AMA Conference Team
Fifteen of the brightest and most dedicated members of Portland’s marketing and business community have worked collaboratively to bring Forward ‘09: Brandologie and The Placement Project to you.
Meet this group of motivated professionals, and build your network.
Conference Chair
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Jessica Legg |
Jessica has a talent for strategic clairvoyance. She can quickly scan any business landscape, develop key business relationships and know exactly what needs to happen next. With 13 years of sales and marketing experience and an MBA from Portland State University, she has a comprehensive business skill set and is tenaciously results-driven.
Jessica is the Account Manager for Microsoft Windows Mobile at Pinnacle Marketing Group (PMG), a full-service marketing agency specializing in mobile marketing, product launch strategy and campaigns for the wireless and technology sectors. At PMG, Jessica is responsible for the management of multiple marketing initiatives attached to Microsoft partner programs, high level-strategy, developing synergies across programs, and managing client relationships at one of the largest and most recognizable technology companies in the world.
She is also the founder of Good Juju Marketing, providing strategic consulting services to start-ups and small businesses based on her personal belief that it takes three things for a business to be successful: Brains (Plan), Ingenuity (Market) and Personality (Sell). Plus…that little X factor, the magic that happens when the pieces come together in just the right way—the “Good Juju”.
Jessica has been an AMA board member for two years and takes great pride in the work done by this year’s AMA Conference Team.
- What do you like most about working in your industry/field?
Marketing is the perfect synthesis of creativity and strategy—left/right brained mutts of the world rejoice!
- Who would you most like to meet and why (alive or dead)?
Harriet Tubman—need I say more? Courage, determination, selflessness and an unwavering commitment to freedom in the face of danger.
- How would you like to be remembered?
As one-of-a-kind. If I can’t get that, I’ll be satisfied by just to being remembered, and for those memories to be happy ones.
Communications
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Taraneh Foster |
Taraneh is a media junkie. Her addiction started at 17, with an internship in publicity and promotions, and she’s never looked back. Today, she focuses on marketing communications strategy for small businesses and the health care industry. Taraneh serves on the board of the Portland Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America and spearheaded the 2007 and 2008 Communicator’s Conference.
- What has been your best idea?
When I was promoting the film “Ready to Rumble” at San Jose State University, I worked with the college radio station there to have students wrestle for movie passes. We put the student wrestlers in sumo outfits that had built-in pads (so they couldn’t hurt themselves) and let them go to town. We exceeded our objective and had a lot of fun in the process.
- Name three people with whom you’d like to have dinner?
If I have dinner with Caprial Pence, Madhur Jeffrey or my mother, I’m guaranteed a great meal—and I wouldn’t have to cook!
- Who did you idolize as a kid vs. who do you idolize now, and what has changed?
When I was a kid, I idolized Martha Stewart. Everything about her was sickeningly perfect. Nowadays, my idol is more local: Adrian McCarthy, who practices PR here in Portland, is married with an energetic toddler, works at a nonprofit she loves, volunteers with PRSA, and yet, every time I see her she looks like she just got back from vacation in Maui or a photo shoot for Vogue. How does she do that?
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Erika Kirkland |
Growing up in a village in Northeastern Ohio, Erika learned a lot about being a team player and what it means to give back to the community. Her eagerness to learn and “calm in the storm” attitude have served her well while coordinating events and managing multiple project deadlines. An avid soccer player, with experience working in an online media environment, she is ready to take the sports marketing world by storm.
- If money were not a factor, what would you choose to do for a living and why?
I would be a jewelry maker because I love visually expressing my creativity. Plus, it’d be amazing to see people wearing my pieces. Also, I want to steal Samantha Brown’s job on the Travel Channel. I’d love to document my traveling experiences and get paid to do so.
- What has been the most worthwhile and rewarding experience in your life?
Living in England for a year as a child. I was opened up to a lot of different cultures and went to a very diverse school. Plus, I got to travel around Europe, explore many castles, see the Royal Family and I learned to ski in Switzerland, doesn’t get any better than that!
- If you could be in any rock band, what band would it be (time doesn't matter)?
Metallica—I’d love to rock out with them.
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Jenn Lackey |
Jenn Lackey has an on-going love affair with words. She enjoys the creative process of writing because it grants her the opportunity to learn and meet interesting people while offering a strategic and educational message. She has become a skilled project manager with an eye toward the bottom line after working in the T.V., publishing, wireless and telecom industries. She currently works as a sales and marketing account manager for a software company focused on building sustainable infrastructure. She is available for free-lance writing gigs and projects.
- Name three people with whom you’d like to have dinner?
Alan Greenspan, Noam Chomsky and Madonna, particularly all at the same time.
- Who would you most like to meet and why (alive or dead)?
Alan Greenspan: I would love to hear how he thinks the philosophies will change among free market economists in the wake of the recent economic downturn and the events that led to it.
I'd also love to meet Edward R. Murrow and hear his thoughts about the current state of the media, particularly related to the advent of the Internet and the consolidation of media.
