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 Our Executive Team
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.
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.
As President, Van Gorder is responsible for 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.
Bill joined Becker Media in 2015 bringing over 25 years of direct response marketing experience. He began his career on the agency side of the business and then moved to the client side in 1995 managing new customer acquisition for a top 10 credit card issuer. Over the past 25 years, he has managed every major direct response channel from direct mail to TV to internet. His focus has always been on driving profitable growth by optimizing the marketing spend.
Bill is a proud father of 3 teenage girls, stating he has spent more time than he wishes to admit playing dress-up and getting his hair done. He is also an avid reader of trashy military thrillers. Bill and his wife enjoy getting away for long weekends of good food and wine.
Arsham Mirshah is the co-founding integrator behind WebMechanix (WMX). He will serve as President of WMX to ensure a smooth transition and continued growth of the WMX business unit.
As CEO of WebMechanix, Arsham has been on the cutting edge of marketing technology for over 15 years. He builds digital marketing teams & helps them translate their needs into technology solutions to add major efficiencies, leverage AI/ML, and ultimately drive big bottom-line results.
Under Arsham’s leadership, WebMechanix achieved a 23% average CAGR over 15 years, appeared on the Inc. 5000 list 9 times & won over 125 awards for culture, innovation, and marketing/creative excellence (including an Inc. 5000 “Best Place to Work” award in May, 2024).
Arsham graduated from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County with dual degrees in Bioinformatics and Computer Science. He’s a father of two, supported by his wife, Pearl, and is granted permission by his family to go skiing for one week per year.
Chris Mechanic is the co-founding visionary behind WebMechanix. He will be serving as Chief Revenue Officer, spearheading efforts to drive leads, pipeline, and closed-won revenue platform-wide. Initially, Chris will serve as co-President of WebMechanix to ensure a smooth transition before fully assuming his CRO role within 3-6 months. Chris is a recognized expert in digital marketing & sales, known for driving top-line growth with a unique blend of organic & paid content marketing, analytics & conversion
optimization.
Under Chris’ leadership, WebMechanix achieved a 23% average CAGR over 15 years, appeared on the Inc. 5000 list 9 times & won over 125 awards for culture, innovation, and marketing/creative excellence (including an Inc. 5000 “Best Place to Work” award in May, 2024).
Eddie Aja is a seasoned Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and growth strategist with a proven track record in scaling and exiting companies across various industries, including retail, SaaS, and B2B.
With extensive experience in financial strategy, business expansion, and profit maximization, Eddie has successfully led companies to significant revenue growth and lucrative sales. At Tiger Direct, Eddie directed financial reporting for a $2B P&L, spearheading complex integrations and developing their coop vendor billing systems.
As CFO of Pet Supermarket, a pet supply retailer with over 200 stores nationwide, he facilitated the company's sale to a private equity firm achieving 13X EBITDA. His leadership at KIPU Systems resulted in a 300% revenue increase in 5 years as well as a successful sale transaction with a 20X multiple.
At Level Agency, Eddie will take on the duties of financial leadership with a focus on improving financial reporting, optimizing billings protocols, building and professionalizing the finance function, and preparing the company for additional acquisitions. Eddie is a licensed CPA and holds an MBA from the University of Miami and a BS in Accounting from Florida International University.
Meet Some of Our Leaders
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.
Karlie Bliss comes to Level as a growth strategist with a strong record of rapidly scaling businesses. She has driven revenue growth from $1M to $5M in under a year and boosted Logixboard’s ARR from $2M to $10M in just 1.5 years. Karlie specializes in optimizing lead-to-revenue processes and has a keen focus on scaling companies from $1M to $10M with 50-200 employees. Her expertise includes managing high-value sales cycles, growing teams from the ground up, and significantly improving win rates through targeted market focus.
Based in Philadelphia, Karlie is a mom of five, candle enthusiast, and passionate home chef.
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.
Brent’s role as VP of Client Services is part of a journey that results from over 15 years of experience navigating the EDU space and various agency operations. He is an analytical thinker with a knack for listening to and understanding clients’ needs, and adapting solutions to their complex problems. Brent takes pride in building and leading teams of skilled marketers to exceed clients’ goals and expectations.
