Meet The Champs
What does it take to become a Champion?
Working harder than the competition, being fearless and having a solid strategy for success are good first steps. You also need a motivated support team that’s ready to push the boundaries and help you reach that next level.
Ladd Biro
Founder & Principal
Ladd Biro
Hometown: Coral Gables, Fla.
Family: Sons Shane, Spencer and Preston; daughter Victoria; and Lily, the noble canine.
College(s)/Degree(s): Baylor University (BBA in Marketing & Management; president of Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity); Harvard Business School (MBA)
Career Highlights: Cut my marketing teeth as Director of Worldwide Sales Promotion at American Airlines, where I negotiated deals with the World Cup, NFL, NBA, NCAA, U.S. Ski Team and America’s Cup. Served as Sr. VP of Marketing & Member Services at the National Association of Manufacturers, and president of The Manufacturing Institute, in Washington, DC. Won PRSA’s Silver Anvil Award for the NAM’s Centennial Year Celebration. Founded Champion in 2002 and am now proud to lead the best damn PR & Digital Media Agency in the land.
I love my job, but I’d rather be … quarterbacking the Miami Dolphins. (I couldn’t be any worse, right?)
Bet you didn’t know I … was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize in Editorial Writing in 2011 for my series of op-eds on the dangers of urban gas drilling; was named Fantasy Football Writer of the Year in 2010 and 2011 for my nationally syndicated newspaper column; hosted a national fantasy football show for three years on Sporting News Radio; co-own the Grapevine Wine Tours; drove in candidate Ronald Reagan’s entourage as a high school senior; negotiated AA’s official airline partner contract for Oprah directly with Oprah herself; rewrote the in-flight scene in the original Home Alone; shared a sushi dinner with Hulk Hogan (like, he literally ate some of the sushi off my plate); went sailing with Dennis Conner; and hate name-droppers.
Eric Spiritas
Principal
Eric Spiritas
Eric is an expert in small business growth and retail/consumer marketing. Over the last 15 years, Eric has taken struggling companies and turned them into strong, profitable businesses using his sales, marketing and customer service expertise. Eric is also a passionate fan of LSU football.
Russell Ford
Senior VP of Marketing
Russell Ford
Hometown: Wichita Falls, Texas
Family: Married with two grown sons
College(s)/Degree(s): University of Oklahoma, BBA – double major in Finance and Marketing
Career Highlights: Post graduation, Rusty started his marketing communication career by working for three advertising agencies in account service. Agency experience includes The Richards Group, Ackerman & McQueen and Temerlin McClain. Later, Rusty worked for more than seven years at American Airlines, overseeing both advertising and promotions. While there, he directed American’s largest and most complex sponsorship program: World Cup ‘94. He was then recruited to America West Airlines to reposition and polish the brand post-bankruptcy. Rusty was then recruited to Reliant Energy in 1999 as its first vice president of advertising and brand equity as it was shedding a regulated mentality to start competing for customers in electricity and telecommunications. He helped position and introduce the brand to new customers. One of Rusty’s proudest accomplishments is negotiating the second largest, and most comprehensive, sports venue naming rights deal known as Reliant Park.
Rusty started Carousel Marketing in 2005, primarily to provide advertising and sports marketing counsel for corporate clients. Clients have included Chevron, State Farm and TXU Energy. Rusty first worked with Champion on a project basis in 2007 on the SkyTel account and its NHRA sponsorship, and he shifted to working onsite in 2013.
I love my job, but I’d rather be… in the mountains fly fishing, on the golf course chasing white balls or visiting new countries.
Bet you didn’t know I … I can bend my index finger and touch the back of my hand.
Courtney Mazzella
VP of Client Services
Courtney Mazzella
Hometown: Flower Mound, Texas
Family: Boy Mom to my precious baby – Pearson Brooks, Dog mom to the cutest French Bulldog – Herman, and wife to Justin
College(s)/Degree(s): BA – University of North Texas
Career Highlights: Courtney brings more than 10 years of marketing and PR experience. She comes with a passion for getting entrenched with client brands. Courtney is the brainchild behind several “big splashes” at our agency.
She leads the agency’s proprietary Local Store Marketing efforts on behalf of several clients, helping create buzz, build awareness and generate goodwill at the local market level before, during and after grand openings. She is equally adept at media outreach, regularly scoring hits for our clients, brand management, and strategic planning.
Courtney joined the Champion team in, August 2011 as a Marketing Specialist. Over the years, she has earned several promotions and has become one of our most valuable players.
