Learn about Brunner's culture and get unique insights from Erin Stoner, Brunner's CFO, with over 20 years of experience in agency life. 

Perspectives from Erin Stoner | Brunner

Partner, Chief Financial Officer

Erin Stoner

Stay informed with the latest updates from Brunner.

Stay informed with our latest updates, where our commitment to being good people drives everything we do. Explore insights that highlight how our collaborative approach and rich experience empower us to deliver innovative marketing solutions while nurturing lasting client relationships.&nbsp;

Agency Updates | Brunner

agency

BlogArticle

<h2>Brunner’s Initiative Highlights the Impact of Diverse Leadership for Future Generations&nbsp;</h2>Imagine stepping into a room filled with dynamic leaders shaping the future of media and marketing. Now, picture that a significant number of these leaders are women. For many young women entering the industry, seeing successful female leaders isn’t just inspiring — it’s transformative. It signals that they, too, can rise to these heights.&nbsp;&nbsp;At Brunner, we recognize the critical role that diverse leadership plays in driving innovation and success.&nbsp;<h2>Diversity Drives Excellence: The Power of Women at the Table&nbsp;</h2>According to a <a href="https://www.mckinsey.com/featured-insights/diversity-and-inclusion/diversity-matters-even-more-the-case-for-holistic-impact" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">2024 report</a> by McKinsey &amp; Company, gender diversity on executive teams is associated with a 39% increased likelihood of outperforming competitors compared to a decade ago. It also poses a greater link to diversity across an organization.&nbsp;&nbsp;At Brunner, we’re proud that more than 50% of our employees are women. This isn’t just a statistic for us; it reflects our commitment to a company culture that ensures everyone has a seat at the table.&nbsp;<h2>Women Leading by Example: Paving the Path for Younger Generations&nbsp;</h2>The presence of women in leadership roles creates a powerful ripple effect. Sharing our journeys, challenges, and achievements goes beyond personal anecdotes. These stories help us lead by example and prove the critical role representation plays in building the next generation of ambitious women.&nbsp;For women in the workplace, networking and continuous learning are vital for overcoming career challenges and advancing professionally. Strong networks offer crucial support, mentorship, and opportunities, helping women navigate workplace dynamics and break through barriers. Staying current with industry trends and enhancing skills are equally important in helping women maintain a competitive edge.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2>Empowering Women to Be Their Own Advocates&nbsp;&nbsp;</h2>Whether seeking a promotion, leading a workshop, or sharing an innovative idea, showing up with confidence is crucial. However, barriers can sometimes make this feel more challenging for women. By creating a people-first culture where everyone is valued equally, Brunner empowers our team of good people creating great work to advocate for themselves, their peers, and their career aspirations. No dream is ever too big, no matter who you are.&nbsp;<h2>Charting the Course: Brunner’s Vision to Lead Women Forward&nbsp;</h2>At Brunner, we’re not just talking about change — we’re driving it. This is the vision behind our content series, SHE Leads: Marketing and Media Mavens, which aims to elevate the next generation of female leaders. We debuted this initiative in July with an illustrious panel of female creators, makers, and business leaders who are paving their own path to success, no matter the obstacle. The takeaway from this event is how we, together, can continue to shatter glass ceilings and invest in a future for everyone.

Join Brunner in driving change with SHE Leads: Marketing and Media Mavens. Learn about the power of female leaders and how together we can shatter glass ceilings.

How Women Leaders Drive Innovation and Shape the Future

Marketing and Media Mavens: How Women Leaders Drive Innovation and Shape the Future