Ernie, VP of Digital Marketing at Becker since 2017, brings over 20 years of diverse performance digital advertising experience across multiple verticals. Ernie applies a strong background in analytics and emphasis in creativity and problem solving to help clients achieve their online marketing objectives. As a leader, Ernie’s focus is on developing his team to become experts in the field while working with them to drive innovation and constantly strive to improve results.
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.
As WebMechanix's Head of Client Services, Luke unifies the marketing, accounts, creative, and development department to maximize client retention and growth. He strives to position the company as industry leaders with innovative approaches and a readiness to seize the next opportunity. Luke is a hands-on, proficient leader, who is adept at prioritizing efforts and maximizing the potential of team members, while also knowing when to pull the team forward by leading with action.
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.
Russ joined Becker Media in 2017. Prior to that, he spent a little more than a year at the Automobile Club of Southern California (AAA) managing the membership marketing team. Before that, he worked as a senior marketing director for one of the largest education companies in the US for a little more than 13 years. Becker Media has allowed Russ to get back to his roots, the education industry. His experience on the client side in the EDU space has allowed him to provide insight and marketing strategy that he has learned throughout his career in both direct response marketing and branding.
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.
Tina has been with Becker since 2017, bringing with her nearly two decades of advertising experience; She has managed campaigns for companies like Nissan North America, The Irvine Company and AAA. Her most treasured experience is the 10+ years spent in education marketing, having worked as a direct response marketing director at one of the largest school groups in the country. Tina's experience in that role helps her understand the intricacies of both day-to-day and long-term needs of our clients.
Matt Miller joins us as SVP of Enterprise Data & Analytics, bringing over 15 years of experience driving growth through data-driven strategies. Most recently, Matt served as Director of Business Product Strategy at Meta, where he developed long-term product & partnership strategies to improve advertising performance.
Matt leads our data science capabilities, developing products and practices to uncover actionable insights that inform strategic recommendations and improve client performance.
Prior to Meta, Matt held senior leadership roles at Performics and Publicis Media, developing data driven practices in the US and globally.
Matt brings expertise in performance marketing, strategic partnerships, and analytics consulting. With his analytical and collaborative approach, he consistently builds high-performing teams that deliver measurable impact for clients. Matt holds a BS in Industrial and Labor Relations from Cornell University.
Sarah Morgan (she/her) is currently the VP of People Operations for Level.
Prior to joining the Level team, Sarah spent over 20 years in HR and 10 years in DEI, leading organizations to build people-centric policies and processes with a lens on inclusion and equity.
Sarah's advice and guidance on workplaces has been featured in major publications, including Forge by Medium, Fast Company, Essence, CNN, and Black Enterprise Magazine. She serves on the Board of Advisors for the UKG Workforce Institute and the Board of Directors at Marbles Kids Museum. Sarah is the creator and host of the Leading in Color podcast, and hosts the Inclusion Crusade show on the HR Happy Hour network. And Sarah was named to the 2023 Top 50 Chief Diversity Officers by COLOR Magazine.
Sarah holds a Bachelor's Degree in Communication Studies with a focus on Organizational Communication and Leadership from the University of Richmond as well as a Master’s Degree in Human Resources Management. When not working, Sarah is a wife and mom with a blended family of 5 children. She enjoys mindlessly binging reality television, spending time with friends and family, reading, scrolling, eating, and long naps with her dog.
As the Vice President of Sales & Marketing at WebMechanix, Josh brings over a decade of expertise in guiding C-Suite executives on comprehensive digital marketing strategies, messaging nuances, media diversification, and market insights. With a proven track record of executing these strategies effectively, Josh spearheads initiatives to penetrate the mass market. His responsibilities include steering marketing efforts, orchestrating inbound and outbound sales, and cultivating relationships that have resulted in a remarkable 200% year-over-year growth in net new revenue for four consecutive quarters. Continuously innovating, Josh remains committed to widening the competitive advantage that sets WebMechanix apart in the industry landscape.
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.
As a results-oriented executive, Rachel brings a wealth of experience to the Level team. With a track record of steering high-performance agencies through dynamic landscapes and managing revenues spanning from $150 million to $700 million, she has consistently thrived in challenging contexts and high-pressure environments.
