Our Team | Ferguson

Marc Backofen Media Director

Team member since 2016
#WeFly #ChirpChirp
Almost 20 years of experience in media strategy, planning and buying
Experience across a variety of industries and all platforms and formats – print, out of home, digital
Loves great outdoors…mostly on a golf course

Kristen Bayman Art Director

Team member since 2014
#GoIU
20 years of agency and corporate experience in art direction and graphic design
Design experience for brand identity, print and digital
Loves traveling, riding horses and kayaking

Lauren Bertke Art Director

Team member since 2016
#USFFW
Interned with us twice before earning her spot on our design team
Affectionately known internally as “L3” – she was the third Lauren on our team at the time
Passion for biking, kayaking and yoga(ing)

Sherry Brenn Controller

Joined the team in 2010
#IndianaState #MoretoBlue
30-plus years in agency accounting and human resources
We call her “honey badger.” You don’t want to ask why.
But you can ask about her grandchild! She is the world’s best “Nonna,” after all.

Chris Carder UX/UI Director

Team member since 2016
#USFFW #sfcougars
Nearly 26 years of digital design experience and expertise
Firm believer in providing users the best experience possible
Enthusiastic aggregator of pop culture esoterica – vending machines, movie posters, vintage print ads

Tiffany Carrillo Operations Manager

Fergster since 2021
#WeFly #ChirpChirp
Advertising veteran well versed in account service, turning her focus to internal operations
Always ready to nerd about systems and processes that can make life easier
World traveler who gets antsy if she doesn’t leave Fort Wayne for at least a week every year

Andi Chin Senior Account Executive

Joined the team in 2016
#ButlerU #GoDawgs
Nearly 20 years of experience in marketing and account management
Extensive expertise and experience in video strategy and production
Pearl Jam and poker. But mostly Pearl Jam.

Jason Cooper Sr. Producer and Account Manager

Fergster since 2021
#BoilerUp
After eight years of experience working on feature films in Los Angeles, Jason dove head first into the ad agency world, where he gets to leverage his love of stories and production
Likes connecting with people, finding common ground, and using that common ground to tell more effective stories
Once got to dress up Aaron Paul in drag

Claudia Cuatepotzo Art Director

Team Member since 2022
#USFFW
Versatile designer with 7+ years experience in digital and print design, podcasting and video directing
Sees her work as visual storytelling that contributes to the overall user experience
Thrill lover and professional snacker who takes an occasional runcation

Tommy Cutter Senior Web Developer

Fergster since 2023
#SelfTaught
15+ years in web development—agency, product & freelance
Loves collaborating with others on interesting and challenging projects, and learning new skills together along the way
Spend his free time running or working on some new project around the house

Matt Deck Senior Copywriter

Joined the team in 2017
#BoilerUp
20-plus years in the copywriting and content game
Loves finding – and sharing – the story in everything
Military history buff – even builds his own amazing model replicas!

James Dumas Junior Software Engineer

Team member since 2022
#GoIU
Intern-turned-Fergster who graduated IU with a specialization in Artificial Intelligence
Passionate about programming, especially when it involves solving interesting problems
Avid skier, amateur astronomer, and pilot in training

Todd Eigenschink IS Director

Joined the team in 2016
#RoseHulman
25-plus years of experience in information technology and services, tech support, web development
Founded Xymmetrix, which joined the Ferguson family in 2016
One of those crazy-type endurance athletes – has completed two Ironmans as well as marathons and ultra bike rides

Lauren Elick Account Coordinator & Social Media Strategist

Joined the team in 2015
#WVU #Mountaineers
Seven-plus years of experience in social strategy, project management, digital marketing, content strategy
Passionate about culture and traveling the world

Taylor Feighner Account Executive / Project Manager

Team member since 2019
#WeFly #ChirpChirp
10-plus years of experience in marketing communications, digital marketing, content strategy
Her favorite part of marketing? The stories — especially helping clients effectively visualize and share them
Loves reading, yoga, live music, spoiling her dogs, and indulging her sweet tooth from time to time…to time

Rich Ferguson Chairman

Opened the doors in 1975
#GoIU
A Mad Man before there was “Mad Men” – cut his ad teeth on Madison Avenue in NYC in the ‘60s and ‘70s
More experience and expertise in advertising, branding and marketing than the rest of us combined

