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: Beautiful wife of 30+ years, Shelly; 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.
Jami Sharp
Senior VP of Public Relations
Jami Sharp
Hometown: Fort Worth
Family: My favorite travel buddy and Hubs Tim, Four fabulous kids – Dylan, Grant, Quinn & Avery + two fur babies – Fletcher & Maggie
College(s)/Degree(s): University of North Texas — Journalism
Career Highlights:
I’m super proud of my network of media friends from multiple national, local and trade publications. Thanks to these strong relationships, I’ve secured client coverage in publications including USA Today, Forbes, Business Insider, Travel & Leisure, Thrillist, and BuzzFeed. This network also includes a great network of morning show producers across the country and I love to pitch interesting segments that I know their viewers will LOVE!
Prior to joining Champion, I was the Director of Corporate Communication for RAVE Restaurant Group where I managed public relations, investor relations and internal communication. Besides getting to sample endless pizza prototypes, I enjoyed developing brand narratives and coaching senior leadership on delivering key messaging to consumer and franchise audiences.
I also served as Director of Public Relations for Dickey’s Barbecue and had the honor of traveling with the company founder to morning shows and appearances across the country. I became a set stylist, media trainer and spokesperson for the brand while also directing interactive and social content strategy for the growing concept.
With a career that has spanned over two decades, I’ve been a feature writer, owned my own business and have attained a specialty in crisis communication.
I love my job, but I’d rather be … a political strategist or sitting in a Paris café writing my first novel along with Hemingway and Fitzgerald – (wait, can this involve time travel?)
Bet you didn’t know I … I was on Season 3 of Design Star…I was kicked off on the preliminary episode because I couldn’t use a skill saw. I didn’t even get a full 15 minutes of fame!
Courtney Mazzella
Senior Director 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!
Morgan Hale
Director of Business Development
Morgan Hale
Hometown: Flower Mound, Texas
Family: Daughter to the sweetest parents and “little sister” to Courtney
College(s)/Degree(s): Communications at Texas A&M University and University of North Texas – Gig ‘em, Eagles!
Career Highlights:
- Becoming a Champion – I joined Champion in 2013 after working as an Event Marketing Manager for a bar/restaurant chain. I grew professionally and worked my tail off to become a “power-player” in the industry. One of the highlights includes when Taylor Swift mentioned my PR “brainchild” at the Billboard Music Awards.
- Becoming a Leader – I was given a great opportunity to lead the marketing and PR efforts for The Rogers Healy Companies in 2016. While there, I secured a recurring segment with Fox Business News for the company and planned, created and executed a breakthrough brand relaunch.
- Coming Home – I missed the thrill of the restaurant and hospitality industry and returned “home” to Champion in January 2018, my leading career highlight!
I love my job, but I’d rather be … sipping a glass of Veuve on a yacht off the Amalfi Coast.
Bet you didn’t know I … have an irrational fear of flying bags on the highway.
Brooke Sundermier
Director of Public Relations
Brooke Sundermier
Hometown: Dallas, Texas
Family: The youngest (and coolest) of four. Also, a proud dog mom of two adorable rescues – Gandalf (9) and Winston (puppy).
College(s)/Degree(s): Played soccer at the University of Central Arkansas, where I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in public relations.
Career Highlights: In 2018, I wrote 1,002 press releases for Champion’s clients. In 2017, I helped light the Dallas skyline blue for the Bud Light Party Convention. I also helped moderate content for FIFA during the 2014 World Cup.
I love my job, but I’d rather be … traveling the world as a photojournalist for National Geographic.
Bet you didn’t know I … was on the U.S. national soccer team pool in 2010; I’ve had six concussions – one of which knocked me out for six months; my appendix was ruptured for an entire day before I went to the hospital, and I’ve had three near-death experiences.
Courtney Frappier
Account Supervisor
Courtney Frappier
Hometown: Flower Mound, TX
Family: Dog mom to Oscar, my Boston Terrier; #3 of 4 siblings (to know the Fraps is to know we are a huge, loud, super close family!); and, “Coco” to the world’s 3 cutest nieces and 1 adorable nephew.
College(s)/Degree(s): I graduated from Florida State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Business (Hospitality) and a Minor in Communications. Go Noles!
Career Highlights: Ditched the pencil skirt, cubicle life working in Dallas doing marketing for the mortgage banking industry, to move to NYC and turn my career in the direction I always dreamed of – sitting front row after working backstage at over 60 New York Fashion Week shows, and at Couture Fashion Week in Paris (safe to say it was the best “business trip” EVER!), Paula Abdul telling me “you are the best! A superstar!”, securing feature placements in outlets like the New York Times, Vanity Fair, Vogue. Writing talking points for Presidents George W. Bush and Bill Clinton. Most recently, moving back to Dallas for the next chapter in my career while being close to my family!