I love my job, but I’d rather be … sipping cocktails on the beach with my family!
Bet you didn’t know I … Tom Petty personally handed me his guitar pick and then I gave it to a stranger in a bar – FACE PALM!
Alexis Diehl
VP of Public Relations
Alexis Diehl
Hometown: Plano
Family: Proud mommy to Levi – 18 months
Colleges)/Degree(s): BA in Journalism from Cal State Long Beach
About Alexis: Over the course of her 15-year career, Alexis has developed a knack for uncovering brands’ big picture stories and developing results-driving strategies that maximize clients’ market awareness, affinity and ultimately, growth. She strives to serve her clients as a true partner – aligning program strategies and execution with their priority KPIs. She has worked with many household name food & beverage brands – both on the agency side and in-house – including McDonald’s, Nestle, California Avocados, Chuck E. Cheese’s and more. She believes the keys to success within any organization are the three E’s – Empowerment, Efficiency and Empathy – and treats both her team and clients in accordance with those values. She loves helping her team members grow, become lifelong learners and hone their skills in crafting compelling stories that elevate clients’ as true leaders and innovators in their industry.
Career highlight: Developed a guerilla marketing campaign that took the Big Apple by surprise in an undercover pizza truck for America’s favorite singing mouse (Chuck E. Cheese, of course). The video from the campaign went viral, garnering more than 1MM views across video and social media channels.
I love my job, but I’d rather be… playing with my perfect baby boy (or salsa dancing…)
Bet you didn’t know I… bought a tent and a one-way plane ticket when I was 19 to live on the beach in a Mexican surfing village – without knowing a single person there
Marilyn Perkins
Director of Client Services
Marilyn Perkins
Hometown: Dallas, TX
Family: Enough to fill a stadium
College(s)/Degree(s): University of North Texas – Strategic Communications (graduated with honors ☺)
Career Highlights:
- First job out of college, I worked for the agency of record for SXSW Interactive and got a free badge to go to the whole conference (which was the same year the Obamas went – was hella cool and hella stressful all at once).
- Before joining team Champion, I assisted with an event that Adrian Grenier was hosting in a client’s venue. Afterward, he introduced himself, said he had “a ballin’ time” and then let me pet his dog.
- Putting on a massive pop-up party in downtown Dallas on National Orange Day as Pei Wei celebrated the launch of Wei Better Orange Chicken.
I love my job, but I’d rather be … a racecar driver. I was dead set on becoming the next Danika Patrick until I actually got my license and realized driving super fast is super scary.
Bet you didn’t know I … swam in a tank of Tiger Sharks when I was 9 and almost fell into the Grand Canyon when I was 12 because I thought the rope was “just a suggestion.”
Shelby Westbrook
Social Media Account Supervisor
Shelby Westbrook
Hometown: Highland Village, TX
Family: I have one younger brother and two incredible parents!
College(s)/Degree(s): BA – University of Oklahoma (BOOMER!) Major – Public Relations, Minor – Interior Design
Career Highlights:
- Landed 2 incredible internships while at OU – both specializing in the food & beverage industry – which inspired me to start my marg/food blog, which ultimately landed me the job at Champion!
- Managed and executed a large rebrand influencer campaign for Rusty Taco in 2018 as a post-college intern
- Earned employee of the month at a previous agency for garnering 60M+ impressions in one month for a national whiskey client
- Leveraged my previous social media experience to switch from Champion’s marketing team to the social team in 2020
- Led the most incredible team in my 3+ years at the best agency in DFW, Champion!
I love my job, but I’d rather be … at a music festival, traveling or at the lake
Bet you didn’t know I … have taken more than 500 cycle classes as of July 2023
Greer Martin
Account Supervisor
Greer Martin
Hometown: Plano, TX
Family: You can find all four members of Greer’s family cheering on the Cowboys every Sunday!
College(s)/Degree(s): Proud Jayhawk with her bachelor’s degree in Strategic Communications.
Career Highlights: While she’s a Champion rookie, Greer Martin is no stranger to the restaurant industry as she comes off the heels of a three-year stint at Dickey’s Barbecue Pit. Greer earned her chops in restaurant marketing working her way from internal communications to serving as PR manager for the barbecue brand before joining Champion in April of 2021.
I love my job, but I’d rather be … traveling on a mission to find the world’s best glass of wine.
Bet you didn’t know I … accept coffee and compliments as viable forms of payment.
Katey Smart
Account Supervisor
Katey Smart
Hometown: Colleyville, TX
Family: Dog mom to Goldendoodle Lucy.