Brunner has announced job promotions for 20 employees in recognition of the outstanding work they’ve done in their roles, both for the agency’s wide range of clients and in service of the company’s continued growth. The promotions took effect July 1.&nbsp;“We’re very focused on having ‘good people creating great work’ for our clients. These 20 individuals have certainly demonstrated that ethos in their work and have shown they are ready to take on a new level of responsibility,” said Erin Stoner, Brunner partner and CFO. “These are top performers. It’s our pleasure to recognize and reward them through career advancement right here at Brunner.”&nbsp;In addition to delivering excellent work week after week, these employees consistently demonstrate Brunner’s company values — heart, curiosity, perseverance, integrity, and tenacity — in carrying out their responsibilities.&nbsp;Below are the Brunner team members who have been promoted and their new job titles. Congratulations to everyone!&nbsp;Creative Services Team&nbsp;<ul><li>Jonathan Banks, Creative Director&nbsp;</li><li>Chrisy Celestin, UX Design Manager&nbsp;</li><li>Sinping Ku, Sr. Art Director&nbsp;</li></ul>Digital Experience Team&nbsp;<ul><li>David Kir, Sr. Web Developer&nbsp;</li><li>Anthony Satkowski, Sr. Web Developer&nbsp;</li></ul>Integrated Marketing Communications Team&nbsp;<ul><li>Tatum Amos, Sr. Specialist, Communications&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>Matthew Cancilla, Director, Data Management&nbsp;</li><li>Katie Collins, Associate Director, Integrated Planning&nbsp;</li><li>Ivy Ferko, Manager, SEM&nbsp;</li><li>Francesca Ferrante, Sr. Specialist, SEM&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>Alaina Greco, Sr. Specialist, SEO&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>Dan Kuzio, Associate Director, Programmatic, Paid Social &amp; OTT&nbsp;</li><li>Wayne Lucas, Lead Database Operations Admin&nbsp;</li><li>Nick Lucchi, Sr. Specialist, Media&nbsp;</li><li>Jordan Mitrik, Manager, Content Marketing&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>Lindsay Motta, Sr. Manager, Communications&nbsp;</li><li>Jason Piskurich, Lead, Programmatic, Paid Social OTT&nbsp;</li><li>Donna Jean Roberts, Sr. Specialist, Programmatic, Paid Social &amp; OTT&nbsp;</li><li>Rachel Rock, Associate Director, Programmatic, Paid Social &amp; OTT&nbsp;</li><li>Amber Tipton, Sr. Specialist, Programmatic, Paid Social &amp; OTT</li></ul>

Celebrate the achievements of Brunner’s team members who have been promoted for their outstanding contributions to client success. Learn more.

Brunner Promotes Team Members to Recognize and Reward 'Great Work' for Clients

As an independent integrated marketing agency, Brunner delivers great results to its clients based on the expertise, collaborative spirit, and dedication of its team members.This month, the agency announced promotions for 17 employees who have excelled in their roles on teams across the agency, in service of clients and Brunner itself.&nbsp;Each of these team members consistently demonstrates Brunner’s company values — heart, curiosity, perseverance, integrity and tenacity — in carrying out their responsibilities.“We have such a talented, passionate and hardworking team here at Brunner. This year’s promotions recognize individuals who not only have excelled in their roles, but also have demonstrated they are ready for the next level in their discipline,” said Erin Stoner, Brunner partner and CFO. “We’re delighted to be the place where each of these team members can continue to advance their careers.”Here are the team members who have been promoted, along with their new title. Congratulations to all!Analytics Team<ul><li>Scott Duda, Lead Data Scientist</li></ul>Integrated Marketing Communications Team<ul><li>Cooper Amos, Sr. Specialist, Programmatic, Paid Social &amp; OTT</li><li>Brady Ashe, Associate Director, SEO</li><li>Mike Cancilla, Sr. Manager, SEM</li><li>Chrissy Lynn, Sr. Director, Media and Operations&nbsp;</li><li>Katie Mickschl, Manager, PR</li><li>Gabe Monteleone, Sr. Manager, SEM</li><li>Luca Pugliano, Manager, OTT, Programmatic &amp; Paid Social</li><li>Justin Shaffer, Associate Director, Integrated Media &amp; Operations</li><li>Max Villarreal, Sr. Lead, Media</li></ul>Client Service Team<ul><li>Brad Cook, Associate Director, Client Service</li><li>Jen Pflug, Associate Director, Client Service</li><li>Ibrahim Sabbah, Sr. Account Manager</li></ul>Creative Services Team<ul><li>Caitlin Brunner, Sr. Copywriter</li><li>Michele Huber, Post Producer</li><li>Dan Magdich, VP, Executive Creative Director</li></ul>Shared Services Team<ul><li>Brian Klingensmith, HR Director</li></ul>

Brunner announced promotions for 17 employees who have excelled in their roles on teams across the agency, in service of clients and Brunner itself. Learn more.

