Our Team
Hi from Level! We're a performance marketing agency that prides ourselves on our team of smart, creative, and curious marketers. From data analysts to creative strategists, we have a range of experts who are constantly striving to learn more, push boundaries, and deliver the best possible outcomes for our clients.
Meet Some of Our Leaders
In his tenure as president & CEO of Level Agency, Patrick Patterson oversaw its transformation from a pioneering, fast-growing higher education shop into the performance-marketing powerhouse it is today. Under his leadership, the agency's revenue grew 30% or more annually; its profit margin increased 4X; its marketing spend now tops $50M annually, and its capabilities have broadened to offer more complementary services for more industries.
Great marketing starts with asking great questions. From the outset of his career, Patterson applied his background in computer science and math to the challenge of reaching and engaging audiences (and carefully measuring every result). In an industry increasingly driven by automation and machine learning, he excelled, ultimately managing a $30+ million budget for Education Management Corporation. Patrick then took his passion for creating value to product development, implementing lean methodology at a technology startup that focused on using data to drive efficient sales enablement.
His drive for efficiency, performance, and continuous improvement led him to join agency founder Thomas Donohoe in 2012 to oversee Level's operations and strategic direction - eventually purchasing the company in 2021 with his partner, Patrick Van Gorder.
Patterson's vision for Level Agency is to be the go-to performance marketing agency when clients want real, measurable results. Reaching this goal requires an uncompromising commitment to performance: platform excellence, compelling creative, client partnership, growth mindset, and constant innovation. By surrounding himself with talented, adaptable colleagues, he knows he's set the agency up for success. Patterson’s vision for Level Agency is to be the go-to performance marketing agency when clients want real, measurable results. Reaching this goal requires an uncompromising commitment to performance: platform excellence, compelling creative, client partnership, growth mindset, and constant innovation. By surrounding himself with talented, adaptable colleagues, he knows that he’s set the agency up for success.
Patrick X.W. Van Gorder has been part of the leadership team of Level Agency since the company’s founding in 2010. Starting as Lead Copywriter, Van Gorder has made measurable, significant contributions in each subsequent role he has held; as Director of Campaigns and Platforms, as AVP of Client Services, as VP of Operations, as Senior Vice President and Head of Accounts, EVP, and in his current role as President and COO.
Van Gorder's responsibilities as President and COO include the day-to-day operations of the agency and the strategic performance marketing success of the agency's clients. That encompasses fostering healthy, trust-rooted partner relationships, developing increasingly ROI-effective ways to digitally reach target audiences, and consistently delivering attention-grabbing and relevant advertising creative.
Van Gorder attended the University of Pittsburgh, where he graduated with a B.A. dual major in Journalism and Political Science. A son of missionary parents, Van Gorder grew up in five different countries across three continents, before coming to the University of Pittsburgh to study Journalism and Political Science. He lives in Pittsburgh’s East End with his wife Sophia, daughter Pearl, golden retriever Lily, and cat Basil.
Dave is responsible for the Level Agency go-to-market strategy to acquire new customers in established industry verticals, enter new industry segments and capabilities, and develop strategic partnerships. Prior to joining Level Agency full-time, Dave had been an advisor and consultant to high growth businesses, including Level Agency, where he served as both Advisor and Chair of its Strategic Advisory Board and Consultant.
Throughout his 20+ year career, Dave’s career experience has been connected to helping organizations accelerate business growth. He has held leadership responsibilities across key functional areas, including Sales, Business Development, Marketing, Operations, and Customer Success. He has relevant agency experience from his time at Performics, a leading performance marketing agency, including spearheading the agency’s strategic planning process, leading a new client segmentation strategy, and serving as its VP of Business Development. More recently, he worked on the brand side as VP of Sales, Marketing, and Customer Success at Othot, a predictive analytics software built for higher education institutions, that was acquired by Liaison International. Dave’s early career was spent in financial services where he worked in sales at Goldman Sachs and corporate development/mergers and acquisitions at National City Corporation.
Dave has a JD and MBA from the University of Pittsburgh, a BA in Business from the University of Richmond, and an Executive certification from the Institute of Design at Stanford University. He has multiple certifications and designations including certificates in Gainsight Customer Success Management, Google Analytics Fundamentals, HubSpot Content Marketing, and Hootsuite Social Media. Dave and his wife, Amanda, and their 3 kids reside in Pittsburgh, where he serves as Board Chair for the Communities in Schools of Pittsburgh-Allegheny County (CISPAC) and as a board member and coach with the Mt. Lebanon Soccer Association.
