Description:

A dynamic discussion about the benefits and challenges of working on both the agency and the client side of the desk. Keynote from Amy Thorne, Executive VP at Merkle. Following the keynote, we will host an exceptional panel of experts for a lively Q & A followed by a networking reception. 

Keynote Speaker:

Amy Thorne-Executive Vice President, Merkle

Amy has spent over 20 years driving results for major organizations by applying analytic performance metrics to creative. She has strategic approach to bringing distinct creative experiences to life through human truths and data-driven insights. Amy has strong hands-on Financial Services, Retail, Health and TM&E experience, but her work spans across verticals to also include Automotive, Nonprofit and Insurance. Amy excels at driving business innovation, transformation and inspiration that delivers both for clients and within her team. Key passion areas for Amy, include her participation in the Diversity and Inclusion Group within Merkle as an Executive Sponsor, Women in Leadership Sponsor and Female Foundry Mentor.

Panelists:

Lisa Evia (IMC05)-President, Chicago & Canada

Lisa is a dynamic leader and entrepreneur with a strong and diverse background, leveraging over 20-years of agency and client-side experience. She has worked across a variety of industries– influencing iconic brand like Hefty, Caterpillar, Michelin, AutoZone and McDonald’s. When not in the office, Lisa participates with many charitable causes and serves on the Chicago Ideas Week Brain Trust, Chicago City Colleges Curriculum and Advisory Committee and Yellowstone Forever Board of Directors. 

Steve Moffat -Chief Marketing Officer, Guaranteed Rate

Steve Moffat oversees the marketing strategy for Guaranteed Rate with a focus on building the company’s brand and value proposition among borrowers and channel partners. He leads a department of over 100 marketing professionals that are dedicated to supporting and enabling industry-leading loan officers to operate efficiently and effectively. Steve has an MBA from Northwestern’s Kellogg School of Management and a BA from the University of Michigan. He and his family reside in Chicago where he enjoys exploring new restaurants, and cheering on Michigan football and the Chicago Blackhawks. 

Karna Crawford- Head of US Marketing, Ford

Karna Crawford has over 20 years of data-driven marketing experience, with the past 10 years focused on delivering digital transformation for Fortune 50 companies, including Verizon and JP Morgan Chase. During her career, Karna has been recognized as an inspirational executive leader, known for innovative strategic thinking, cultural transformation, and operational excellence. Driven by her passion for talent and culture, Karna currently serves as the lead for the Diversity and Inclusion Council for Verizon Marketing. 

Dave Tan-Performance Media Agency Development Group, Google

Dave focuses on developing and liaising with top independent and Holding Company Performance Agencies and Groups in North America. Prior to joining Google in 2011, Dave was on the Executive Team at Resolution Media (OMC) serving as vice president of innovation, product development and content solutions. As a thought leader in the digital agency community, Dave has held senior marketing positions at Navteq-Nokia, Chicago Tribune Interactive and Shure Inc. Dave holds an MBA from DePaul University’s Kellstadt Graduate School of Business and a bachelor’s degree from Connecticut College.