in my tool belt:
Project management, corporate communications, social media marketing, integrated marketing, brand management, brand strategy.

Work Motto:
“Seek first to understand.”

Life before SPI:
I’ve come full circle, beginning my career at an agency in New York where I worked with clients from a wide array of sectors such as education and healthcare. Since then, I’ve had the privilege of leading the inhouse communications and marketing function in organizations representing defense, utilities, and industrial and construction industries. In these roles, I’ve been responsible for strategic planning and implementation of executive communications, brand positioning, internal communications and engagement, customer communications, reputation management, media relations, and issue and crisis communications.

What’s in my tool belt:
Strategic communications planning and implementation, aligning with business goals, calm leadership in a crisis and most likely to ask “why?”

I help clients find the best solution for their communication needs – then make it happen.

Work Motto:
“Dictionary is the only place that success comes before work. Hard work is the price we must pay for success.”
~ Vince Lombardi

Life before SPI:
So long ago… public relations in the consumer electronics industry for a small boutique agency.

What’s in my tool belt:
Finding technology solutions for communication needs, digital strategy, corporate/internal communications, employee engagement, online marketing, strategic planning, project management – and an amazing team around me!

Work Motto:
“Do everything to the best of your ability, give it 100% – because what is the point of doing anything halfway?”
~ my Dad

Life before SPI:
I was a sales coordinator at Thomson Components and Tubes Corp. for many years before taking time off to become a stay at home mom. I returned to the workforce part time, employed in a few office management and administrative type positions. I am looking forward to a new career at SPI, utilizing my skillset and taking on new challenges.

What’s in my tool belt:
Organizational skills, attention to detail, MS Office.

Internal communications professional supporting a wide-range of corporations.

Work Motto:
“Dream big, work hard, stay focused and surround yourself with good people.”
~ unknown

Life before SPI:
I have been with SPI Group since the very start of my professional career. Prior, I had a few internships with large corporations supporting social media and other communication initiatives.

What’s in my tool belt:
Project management, corporate communications, internal communication support, social media, Google marketing platforms and working with content management systems.

I manage the application development group at SPI and am responsible for the architecture, design, and development and support of a wide range of web applications for clients like Bayer, Merck, Pfizer, MDAdvantage, Regeneron, NJ Resources, and National Employment Law Council.

Work Motto:
“The only way to do great work is to love what you do.”
~ Steve Jobs

Life before SPI:
Before joining SPI, I was a web application developer at Logical Design Solutions, Inc. My career began at Citicorp where my responsibilities included requirements analysis, QA and technical documentation. I have a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from the University of Bombay and a Professional Accounting Degree from The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India.

What’s in my tool belt:
Software architecture and design, requirements analysis, web application development using .Net, PHP, SiteCore, SharePoint, SQL databases, scripting languages.

My 32 years of experience as a brand catalyst and strategic communications leader equip me to counsel clients on how to reach, engage, and resonate with their audiences. It’s all about creatively solving problems, boldly seizing opportunities, and shaping compelling stories that have impact.

Work Motto:
Don’t sell. Serve.

Life before SPI:
As Executive Director at Wellstar Health System, I led PR, issues management, executive speaking, brand reputation, and awards. Prior, I served as interim CMO at TechCXO and principal of a C-suite consulting agency. As a partner at Jackson Spalding, I provided creative and strategic counsel to clients such as Delta Air Lines, Home Depot, Orkin, and Coca-Cola. At Ogilvy PR Worldwide, I led the New York Technology and Corporate Practices as EVP/group director, and provided oversight for the European Technology Practice. My early career was in international sales, marketing, and PR leadership roles within software companies.

What’s in my tool belt:
Seasoned expertise in strategy, story shaping, public and media relations, brand marketing and communications, crisis and issues management, C-suite communications, messaging, thought leadership.

I manage the day-to-day operations of the agency. This includes strategic planning – developing and executing business and operational goals and strategy – with oversight for everything from finance to talent management and engagement to infrastructure and administration.

Work Motto:
“The pessimist complains about the wind. The optimist expects it to change. The leader adjusts the sails.”
~ John Maxwell

Life before SPI:
Before joining SPI, I worked in the finance department of eChalk, an educational software platform for K-12 schools around the country, working closely with the CFO. Prior to that, I was with U.S. News & World Report in an operations role.

What’s in my tool belt:
Multi-tasker, problem-solver and decision-maker; forecasting and budgeting; diligent listener to all.

As part of the digital team at SPI, I do everything from managing our application projects to intranet support and maintaining websites.

Work Motto:
“Let me just grab a cup of coffee…”
~ Me

Life before SPI:
I started my career in public relations as an intern for the DSM Group, an integrated communications agency in Franklin Lakes, while completing my B.A. in Communications from William Paterson University. Go Pioneers!

What’s in my tool belt:
Client communications, project management, internal communication support, proofreading & QA, proficiency in Sharepoint & Tridion, basic html knowledge.

Direct and design the visual side of our clients projects, from web design to print and infographics.

Work Motto:
“Anyone who stops learning is old, whether at twenty or eighty.”
~ Henry Ford

Life before SPI:
Usability Consultant for Cendant Corporation, Art Director for Planet Access. Began my design career as a florist.

What’s in my tool belt:
Adobe Suite CC; Unintended PowerPoint and Word Guru, QuarkXPress and just about any other graphics program. Old school html in home site.

I like to get my hands on web development, from coding a website from scratch to tweaking WordPress websites.

Work Motto:
“There are no secrets to success. It is the result of preparation, hard work, and learning from failure.”
~ Colin Powell

Life before SPI:
Before joining SPI, I freelanced on different projects. After I received a bachelor degree in Computer Science I started my career in web development where my responsibilities included built web sites using standards-based HTML, CSS and Javascript.

What’s in my tool belt:
HTML, CSS, JavaScript, jQuery, and PHP.

I build and maintain client websites.

Work Motto:
“Whatever you are, be a good one.”
~ Abraham Lincoln

Life before SPI:
Before SPI, I worked in construction while attending the Rutgers Web Development Bootcamp. Since completing the class, I continued to study programming and build personal projects.

What’s in my tool belt:
HTML, CSS, JavaScript, React, NodeJS, Postgres

Work Motto:
“Doing my very best makes every day meaningful.”

Life before SPI:
I began my career on a sales team bringing a new product to market in the Midwest. After having a family, I transitioned into healthcare and health insurance marketing. Eventually, I found a sweet spot within a marketing agency where I could combine my love for relationship building with my passion for marketing. I worked at a fully-integrated marketing agency as a primary account leader, serving both B2B and B2C clients.

What’s in my tool belt:
Relationship-building, strategic and integrated marketing plan development, organization, and the desire to learn something new every day.

I manage web content, implement designs and user interfaces, and edit audio/video.

Work Motto:
“I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.”
~ Thomas Edison

Life before SPI:
I attended Drexel University and Montclair State University studying Computer Science.

What’s in my tool belt:
Html, Javascript/JQuery, CSS, Php, Adobe Premiere Pro/Audition