Myles received is BA in Corporate Communications from Lycoming College and is a graduate of the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Emerging Leaders Program. He has nearly a decade of experience on the client-side of marketing, working as Marketing Director and General Manager for companies in a variety of verticals including construction, transportation, aviation, and craft beer. Prior to joining Level, Myles was the Director of Digital Marketing for an agency specializing in Ecommerce and B2B Lead Generation.
Here at Level, Myles’ diverse marketing background and general business operations experience have enabled him to act as a value injector for clients and champion special projects, first as the Director of Strategic Projects, and now as AVP, Resource Management.
Outside of the office, Myles enjoys podcasting, livestreaming, and marathon running. He is also a TEDx Speaker and award-winning author.
Jenna earned her MA in International Business from Oxford Brookes University in Oxford, United Kingdom and is currently a Ph.D. Candidate studying social media implications on general communication theory and human connection.
With a passion for problem-solving, she is a data-driven, solutions-oriented marketer. From starting her career as a digital strategist to leading Business Development for the agency, Jenna's experience positions her as a trusted strategist for Level's higher education partners. Currently completing her Ph.D. in Media & Communication Studies, Jenna's research focuses on emerging social media and its impact on branding and advertising.
Outside of work, Jenna is an avid yoga practitioner, world traveler, and loves exploring new trails with her dog, Chadwick.
As the B2B Team Lead, TJ brings with him over a decade of marketing experience. With a focus on driving demand and revenue for his clients through a variety of marketing tactics. TJ has established a track record of success in the marketing industry and is constantly pushing the envelope with his clients to test new strategies and platforms. A graduate of West Virginia University, TJ's education and experience has equipped him with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in today’s B2B marketing landscape.
Tim Fitzgerald graduated from Carnegie Mellon University with degrees in both Economics and Music. He specializes in Social and Display advertising while maintaining a passion for large analytics projects. For Tim, effective marketing lies at the confluence of art and science.
His major analytics projects include customer lifetime value analyses and Level Agency's cross-channel attribution tool, which allows Level to get more for our client media dollars. Passionate and resourceful, Tim believes in the words of the founder of his alma mater “My Heart is in the Work”.
In his spare time Tim continues to explore his love of music as a multi-instrumentalist and producer.
Jordan studied web and multimedia management at Pittsburgh Technical College and brings nearly a decade of experience in web development and data management to Level Agency. A specialist in back-end development, he spearheaded Level’s API and data warehouse restructuring. This major undertaking allows for improved tracking and integrations with all aspects of our ad data, from client CRM, to reporting and analytics dashboards. He continues to optimize datasets for Level, aiming to automate “everything he can.”
Jordan is a hiker, gamer, and a traveler aiming to see all 50 states by age 30.
Laura received her MBA from Point Park University and her BA in Theatre & French from Penn State. With over a decade of marketing experience in theater and the arts, Laura understands the challenges of keeping highly complex projects moving in sync, the importance of clearly communicating across departments. At Level Agency, she leads a team focused on delivering results for several clients. Tell Laura what success looks like, and she’ll help chart an engaging path to reach it.
Laura coordinates a project called Fun A Day Pittsburgh every January, culminating in a group art exhibition.
Jenna is a finance and accounting professional with a Bachelor of Science degree from the Smeal College of Business at Penn State University. She has over 10 years’ experience in the finance and accounting industry and a strong understanding of financial reporting, analysis and accounting principles.
Outside of Level, Jenna enjoys raising two wonderful daughters and shopping for treasures. She is also an avid baker, with long term goals of opening a bakery with her husband.
Keefer Kopco graduated from Gannon University’s Theatre and Communication Arts department. He specializes in social media and display marketing, working with clients and Level’s creative team on targeting, testing, and ad design strategy.
During his time in undergrad, he served as Editor-In-Chief of the student-run blog Gannon Edge. Has served as social media production and strategy roles for NYC indie comic publisher Drumfish Productions, and Erie-based digital marketing agency Epic Web Studios. During his time at Epic he helped get the Socialism: The Game Kickstarter-funded through securing spots on Fox’s After the Bell and Vice. He promoted undefeated boxer Gennady “GGG” Golovkin on behalf of Golden Boy Productions for his Monroe, Lemieux, and Wade fights and managed paid media for several notable stand-up comedians including Eddie Griffin and Tom Green.
In his spare time, Keefer’s a huge comic book collector and board game enthusiast.
With skills sets in overall strategy, client partnership, media management, and creative, Jess has experience in ecommerce, higher-ed, and non-profit marketing among other industries. She received her Master of Science in Digital Journalism from Syracuse University and joins Level after living in Erie, Pa for undergrad and beyond. As a client services team member, Jess has a passion for problem-solving through data-driven marketing and finding the most efficient way to accomplish client goals.