College(s)/Degree(s): Graduated from The University of Alabama (Roll Tide!) with a Bachelor of Arts in Communications Majored in Advertising.
Career Highlights: Prior to joining Champion, I spent 9 years at an advertising agency working as a Local & National Media Buyer. There I worked on a variety of QSR brands ranging from pizza, tacos to smoothies. I also worked on nationally launching new brands in the bottled water and online banking category.
I love my job, but I’d rather be … sipping Mai Tai’s in Maui.
Bet you didn’t know I … have college credits in both Yoga and History of the Italian Mafia.
Abby Brewer
Account Supervisor
Abby Brewer
Hometown: Scottsdale, AZ
Family: Youngest of 5 kids and a cat mom to Coco.
College(s)/Degree(s): BA in Broadcast Journalism at the University of Tennessee and University of Southern California. Go Vols & Fight On!
Career Highlights: Approaching a decade of experience in communications, advertising, and PR. Abby is excited to bring her agency background and knowledge to Champion. Before joining Champion, Abby worked on various national and local beauty, fashion, lifestyle, and food + beverage brands. As a natural “people person” with an outgoing personality, it has helped her establish long-lasting relationships with clients, influencers, media, and teams.
I love my job, but I’d rather be… hanging out with my cat.
Bet you didn’t know I… played indoor and sand volleyball in college.
Izzy Evans
Account Supervisor
Izzy Evans
Hometown: Shelby Twp, MI
Family: 4 parents and oldest of 6.
College(s)/Degree(s): Oakland University, Bachelor of Science in Marketing.
Career Highlights: I’ve been in the PR industry for 6 years now with clients in various markets. Recently, I relocated to Dallas for this position at Champion. I’ve successfully organized media-facing events, outlined strategies, composed key messaging, and more for clients. A campaign I’m proud of was for a Braincare company focused on improving cognitive health and overall well-being through innovative clinical and in-home brain stimulation technology. I organized a media event for them with attendees from Fast Company, Well + Good, LA Times, Tech Crunch, Health Magazine, and more!
I love my job, but I’d rather be… shopping!
Bet you didn’t know I… cheered for 10 years and through college.
Amy Utley
Public Relations Account Supervisor
Amy Utley
Hometown: Keller, TX
Family: Mom to my furry 4-legged child, Gus.
College(s)/Degree(s): Baylor University, Film & Digital Media / Communications (graduated Magna Cum Laude).
Career Highlights: Landing a GQ cover and walking Heidi Klum down a red carpet.
I love my job, but I’d rather be… drinking an Aperol spritz in Italy.
Bet you didn’t know I… lived in Los Angeles for the past 8 years, but recently moved back to the DFW area.
Meredith Briggs
Account Supervisor
Meredith Briggs
Hometown: Dallas, TX
Family: Sister to two brothers, proud aunt to five nieces and nephews.
College(s)/Degree(s): Graduated with a degree in Public Relations from the University of Oklahoma (Boomer Sooner!) and minor in Health & Exercise Sciences.
Career Highlights: I have an extensive background in marketing and communications, and have spent about half of my career in the exciting hospitality industry.
I love my job, but I’d rather be… sipping Champagne at a café in Paris.
Bet you didn’t know I… have my baking and catering businesses!
Sofía Ferracuti
Senior Manager
of Finance & HR
Sofía Ferracuti
Hometown: El Salvador
Family: I have 3 older siblings, two brothers and a sister.
College(s)/Degree(s): BA in International Business with a minor in Spanish from UT Arlington – cum laude
Career Highlights: Becoming a Champ – I became a Champ in 2022 after being a Budget Analyst, Accountant, and HR Specialist for a Construction Company for 10 years.
I love my job, but I’d rather be … Snowboarding in Colorado or wake surfing behind a boat.
Bet you didn’t know I … My first language is Spanish and I learned a lot of my English through watching Friends when I was growing up.
Anneleise McEvoy
Senior Social Media
Account Executive
Anneleise McEvoy
Hometown: Topeka, KS
Family: I have a little sister that I’m super close with and two great parents! A family dog named Princess and a dog mom to my golden retriever, Bruce!
College(s)/Degree(s): Washburn University in Topeka, KS with a degree in Mass Media with an emphasis in Public Relations and a minor in Leadership Studies.
Career Highlights: Landed three awesome internships in college: Social Media, Events, and Events Marketing. I got to see every side of the Public Relations Industry. After gradutaing early, I landed my first career full time job with Champion! Happy to be a champ!
