I am thrilled to announce the promotion of five employees and the addition of two account services employees and one digital strategist to the agency. 2018 has been a great year for CVR, and I am excited to watch our employee roster grow in numbers as well as in experience and talent as we seek to provide excellent service to our growing number of clients.
I speak on behalf of the entire team at CVR when I say “congrats” to the following employees on their recent promotions. Each day, these individuals work hard to provide clients with meaningful work that allows us to build brands that matter.
Katie Clements promoted to Creative Director – Katie joined CVR in 2014 as a Senior Art Director. Her career trajectory has been swift as she was quickly promoted to Associate Creative Director after eight short months. Most recently, she has been promoted to Creative Director where she leads a team of 10. Katie has an eye for design and brings her high-energy spirit and many years of experience to the CVR office every day. She received her BA in Fine Arts from Ball State University.
Jared Plew promoted to Associate Creative Director – Jared, promoted from Art Director, has been with CVR for three years. From his creative thinking to the development of his actual art and creative work, Jared is a perfectionist. He has a BFA from Asbury University in Kentucky and a decade of experience providing art direction to state, regional and national clients. As Associate Creative Director, he will spearhead the creative development of several key accounts and projects.
Eric Gray promoted to Associate Creative Director – A graduate of IUPUI’s Herron School of Art & Design, Eric brings a big-picture attitude to every project he takes on. As an Associate Creative Director, he will continue to take on high-profile accounts and develop creative branding materials such as logos, brand identity campaigns, microsite design, video production, collateral, photography and social media.
Dustin Thompson promoted to Vice President of Digital Engagement – Dustin, previously Director of Digital Engagement at CVR, brings an unmatched talent for helping brands navigate today’s complicated social and digital spaces. An Indianapolis native, Dustin spent his first 13 years in advertising working in Atlanta and Phoenix where he led social strategy, content development and influencer marketing for brands including Coca-Cola, Nike, Chick-fil-A and Universal Studios. In his new role, he oversees ideation, content creation and measurement for CVR’s social media clients.
Kara Shaw promoted to Vice President of Accounting – Kara has worked in the accounting department at CVR for 30 years. Most recently, she was instrumental in the company’s move from Salesforce Tower to our new home on New York Street. In addition to her accounting and financial duties, she ensures the office stays on-task and coordinates with outside vendors. In her new position, Kara manages everything accounting and provides leadership and oversight as it relates to budgets, timelines, accounts payable and receivable and much more.
I would also like to welcome three new hires to service a growing list of agency clients and projects.
McKenze Rogers as Account Supervisor –McKenze has over 12 years of experience in marketing, communications, advertising, sales and public relations. Prior to starting at CVR, she orchestrated event marketing with USA Track & Field and the 2012 Super Bowl Host Committee, managed the Indianapolis Star’s healthcare sales, served as Cook Regentec’s marketing manager and oversaw client development at Williams Randall Marketing. McKenze was an All-American diver at Stanford University. She also holds her Master’s degree in Public Relations from Indiana University.
Amanda Fruland as PR Account Executive – Before accepting a position at CVR, Amanda spent nearly a decade working in the beer and wine industry. She received her BA in Journalism from Indiana University and her MBA from the University of Indianapolis. Clients receive the benefit of her experience in managing national media launches, leading communications strategies and building strong relationships with local, regional and national reporters.
Caroline Cox as Digital Engagement Strategist - Caroline is a Miami of Ohio alumna and millennial marketing guru. Previously, she worked as the Marketing Coordinator at Newfields where she was instrumental in launching their rebrand and managing the advertising, collateral and onsite marketing materials. Caroline brings to CVR enthusiasm and a wealth of knowledge as it relates to digital and social media marketing, branding, communications and campaign management.
We look forward to continued personal and professional development at CVR and welcoming even more new faces in Q4 of 2018 and throughout 2019.