Over the past two decades, Rachel has taken the helm in mentoring diverse international teams ranging from 50 to 150 individuals. Her enthusiasm lies in fostering meaningful client relationships, crafting and refining processes, and strategically positioning firms for continuous revenue expansion.
Core professional competencies include change management, strategic planning, performance management and KPIs, P&L oversight, market and target research, customer satisfaction and retention, contract negotiations, data analysis and reporting, process design and SOP, M&A identification and integration, business development, and leadership and management.
Outside of work, Rachel is an advocate for racial equality, and a community leader at Barnert Temple, contributing to community growth and engagement initiatives. She has balanced diverse commitments, including raising and nurturing children, board leadership within the Parent Teacher Organization, and community involvement, all while maintaining a growth-focused career.
Mike is a born and raised Western Pennsylvanian, growing up in the south hills of Pittsburgh. He attended Duquesne University where he graduated with a degree in Business Administration (Information Technology). After learning that he wasn't cut out to be a developer (ask him about his struggles with object-oriented programming and highly inefficient code), Mike fell into a nearly 20-year career as a technology consultant. Most recently, Mike was a Managing Director at Protiviti, a global business and technology consulting firm, as a leader in their Technology Strategy and Architecture practice, responsible for engagement oversight, client relationship management, new business development, people growth and practice operations.
At Level, Mike leads the technology organization, working closely with our teams to set and execute the technology strategy for the next stage of its growth. He ensures our people, and our clients, have access to the right tools and technologies to match the pace and demand they expect. Mike also is responsible for consistent and efficient delivery of IT support and services, tech risk management and information security, and resilience of systems and data.
Mike lives with his very understanding wife, Kim, and three cats out in the country north of Evans City, PA. He's spent 10 years chasing his childhood by amassing a small retro videogame museum in his basement and home office. He also likes driving fast cars, spending time winter or summer near any tall mountain or lake and being the "cool uncle" to 8 incredible nieces and nephews.
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 daughter, Sadie. He also produces and performs in the award-winning monthly comedy show "Knights of the Arcade" in Pittsburgh.
Dennis solves design challenges with data and creativity, culminating in engaging and impactful work. Looking for a file? He likely knows where it is!
Sarah joined Becker Media in 2013 and has over two decades of direct response marketing and advertising experience. Throughout her journey, she has not only delved into the multifaceted realm of marketing in higher education but also discovered immense joy in working on creative initiatives. Building innovative strategies and consistently delivering positive outcomes for clients has been a driving force.
Meet the Team
In 2022, Sean joined Becker after graduating from Xavier University with a Business Analytics and Marketing degree. Prior to that, he had the privilege of gaining valuable experience in digital marketing, developing automated tools, and data analysis while interning at a nonprofit organization. For Sean, working in digital marketing has been an exciting opportunity to leverage his expertise in digital platforms and passion for optimizing client campaigns to drive higher ROI. Currently, he's actively involved in the PPC and PPL paid media teams, where I have a keen interest in account optimization and structure.
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.
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.
Born and raised in Venezuela, Corina is a bilingual communicator with over 3 years of experience supporting communications and marketing efforts in a wide array of industries, including non-profit, pharmaceutical, and startups. She now combines her versatile skill set, passion for growth, and my own cultural heritage to support our clients to reach and connect to the Hispanic audience.
Bryan combines his Marine Corps experience in logistics and leadership with a passion for marketing and public relations. Before assuming his role as a Media Analyst at Level Agency, he earned a BSBA in Marketing and Sports Management from the University of Pittsburgh. He is an active member of the American Marketing Association Pittsburgh Chapter, and brings a comprehensive set of marketing skills to the agency.
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.
Alex Cattabiani graduated from the University of Pittsburgh in 2023 majoring in marketing and finance. He comes into Level with prior experience in social media and advertising. Here, he is part of the higher education team and is involved in the day-to-day client work which includes optimizing campaign performance across platforms. In his free time, Alex enjoys being outside with his family, either hiking, biking, or golfing.