I love my job, but I’d rather be … anywhere with my dog and a super cold glass of pinot grigio 😊
Bet you didn’t know I … used to live in Bon Jovi’s childhood home because of a contest my parent’s won on MTV.
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.
Marilyn Perkins
Account Supervisor
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.”
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.
Jennifer Svoboda
Account Supervisor
Jennifer Svoboda
Hometown: Allen, Texas (Go EAGLES!)
Family: My husband and best friend Bradley and our Australian Shepherds Lovely and Honey (aka Lovems & Misses Buns).
College(s)/Degree(s): I have a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing from the University of North Texas where I was also a cheerleader for 3 years (GO MEAN GREEN).
Career Highlights: Before becoming a Champ
-I worked for a startup juice company in the Dallas area and helped create and grow the brand from the ground up. As District Manager I was responsible for growing the brand and business from 1 store to over 20 stores.
-After that, I worked in the multifamily industry for a development company as a lead Leasing Consultant and Marketing Specialist for luxury apartments
-Next, I got my feet wet in the promotional products industry working for Bob Lilly Promotions as an Account Manager before getting recruited to work back in the multifamily industry on the vendor marketing side of things. I worked for Mixed Media Creations, a full-service marketing agency specializing in marketing campaigns for apartments, where I was their Senior Account Manager and Client Services Manager.
I love my job, but I’d rather be … Singing on a cruise around the world with my husband and best friends along for the ride (and ideally if my fur babies could come too then that would be great!).
Bet you didn’t know I … I had 11 bridesmaids in my wedding, am married to an identical twin that is dating a girl also named Jennifer, and I can still do backflips (every now and then).
Mollie O’Neal
Account Supervisor
Mollie O’Neal
Hometown: Fort Worth, TX
Family: I have one older brother.
College(s)/Degree(s): Texas A&M
Career Highlights:
- Four years spent as an independent PR & digital consultant.
- Ghostwriting on behalf of celebrity chefs, authors, and executives.
I love my job, but I’d rather be … in the South of France!
Bet you didn’t know I … am a Certified Sommelier.
Paul Solomons
Media Planner & Buyer
Paul Solomons
Paul has more than 30 years in Media Planning and Buying; working with Tracy Locke, DDB Needham, Integer and now a Principal of straTact Media Group, LLC. Paul has extensive experience in national, regional and local media planning, research and negotiating across broadcast, print, out-of-home and digital, as well as knowledge across many business categories such as retail, manufacturing, financial, packaging goods, casual dining/QSR and gaming.
Clients have included Frito-Lay, Coors, Mrs Baird’s, Borden Dairies, Phillips Petroleum, Mcllhenny, Ben Hogan, Haggar, La Quinta, The Dallas Morning News, Brink’s Home Security, 7-Eleven and Harrah’s Casinos.
Career highlights include winning an Effy Award for Texas Commerce Bank (Chase), sports negotiations for Haggar, Coors, Ben Hogan and The Dallas Morning News; and the development and leadership of a dedicated Merchandising team for Harrah’s Casinos.
Paul grew up in Dallas and received his BA degree from the University of Houston and MFA from Southern Methodist University. He and his wife Melissa, have one daughter, Sarah. He enjoys golf, live music and attending sports events.
Misty Sydnor
Office Administrator
Misty Sydnor
Hometown: Kilgore, Texas
Family: One really fab daughter
College(s)/Degree(s): Business Management and Accounting
Career Highlights: Working with the non-profit Poiema, which is a sex trafficking awareness, education, prevention, and recovery program.
I love my job, but I’d rather be … people watching. All day.
Bet you didn’t know I … am an advanced diver but won’t go in the water because that’s where sharks live.
Amy Galvin
Senior Account Executive
Amy Galvin
Hometown: Saint Louis (go Cardinals!)
Family: A sweet white lab named Seamus and the middle of 4 girls also widely known as the “fun aunt” to 4 nephews and 2 nieces.
College(s)/Degree(s): Graduated from Saint Louis University with a Bachelor of Arts in Communications and a certificate in Marketing.
Career Highlights: Started my career in Saint Louis in financial services and then I moved up to Chicago and worked in accounting, consulting, and for a restaurant management app before. I then decided to ditch the snow and bitter winters for sunny Dallas where I joined Champion!
I love my job, but I’d rather be … sitting on the beach with my dog and a glass of pinot grigio.
Bet you didn’t know I … waited on Stan Musial twice while waitressing at a restaurant in Saint Louis during college – even have a baseball he signed for me while sitting at the table!