Outside of work, you can find Jess at a Pittsburgh Penguins game, boating on the Three Rivers with her husband and dog, or finding the next best brunch spot.
Dale is a marketing and business development expert with a passion for helping clients achieve their goals. With over 10 years of experience in digital marketing strategy and execution, Dale is known for his creative problem-solving skills and his ability to build strong client partnerships.
When he's not working, Dale can be found rooting for Pittsburgh's sports teams, getting creative with at-home projects, enjoying live music, and spending quality time with family and friends.
Geoff leads a team of performance marketing professionals charged with the successful generation and retention of students for higher education clients. He brings a decade of omni-channel performance marketing success for Level Agency’s Education, B2B, and high-value B2C clients and ensures data is driving every student growth and marketing decision we’re making.
Before Level, Geoff studied psychology at the University of Maryland and spent five years of academic research experience developing statistical analyses, efficient processes, marketing surveys, and using data to solve puzzles in human experiences.
In his downtime, he enjoys spending time with his young family, woodworking, and if he can find time, snowboarding.
Mike Rubino studied graphic design and creative writing (BFA) at Seton Hill University, and has over a decade of experience in design, illustration, filmmaking and marketing. He believes in drawing every day and using visual storytelling to communicate and inspire action. Most recently, he served as a visual design manager and a certified human-centered design instructor at LUMA Institute. Mike uses empathy-driven design thinking methods alongside skills in digital illustration and storytelling to help clients make meaningful connections with customers. Mike serves as a Director of Programming at Arcade Comedy Theater, a Pittsburgh-based non-profit theater, and can be often seen on stage as an improviser and actor. He loves living in Pittsburgh’s Northside with his wife and son, playing board games, and cooking breakfast.
Since 2020, Chrissy has been part of the Level team where she’s leveraged her 15+ years of digital marketing and eCommerce specialization to drive performance success for Level’s client portfolio. In her role as SVP Products & Services, Chrissy is responsible for the development and execution of the agency’s performance marketing services.
Chrissy is based in her hometown of Philadelphia where she earned her MBA from Temple University and graduated with a B.A. in Communications from the University of Pennsylvania. In addition to her agency work, she’s an active board member for the Southeast PA Area Health Education Centers and a fundraiser for the Gift of Life. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, trail running, amd cheering on her hometown teams (Go Birds!).
Brad Stephenson is a digital marketing leader with a unique blend of creative and analytical skills. With a data-focused Master's degree from Carnegie Mellon University and a background in acting, stand-up comedy, and journalism, he brings a strong storytelling foundation to his work. With more than 20 years of digital marketing experience, including leading a global team for Philips Home Healthcare Solutions and increasing annual attendance at Carnegie Museum of Art by more than 25 percent, Brad has a proven track record of success.
At Level Agency, he combines his creative and data-driven strategic background to help clients understand audiences and deliver compelling digital ads that produce results.
In his free time, Brad spends time skiing and playing board games with his wife, Kelly, and daughter, Sadie. He also produces and performs in the award-winning monthly comedy show "Knights of the Arcade" in Pittsburgh.
Amy Stettler studied Journalism & Communications at Point Park College before embarking on a career in Advertising. She brings over 25 years of blue-chip marketing and media experience to Level.Agency on such brands as Apple, Intel, IBM, Amex, Chevrolet and Microsoft. Along with performance marketing experience at Smile Direct Club and StitchFix. She has held senior leadership positions at global agencies including Ogilvy, Havas, and Omnicom and ran her own independent digital marketing consulting firm prior to joining Level.
Amy is known for driving strategy in communications planning that produces results. Her approach is audience lead - channel relevant. She builds efficient and effective integrated communications strategies that are grounded in consumer insights discovered via research & testing. Just ask her to develop a strategic roadmap for your brand and then hold on!
When she’s not building out road maps or driving campaign development, she can be found running around Pittsburgh with her 2 dogs, paddle boarding on the rivers or teaching yoga at her home studio.
Kyle comes to Level as a data scientist after finishing a math Ph.D. at Case Western Reserve University. Prior to that he worked for 6 years in biomedical engineering research using specialized MRI techniques to look at the connections in the brain. Kyle possesses the full range of data science skills from data cleaning and EDA to modeling and communication of results. He most enjoys translating cutting-edge machine learning techniques to (messy) real-world applications. He helps clients understand the value of their own data, draw insightful conclusions, and make data-driven decisions on how to proceed in the future. Much of his free time is (joyfully) taken up with his wife and 4 young children. He enjoys ongoing math research (especially into geometric/Clifford algebras), chess, and soccer when he gets time outside of family and work.