Bogdan joined Becker Media in January of 2021 as a Digital Marketing Specialist after graduating from the University of Georgia. His prior experience was with a small medical device company where he created an algorithm that classified and graded potential placement locations for the company’s products. Bogdan enjoys building and using tools to optimize campaign performance and maximize productivity. During his time at Becker Media he has focused on using client data to optimize campaign performance and increase client ROI. He is currently a Media Manager based out of Atlanta, Georgia where he enjoys a short 20 second commute to the office and is often joined by his unpaid, but very loved assistants (his dog, Thor and cat, Henry).
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.
Jasmine joined the Becker Media team in 2020. Throughout her digital marketing career, she has worked with clients in various industries ranging from retail to healthcare, and now higher education. As part of the client services team, she prioritizes building client relationships and creating growth-focused strategies. Outside of work, you can find Jasmine in the car on a road trip with her husband and two dogs!
Erin came to Becker Media in 2021 with over 6 years of experience in digital marketing and advertising. Prior to coming to Becker, she gained experience in creating full-funnel marketing strategies for a plethora of industries. Erin is passionate about building relationships with my clients and collaborating internally to find solutions. Outside of work, she loves to spend time outdoors and her favorite weekend activities include paddle boarding, playing pickleball, and going on long runs.
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.
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.
Mackenzie joined Becker Media in 2021 with great enthusiasm to broaden her marketing expertise, building upon my previous experience in events and convention marketing. She is highly dedicated to specializing in higher education marketing, aiming to assist individuals in attaining their educational aspirations. Mackenzie combines her passion for data analytics with natural creativity, using performance insights to improve campaigns and create captivating marketing content. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, practicing yoga, trying new restaurants, and spending time with my family, friends and pets.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Tanya is a marketing accounts manager with over 20 years of experience in various industries, including education, event services, and marketing. She joined the Becker team in January 2023 and is passionate about education and connecting prospective students with opportunities that meet their needs. Tanya ran my own educational institution for 10 years in Rome, Italy. She enjoys traveling and living around the world with her Navy husband and daughter.
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.
Kacey graduated in 2016 from The University of Southern Mississippi with a B.F.A. in graphic design. She brings 7 years of both agency and in-house design experience to Level on the GRO-1 and ECOM team where she uses her background to develop effective strategies to guide client work to a new level of creativity. When she is not designing, she is dreaming about traveling, playing with her cats and baking all sorts of goodies.
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
Savannah joined Becker Media following her graduation from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. Her prior experience in organic marketing, market research, and data analytics has given her a strong skill set that seamlessly complements her current role in account strategy for digital advertising. By blending data-driven strategies with creative innovation, Savannah has been able to craft compelling campaigns that resonate with our clients' target audiences, returning exceptional outcomes in today's fast-paced digital environment.
Nick joined Becker in 2021 after graduating at UC Berkeley with a mathematics and data science degree. Prior to that, he was in the U.S Army as a Unmanned Aerial Systems Operator. During his time at UC Berkeley, he developed a passion for machine learning and data analytics. This carried him through a number of internships, as well as a fellowship dedicated to helping people in the education space with data. Nick continues this trend at Becker Media to help individuals find their educational goals.
In previous roles, Kellie dabbled in various digital marketing facets like social media management, SEO, and graphic design. She enjoyed all of those but found my passion for PPC/social media marketing. That discovery brought her to the PPC team at Becker Media in early 2022. Her extensive experience provides me with in-depth understanding across all aspects of a campaign and their influence on performance. When Kellie isn't analyzing performance data, she's definitely spoiling her pups, Kirby and Winston. If they decide to give her some free time, she has a blast doing anything creative or crafty.
Jeremy has worked as a passionate software engineer since 2012, after beginning programming at 15 as a hobby. Skilled in JavaScript, PHP, Python, and C++, he has worked on diverse projects, emphasizing software quality and innovation. Dedicated to continuous learning, he attends industry events, contribute to open-source projects, and engage with fellow enthusiasts. Adept at collaborating with cross-functional teams, Jeremy effectively communicate complex concepts to non-technical stakeholders. In both his professional and personal pursuits, he strives to create impactful software that enhances users' lives.