Cami Studebaker
Public Relations Senior Account Executive
Cami Studebaker
Hometown: Coppell, TX
Family: I’m the offspring of Paul and Dana, annoying little sister to Cole and crazy Dachshund mom to the cutest puppy in the world, Teddy.
College(s)/Degree(s): I graduated from The University of Alabama in May 2019 with a bachelor’s degree in journalism, Roll Tide! I minored in Communication Studies and Criminal Justice (due to my obsession with crime TV/books).
Career Highlights: After working different internships in Dallas, Tuscaloosa and New York City, I returned to Dallas to start my first full-time job here at Champion. During my second week working here, I secured four out of five TV stations’ attendance in San Diego for a last minute Outback Steakhouse partnership event with Operation Homefront. I’m on a mission to continue increasing our clients’ media presence nationwide!
I love my job, but I’d rather be … reading a book (or two or three) at the pool or beach.
Bet you didn’t know I … have a plot ready to write a thriller novel in the future. My ultimate dream in life is to become a New York Times Bestselling author!
Shelby Westbrook
Social Media Senior
Account Executive
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:
- Landing 2 incredible internships while at OU – both of which specialized in the food & beverage industry which ended up inspiring me to start my marg/food blog, @margsandmunchies!
- Managing and executing a large rebrand influencer campaign for Rusty Taco in 2018 as a post-college intern at SPM Communications
- Earning employee of the month at Bolt PR for garnering 60M+ impressions in one month for a national whiskey client
- Starting my job at Champion!
I love my job, but I’d rather be … at a music festival or traveling to new places
Bet you didn’t know I … am Post Malone’s biggest fan
Leisha Griffin
Account Executive
Leisha Griffin
Hometown: Dallas, Texas
Family: Dog mom to Scout
College(s)/Degree(s): University of Mississippi – Business
Career Highlights: Interned at Champion and came right back after graduation! Couldn’t stay away!
I love my job, but I’d rather be … in the fashion industry.
Bet you didn’t know I … was born in California.
Anneleise McEvoy
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.
Andrew Chambers
Creative Account Executive
Andrew Chambers
Hometown: Phoenix, AZ
Family: I have one younger sister, two amazing parents, 2 dogs, and a beautiful wife.
College(s)/Degree(s): I have a BA in Media Arts & Animation from the Art Institute of Phoenix.
Career Highlights: I was a lead concept artist at a game studio, a designer at PING Golf, a designer/illustrator at a publishing company, and now get to create some amazing things for some awesome clients at Champion!
I love my job, but I’d rather be… at Disneyland.
Bet you didn’t know I… can bench-press 320 lbs.
Meredith Briggs
Account Executive
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!
Mckenzie Karnes
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!
Madeline Loyd
Social Media Specialist
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.
Katherine Pulk
Social Media Specialist
Katherine Pulk
Hometown: Flower Mound, TX
Family: I am the youngest of 4 siblings and am by far the favorite (lol jk)!
College(s)/Degree(s): Texas Tech University ~ with a major in Advertising and a minor in Creative Media Industries.
Career Highlights: Got a chance to be a part of the Bullet and Advertising team while at Tech, working on a competition for the client Tinder. Along with that was in many other leadership positions throughout college and interned here at Champion before working full time! Go Champs!
I love my job, but I’d rather be… brunchin’, hiking or traveling to another country!
Bet you didn’t know I… have gone by “Kat” pretty much my whole life.
Kathryn Ward
Public Relations Specialist
Kathryn Ward
Hometown: Plano, TX
Family: A very supportive mom and dad and the best older sister!
College(s)/Degree(s): University of Oklahoma, BA in Public Relations and minor in Health and Exercise Science
Career Highlights: I previously held marketing and communications positions for corporate, nonprofit and agencies in DFW and interned for the Public Relations department at the State Fair of Texas. My love for PR led me to my current role at Champion!
I love my job, but I’d rather be… on the beach with my friends drinking a margarita
Bet you didn’t know I… learned how to surf in Maui
Blake Heckel
Public Relations Specialist
Blake Heckel
Hometown: Dallas, TX
Family: Middle son of a loving mother and father with an Aggie brother, a Longhorn brother and a toy Aussie named Chance
College(s)/Degree(s): University of Missouri — Bachelor of Journalism
Career Highlights: Worked in college with Mizzou Athletics, Dayton Flight (TBL), FOX Sports & NPR.
I love my job, but I’d rather be… on the golf course
Bet you didn’t know I … am actually named William
Kat McManigle
Public Relations Specialist
Kat McManigle
Hometown: Fredericksburg, Texas (wine country)
Family: Well it’s me (the funny one), my older brother (the smart one), my mom (the hard worker), and my dad (the talker).