Seth studied law at Duquesne University School of Law, and English writing at the University of Pittsburgh. As Level Agency legal counsel, Seth manages contracts and agreements, as well as ensuring that data privacy protections are in place on behalf of our client partners. His legal expertise includes contracts, employment, regulatory & compliance, privacy, corporate governance, and litigation. He feels fortunate that learning has never felt like work.
Seth enjoys hockey, playing guitar, reading, and film & photography
Meet the Team
Julianne Avolio comes to Level with a background in performance. As an actor, improviser, and teaching artist, Julianne has spent her career so far honing her communication skills and ability to multitask. Before joining Level as an Account Coordinator, she worked in client service with several nonprofits in the Pittsburgh area. Her experience in both left- and right-brained fields allows her to stay organized, but flexible; on task, but open to detours; and realistic, but full of imagination. When not coordinating accounts, Julianne can be found unwinding by cooking food for the people she loves or fixing up her house that is currently full of "charm.
Abby is a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh, where she majored in English
literature and communications with a media focus. She comes to Level with nearly
20 years of client service and marketing experience including social media
management, web design, and inside sales/account management. Her attention to
detail and eagerness to learn are key to exceeding client expectations.
When not at work, Abby definitely has her nose in a book, probably while cuddling a
pet or two.
Claire graduated from the University of Pittsburgh in Spring 2022 with a Bachelor's of Science in Business Administration. She focused her studies on Marketing and Business Information Systems, as well as a minor in Classical Civilizations. Claire has brought a wide range of experiences and skills to the agency, including being a certified Scrum Master. Claire loves to constantly learn new skills and pushing projects forward for her clients in the education vertical. In her free time, she enjoys to get active by playing pickleball or attending spin classes and traveling.
Matt brings fourteen years of digital marketing experience to Level Agency. He
started with a white label SEO/PPC agency as an account manager, team lead, and
VP of business development. Matt is well versed in developing SEO road maps for
clients, conducting deep SEO analysis, and is able to communicate complex
concepts in an easy-to-understand way. Matt is now an account manager at Level
Agency in our new Home Services vertical. In his off hours he loves to spend time
with his family, skiing, and reading.
Bryce received his BA in Marketing from Michigan State University. He has over a decade of experience in Marketing, working as a Digital Marketing Analyst, Internet Directories/Lead Generation Manager, Marketing Manager, and Consultant for companies in multiple verticals. As a “swiss army knife” of marketing, Bryce understands the many complex layers it takes to create and sustain a successful marketing campaign. At Level Agency, Bryce trains incoming Media Analysts on how to be effective, customer-focused marketers and to drive results for all clients. Outside the office, Bryce enjoys all things sports and spending time with his young children.
Danielle has a bachelor’s degree in Digital Communications with a concentration in design. She brings seven years of marketing experience with her to Level. She previously worked in manufacturing as a Senior Marketing Coordinator, doing a little bit of everything. She is very detail-oriented and is always excited to learn something new. Outside of work, Danielle is an avid knitter. She is on a mission to fill her sock drawer with handknit socks. Danielle also loves standup paddleboarding, attending concerts, hiking, and snuggling with her two cats.
Micah Brightwell studied graphic design at Arkansas State University. He brings 6 years of professional graphic design and motion graphic experience to Level Agency. A recent transplant from the South, he’s spent most of his career as the sole graphic designer for a regional network of libraries. This involved handling a major rebranding effort, executing video campaigns, driving social media graphics, and even wrapping a bookmobile. Today he ensures Level’s ads are unmissable by applying the principles of motion design to our clients’ social and web display creative.
Imani brings a wide variety of media buying expertise to Level. She attended SUNY Potsdam and received her Bachelors in Speech Communications with a minor in Business Administration.
Cassandra is an enthusiastic individual who strives to bring omnichannel solutions to our clients. She comes from Buffalo, New York, studying International Business and Marketing at The University at Buffalo. She spent the majority of her early career working in an agency that specialized in Omnichannel marketing blending both traditional and digital campaigns for an array of clients.
Within Level, Cassie is continuously pushing the envelope to bring new ideas and solutions for our client’s individual needs. When she isn’t reading or playing with her dog, she keeps up to date on industry news to ensure that not only our client’s are happy, but those they are serving as well.
Kallan received her Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from Missouri State University. She previously worked in the fields of insurance and medical software where decisions were driven by data results. She is a people-pleaser and a go-getter that focuses on data competency to meet or exceed client expectations.
Dan studied Sports, Arts, and Entertainment Management at Point Park University. He brings several years of web development, media and database management, and content strategy to Level Agency, where his work focuses on building and maintaining high performing, interactive experiences including websites and landing pages.
