Team

The first and last name in higher ed research, marketing, and branding.

We’ve had nearly every job in the industry. We're market researchers, data lovers, writers, math majors, psychologists, and avid karaoke and trivia night enthusiasts. We hail from every part of the country. Most of all, we’re proud, professional students—curious by nature, compassionate by choice, and constantly working to build higher ed brands that inspire and endure.

Let's talk about your brand

Partners

Elizabeth Scarborough Johnson

Jason Simon

Dana Edwards

Elizabeth Scarborough Johnson

Chairman & Partner

A nationally recognized expert in the use of research to inform strategic brand and marketing solutions, Elizabeth pioneered the transition to data-driven marketing long before it was a buzz word.

She’s presented more than 200 workshops and papers at a veritable alphabet soup of higher education-related conferences and symposia, and chaired the American Marketing Association’s Symposium for the Marketing of Higher Education from 2007 to 2011.

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Elizabeth Scarborough Johnson

Chairman & Partner

A nationally recognized expert in the use of research to inform strategic brand and marketing solutions, Elizabeth pioneered the transition to data-driven marketing long before it was a buzz word.

Elizabeth believes that bringing everyone along is crucial to making long-term strategy work —and prides herself on getting everyone in the organization to sing the same tune, at the same time, in the same key.

James Madison University (B.S. in Mathematics)
Fordham University (M.B.A. with a concentration in Marketing)

Jason Simon

CEO & Partner

Jason loves figuring out complex organizations, telling their stories, and driving change and examination. With more than 15 years of experience leading marketing efforts in higher education, his expertise in brand strategy and positioning was recognized by the American Marketing Association (AMA) when he was named Higher Education Marketer of the Year in 2013.

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Jason Simon

CEO & Partner

In addition to corporate and agency branding experience, Jason previously served in marketing communications leadership roles for the University of California System and North Carolina State University. In both roles, he launched ground-up efforts to build a case for marketing, assemble and guide successful internal teams, and establish brand and positioning strategies.

North Carolina State University (B.A. in Communication)

Dana Edwards

CMO & Partner

With 25 years of experience conducting educational and marketing research in a variety of industries, Dana prides herself on taking good things and making them great. Her deep knowledge helps her design groundbreaking projects that are realistic and aspirational — and lead to effective change on campuses.

Clients prize her honesty and pragmatism. Dana listens to each school’s challenges while vetting and testing solutions with stakeholders, which allows her to build strong partnerships with each institution.

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Dana Edwards

CMO & Partner

Formerly a Senior Marketing Consultant at Carnegie Communications, Dana has extensive experience designing complex research studies that inform brand messaging platforms, university marketing strategies, and creative campaigns. She directed market research studies at WB&A Market Research and was Director of Market Research at Snyder Communications, where she designed studies to provide advertising effectiveness data for consumer package goods companies. She has also helped conduct large scale educational research projects for the National Science Foundation and the Department of Education as a federal contractor.

Bucknell University (B.S. in Educational Research)
The George Washington University (M.A. in Educational Policy)
University of Georgia (Certificate in Marketing Research)

Our team

Maddie helps our teams through detail-oriented project management, and also assists the research and creative processes.

Maddie's favorite college memory is when ESPN's College Game Day came to JMU and our football team won! She loved seeing the school come together and celebrate, Go Dukes!

James Madison University (B.S. in Communications)

Maddie Smith

Account Executive

Bob works with colleges and universities to advance their digital communications goals.

While Strauss and Howe might disagree, Bob considers himself a millennial. He was also the first digital intern in the marketing and communications office at his alma mater. Back then digital was called “new media”.

Wittenberg University (B.A. in Political Science)

Bob Rafferty

VP, Digital

Molly partners with colleges and universities to support their big and bold marketing efforts by providing insight-filled research, result-driven strategy, and action-driving creative.

While Molly will never run a marathon, she once rollerbladed 87 miles from Athens to Atlanta in just under 12 hours.

Wellesley College (B.A. in Psychobiology)

Molly Jackson

AVP, Strategy & Accounts

With more than 10 years of higher ed marketing experience, Renee guides colleges and universities through the process of using data-driven insights to develop meaningful strategies and high-impact brands.

By becoming a parent, Renee discovered the importance of boundaries; she's learned what not to be when playing with her kids: a cat, a baby cat, a green-eyed cat, or the bad guy in jail.