College(s)/Degree(s): I am a third-generation Texas State alum (Eat ’em up Cats!) I majored in Mass Communication and Public Relations with a concentration in Sports Media and a minor in Studies in Popular Culture.
Career Highlights: I have pretty much worked across multiple industries including working at a winery, interning at the State Fair of Texas in the Livestock Department (They called me cowgirl Kat) interning at Pierpont Communications, a sailing instructor at Camp Longhorn, coaching at different sports camps and being a Brand Assistant for Apparel Market Shows.
I love my job, but I’d rather be… singing karaoke at Harwood Arms.
Bet you didn’t know I… love sports.
Amelia Cook
Influencer Marketing Specialist
Amelia Cook
Hometown: Allen, Texas
Family: I have an older brother and two amazing parents, but most importantly three of the best dogs ever, Koda, Hallie and Katy!
College(s)/Degree(s): Fighting Texas Aggie Class of 2020 with a BA in Communications and a minor in Sociology. Gig ‘em baby!!
Career Highlights: I was most recently a communications and social media associate for an IT firm where I created the social media and marketing platforms for a health and fitness app and church management system. I have also worked for a non-profit organization and assisted in the marketing of campaigns and fundraising events that benefited community members struggling with hunger and homelessness.
I love my job, but I’d rather be… napping on a beach (the best naps are taken on a beach in my opinion!!!)
Bet you didn’t know I … love horseback riding, kayaking, swimming– anything outside!
Kaki Duenner
Marketing Specialist
Kaki Duenner
Hometown: Houston, TX
Family: Two amazing parents, two really cool older brothers, and two absolutely perfect dogs named Fergie (a sheepadoodle) and Maisy (a yellow lab).
College(s)/Degree(s): I graduated from the University of Oklahoma (Boomer!) with a degree in Communication.
Career Highlights: I took a semester off during college and worked full time at a PR firm in Houston called DPWPR. It was an amazing opportunity and I had the chance to work on national accounts such as Landry’s and Simon Malls!
I love my job, but I’d rather be…on Broadway! The only thing stopping me is my voice…
Bet you didn’t know I…used to live in Singapore and I’ve met Harry Styles and Liam Payne from One Direction!
Kilee Torrez
Marketing Specialist
Kilee Torrez
Hometown: Omaha, Nebraska
Family: Only child but have the best mom, grandparents, and aunts a girl could ask for.
College(s)/Degree(s): University of Texas at Arlington – Mav Up: Double bachelor’s in public Relations & Advertising.
Career Highlights: First in my family to graduate college and graduate debt-free. Most recently I was a Marketing Specialist for a family entertainment business, where I was in charge of all of the local marketing, social media, digital marketing, and partnerships for that location. Landing my first agency role here at Champion.
I love my job, but I’d rather be…traveling the world or laying on a beach with a drink in my hand.
Bet you didn’t know I…am a published author and just self-published my first book on Amazon.
Sofia Avila
Marketing Specialist
Sofia Avila
Hometown: El Paso, TX
Family: Two amazing parents, one younger brother, and our family dog Euro, who we like to joke is the golden child.
College(s)/Degree(s): I studied Communication with an emphasis in PR and Advertising at St. Edward’s University in Austin, Texas. Go Toppers!
Career Highlights: I worked extensively in the Hospitality program at St. Ed’s and eventually earned a spot in the Hilltop Hospitality Hall of Fame! I’m so excited to now work at Champion in my first field-related role!
I love my job, but I’d rather be…crowd surfing at a pop-punk show.
Bet you didn’t know I…love to travel and have lived in three different countries!
Kendall Keylor
Marketing Specialist
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!
Jessica Temchenko
Creative Specialist
Jessica Temchenko
Hometown: I was born in Daejeon, South Korea, but grew up in Fort Worth, TX
Family: I have two sisters seven to eight years older than me, so I grew up with three mothers. I adopted a little furry daughter Edith, a bichon and Shih Tzu mix, in 2019, and married the most amazing man in the world, Eugene, in 2020.
College(s)/Degree(s): The University of Texas at Arlington, Double majoring in Advertising and Public Relations and minoring in Art Applied Design and Technology.
Career Highlights: Every project I assist with is a career highlight because I know it supports my clients’ business and advances their goals. My design work has won several awards and publications including GDUSA, AAF, UCDA, and UDA.
I love my job, but I’d rather be…a professional Instagram influencer and critic. Then, I could get compensated for the dozens of photos and stories I post about my favorite spots everywhere in the world!
Bet you didn’t know I…am an aspiring home chef. My favorite pastime is to host friends and prepare multi-course meals.
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