Patrick received his AAS in Graphic Design from Spokane Falls Community College, during that time he became the President of the Graphic Design Club which allowed him to bring in industry professionals, such as Aaron Draplin of DDC co. and Bill Gardner owner of LogoLounge, and many more, for workshops and speaking events. Patrick's emphasis is in web development and is currently pursuing certificates in UX and OOUX to further his knowledge of usability in web design. Having knowledge on WCAG standards and ADA guidelines as well as the best practices of WYSIWYG and user experience allows him to make navigating websites easier and push conversion rates higher.
Fabi grew up in Panama and then moved to the United States (Dallas, TX) at 18 for college. She graduated Magna Cum Laude in 2022 with 2 BA's: one in International Security with a Minor in Psychology, and another in French. She is fluent in 6 languages and can code in HTML. Before starting at Level, she dabbled in copywriting, account management, and reporting. Fabi’s work includes building campaigns on the different platforms and analyzing + reporting on their performance. During off hours she does HIIT workouts, swims, and takes care of the 21 plants in her room.
Jamie graduated from Arizona State University in Spring 2022 with a B.S. in Marketing and a Certificate in Applied Business Data Analytics. Before joining Level, he interned at Tailwind, a performance marketing agency in Tempe, AZ. Jamie brings experience in paid search, paid social, and email marketing, analytics tools such as Google Analytics 4, PowerBI, Excel and Google Data Studio, as well as data driven decision-making through agency work and class projects.
Bre earned a Bachelor of Arts in History and a Master’s in Education from The University of Pittsburgh. She comes to Level with a background in education and performance, bringing with her a valuable set of skills in communication, organization, and leadership. Prior to joining Level, Bre worked in the public school system as a high school History teacher and as a local actor and improviser. Working in client success & accounts, Bre channels her strengths to provide excellent communication to clients, as well as ensure timely execution of projects by keeping everything flowing. In her spare time, you can catch Bre traveling to anywhere that will have her, hanging out with her family, or on stage at a local theater soaking up laughter and applause.
Rico studied Web Design and Development and Business as an undergraduate before receiving his M.S. in Media Management, all from Duquesne University. He is an experienced web designer and coder with additional expertise in media production. At Level Agency, Rico brings his development and design skills to each user experience he builds, including landing page experiences and emails. He’s also involved in conversion rate optimization (CRO), data management, and data-visualization projects. For our clients, this means intuitive post-click experiences that perform and data that flows smoothly.
Jonathan Gaugler studied philosophy at Cambridge University (M.Phil) and Capital University (BA). He brings 10+ years' experience in marketing and public relations, including strategic messaging, social, and web content in academic and museum settings. In between, he spent three years as an entrepreneur. As Level’s copywriter, he collaborates across departments, guiding conversations toward core messages.
James received both his BS in Marketing and MS in Hospitality Management at the University of North Texas in Denton. At Level, James works as a Media Analyst on the Education team.
Ashley Gordon brings almost a decade of digital marketing experience to the web development team at Level Agency. A creative problem-solver who specializes in responsive design and email marketing, she provides unique perspective to website production.
Erin graduated from Seton Hill University with a BFA in Graphic Design and Art History with a minor in Studio Arts. A passionate creator, she brings to Level a multi-faceted skill set built from years of diverse clientele exposure. Creative concept building, cohesive branding, and trend-forward content are areas she particularly shines!
Caitlin received her AA in Graphic Design from Pittsburgh Technical College. She joined the Level team with 6 years of digital design and client-service experience. Her work on the Creative Services team helps meet and exceed client expectations daily.
Emily joined Level Agency after receiving her Master's in Arts Management from Carnegie Mellon University. Her background in design, audience and consumer research, and customer service supports complex campaign development and execution. To the Client Services team, she brings a passion for building positive client relationships and finding creative, data-driven ways to solve problems.
Lena earned an MSW from Loyola University Chicago and a B.S. in Human Development and Psychology from Indiana University. She is also a certified mediator from the Mediation Training & Consultation Institute in Michigan.
She brings over 4 years of experience from Wall St. and Chicago in the Private Equity Family Office sector, and over 3 years in the Technology automated vehicle space in Pittsburgh. She has been an executive business partner for almost a decade, and in her last role, her ending title was Chief of Staff, which allowed her to be an active part of the leadership team. While her studies focused on how people’s minds work, Lena has paired those skills with her sharp business acumen and helped many executives operate more effectively. At Level Agency, she partners directly with Patrick Patterson to help him strategically in his day-to-day.
Outside of her professional goals and work, Lena likes to dive into captivating fiction novels, watch a good television series with her husband and rescue Chiweenie, and travel to the beach whenever her schedule allows.