James Madison University (B.A. in Media Arts & Design, Journalism)

Renee Daly

Director, Strategy & Accounts

Sara analyzes and reports on survey data and works with the project team to develop key findings for clients.

Sara’s fondest memories from college are from having participated in cultural shows and festivities with GMU's Persian Club.

George Mason University (B.S. in Marketing)

Sara Abtahi

Research Analyst

Hira focuses on survey design, data analysis, and data visualization - delivering strategic recommendations from research findings and in-depth industry knowledge.

Hira is something of an adventurer, her most memorable college experience being the time she bungee jumped on her 21st birthday during her semester abroad in New Zealand.

University of Richmond (B.A. in Leadership Studies and a B.S. in Business Administration, Marketing)

Hira Siddiqui

Research Analyst

Emma creates strategic, qualitative, and quantitative survey instruments that bridge the gap between data and strategy while she manages project timelines and client deliverables.

Emma’s favorite part of the college experience was having the opportunity to be a Division I student-athlete and captain of her swim team.

University at Buffalo (B.A. in Communication)

Emma Miller

Strategist

Andrea leads research, strategy, and creative projects that help clients make decisions based on data-driven insight.

Andrea’s practice of waking up every morning to run has taught her the importance of a strong mind, hard work, and dedication.

American University (M.A. Public Communications)
University of Alabama, Huntsville (B.A. Communications and Spanish)

Andrea Kruszka

Director, Strategy & Accounts

Dan executes creative and tactics for campaigns and clients, producing strategy-driven brand content.

With time spent on stage as a comedic improviser, Dan's got a keen sense of what's a riot or a flop.

Ohio University (B.S. in Journalism - Advertising and Public Relations)

Dan Moore

Content Specialist

Luke oversees the direction, design, and production of all digital projects within the agency.

While in college, the exploration of creative ideas in every medium allowed Luke to develop as an artist and hone his craft as a digital designer.

Columbus College of Art & Design (B.F.A. in Advertising and Graphic Design)

Luke Deady

Associate Creative Director, Digital

Blythe manages benefits, people, culture, and ensures that our employees work hard, play freely, and enjoy the work they do.

Blythe boasts that she got a concussion from Helen Keller. Granted, it was during a production of "The Miracle Worker" and she was Annie Sullivan, but that's not as cool.

Ashford University (M.B.A. in Human Resources)
Penn State University (B.A. in Theatre)

Blythe Hart-Ries

Director of Human Resources

Mike drives creative solutions that enable colleges and universities of every size to communicate their unique brands in novel and powerful ways.

Mike’s superpower is the ability to dance so well super villains freeze in their tracks in utter astonishment. He also knows every word to every song by The Smiths.

University of Notre Dame (B.A. in Marketing)

Mike Roe

VP, Executive Creative Director

Nik uses data-driven design to help clients effectively share their stories with the world.

Nik's stand out college memory is winning the Homecoming Logo Competition and seeing it displayed across the town and university. The foreshadowing isn't lost on him.

Ohio University (B.B.A. Marketing)

Nik Williams

Senior Designer

Cole oversees visual design for print, digital, and environmental mediums, and she specializes in branding and identity, splitting her time between art direction and design.

Cole’s favorite memory from college was her freshman year when she stayed up all night in the dorm lobby discussing philosophy and fell in love every week.

Columbus College of Art and Design (B.F.A. in Advertising & Graphic Design)

Cole Londeree

Creative Director

Sara analyzes insights developed from brand research to understand the impact on the consumer journey. She then translates that into effective marketing and media plans and campaigns.

College introduced Sara to the world of travel and building cultural connections. She was able to travel abroad to expand, learn more, and meet new people.

Hobart and William Smith Colleges
SUNY Oswego

Sara Wallace

Director, Marketing & Media Strategy

Alex informs complex client needs by harnessing innovative and novel forms of data analysis.

Alex was shaped by living in Madagascar for two years before starting college, which started his passion for development and behavioral economics.

American University (B.S. in Economics)

R. Alexander Ahlstrom

Junior Analyst

Chelsea keeps our processes on point and timelines on track. She manages internal teams, plans resources and traffic company-wide, and thinks through any technology and innovation needs.

By making friends and learning to hang drywall while on a Habitat for Humanity spring break trip, Chelsea learned the importance of service and craftsmanship.