I love my job, but I’d rather be… at a dog park, traveling to somewhere tropical, at a music festival, exploring Dallas, brunchin’, blogging, at TJ MAXX finding deals, or on a walk to watch the sunset.
Bet you didn’t know I… have held Justin Bieber’s hand, Katy Perry threw my dad her guitar pick, and I met Travis Kelce (Go Chiefs!) in a bar once.
Mckenzie Karnes
Senior Account Executive
Mckenzie Karnes
Hometown: McKinney, TX
Family: Daughter of the 2 most amazing parents and am an older sister to my best friend!
College(s)/Degree(s): I graduated from the University of Arkansas (woo pig sooie!) in 2018 with a bachelor’s degree in Communications.
Career Highlights: I have been a part of multiple Marketing + Events internships and programs over the years. I helped launch a start-up company in 2019 and was a big part of helping establish the brand. Throughout my 3+ years there I had my hands in all things Communications, Marketing, Events, & PR. I learned so much there and am very thankful for my experience! I am now starting my next career chapter at Champion in the Spring of 2022 and am very excited to expand my knowledge within the field and be able to work with some amazing clients!
I love my job, but I’d rather be… on a plane to somewhere beautiful or jamming out at a concert with my friends!
Bet you didn’t know… that my whole family graduated from the U of A, I have the same birthday as my dad, & I grew up on the lake!
Jay Brasher
Senior Public Relations Specialist
Jay Brasher
Hometown: Amarillo, TX
Family: 3 amazing kids – 18, 14, and 12 year old boys
College(s)/Degree(s): University of North Texas/ BA in Journalism with a focus in PR; Texas Woman’s University/ MA in Art Administration
Career Highlights: Covering SXSW Film for five years and meeting countless celebrities
I love my job, but I’d rather be… Singing karaoke or playing/writing music
Bet you didn’t know I… Had a record deal and a national tour in my younger days
Madeline Loyd
Social Media
Account Executive
Madeline Loyd
Hometown: Orlando, FL
Family: I am the daughter to the best parents, Lyndol & Joni, and little sister to my best friend, Abigail!
College(s)/Degree(s): BA-Public Relations (Texas Tech University) and MA-Mass Communication (Texas Tech University)
Career Highlights: Experienced counselor and senior leadership member at Pine Cove Christian Camps, Graduate Teaching Assistant at Texas Tech University, and excited to have landed my first field-related position here at Champion!
I love my job, but I’d rather be… shopping at Anthropologie and drinking coffee!
Bet you didn’t know I… am an artist! I design paper goods, prints, and home decor to bring inspiration as you grow and beauty into the everyday.
Aubrey McCurry
Social Media Account Executive
Aubrey McCurry
Hometown: Prosper, TX
Family: I have the best parents, sisters, and niece! I also have the cutest Boston Terrier, Charlie!
College(s)/Degree(s): I graduated from Texas Tech University in the fall of 2021 with a Bachelor of Arts in Advertising and a minor in Media Strategies. WRECK ‘EM!
Career Highlights: I started as a social media intern with Champion at the beginning of 2022. I fell in love with the company and worked hard for a full-time position. I was so happy when I was offered my first full-time job with Champion as a Social Media Specialist!
I love my job, but I’d rather be… traveling somewhere beachy!
Bet you didn’t know I… was born in North Carolina (the accent comes out occasionally)
Kendall Keylor
Account Executive
Kendall Keylor
Hometown: Tulsa, OK
Family: A supportive mom, dad, and cool(er) older sister. I am also a mom to a pretty, black Belgian Malinois.
College(s)/Degree(s): Graduated from the University of Arkansas in May 2020 with a bachelor’s degree in Broadcast Journalism.
Career Highlights: I was a football recruiting ambassador and worked for the Razorback Sports Network while at the U of A. Before getting a job at Champion, I was a reporter and producer at KTEN news in Denison, TX.
I love my job, but I’d rather be…somewhere on a beach with a piña colada in hand.
Bet you didn’t know I…had an award-winning hamster for three years in a row at Petco. I’m also a huge Astros fan!
Ashley Hoskins
Franchise Development
Marketing Manager
Ashley Hoskins
Hometown: I was born and raised a Florida girl. I grew up where most people vacation – sunny Orlando, FL!
Family: I am the oldest daughter of George and Alisa Hoskins, followed by my little sister, Megan. My sister and I didn’t always get along and might’ve given our parents a few heart attacks growing up… but like they always told us: “One day you two will be best friends,” and that we are!