Kristen graduated from Penn State University with a BA in Advertising, where she also minored in Digital Media Trends & Analytics. Armed with a solid academic foundation, she dove headfirst into the world of marketing and hasn't looked back since.
With over four years of industry experience under her belt, Kristen has honed her skills in various facets of marketing. However, her true expertise lies in paid social media. She possesses a keen understanding of social media platforms and knows how to harness their power to drive engagement, increase brand awareness, and generate results for clients.
Recently, Kristen made the move from the East Coast to the city of Los Angeles, California. In her free time, Kristen is a dog mom to her beloved Boston Terrier, Pippa.
Brittany began her creative journey at Alma College, where long nights and many energy drinks were spent studying Art & Design with an emphasis in photography. Over 10 years she’s cultivated her talents in the visual arts, and later web development, bringing a unique blend of creativity and technical expertise to Level. She leverages her skills to create web-based tech that solves real world problems. Always working to enhancing the user’s experience through a robust tech stack, and clean, responsive code. When she’s not hunched over her computer fervently coding, Brittany spends her free time hunched over comics, her vintage Raleigh bike, or deeply invested in an RPG video game
George Landsly studied organizational leadership at Purdue University and engaged
in a variety of data analytics and consulting work during his time prior to Level. His
work with data engineering lays the foundation for fast and reliable client
information. In his off time, George enjoys playing board games, reading, and taking
care of his dog.
Jacquelyn Ledgerwood has over 10 years of experience in Operations and Management of teams in industries of performing arts, non-profit, education, & real estate. She holds her Masters in Arts Management and Cultural Leadership, where she uses her skills to provide companies tools on how to best achieve their goals. She is thrilled to be joining Level on the GRO-1 team and is looking forward to bring success to her team.
Carrie Little comes to Level with an impressive background in executive administrative support. She brings to the table exceptional organizational skills, a keen attention to detail, and a proactive approach to ensuring seamless operations. Her duties, including managing calendars, coordinating meetings, and handling travel arrangements, demonstrate her commitment to providing efficient and reliable support to executives and teams. Carrie thrives in fast-paced environments, adapts swiftly to new technologies, and is a master at multitasking. In addition to her administrative expertise, she possesses a solid foundation in business management, gained through her college studies. This education has equipped her with a deep understanding of various business functions, such as strategic planning, project management, and effective communication.
Outside of her professional life, Carrie indulges in hobbies like video editing and creative writing. She harbors a passion for storytelling, and loves to explore her creative side through writing, allowing her to express her thoughts and ideas in a unique and engaging manner. Carrie also has a discerning eye for capturing compelling visual narratives via video editing. She is eager to leverage her administrative expertise, business management knowledge, and passion for creativity to contribute to the success of the agency and its clients.
Katie graduated from Chatham University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Graphic Design and Marketing. She joined Level with a year of experience in digital design and social media marketing in the events industry. During that year, she lead a website rebrand, created motion graphics, and sharpened her skills as an illustrator. Her work helps clients reach new audiences and gain valuable leads.
Kristen Lucero has a B.S.B.A from the University of Pittsburgh, where she majored in Marketing and minored in Hispanic Language & Culture. She started as an intern at Level and then took on a full-time role as a media analyst before she stepped into her current role on the Agency Development team. She is a ‘Swiss army knife’ of a marketing professional having experience across the board in media buying, social media marketing, and creative design.
You’ll catch her alter ego @kristen.jpeg —a freelance portrait photographer— on set of a photoshoot or updating her business site & social media. She specializes in modern & editorial portraiture that makes women feel confident, with work being featured nationally in Bust Magazine and other publications.
Heather brings 6 years of digital marketing experience to Level, with a proven track record of collaborating with clients about their goals and executing paid search strategies. Heather has worked with many small business on their quest to generate leads and drive sales.
Gia comes to us from New Orleans, LA with 2 years of marketing agency experience and 9 years of music industry experience. After receiving her BA in Music from Converse College in Spartanburg, SC, she was thrust into the music industry, wearing many hats for a world-renowned jazz venue in her hometown. Most notably, she was the tour coordinator and manager for multiple traveling bands, organizing travel logistics and itineraries for 10+ musicians and crew. This experience coupled with event production has made Gia a master planner with serious attention to detail. At her previous agency, she started out as an account manager and (as she has a habit of wearing many hats) quickly took on roles in content development, executive communications, and operations. Seeing project details come together and fit like pieces of a puzzle is incredibly satisfying to Gia and makes her a great addition to the Level team as Account Coordinator II.
Kaely graduated from University of Pittsburgh with a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing. She participated in the Digital Marketing Institute at the University of Pittsburgh where she gained knowledge on how to utilize data to create and manage effective digital marketing campaigns.