Georgetown University (B.S. in Business Administration, Marketing)

Chelsea Woodard

Director of Operations

Marguerite uncovers the "why" behind messaging, helping organizations communicate powerfully and memorably.

Study abroad in Paris and Sydney allowed Marguerite to experience communications on a global scale, engage with diverse perspectives, and broaden her scope.

Syracuse University (B.A. in TV-Radio-Film & Sociology)
Loyola University Chicago (M.Ed. in Higher Education Administration)
Emerson College (M.A. in Integrated Marketing and Communications)

Marguerite Moore

Strategist

Steven builds brands and strategies — turning conversations into research questions, crafting strategies that are both art and science, and linking insights to creative.

As a first-generation college student, Steven’s life was impacted forever by the once-unimaginable experiences that higher ed has afforded him.

William & Mary (M.Ed. in Educational Leadership)
William & Mary (B.A. in Government)

Steven Lovern

Strategist

Deb analyzes and reports on survey data, helping to turn data points into insights.

In college, Deb loved her work-study as a tutor at the Writing & Reading Center. There she found she especially loved tutoring for rhetorical theory and working with international students.

University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth (B.A. in Literature and Writing)

Deb Gere

Assistant Director of Research

Nicole's eye for detail helps her to wrangle even the most complicated requests into a beautiful, cohesive brand and vision.

A favorite college memory for Nicole is jumping to "Enter Sandman" and watching the Hokies beat Miami during the coveted Thursday night game.

Virginia Tech (B.A. in Public Relations)

Nicole Orosa

Account Executive

Ryan ensures that the needs of our clients are met while working closely with our internal team to provide the resources they need to deliver great work.

Ryan's never run into a burning building to save someone but likes to think he would if put in the position.

The Ohio State University (B.S. in Communication)

Ryan Rekstis

Director, Strategy & Accounts

From high concept to final delivery, Ross is intimately involved in directing all aspects of photography and video production.

Ross once rode his bicycle from NYC to LA. Along the way, he broke bread, debunked self-imposed limitations, and experienced the innate compassion of strangers from coast to coast.

Wittenberg University (B.A. in Marketing)

Ross Ballinger

Associate Creative Director, Video

Kristen leads institutions through complex integrated projects, shaping research studies, revealing the hearts of brands and developing strategies that allow them to reach the right audiences.

As a high school senior, Kristen applied to Randolph-Macon College because she was impressed by the theme of its viewbook. Fifteen years later, she found herself working with the person who had been the admissions director in charge of developing that very viewbook. That’s when she knew she was doing what she was meant to do.

Northwestern University (M.S. Journalism)
James Madison University (B.A. Communications)

Kristen Creighton

AVP, Strategy & Accounts

Katie executes informed design across external and internal projects.

Katie spent three semesters focusing on design for social good, participatory design, and healthy creative practices to help shape her view on all forms of creating, for both others and herself.

Columbus College of Art & Design (B.F.A. in Advertising and Graphic Design)

Katie Schwendeman Sakowski

Senior Designer

Siria interprets data and analyzes results by using statistical techniques to generate insightful and actionable reports that deliver on client objectives and support recommendations.

One of Siria’s most proud college moments was taking a final exam in a team format at a local bar where the professor bought the winning team a round of drinks. You guessed it; her team won!

George Mason University (M.A in Applied Developmental Psychology; B.A. in Psychology with a Business minor)

Siria Rioja

Research Analyst

Kasey arranges and manipulates video and audio assets to create and share stories in a meaningful and engaging way.

Years ago, while using his first-ever smartphone to film a toad eating fireflies, Kasey discovered video’s power to convey the significance of life's unnoticed events.

University of Minnesota

Kasey Majorowicz

Lead Video Editor

Malachi helps tell the story of SimpsonScarborough and shares our steadfast belief that higher ed changes the world.

Tutoring kids on the south side of Chicago in undergrad exposed Malachi to the incredible power education has to disrupt poverty and injustice in our world.

Georgetown University (M.B.A. - In Progress)
Moody Bible Institute (B.A. in Education)

Malachi Koop

Director of Marketing

Eve works with designers and developers crafting creative concepts and brand messaging that help clients connect with audiences and share the stories that make them unique.

Traveling while growing up and her parents' adventurous spirit allowed Eve to inherit an openness to experience. Although a homebody, Eve loves to travel, trying new things & eating new foods!