- If you could be in any rock band, what band would it be (time doesn't matter)?
It's a toss up between Black Sabbath and Led Zeppelin.
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John Henry Angell |
John Henry has an extensive art background with a growing passion for the world of photography. He originally hails from New York City and when he’s not behind the lens, his love of art inspires and influences his creativity in the graphic arts field. With more than 10 years of pre press background experience, John Henry is a whiz with a multitude of design programs. He is hardworking and able to effectively manage his time under tight and challenging deadlines.
- If money were not a factor, what would you choose to do for a living and why?
Physicist, to study the universe.
- Who did you idolize as a kid vs. who do you idolize now, and what has changed?
Luke Skywalker, The Dali Lama. Not much has changed.
- Who would you most like to meet and why (alive or dead)?
Chief Seattle, because of his deep understanding of what was happening to his world. To be the last of something must be such a profound experience.
Logistics
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Kelly Vanderzanden |
Kelly is an organized, ambitious and self-motivated Event and Marketing Coordinator for Conkling, Fiskum & McCormick. She has a profound understanding for many styles of marketing, whether it’s online media, guerilla or grass roots. Recently Kelly had the opportunity to facilitate and promote the 4th Annual National Tillamook Macaroni & Cheese Contest Cook-Off. Her skill sets have also proved beneficial to the many organizations where she volunteers, and that list is quite hefty. She is far from a novice when it comes to giving back to her community.
- What is one profession you would like to try for a day and why?
A professor of English Literature, because I’d love to just sit in a classroom and pontificate the meaning of those classic tales from Chaucer to Hemingway. I love to read.
- What was the last thing you listened to while driving, biking, walking or using TriMet to work?
89.9—I’m a classical music junkie.
- If money were not a factor, what would you choose to do for a living and why?
I would love to work for the Humane Society or any non-profit that is committed to the safety and well-being of animals, or work in development. Non-profits are necessary in this world and we need to help them along to continue to make life better for us, others and the animals.
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Joseph Walters |
Joe has over 15 years of successful project management experience under his belt. His leadership, creativity and innovation have served him well while dealing with media events and production. He’s had the opportunity to work for Fortune 500 clients and consistently goes above and beyond their expectations. Oh, did we mention, he currently works as a Producer at PopArt?
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Rita Ogbeama |
Rita is a high-energy powerhouse currently working as Career Services Specialist at ITT Tech. Her friendly and charismatic disposition allows her to connect and excel with assisting students who are looking to brand themselves in this unstable job market. If you have a chance encounter with this exuberant lady, ask her about her volunteer activities as a board member for Delta Sigma Theta, Portland Alumnae Graduate Chapter and Experience.
- Name three people with whom you’d like to have dinner?
Barack/Michelle Obama, Jennifer Hudson, and Kobe Bryant
- If money were not a factor, what would you choose to do for a living and why?
I would run my own business—either a Marketing firm or a Life coaching company.
- What was the last thing you listened to while driving, biking, walking or using TriMet to work?
90s radio station at work.
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Jodi Kansagor |
Jodi has an interesting twist to her professional background. She started off as a medical research analyst and since has abandoned ship and received her MBA from PSU's School of Business Administration. Jodi is now in the process of becoming the Project Manager superstar she wants to be. With a flair for event planning and graphic design, and an additional 5 years of experience producing and promoting shows around the Portland area, she is ready for her next project management adventure.
- Name three people with whom you'd like to have dinner?
Steve Martin, Tina Fey and Robin Williams. I realize I could have been a lot deeper about it, but let’s be real, dinner should be fun and those guys are funny.
- What is one profession you would like to try for a day and why?
Rodeo and not barrel racing, which is the only thing they let girls do. I would love to be a bull rider for a day. I can't even imagine what a rush it has to be for 8 seconds of your life to be thrown around by a crazy animal. Also, they get to wear amazing outfits and chaps.
- What has been the most worthwhile and rewarding experience in your life?
Getting on stage and performing. Getting up in front of people forces you face a ton of issues and helps you be a more confident person. I have also made the best friends of my life through artistic communities. Being a part of a performance community that respects me as a creative, artistic individual is, also, really rewarding.
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Tiffany Rahimian |
Tiffany has a hunger and drive to succeed in the marketing industry. While relatively new to the field, don’t be fooled, she’s already hit the ground running as the Marketing Coordinator at Lane Powell. Her determination is most evident in her event planning and PR skills. She is ready to give it her all, and she will soon be a force to be reckoned with. Learn more about Lane Powell here.
- What is one profession you would like to try for a day and why?
An Attorney. Because I love to prove others wrong and myself right—all the while being compensated for my victory!
- How would you like to be remembered?
I would like to be remembered for my smile and compassion. Additionally, as an outgoing, driven, irreplaceable, fun loving, pensive, ambitious and caring woman. That’s not too much to ask for is it?
- If money were not a factor, what would you choose to do for a living and why?