Kelly is currently studying at the University of Pittsburgh where she is majoring in Marketing with a Certificate in Leaderships & Ethics and will be graduating in December 2023. Before joining Level, she interned in various industries, specifically technology and e-commerce. She is knowledgeable in affiliate marketing, digital marketing, and project management. She is excited to use her skills she learned as a Performance Marketing intern at Level while transitioning to a part-time Account Coordinator on the EDU-1 team!
Outside of Level, you can find her exploring Pittsburgh, hiking, or relaxing at the beach!
I received a Bachelor of Business Administration from Devry University. I have over a decade of experience in different management roles, ranging from market manager, event management, scrum master, agile coach.
Gabo Droz Ortiz graduated from Duquesne University in 2021 with a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Public Relations & Advertising. Originally hailing from Guaynabo, Puerto Rico, he spent 6 years in Pittsburgh gaining experience in multiple facets such as Sports, Entertainment, and Performance Marketing. After a 2-year stint as an intern and Operations Specialist, Gabo is currently an Account Coordinator on the EDU-1 team working alongside several higher-ed clients. During his free time Gabo enjoys hanging out with friends and family, rooting for all Philadelphia sports, and sitting on the beach with a margarita and some nice company.
Alex Palermo studied math and physics at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. Shortly after graduating with a master’s degree in applied physics, he worked as a private tutor and Co-Founded Armada IQ while serving as Chief Technical Officer. In the Spring of 2022, his startup participated in the inaugural TechStars Industries of the Future accelerator. He brings over 3 years of experience using tools such as python and SQL for data science and machine learning applications. He is using his deep analytical skillset to help Level’s cross-functional teams access and understand the data they need to drive successful marketing campaigns.
In his off hours he can be found watching Formula 1, working out, playing guitar, and geeking-out about interesting topics in math, physics, and computer science.
Lucy has a wide variety of experiences throughout her education at Western Michigan University from social media management to brand management that make her a well-rounded asset. Lucy is passionate about learning new skills, and she will never shy away from a challenge that will benefit her clients.
Sydney’s background includes social media marketing and software development with professional interests in design and development. Her skills range from content creation, sales cycle understanding, full stack web development, and much more. At Level, she joins the EDU team where she assists clients in media growth. In Sydney’s free time, she enjoys being outside, visiting with friends, and teaching herself how to bake.
Christi joins Level from a creative background having worked in both traditional, as well as digital marketing. Her previous agency experience includes branding, full-funnel marketing, campaign strategy and SEO. She brings with her a passion for storytelling, problem-solving, and account management.
Allyn earned a Bachelor of Philosophy in English Literature at the University of Pittsburgh and her Master's in Education from the University of Pennsylvania. As a training manager, Allyn oversees the onboarding experience and training for teams. She creates rigorous trainings for new hires, current employees, and clients. Data-driven decisions are the keystone upon which Allyn develops new initiatives. Prior to joining Level, Allyn worked in non-profit and public education where she developed project-based curriculum and taught high-school English. Allyn thrives on crafting innovative solutions to wicked problems and serving others. In her spare time, you can find her running around the streets of Boston and creating stained glass.
Matt Rose studied Arts and design at Waynesburg University. His 20 years of experience as an IT consultant focused on special initiative launches for clients including PNC Bank, FedEx, and Mylan Pharmaceuticals. As our systems architect, Matt designs, supports, and upgrades mission-critical IT infrastructure for Level Agency, allowing for agency staff to keep data and creative flowing. Data security and compliance is a priority for Matt, and his work includes establishing the right protocols on behalf of our clients.
Dee Rose earned her MFA in Creative Writing at Southern New Hampshire University. As a former ESL teacher with a background in Linguistics Studies, she uses her writing skills to create SEO-focused blog posts, social posts, PPC landing pages, and more. When she isn't working, she can be found playing video games, spending time with family, catching up on the latest manga chapters, and trying out new recipes
Hannah joins Level Agency as the Talent Acquisition Specialist and brings with her 5+ years of hospitality management and TA experience. Hannah received her BS from Endicott College and has since managed dining cruise vessels, a yacht club, and a boutique bed and breakfast. Within the last few years, she made the transition from hospitality to recruitment and hasn’t looked back! Hannah brings an efficient approach to hiring while understanding the importance of creating and establishing relationships with potential candidates as well as her colleagues. She is excited to test, learn, and grow at Level Agency and to bring in the best talent to join the team.
Outside of work you can find Hannah frolicking in a forest, swing dancing, or making friends with the local cows where she lives on the coast of Maine.
