Austin AMA Blog

Meet the Austin AMA 2015-2016 Board of Directors

Written by Angela Brutsche | Aug 16, 2015 10:24:00 PM

Congrats and thanks to the nine volunteers who have been selected to serve on the Austin AMA Board of Directors for the 2015-2016 term. We couldn’t do what we do without your leadership and guidance!

Connie Johns, President

Owner at Sir Speedy Print/Signs/Marketing
Twitter | LinkedIn | Website

Why did you join AMA?

AMA offered a great way for me to stay knowledgeable about current marketing trends while meeting people. Although my undergraduate degree is in marketing, I wanted to keep my skills sharp as my company shifted from traditional printing to a marketing services provider.

What’s your favorite go-to marketing blog?

Marketing Tango

What’s your favorite food truck?

Garbo’s! I love the lobster rolls.

Dallas Richard, President-Elect

Senior Marketing Manager, Public Sector at Deloitte
Twitter | LinkedIn

Why did you join AMA?

Being part of an in-house marketing division within a large company meant working with my marketing colleagues mostly on a virtual basis, so initially I sought out the Austin AMA as a way to connect face-to-face with other marketing professionals in Austin. I have always found Austin AMA to be a great catalyst for connecting with experts who are open to brainstorming and talking through solutions to business challenges, both common and unique. One of the greatest benefits of membership has been the relationships built working on chapter programs, as well as the exposure to a national network of colleagues involved in chapters across the country.

What’s your favorite go-to marketing blog or influencer?

David Meerman Scott and Merlin Mann’s Back to Work Podcast

What’s your favorite food truck?

Pretty much any of the trailers at Midway Food Park

Ray Young, VP of Communications

President, Razor Sharp Public Relations
Twitter | LinkedIn | Website

Why did you join AMA?

I was “strong-armed” by a friend..

What’s your favorite go-to marketing blog?

PR Daily

What’s your favorite food truck?

Big Fat Greek Gyros

Amanda Melendrez, VP of Membership Recruitment

Marketing Services Manager, MindEcology
Twitter | LinkedIn

Why did you join AMA?

Originally I joined to receive a discount for a national conference but I became more involved on a local level to build my professional network. I can’t put a price on the number of invaluable friends and colleagues I’ve made through the organization, but mainly through volunteering.

What’s your favorite go-to marketing blog?

I utilize Pinterest as a search engine. From graphic design and social media to strategy and content creation, there’s a wealth of information.

What’s your favorite food truck?

Chi’lantro, VIA 313 & CowBell

Ann Taylor, VP of Events

Principal, Owner, Taylored Communications
Twitter | LinkedIn | Website

Why did you join AMA?

I joined AMA for the programming as it was geared toward more experienced professionals. I also enjoy the variety of marketers I meet at AMA events as they encompass all fields of marketing, including PR, photography, social media, marketing and other areas. AMA has something for everyone!

What’s your favorite go-to marketing blog?

The Content Marketing Institute’s blog and Twitter Feed

What’s your favorite food truck?

East Side King

Kim Tidwell, VP of Technology

Inbound Marketing, Content Strategy & Development and Social Media Management Consultant
Twitter | LinkedIn | Website

Why did you join AMA?

When I moved to Austin three years ago, I worked remotely for my company in New York. Not wanting to be destined for a life of pj-wearing solitude, I joined the AMA to meet local people who did what I did for a living. What I found was a great group of people I’ve come to know socially, as well as an amazing professional network that emboldened me to start my own business. The reason I keep my membership up-to-date is admittedly selfish – AMA is quite simply the best way I know to build relationships and sharpen my skills as a solo-preneur.

What’s your favorite go-to marketing blog?

Hubspot for almost everything that helps me do my job. For inspiration, my two favorites are Maria Popova’s BrainPickings and Austin Kleon’s newsletter.

What’s your favorite food truck?

It’s a toss-up between Thai Kun and 40 North.

Christina Blanco, VP of Sponsorship

Chief Marketing and Communications Officer, Long-term Care Insurance, New York Life Insurance Company
Twitter | LinkedIn

Why did you join AMA?

Having attended both college and grad school on the east coast and working for over 15 years in NYC, I had very strong personal and professional ties there. Although my move to Austin was to pursue a new professional opportunity, shortly after moving here, I realized I was lacking the professional network I needed to be successful. After attending 2-3 AMA events, I realized this was an excellent organization to help me build my professional network both locally as well as nationally.

What’s your favorite go-to marketing blog?

Sadly, I don’t have any favorite sites yet; I’m still looking. However, for inspiration, I think SXSW Interactive is outstanding! They had a great marketing track this year and each year it seems to be growing. After attending this year I came back with so many fresh ideas, I felt inspired and couldn’t wait to incorporate this experience into my work.

What’s your favorite food truck?

WOW – this is hard, I LOVE food trucks, but…”The Peached Tortilla” has been my long standing favorite.

Chris Schorre, Secretary

Founder and CEO, WingTab LLC
Twitter | LinkedIn

Why did you join AMA?

Social media has its uses but nothing beats a face-to-face conversation when it comes to developing truly meaningful connections. AMA is a way to network with other marketing professionals in Austin and develop long-term professional relationships.

What’s your favorite go-to marketing blog?

Podcast: 1 Day Business Breakthrough

What’s your favorite food truck?

Torchy’s Tacos on South 1st. Give me a Brushfire taco anytime, any day!

Kristin Fern Johnson, Treasurer

Writing and Editing, Content Strategy and Employee Communications
Twitter | LinkedIn

Why did you join AMA?

To take advantage of AMA opportunities for professional development, to network and share ideas with other marketers, and to spend time with a great group of people!

What’s your favorite go-to marketing blog?

BrainPickings (inspiration) and the Content Marketing Institute (great content marketing resources)

What’s your favorite food truck?

East Side Kings

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