This would be ideal: Part time traveler of the world’s exotic beaches and shopping malls, and part time amateur karaoke starlet!
Sponsorship
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Nathan J Wagner |
Nathan is a big idea guy. His opportunistic imagination allows him to fearlessly dream big and creatively design strategies to help clients solve their toughest marketing challenges. With more than 15 years of experience providing sales, marketing and business development consultation, he has successfully grown and generated millions of dollars in new business for several recognizable brands. Nathan is now President & Business Strategist for Creative Refinery, a marketing and sales agency.
- What is one profession you would like to try for a day and why?
Run a casino. I can only imagine how crazy it would be to manage all of that money and how fun it would be to manage all of that money.
- If you could be in any rock band, what band would it be (time doesn't matter)?
The Rolling Stones—classic Guns & Roses—the birth of 90’s grunge rock The Cramps—feeding my dark side and the Beastie Boys—obnoxious yet talented
- What has been the most worthwhile and rewarding experience in your life?
Becoming a father—without a doubt the most horrifically wonderful experience in my life.
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Jillianne Shellan |
Jillianne is an ambitious, well-respected and enthusiastic Marketing & Advertising Manager for Airefco, Inc. Jillianne discovered her passion for marketing soon after the completion of her masters degree in post-secondary, adult & continuing education. She has quickly climbed the marketing ladder at Airefco where she is now responsible for a multitude of tasks ranging from executing marketing programs, to managing multi-million dollar budgets, to implementing annual consumer advertising campaigns.
- What is one profession you would like to try for a day and why?
Pilot—It seems like it would be so exhilarating! Since I’m afraid of heights I think it might push me to conquer this fear. But I don’t think this is a profession I should just try for one day though! Some training might be good.
- What do you like most about working in your industry/field?
It’s always changing—there’s never a dull day. Besides, what other field do you get the opportunity to be extremely creative and analytical at the same time? It’s a perfect combination.
- If money were not a factor, what would you choose to do for a living and why?
Life Coach. I love to see people discover more about themselves and find something that makes them uniquely happy. Life’s way too short to be unhappy.
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Carmen Endrina |
Carmen always knew she wanted to do research. “I always have this curious mind acting up; wanting to know and discover something; asking the proverbial ‘why’.” Few years after graduating from the University of Oregon, Carmen got into the Market Research industry and never looked back. Currently, she’s looking for new career opportunities where she can continue to manage research projects that will provide insights to business issues. With 9+ years of experience under her belt, Carmen would be a valuable addition to your marketing team.
- Name three people with whom you’d like to have dinner?
Julia Child and Graham Kerr together for one night. It will be a riot to dine with them—two great legends in the culinary world with two different philosophies about food (Julia advocates the use of butter and Graham preaches healthy diet).
Then Brad Pitt and George Clooney on a different night—come on, who wouldn’t want to dine with these guys?
- If you have a super power, what would it be?
The power to automatically change my color depending on my emotions. Like Incredible Hulk—he turns green when he’s mad. I’d want to have the ability to turn yellow for being happy or purple for having a bad day.
- If money were not a factor, what would you choose to do for a living and why?
I’d do nothing. I always wanted to know how one can really do nothing. Has anyone written a book about The Art of Doing Nothing?
Programming
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Jason Meyers |
Jason always keeps an eye open for new challenges. After graduating from Portland State University’s School of Business he landed a position working for VTM, a global marketing and communications firm. Jason’s primary efforts are focused on the Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA), a consumer electronics industry organization developing the interoperability of networked devices in the home.
- Name three people with whom you’d like to have dinner?
Nelson Mandela, Paul McCartney and Warren Buffet.
- What do you like most about working in your industry/field?
The chance to work with a variety of people from different backgrounds and synthesize their ideas together into something that is creative and unique.
- If money were not a factor, what would you choose to do for a living and why?
I would be a Chef and travel the world tasting local delicacies and traditional foods. Mostly, I would like to have a show on the travel channel.
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Allison Park |
Originally hailing from Portland, Allison recently returned to her hometown after graduating from Syracuse University and working in New York City as an event planner and fundraiser. Allison has applied her skills to organize and promote galas, lectures, and cultivation events for luminaries such as General Colin Powell, Dr. Elie Wiesel and Andy Grove. Since returning to Portland, she has collaborated with Bluedot Communications to produce creative media exposure and marketing strategies for local green businesses.
When not working on events or marketing, Allison can be found volunteering with the Forest Park Conservancy, enjoying outdoor activities, or implementing new home design ideas. www.linkedin.com/in/allisonkpark
- If money were not a factor, what would you choose to do for a living and why?
I would help friends with their home improvement projects, because creative design and craft projects help maintain my sanity. HGTV is a permanent "favorite" on my remote.
- How would you like to be remembered?
That I had a contagious laugh—even if it does sounds like a seal barking.
- What country or countries would you like to visit and why?
I am committed to see as many natural "wonders of the world" (and their respective countries) as I possibly can, starting New Year's 2010 with the Grand Canyon.