Felix received his Bachelor's in Marketing and Economics from the University of Pittsburgh. With 5+ years of digital marketing experience across a variety of industries, he specializes in paid social and display advertising and loves using his experience to help solve problems for clients. Originally from the Philadelphia area, Felix has been living in Pittsburgh full time since 2016. In his free time, he loves exploring the city, trying new restaurants, and managing @VintagePGH, an Instagram account he created to share Pittsburgh's history.
Ian graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2021. Since then, he’s worked in marketing for a promotions company, dentistry, and a digital marketing agency. His skills include campaign building and monitoring, lead generation, and copywriting. At Level, he helps clients meet their KPI and budget goals. During his free time, he likes to get outside to play sports and explore the great wide world!
Melanie comes from a creative and marketing background and holds both an MBA and a Masters of Music from The University of Southern Mississippi. Her previous agency experience includes project and account management, copywriting/editing, and campaign strategy and execution. She brings with her a passion for client relations, storytelling, and teamwork.
Dominique graduated from the University of Sydney with a Bachelor's degree in English Literature, and a Graduate Certificate in Sustainability (Business). Prior to joining the Level agency team, Dominique worked predominantly in the Finance sector for Australia's largest, online Stockbroker within the client relationship and marketing teams, respectively. She has extensive experience in campaign management, client support, and content marketing. Dominique is passionate about social justice issues and is a volunteer editor for the non-for-profit organization - Kiva. In her spare time, you will find her traveling, spending time outdoors with friends, and finding new places to eat
Sean received his BA in English Writing from University of Pittsburgh. With several years in freelance and corporate marketing, he brings a wide range of experiences and skills to his Creative Producer role at Level agency.
Brendan earned a Ph.D. in Mass Communication from the University of North Carolina. He was most recently a digital marketing director in the automotive and fitness industries. Brendan also brings to Level Agency a decade of experience teaching and publishing about digital media trends and research methods. He started his career as a digital journalist for Florida's largest newspaper. Outside work, Brendan enjoys spending time outdoors with his children and dog, especially gardening, camping, sailing, and paddlesports. When the weather forces him indoors, Brendan is relaxing with his cat among his houseplants in a hammock in front of his fireplace.
Timbre graduated from Eastern Washington University with a degree in Mathematics and an overfilled minor in physics. Her interests were in applications in astronomy and environmental mathematics. She co-led the EWU Science Alliance initiative to lobby the state for a new science building and succeeded in that endeavor. After graduating she worked in various marketing roles, from the analytical side of ad marketing to the creative side of graphic design and copywriting. With that dual experience, she hopes to bring a unique outlook in her role at Level Agency. In her free time, she enjoys being in nature doing sci-comm & photography, being a podcast host, video games and spending lots of time with her dogs.
Logan Yohn studied marketing at Bloomsburg University for his undergrad. Then followed that up by receiving his master's degree in business administration with a focus in digital marketing. At Level Agency Logan handles day-to-day media management tasks for our higher education clients. Including: advertisement builds, exporting/joining data from multiple platforms, generating insights, and daily campaign optimizations. Logan's work optimizes his clients’ media performance across all platforms. Implementing new and upcoming trends to drive key client KPI's. During his off hours, Logan enjoys spending time with his friends and family. While also being possibly the biggest Pittsburgh Steelers fan on the east coast, catching up on news and content.
Abby graduated in 2019 from Penn State, where she majored in Public Relations and had minors in business and communication arts and sciences. She joins our team after helping to run a small marketing agency in Michigan right after graduation, where she was tasked with the creation and maintenance of multiple financial advisory firms’ digital presences. Abby uses her background to analyze data and create tactical recommendations, which helps to optimize our clients’ budgets and ad performance. When she is not strategizing or researching the newest social media trends, you can find her hiking, baking, or obsessing over her dog.
Logan is a graduate from the University of Pittsburgh where she majored in marketing and business analytics. She joins Level with past experience in SEM campaign management, social media strategy, and data storytelling. With a strong sense of curiosity and extreme attention to detail, Logan helps clients optimize their online presence while achieving business goals.
Nathan comes to Level via the arts, where he was a DIY marketer and freelance copywriter for 10+ years. He leverages his unique experience into a creative and dynamic approach to B2B marketing, managing media for companies invested in connecting and educating the world. Nathan has a degree in Creative Writing from Carnegie Mellon University, and lives/works in Pittsburgh, PA.
Joyce graduated from Carnegie Mellon University in 2020 with a B.S. in Psychology and a minor in Business Administration. Before joining Level, Joyce worked as a marketing assistant for a local Bay Area company. At that position, she had the chance to learn about various types of advertising media, as well as gaining knowledge in the eCommerce sphere. At Level, she works with B2B clients and manages their paid media efforts.