After completing her MBA in 2020, Olivia started her journey with Becker Media that December stepping into the role of digital marketing strategist. After two years with a focus on client management, she shifted gears to lean more into creative strategy and content creation across the agency. Her client experience gave her a deeper understanding of the ins and outs of the EDU space, which Olivia continues to utilize when designing content and testing new creative technologies.
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.
Taylor came to Becker in January of 2023 with over 5 years of experience in all facets of digital marketing and a specialty in Search Engine Marketing. She has worked with various industries including home services, dental, eCommerce, retail, SaaS, and acted as a Teaching Assistant for the Digital Marketing bootcamp at the University of Denver. In her free time, Taylor enjoys traveling, yoga, outdoor recreational activities, and seeing live music. You can usually find her ordering a Matcha at the local coffee shop and heading into the woods to be in nature.
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.
Amel comes to Level Agency with experience as a medical billing coordinator and auditor in the hospitality industry. As a billing coordinator at Level Agency, Amel's work plays a critical role in maintaining financial accuracy for the agency's clients. Her love for tiny details, both in her work and her personal life, is a testament to her exceptional organizational skills, making her a valued asset to Level Agency. Outside of her professional life, Amel is a loving mother of three and has a deep affection for fiction. With her meticulous and organized nature, she excels in her professional and personal life.
Jen has been working for Becker Media since 2015; she started as a Media Buyer and then transitioned to the Account Services team in 2017. Jen loves working with my colleagues on the Becker Team to consistently improve marketing results and to provide outstanding service to our clients. She is always thrilled to watch how consistent, thoughtful and deliberate effort on our campaigns leads to improvements for the schools we work with. Jen says being a partner in driving incremental growth and opportunities with our clients is one of the main reasons she enjoys her job!
Marissa joined the Becker team in 2019 following her role as Director of Marketing & Outreach at a local nonprofit. Her insatiable hunger for analyzing data and driving results is what fuels her passion for EDU marketing. Marissa spearhead client strategy utilizing a variety of PPC/PPL/SEO initiatives to boost student enrollments for EDU clients with 1-100+ campuses. She is motivated by helping her community & inspiring change, whether that be through connecting students with their dream education, providing support services to the recently-widowed, or fighting for the environment one-piece-of-plastic-at-a-time.
I had spent 15 years in higher education marketing prior to joining Becker Media in 2021. Throughout my career, I’ve gained experience working initially on the digital marketing team of one of the largest education companies in the US, generating media for 100’s of schools and finally working on the agency side helping clients develop & execute their marketing strategies. Today, I partner with our clients to develop performance driven campaigns to maximize their student enrollment. As part of the Becker team, we’re able to use our technology and expertise to take on challenging tasks to drive positive results.
Mike joined Becker in 2019 after graduating from UC San Diego with a degree in physics. Prior to that, he was a computer programmer for the US Air Force. Mike has a passion for data and coming up with data solutions using the latest tools and technologies and draws on his diverse set of skills in math, science, data analytics, and problem solving to help clients meet their data needs. Currently, he is managing Becker's data team in addition to account optimizations and management for all our digital marketing platforms.
Whitney is a passionate Mississippian, deeply committed to her local culture and community. Born and raised in Mississippi, she possesses a genuine love for her roots and a strong desire to contribute to the growth and development of her community.
In 2007, Whitney earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in graphic communication from Southern Miss, where she honed her creative skills and developed a keen eye for design. Building upon her foundation, she pursued a Master's in Mass Communication at USM in 2012, further expanding her knowledge and expertise in the field.
Whitney's professional journey has been marked by diverse experiences, showcasing her adaptability and versatility. She has successfully managed in-house operations for an institution with over 1,000 employees, demonstrating her ability to handle complex projects and coordinate large teams. Additionally, she has thrived as the sole designer for a private firm, taking full ownership of creative projects and delivering outstanding results. Notably, she has also excelled as a creative director in the fast-paced publishing industry, and most recently for an all-remote digital marketing agency driving innovative design strategies.
One of Whitney's defining characteristics is her ability to generate positive energy, which naturally inspires those around her. Her infectious enthusiasm and passion for her work make her a valuable asset to any team or project. Whether she is undertaking a comprehensive rebranding campaign or crafting a customer journey, Whitney approaches each task with dedication, creativity, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.