John Ferguson CEO / Principal

Team member since 1998 – partner / co-owner since 2002
#GoIU (Kelley School of Business)
Extensive experience in brand and marketing strategy, client service, account management
Loves helping clients see the big picture – and giving back to his community
Hall of Fame-level sports dad – basketball, baseball, gymnastics…

Jake Fuelling Account Coordinator

Team Member since 2021
#PFW
Joined the Ferg after earning his Bachelor of Science in Business from Purdue Fort Wayne
Loves being part of a team and working with others to make projects and experiences the best they can be
‘Purdue fan’ is an understatement—he’s unashamedly obsessed with everything Purdue basketball and football

Deb Gerbers Copywriter

Fergster since 2023
#GoIU
Professional editor and writer for over 20 years
Experience ranges from technical writing and annual reports, to creative marketing collateral, original lifestyle content and magazine editorial copy–and everything in between
Go Hoosiers!

Kenny Gilbreath Senior Motion Designer and Colorist

Fergster since 2021
#GoSalukis
Bachelor’s in Cinema and Photography and experience in respected LA and Chicago shops
Likes to use creative solutions to make people have feelings that motivate them to do something
Once gave a DVD of his roommate’s short film to Jerry Bruckheimer at a bar

Will Guidinger Team Lead / Software Engineer

Joined the team in 2019
#TeamIvy
Background in visual communications and a passion for front-end design and development
Loves using technology and teamwork to solve problems
Faith, family, friends – and science fiction novels/games. Also loves choral music and coloring with his daughter and son

Jaala Herring Writer / Digital Content Specialist

Joined the team in 2012
#IndWes
Another one of our awesome “Swiss Army Knives” – extensive experience in project management, administrative support, digital content strategy, SEO, proofing and editing
Loves to learn and strives to thoughtfully invest herself in each project that comes her way
Also loves – REALLY LOVES – Christmas, her family, music and singing. Especially when she can enjoy all of those things at the same time.

Brooke Hoff Digital Media Analyst

Joined the team in 2020
#GoIU
Spent previous 7 years managing digital media for Brown County (IN) Convention and Visitors Bureau
Loves crossing items off the to-do list being as productive as possible
Outdoors enthusiast – hiking, biking, kayaking, camping, you name it (even though we just did)

Ryan Holt VP of Digital Services

Joined the team in 2013
#BoilerUp
20-plus years of experience in marketing, account management and digital services
Proud of the dominant digital team he’s helped build at Ferguson
Cub fan. Band, Dance and Soccer dad. Reluctant Karaoke enthusiast.

Kelly Hunter Junior Web Developer

Team member since 2022
#ButlerU #GoDawgs
Motivated to find new ways to solve problems and explore new technologies
Avid doodler who loves the creative process of modern calligraphy and hand lettering

Ric Johnson Team Lead / Senior Software Engineer

Joined the team in 2016
#PFW
25-plus years of experience in web and mobile development and programming, digital design, back-end development.
Experience with more than 25 programming languages across nearly every computer platform.
Arduino-based maker, serial hobbyist and ADHD advocate. Coincidence?

Janie Kaminer Production Manager

Joined the team in 2017
#GoGators
15-plus years of agency experience across a number of roles and responsibilities
Account and project management, production and vendor management, media strategy and buying
Loves having her feet in the sand – or on the pedals of her bike

Bob Kiel VP of Creative Services

Joined the team in 2004
#USFFW
30-plus years of experience in creative design, strategic thinking and art direction
Loves being captain of our design team and mentoring young designers
And can’t help but create – works as a found-object artist and vintage restorer in his free time. Check it out!