Edith Cowan University (B.A. in Psychology & Writing, Masters in Psychology)

Eve Scherpenberg

Copywriter

Madie conceptualizes and produces audio and video footage to craft stories that connect and inspire.

Madie’s favorite memory from college was discovering that holding a camera can give you access to intimate spaces and experiences you wouldn’t have the opportunity to see otherwise.

University of Minnesota (B.A. in English)

Madie Hamilton

Video Specialist

Matt works at the intersection of research and creative. He helps to distill qualitative and quantitative data into actionable brand strategies and makes them ready to be brought to life.

In college, working as a tour guide, orientation counselor, and athletic host, Matt found that it wasn't one singular experience that shaped him, but instead he was shaped by great people.

Auburn University (B.S. in Marketing)

Matt McFadden

VP, Strategy & Accounts

Jack guides clients through our process - from research through creative - and helps craft strategy allowing institutional brands to form, thrive, and endure.

Jack's college years were transformative from leadership opportunities, academic challenges, and the small spaces to discover who you are. Jack's four times seeing Beyoncé were also transformative.

William & Mary (B.B.A. in Marketing & Sociology)

Jack Edgar

Strategist

Megan supports all phases of SimpsonScarborough research projects from instrument design and programming to statistical analysis and data visualization.

Her favorite college memories are of UCF football games. Even when they didn't win a game all season, she still loved the Knights (and will always bleed black and gold!).

Arizona State University (Ph.D. in Communication)
University of Central Florida (B.A. in Advertising/Public Relations & M.A. in Communication)

Megan Cole

Senior Research Analyst

Alec supports quantitative and qualitative research, brand strategy deliverables, and ensures that projects are managed to stay on task.

Alec’s memorable college experience was time studying abroad working on a consulting project with Carlsberg Brewery, making him both an academic and a professional with finely brewed grains.

University of South Carolina (B.S. in Business Administration)

Alec Smith

Account Executive

Lex ensures that the business goals and user needs are aligned, and helps to prioritize the team's attention and resources on solving the right problems for the target audiences.

The practice of watching people interact with paintings and seeing what they like and dislike about them has informed Lex's ability to observe users interactions with websites and apps.

Savannah College of Art and Design (B.F.A. in Painting)

Lex Hade

UX Strategist

Camilla works to further each client's success and enjoyment in their work by shaping a genuine, compelling, and clear visual expression of their brand.

Camilla’s most memorable college experience was her semester studying abroad in Germany.

The Ohio State University (B.S. in Visual Communication)

Camilla Dorinsky

Senior Designer

Meredith leverages custom research that leads to meaningful and actionable data to solve problems, answer difficult questions, and drive strategic decision-making.

When Meredith was high school yearbook editor, she thought it would be cool to create profiles of different school classes - thus her first survey was born. The rest is history.

University of Richmond (B.S. in Business Administration)

Meredith Simpson

AVP, Research

Ben brings extensive experience in front-end development as well as Web and CMS strategy. He works with university stakeholders to understand their website goals and develops custom solutions.

After graduating from college, Ben traveled across the country with his alma mater. He captured hundreds of alumni stories on video and managed a blog to document the experience.

Wittenberg University (B.A. in Business Marketing)

Ben McCombs

Senior Web Strategist

Meredith helps drive new business and the growth of SimpsonScarborough by crafting proposals anticipating potential clients' needs and specifications.

Meredith's favorite college memories include zip-lining across Lake Matoaka, serving as an Orientation Aide, and learning to play rugby.

William & Mary (B.A. in Psychology & Community Studies)

Meredith Randle

Business Development Manager

Julia works on the Account and Strategy team as a point of contact for clients, and she supports research and project management.

Julia's favorite college memories were the weekend road trips to new cities, learning new things every day, and of course, cheering on the dawgs at Hinkle Fieldhouse!

Butler University (B.A. in Marketing)

Julia Telari

Account Executive

Perrie drives operational excellence within the creative and digital teams.

A favorite college memory of Perrie's is her time spent exploring the small town of Delaware by bike. She had never seen anything like it; cornfields, pastures, and a bunch of nothing-ness. Simply gorgeous.

Ohio Wesleyan University (BA Sociology & Anthropology; Environmental Science)

Perrie Howes

Director, Creative & Digital Operations