Brunner Celebrates its Talented Team in Round of Promotions

In June 2021, President Biden officially signed into law that Juneteenth will be recognized as a federal holiday. Most federal employers recognize this holiday, and their employees have this day off. More and more companies — including Brunner — are adding this day to their list of paid holidays, and for good reason. Read on for a brief history of Juneteenth and find out how you can observe this year and in years to come.<h2>What is Juneteenth?</h2>Juneteenth (shortened form of “June Nineteenth”) — also known as Emancipation Day, Freedom Day, Jubilee Day, and Black Independence Day — is observed annually on June 19. This day commemorates the end of slavery in the United States and is considered the longest-running African American holiday.Although history books call out the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation by President Lincoln in 1863 as the moment in which slavery ended in the Confederacy, it should come as no surprise that there’s more to this story. The proclamation did not apply to slave-holding border states or rebel areas under Union control. This is where Juneteenth and the state of Texas come in.Juneteenth marks the date, June 19, 1865, when Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, to take control of the state and to ensure all enslaved people were freed.&nbsp;Over two years had passed since the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation, which was intended to free more than three million slaves living in Confederate states. Unfortunately, the news had not reached slaves in all that time until the arrival of Union troops. The common misconception with Juneteenth is that it recognizes the day that slaves were freed, when it actually marks the day the slaves were told they were free. In December 1865, slavery was formally abolished across the entire country with the adoption of the 13th Amendment.The following year, Juneteenth celebrations started to take place in Texas. This day is described as one of the most inspiring grassroots efforts post-Civil War. And within a few years, these celebrations would permeate other states, thus making it an annual tradition. Juneteenth officially became recognized as a holiday in Texas in 1980, and more states followed suit.Today, Juneteenth celebrations include prayer or religious services, gatherings with family and friends, festivals, and much more. In modern times, this holiday recognizes Black power, suffering, and resilience through various activities intended to highlight joy, creativity, and community.<h2>How Can You Celebrate Juneteenth?</h2>Here are some ways you can observe the Juneteenth holiday:<h3>Visit a Black history museum:</h3><ul><li>There are more than 100 Black history museums in the U.S. If a museum isn’t nearby, use the free app by the Smithsonian&nbsp;<a href="https://nmaahc.si.edu/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">National Museum of African American History &amp; Culture in Washington, D.C.</a>, to tour the museum virtually.</li></ul><h3>Educate yourself:</h3><ul><li>Reserve some time on Juneteenth to study up and go beyond what American history books tend to highlight. <a href="https://nmaahc.si.edu/visit/museum-store/juneteenth-reading-list" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Check out this Juneteenth reading list, curated by the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History &amp; Culture.</a></li></ul><h3>Shop with purpose:</h3><ul><li>Treat yourself while making an impact. Find local Black-owned small businesses and fill your Juneteenth with shopping and dining. Check out these spots in <a href="https://www.visitpittsburgh.com/blog/black-owned-pittsburgh/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Pittsburgh</a> and <a href="https://discoveratlanta.com/blog/black-owned-businesses-in-atlanta-you-should-know/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Atlanta</a>.</li></ul><h3>Donate:</h3><ul><li>Every penny counts. Find a charity or non-profit that is centered around Juneteenth and/or the Black community. Some starting points are <a href="https://secure.actblue.com/donate/naacp-1donedying" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">NAACP</a>, <a href="https://www.nbcdi.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">NBCDI</a>, or <a href="https://www.aclu.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">ACLU</a>.</li></ul><h3>Get artsy:</h3><ul><li>It seems simple but doing arts and crafts with children and family/friends is an impactful, hands-on experience that can also serve as an educational opportunity and a celebration. The world is your oyster, here!</li></ul><h2>How &amp; Why Brunner Celebrates</h2>At Brunner, we recognize Juneteenth as a paid holiday; and all employees receive this day off. We encourage everyone to utilize this day to reflect, educate, and celebrate.This approach goes beyond a time-off benefit for our employees. The core of our agency values are Perseverance, Integrity, Tenacity, Curiosity, and Heart. Giving our employees the opportunity to observe Juneteenth and connect with our local communities through celebrations, education, and support is a testament to upholding our values not only in our work but also in how we treat and respect others.We like everyone, so we are an equal opportunity employer. We do not consider your race, religion, ethnicity, national origin, age, sex, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or veteran status when deciding to hire you. We just want you to be you.Sources<ul><li><a href="https://nmaahc.si.edu/explore/stories/historical-legacy-juneteenth" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://nmaahc.si.edu/explore/stories/historical-legacy-juneteenth</a></li><li><a href="https://www.history.com/news/what-is-juneteenth#:~:text=Juneteenth%20(short%20for%20%E2%80%9CJune%20Nineteenth,signing%20of%20the%20Emancipation%20Proclamation" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.history.com/news/what-is-juneteenth</a></li><li><a href="https://www.britannica.com/topic/Juneteenth" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.britannica.com/topic/Juneteenth</a></li><li><a href="https://www.pbs.org/wnet/african-americans-many-rivers-to-cross/history/what-is-juneteenth/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.pbs.org/wnet/african-americans-many-rivers-to-cross/history/what-is-juneteenth/</a></li><li><a href="https://nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.rd.com%2Flist%2Fhow-to-celebrate-juneteenth%2F&amp;data=05%7C01%7Cbmiller%40brunnerworks.com%7C4b5ff7892be34f02511a08da4f9977ca%7C75f07833328847a295d9784dafd3c511%7C0%7C0%7C637909817816937554%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=LCbvR9uo2dtIg0J4za2v5xV4W8N3PvyFTZwVW1SzAmc%3D&amp;reserved=0" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.rd.com/list/how-to-celebrate-juneteenth/</a></li></ul>