Outside of her professional pursuits, Whitney is an avid dancer and yoga instructor. She also has a penchant for crime dramas, exploring Mississippi's great outdoors, and domestic and international travel.
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 travelling 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.
Berek graduated from Texas Tech University in 2020. He has worked in the Food and Hotel Marketing industry and is now gaining traction at a Digital Marketing Agency. Currently working on Level's B2B Media team, Berek excels at campaign management, optimizations, and market research, but he can also be found on client calls.
Mackenzie focuses on maintaining client relationships and supports the marketing team with project organization and management efforts.
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Gloria brings a unique and richly diverse background to the world of project analysis. With an education grounded in the sciences, Gloria graduated with a B.S. in Biology from Carnegie Mellon University, followed by a M.S. in Biomedical Sciences from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. Her prior experience in academic research focused on cutting-edge fields such as stem cell therapy, organ regeneration, and synthetic developmental bioengineering.
Despite her scientific background, Gloria’s interests have evolved towards the business world, where she applies her analytical prowess, organizational skills, and systems-level problem-solving abilities. At Level, Gloria works directly with Patrick Patterson and his executive team, employing her unique skill set to help Patrick make strategic, well-informed decisions. Outside the office, Gloria enjoys reading, running, getting creative in the kitchen, and spending time with her church community.
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.
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.
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.
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
Hayley came to Becker Media in 2021 after spending 12 years marketing for the travel industry with specialties in email, social media, and SEM as well as website content creation. As an account manager, she works in partnership with our clients to develop marketing strategies to exceed their lead and enrollment goals through data analysis, creative development, and relationship-building. Prior to marketing, Hayley spent 14 years in human resources which has equipped her with a diverse skill set and an appreciation for marketing.
A highly skilled PPC Marketing expert, Justin is an accomplished team manager, with an impressive six years of experience in the field. Currently serving as the Director of Digital Marketing at Becker Marketing Agency, he leads a team of seven talented professionals, spearheading data-driven strategies that deliver exceptional results for an education-related clientele. With a passion for staying ahead of industry trends, he is dedicated to optimizing campaigns, maximizing ROI, and increasing brand visibility. Justin's commitment to excellence and leadership qualities make him a valuable asset in the dynamic world of digital advertising.
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!
Eric joined Becker Media in 2021 following his graduation from Chapman University. Before his start at Becker, he developed skills through a series of internships centered around digital marketing, market research, and data analytics. Eric's passion lies in the realm of performance marketing, where he enjoys uncovering data-driven insights and leveraging them to optimize campaigns and budgets. He excels at developing automated tools that not only enhance performance but also boost productivity. Currently, Eric is a member of Becker Media's paid media and data warehouse teams, specializing in account management, optimization, and structure.
Amy holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Hospitality & Tourism Management from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Her background includes HR coordination and program administration with a focus on onboarding, offboarding, full cycle recruiting, and record maintenance. Her work focuses on delivering exceptional HR services that optimize company processes to contribute to positive employee experiences. During off hours, she enjoys coastal trips, venturing to dessert shops/cafes, and hiking.
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.
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.
Connor is a 2023 graduate of Duquesne University with a marketing major, brings expertise in client relations, social media advertising, and SEM campaign management to Level. As a member of the higher education team, he optimizes campaign performance across platforms while engaging in day-to-day client work. Outside of work, Connor enjoys spending time outdoors with friends and family.
Currently based out of Berkeley, CA, Giordan joined the Becker team as a digital media buyer in 2017 after finishing my economics degree at UC San Diego. Despite not having an initial background in marketing, he has been able to leverage his economics and analysis skills into helping our clients meet their goals while consistently driving and improving efficiency. Giordan is hardwired to think about the world in terms of numbers and statistics, so managing performance marketing campaigns and making data-driven decisions comes naturally to him.
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
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
Corey joins Level as a Media Analyst II. He comes with 8 years of service with the U.S. Army and 4 years of corporate experience as an Office Manager. His journey into digital marketing starts with a passion for data and helping clients maximize their reach using digital platforms. He brings expertise in lead generation campaigns managing 6 figure monthly budgets for multiple home service verticals. In his free time, he enjoys roller skating, traveling, and anything outdoors related.
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.