Robert Kinney Software Engineer

Team member since 2020
#GoIU #GoNavy
3-plus years of experience in software development
Served 4 years in the U.S. Navy, including two overseas tours
Enjoys the journey and challenges of a project as much as the end result
Loves spending time outdoors – kayaking, hiking, disc golf

Katie Klinger Digital Media Analyst

Joined the team in 2021
#GoIU
Started with us as an intern after earning her Bachelor of Arts in Media Advertising
Gives her best at every project she works on and loves to cross things off her to-do list
Thinks pugs are the greatest dogs ever…also loves baking and playing tennis

Mike Krouse Account Planner

Team member since 2018
#GoIU (Kelley School of Business)
Nearly 15 years of experience in project and account management
Industries served include automotive, RV, food & beverage
Loves the great outdoors

Latiesha LaRue Director of Digital Media

Team member since 2018
#TeamIvy
5-plus years of experience in digital media planning, buying, analysis
Certified in Google AdWords and Google Analytics
Huge Red Sox fan (and sings an impressive rendition of “Sweet Caroline” as proof)

Riley Maddox Earned Media Coordinator

Fergster since 2022
#BoilerUp
2nd gen Purdue grad with a BA in English Lit
Focuses on social media and PR to flex her mad writing skillz
Has created 10+ large-scale murals, ranging from 4 to 10 feet, using either chalk or paint

Rob Maldeney SR. Creative Video Editor & 3D Animator

Joined the team in 2011
#WeFly #ChirpChirp
30-plus years of diverse experience – video shooting & production, 3D animation & product renderings. Still dabbles in web design & programming
Passion for the power of video to tell engaging, compelling stories for our clients
Proud grandpa – and big believer in the benefit of a hard-earned bourbon at the end of the week

Natalie Mann Media Buyer

Team member since 2023
#PFW #GoDons
More than 10 years in paid media
Loves to apply the creative and analytical sides of her brain to piece together strategic media plans that meet all client objectives
Her version of fun includes true crime podcasts, puzzling, wineries/breweries, and rollerblading

Kyle Martin President / Principal

Joined the team in 2010 – became partner / co-owner in 2019
#FranklinCollege
Done a lot of everything over his nearly 20 years in the industry – brand development and strategy, massive marketing campaigns, digital initiatives, market research, business development
Loves working with clients to focus on the big picture – as well as the details and ideas necessary to make it a reality
Away from the office, loves traveling with his family, giving back to his community, and rooting for his Reds

Zach McConnell Research Assistant

Team member since 2019
#TechYeah #INTechWarriors (First autistic MBA grad on his school’s record – and with a 3.61 GPA!)
Specializes in market research and quality control
8 years and growing of agency experience
Collects cologne for a living – and even did a study during his MBA to see if Johnny Depp was the reason for the success of Dior Sauvage

Jason McFarland Senior Art Director

Joined the team in 2004
#WeFly #ChirpChirp
25-plus years of experience in art direction, graphic design and creative development
Enjoys the entire creative process – from concept through to completion
Always on target – the man throws a mean dart!

Lindsay Mitchell Director / DP / Editor

Team member since 2023
#WeFly #ChirpChirp
15 years of experience in video production, with a focused skill set in camera work and editing
Highlights of her career thus far include working on Discovery Channel’s Alaskan Bush People, 6 feature films, and hundreds of broadcast commercials and corporate videos
Now that she’s conquered her fear of heights and caves, she wants to visit every US National Park

Jeanne Otis Account Executive

Fergster since 2022
#GoVols
15+ years in marketing and advertising
Ready to get her hands dirty helping clients overcome challenges and obstacles
Tennis champ, improv comedienne, and true Southern Belle whose family roots can be traced back to the Revolutionary War

Alan Quandt Team Lead / Senior Software Engineer

Team member since 2020
#FullSail
10-plus years of experience in web development
20-plus years of experience in design and marketing overall, including extensive audio and video production
Driven by constant curiosity, learning, creating, growing – and by making people’s lives easier
Also driven by a creative mind – loves sculpting, drawing, making music and doing DIY development projects

Sierra Rush Project Manager

Joined the team in 2022
#USFFW
7-plus years of experience in design and marketing
Likes to think of project management as a puzzle—when it’s put together correctly, she gets to help make everyone else’s jobs a bit easier
Extreme athlete who skated for six seasons with the Fort Wayne Derby Girls and has completed an ultramarathon. ‘Nuff said.