Discover the rich history of Juneteenth and learn why Brunner proudly honors this important day, celebrating its profound significance for diversity and inclusion.

Juneteenth – A History & Why Brunner Celebrates

Image

Pride Month is the perfect time to come together to celebrate our differences and honor the bravery and sacrifices of those who have risked their lives for equality. Read on for a brief history of how Pride Month came to be, an introduction to gender identity, and some tips on how to support the queer community inside the workplace.<h2>But first, a brief history</h2>While streets all over the world fill with glitter and people wave flags in celebration, it’s important to understand and reflect on the liberation movement that started it all. Pride Month commemorates years of struggles for the queer community, and we would be remiss not to share a brief history behind the ongoing pursuit of equality.

<ul><li>Be mindful of gendered language.&nbsp;All too often, we may find ourselves throwing out phrases like “Good morning, ladies!” or “Great meeting, guys!” When in doubt, stay gender neutral and prioritize gender equality over being grammatically correct.</li><li>Normalize asking for pronouns when you first meet someone.&nbsp;Likewise, introduce yourself and your preferred pronouns to break the ice. Example: you might say something like, “Hello, my name is Tyler and I identify as he/him. May I ask how you prefer to be addressed?” And if someone corrects you on their pronouns, simply apologize, thank them for correcting you, and remember it for the next time. Don’t make a bigger deal than it needs to be.</li><li>Educate yourself.&nbsp;Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, we have to understand all sides of everyone’s struggles and privileges. Before you can consider yourself an ally, educate yourself on the issues that the LGBTQIA+ community faces so you can use your voice in the most supportive way.</li></ul>Here are some helpful resources to get you started:<ul><li>Buffer –&nbsp;<a href="https://buffer.com/resources/lgbtqia-resources/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">50+ Resources for LGBTQIA allies</a></li><li>Green Matters –&nbsp;<a href="https://www.greenmatters.com/p/facts-about-pride-month" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Pride Month: 10 Facts About the Important Holiday, and Why It’s a Protest, Not a Party</a></li><li>NPR –&nbsp;<a href="https://www.npr.org/2021/06/02/996319297/gender-identity-pronouns-expression-guide-lgbtq" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">A Guide to Gender Identity Terms</a></li></ul><h2>Advocating for the LGBTQIA+ community goes beyond Pride Month</h2>Remember, there are many gay rights events happening throughout the year – Pride is just one of them! You can continue advocating for LGBTQIA+ rights by recognizing commemorative days including (but not limited to) the following:<ul><li><a href="https://www.hrc.org/resources/international-transgender-day-of-visibility" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">International Transgender Day of Visibility</a>&nbsp;(March 31)</li><li><a href="https://internationalfamilyequalityday.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">International Family Equality Day</a>&nbsp;(first Sunday in May)</li><li><a href="https://may17.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia</a>&nbsp;(May 17)</li><li><a href="https://www.hrc.org/resources/national-coming-out-day" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">National Coming Out Day</a>&nbsp;(October 11)</li></ul><h2>How Brunner embraces and values diversity</h2>At Brunner, we like everyone, so we are an equal opportunity employer. We do not consider race, religion, ethnicity, national origin, age, sex, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or veteran status when deciding to hire someone. We just want you to be you.Sources<a href="https://buffer.com/resources/lgbtqia-resources/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://buffer.com/resources/lgbtqia-resources/</a><a href="https://www.greenmatters.com/p/facts-about-pride-month" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.greenmatters.com/p/facts-about-pride-month</a><a href="https://www.britannica.com/story/how-did-the-rainbow-flag-become-a-symbol-of-lgbt-pride" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.britannica.com/story/how-did-the-rainbow-flag-become-a-symbol-of-lgbt-pride</a><a href="https://www.britannica.com/story/why-is-pride-month-celebrated-in-june" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.britannica.com/story/why-is-pride-month-celebrated-in-june</a><a href="https://www.npr.org/2021/06/02/996319297/gender-identity-pronouns-expression-guide-lgbtq" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.npr.org/2021/06/02/996319297/gender-identity-pronouns-expression-guide-lgbtq</a>

