Leadership Shake-Up Fuels Brunner’s Next Phase of Growth

Brunner Celebrates Two Visionary Leaders as They Embark on Retirement

At Brunner, we believe in the power of transformation, whether it’s helping clients navigate change or evolving as an agency ourselves. And Brunner is going through a pretty big transformation this year.

By the end of 2025, two of Brunner’s longtime leaders—Rick Gardinier, Chief Digital Officer, and Jeff Maggs, Managing Partner of our Atlanta office—will be retiring.

Rick’s and Jeff’s impact at Brunner has been nothing short of extraordinary. But change always brings a chance to lift the next generation of leaders, those ready to take the torch and run with it. With that said, Michelle O’Neill and Annette Sally are stepping in—Michelle as Senior Director of Web Solutions & Delivery, and Annette as Executive Vice President—and they’re bringing a bold vision to the table: to accelerate Brunner’s growth and elevate its impact.

While we honor two visionaries who have helped shape our journey, Brunner is charging ahead. This year alone, we expanded our capabilities with the acquisition of Rakuten Performance Solutions, enhancing the services we offer to clients. We have added 21 new employees and 40 new clients to the mix and expect exponential opportunities from the merger.

“We celebrate not just Jeff’s and Rick’s retirement, but the decades of dedication, leadership, and heart they brought to Brunner,” said Ken Johns, Partner and Chief Client Officer, Brunner. “Their contributions have left a lasting legacy that has laid a powerful foundation for Brunner’s future. We are all deeply grateful for their commitment to the agency, the people here, and for making Brunner a special place to work. They will be missed.”

Rick Gardinier: A Digital Pioneer

Rick has been with Brunner for 25 of his 35+ years in the industry, and during that time, he’s been a driving force behind our digital evolution. From the early days of the internet to today’s complex digital ecosystems, Rick has led with a rare blend of technical savvy, marketing insight, and business acumen.

Reflecting on his career, Rick shared, “Looking back, I’m filled with gratitude for the opportunity to help guide Brunner through the ever-evolving digital landscape. Staying ahead of the rapid pace of technological change has been a rewarding personal challenge—and one I’m proud to have met. But what I’ll miss most is learning something new every single day from the brilliant colleagues I’ve had the privilege to work alongside.”

As Rick prepares for his next chapter, we’re excited to announce that Michelle O’Neill has been promoted to Senior Director, Web Solutions & Delivery. With 25 years of experience, Michelle is perfectly positioned to lead our web development and digital project management teams into the future.

Jeff Maggs: Champion of Strategic Creativity

Jeff has spent nearly two decades at Brunner, leading our Atlanta office and bringing bold, strategic thinking to every client challenge. His leadership has earned global recognition, including Effies, Cannes Lions, and ADDYs.

Reflecting on his time in the industry, Jeff said, “Agency life isn’t for the faint of heart—and I wouldn’t have had it any other way. Over the years, I’ve had the honor of leading clients through big ideas, bold campaigns, and the kind of challenges that demand grit and creativity. It’s been a fast-paced, high-stakes ride—and I’m proud to have given it my all for over four decades in the agency business.”

Stepping into Jeff’s shoes is Annette Sally, currently Executive Vice President. Annette brings a wealth of experience from top agencies like Grey, Arnold, and Leo Burnett, and she’s known for delivering results across Fortune 500 companies and nonprofits alike.

As we look to the future, we remain committed to innovation, creativity, and delivering outstanding value. Rick and Jeff have left an indelible mark on Brunner—and we’re excited to build on their legacy.

Here’s to what’s next!