College(s)/Degree(s): I graduated from the University of Alabama with a Bachelor of Science in Commerce, Business Administration and Marketing with a minor in Public Relations. Roll Tide!!
Career Highlights: I previously worked in marketing and financial services. As part of the 4th fastest-growing franchise, I was able to sell franchises across the U.S. and create small business generational wealth for my clients. My biggest career highlight to date has been the opportunity to work at Champion. Here, I am able to be an energetic, customer-centric, and innovative thinker with a passion for creativity and helping others.
I love my job, but I’d rather be… relaxing in New Smyrna Beach in Florida or my family’s cabin in South Carolina. 😉
Bet you didn’t know I… performed on Broadway – TWICE!
Amanda Hanley
Account Executive
Amanda Hanley
Hometown: Houston, TX
Family: Daughter of two NASA Engineers and the baby of the 3 kids; dog mom to Charlie and Hank; Auntie A to the newest addition to the Hanley Family, Blakely Rene!
College(s)/Degree(s): Bachelor of Science in Business Marketing; the University of Oklahoma (BOOMER!)
Career Highlights: I’ve had the privilege of working with a Professional NBA Team, OKC Thunder, in college where I aided in events and marketing efforts for the team!
I love my job, but I’d rather be…traveling, reading, or grabbing drinks with friends!
Bet you didn’t know I…I got to ride on the Mars Rover
Caroline Baker
Account Executive
Caroline Baker
Hometown: Dallas, Texas
Family: One younger brother and sister, a dog, and two cats.
College(s)/Degree(s): BA- in Journalism and a minor in Spanish from the University of Oklahoma (OU).
Career Highlights: During her time at OU, she was a member of the Public Relations Student Society of America for three years and served on the executive board as the Digital Coordinator for the 2021-2022 school year. She also worked for the College of Arts and Sciences as the assistant to the Public Relations and Marketing Director in the Dean’s Office.
I love my job, but I’d rather be… reading a book on the beach and drinking a glass of Prosecco!
Bet you didn’t know I… was born in the middle of a hurricane in Florida.
Laron Roland
Public Relations Specialist
Laron Roland
Hometown: Garland, TX
Family: The middle child to one older sister, one younger brother, and a younger sister.
College(s)/Degree(s): BA in Broadcast Journalism from the University of North Texas.
Career Highlights: Being featured in Tasting Panel Magazine, being the first person in my family to graduate college, and… meeting Mark Cuban.
I love my job, but I’d rather be… wine tasting in Bordeaux and Champagne.
Bet you didn’t know I… have been a bartender since I was 19 years old.
Tiffany Martinez
Public Relations Specialist
Tiffany Martinez
Hometown: Grand Prairie, TX
Family: I’m the eldest daughter of two loving and supportive parents! I have three siblings — a brother and the twins (a brother and a sister).
College(s)/Degree(s): B.A. in journalism with a concentration in public relations, and an M.A. in journalism with a graduate certificate in public relations from the University of North Texas. Yes, I wrote a master’s thesis!
Career Highlights: Starting my first full-time job with Champion! I was extensively involved with UNT, and I worked for the dean of the Mayborn School of Journalism as a communication assistant. I also won an award at an academic conference for my research abstract, which was based on my thesis.
I love my job, but I’d rather be…traveling! Japan is high up on my list of places to go.
Bet you didn’t know I…love coffee, skincare and Ariana Grande.
Virginia Fielder
Account Specialist
Virginia Fielder
Hometown: Dallas, Texas
Family: I have an older sister who is 6 years older than me!
College(s)/Degree(s): I graduated from SMU in 2023 and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations and Strategic Communications AND Political Communications with a minor in English. My entire family are all alums of SMU.
Career Highlights: This is my first full time job! Before this I interned at Chuck E. Cheese corporate and another marketing agency, RBA.
I love my job, but I’d rather be… eating Queso at Mi Cocina.
Bet you didn’t know I… love skiing in Park City.
Heather Smyth
Public Relations Coordinator
Heather Smyth
Hometown: Granby, CT
Family: I have two incredibly supportive parents and a younger sister currently in college.
College(s)/Degree(s): I graduated from the University of Alabama with a B.A. in Communication & Information Sciences. I was a Public Relations major and a Sociology minor. Roll Tide!
Career Highlights: Quickly getting up to speed on the Food & Beverage industry since I was previously an intern working with B2B technology clients. Within my first week at Champion, I was already getting hits in national publications!
I love my job, but I’d rather be… at my family lake house in New Hampshire.
Bet you didn’t know I… went skydiving over the ocean in Rhode Island!
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