Learn actionable strategies to promote inclusion and support the LGBTQIA+ community within your workplace.

How to Support the LGBTQIA+ Community in the Workplace

At Brunner, our heart is in delivering excellence and results for our clients. That passion for progress is part of our core values – heart, attitude, and collaboration, and recently eight Brunner employees across our Account Management and Channel Marketing teams have been recognized for their commitment to just that.Of the&nbsp;Account Management&nbsp;team, Jake Bendel, Candace Keudel-Schaffer, Erich Meier, and Ashley Miller have all made strong strategic contributions connected to our continued growth as an organization including:<ul><li>Jake Bendel,&nbsp;has been promoted to&nbsp;Director of Client Operations Atlanta, and with his exceptional leadership skills, will emphasize coaching and growing the Atlanta team. And to continue his trajectory of driving client success, he will focus on developing operational agency efficiencies to increase positive results.</li><li>Newly appointed&nbsp;Account Director,&nbsp;Candace Keudel-Schaffer&nbsp;will grow with her responsibilities in leading key agency accounts, utilizing her superb management skills as a strategic counselor for clients, colleagues, and prospects.</li><li>Also joining Candace as&nbsp;Account Director&nbsp;is&nbsp;Erich Meier. He’s excited to be stretching his legs strategically in his new role. Through truly understanding his clients’ business and the greater landscape in which they operate, he is dedicated to continue driving his clients’ business forward with high-level strategic guidance.</li><li>Ashley Miller&nbsp;will delve into new parts of the business on client work as&nbsp;Senior&nbsp;Account Manager. She’ll use her expertise, providing elevated strategy and backend support within the agency to help clients better achieve their desired results.</li></ul>On the&nbsp;Channel Marketing&nbsp;side of the house, Chrissy Lynn, Ryan Bopp, Lindsay Motta, and Kevin McCann have been recognized for their dedication, industry knowledge, and leadership.<ul><li>Chrissy Lynn&nbsp;has been named&nbsp;Director of Channel Marketing&nbsp;and will collaborate with teams across Brunner to further improve onboarding, operational efficiency, and growth opportunities, ensuring there are best practices across all groups internally and externally.</li><li>In&nbsp;Ryan Bopp’s new role as&nbsp;Associate Director of Channel Marketing, his passion and strengths are focused on growing the breadth of self-managed channels in Brunner’s programmatic world.</li><li>Lindsay Motta&nbsp;will use her bold ideas and skilled leadership as newly appointed&nbsp;Manager of Brand Engagement&nbsp;to strengthen the integration of channel strategies into communication plans that deliver results for Brunner’s clients.</li><li>And finally, the&nbsp;Data Science&nbsp;team has named Kevin McCann as&nbsp;Lead Data Scientist.&nbsp;He will dive into the numbers and influence the direction of all analytics projects, by engaging with clients to keep the conversation active on uncovering new directions (and data) for analysis.</li></ul>Brunner’s success over the last year is due to the collective focus, dedication, and horsepower of the collective Brunner team. These eight individuals have gone above and beyond to provide excellent services and results for our clients. As we grow and expand there will be continued opportunities for our employees to strut their stuff and achieve their professional goals.

Brunner celebrates the promotion of eight employees, recognizing their client-focused excellence and results-oriented mindsets. Learn more.

Erin Stoner

Partner, Chief Financial Officer

Erin Stoner

Partner, Chief Financial Officer

Erin's Content

Good people doing great work for our clients.