Christian Calderon Sanchez Digital Media Coordinator

Team Member since 2022
#TechYeah #INTechWarriors
Has a bachelor’s in business administration with a concentration in management and an associate degree in graphic design and worked for the Indiana Tech marketing department
Loves to spend time with his family — including his golden retriever, Darling
Considered a ‘double-threat’ because he can salsa dance too

John Scofield Director of Creative Editorial

Fergster since 2021
#TeamDePauw #TigerPride
Founded Scofield Digital Storytelling in 1982 and has edited and produced award winning TV commercials, music videos, documentaries and films over the course of his career
Creator, producer, shooter and editor on “Come Together,” a documentary about Beatles Tribute Bands accepted in 10 national/international film festivals along with the Heartland Film Festival
Plays jazz saxophone and rock guitar

Eric Sexton Software Engineer

Joined the team in 2019
#PFW #GoDons
Loves the chance to learn from and work with a world-class team
Equally adept at jamming on a bass guitar and video-game controller

Jill Shie Accounting Associate

Joined the team in 2017
#TeamIvy
10-plus years of experience in accounting and bookkeeping
Knows her way around our office better than anybody
Loves spending time with family and hanging out with her kids – the two-legged and four-legged ones

Vicki Shovek Account Executive

Joined the team in 2017
#WeFly #ChirpChirp #GoDons
12-plus years of experience in marketing communications, account management, project management
Excels at working with clients and team members to keep things moving forward – and making sure projects and campaigns are successful
Can be a bit, uh, “competitive”…volleyball, fantasy football, poker, ping pong, and just about anything else

Greg Smith Senior Art Director

Joined the team in 2004
#USFFW #sfcougars
More than 20 years experience in art direction, graphic design and illustration
Has the most impossibly perfect tiny handwriting! It’s almost annoying.
An earnest sports fan – can be found watching games at the local little league park to taking in a match on the beaches of the AVP

Liz Stuby Account Executive

Joined the team in 2015
#WeFly #ChirpChirp
Nearly 10 years of experience in marketing and account management
Loves making clients happy and exceeding expectations
Enjoys spending time away from the office with her family – which includes her dog, Ruby. Yes, her dog’s name is Ruby Stuby. How cute is that?

Sara Trine Social Media Manager

Team member since 2022
@CMUniversity #FireUpChips
2 years of social media experience, plus a host of communications internships
Has a BA in Public Relations with a triple minor in Advertising, Journalism, and Multimedia Design, plus an MBA with an emphasis in Project Management (can we say smarty pants?!)
Is totally obsessed with her mini bernedoodle, LunaBelle

Kate Virag VP of Earned Media

Joined the team in 2021
#GoIU
More than 15 years of experience in marketing and communications across a variety of industries, including economic development, retail and fashion
Driven by relationships—she’s at her best when working with people, solving challenges creatively and achieving results
Loves hanging out with her family and spends many fun nights at Little League games and hockey rinks

Chet Voglewede Web Developer

Team member since 2021
#BoilerUp
Joined the Ferg as an intern after earning his degree in Web Development & Design and 3D Animation
Loves that there’s always something new to discover in his work, whether in the technology he uses or the projects he collaborates on
Never without his headphones—enjoys streaming new music and podcasts to keep himself focused

Shelly Williams Client Support Manager

Joined the team in 2016

Over 25 years of experience in project management, ecommerce, customer service and technical support

Brad Wilson Vice President & CTO

Team member since 2023
#FranklinCollege
24+ year Software Engineering Leader
Loves seeing people and processes come together to form a cohesive, efficient unit that makes clients (and employees) happy
Has a twin brother and they had a double wedding; two aisles, with the brides walking down each aisle simultaneously

Ross Woods Video & Animation Managing Director / Exec. Producer

Fergster since 2021
#GoBadgers
Former editor and motion graphics artist with 20+ years’ experience with some of the leading graphics/animation/vfx companies in the nation
Loves being able to tell client stories in a way that elicits a reaction from the viewer
Background in voice acting and writing for, recording with, and touring in rock bands as a drummer

Nancy Wright CEEO / PRINCIPAL

Joined the team in 1976 – partner / co-owner since 2002
#GoIU
American Advertising Federation Silver Award recipient for career achievement and industry impact
Still loves the day-to-day thrill of working with clients – and making sure her team loves where they work
Spends her down time following Formula 1 racing, traveling the world and eating fabulous food wherever she roams

One big (mostly) happy family

One big
(mostly) happy family