Executive Moves: Communications and marketing (Marketsmith, Ogilvy, Taft and Vitiello)

Executive Moves is an occasional feature on ROI-NJ.com describing some of the important personnel changes in the New Jersey business community. Reports are based on news releases, edited for content, clarity and style.

Justin Ballard, Marketsmith Inc.

Cedar Knolls-based Marketsmith Inc., the only woman-owned-and-operated advertising and martech agency of its kind, has promoted Justin Ballard to senior marketing analyst. He previously served as digital media analyst.

“Justin has an incredible work ethic and brings his enthusiasm to the office every single day,” said MSI’s executive vice president, strategy & innovation, Carina Pologruto. “He demonstrates tenacity and grit when it comes to problem solving, which makes him a valuable asset to our organization and our clients.”

Ballard will report to Donald Gallant, vice president, analytics and innovation.

“Justin has trained himself on multiple analytical tools and languages necessary for success and continues to absorb and articulate insights that make all of us smarter,” notes Pologruto.

Ogilvy CommonHealth Worldwide

Ogilvy CommonHealth Worldwide, a WPP Health & Wellness company, announced three promotions and one new hire within the ever-growing creative community at the organization’s Parsippany-based headquarters.

The promotions:

  • Brooke Positan has been promoted from associate creative director to vice president, associate creative director;
  • Sean Kinney has been elevated from group art supervisor to associate creative director;
  • Bridget Mabey has also advanced from group art supervisor to associate creative director.

The new hire:

  • Mark Oppici has joined the creative team as VP, creative director.

(Not pictured.)

Taft Communications

The summer season signifies growth and new staff additions for Taft Communications, a leading strategic communications firm with offices in Lawrenceville and Newark, with the announcement of a promotion and four appointments in the past year. Alanna Jamieson was promoted to senior communications manager and Meghan Bianco and Tara Cadet recently joined the Taft team as communications managers. Over the past several months, other new additions have included Audrey Wallendal as senior account coordinator and Julia Masse as account coordinator.

Bianco, Cadet, Wallendal, and Masse’s diverse professional backgrounds bring a breadth of skills and proficiency that will continue to fuel the agency’s recent momentum.

“These new members of our team expand our skills within Taft’s focus sectors, share our firm’s values, and will immediately contribute to our work for clients in New Jersey and beyond,” said Ted Deutsch, president, Taft Communications. “Taft continues to build a staff that burnishes our reputation as one of the most respected communications firms in the region.”

(Not pictured.)

Vitiello Communications Group

Vitiello Communications Group recently announced it has welcomed eight new team members in the first six months of 2018.

“We are adding diverse talent to the VTLO team to ensure we continue to innovate and deliver excellent results across our three practice areas — internal, external and creative communications,” VTLO Chief Operating Officer Nadine Green said.

Joining North Brunswick-based VTLO are:

  • Hilarina Casie Chitty, communications associate;
  • Kathy Fairclough, account director;
  • Dan Feinberg, communications specialist;
  • Christina Gonnella, intern;
  • Jim Gullacci, creative consultant;
  • Sandy Sklareski, account director;
  • Annette Skiendziel, consultant;
  • Heather Wiederhorn, consultant.

(Not pictured.)