Katie Gardner Harvey: Founder, CEO
Katie began her agency at the age of 24 with one employee — herself — and $2,000. In 16 years she has grown her full-service public relations and advertising firm from its humble origins to a debt-free, multi-million dollar company. KGBTexas is now one of the largest, woman-owned strategic communication agencies in Texas and employs nearly 40 full-time people. In 2005 the agency expanded its presence outside San Antonio by opening an office in the Houston market. KGBTexas’ expansion is a direct result of Katie’s determination to develop a versatile, cross-industry client roster and to offer the most advanced communications counsel in areas such as brand development, crisis communications and public affairs.
Recognized as an outstanding business leader and innovator, Katie serves on the board of the Texas Business Hall of Fame. Katie’s accomplishments have earned her praise from her Alma mater, Texas State University, including the 2008 Alumni Achievement Award for personal and professional achievements at the local, state and regional levels and the Outstanding Alumna Award celebrating outstanding Texas State women. Katie has earned a number of other accolades during the last decade including being named 2008 Small Business Outstanding Leader of the Year by the North San Antonio Chamber of Commerce.
Pat Riley: COO / Director, Interactive Services
Pat holds dual graduate degrees, has held C-suite positions and is a retired field grade officer having served in the U.S. Army for more than 20 years. Upon military retirement he began to specialize in operations and technology-founded product development. In that capacity he encountered a need for sophisticated marketing and advertising to launch new and innovative products. He was then recruited to put this skill set to application in an advertising agency environment where he successfully held VP and COO positions in some of the southwestern United States’ largest firms.
In 2005, Pat recognized the potential for Web 2.0 applications and began an intense study of Web development, analytics and customized CMS work. His work took him eventually into creating unique Web-based platforms that have multiple functionality and e-commerce potential. From there, he has moved into mobile applications in the smart phone industry and beyond, leading the way for KGBTexas to become a licensed Apple phone and iPad developer.
Michelle McCullough: Interactive Team Leader
Michelle brings to KGBTexas experience from a wide spectrum of disciplines. After earning degrees from Trinity University in history, communication and Spanish, she began working in advertising, marketing, event planning and publications. Michelle also brings to KGBTexas skills in the interactive realm, writing Web content and managing smartphone and website development, design projects, SEO and SEM campaigns for clients such as Republic National Distributors, The Claro Group and Park North Plaza. She brings experience applying these project management and interactive skills in the sports, financial, general contracting, government and education arenas for clients such as Spurs Sports & Entertainment, IBC Bank Zachry Holdings, Inc. and St. Luke’s Episcopal School. This professional track has enabled her to gain multiple perspectives and decipher the unique needs of each client.
In addition to her work at KGBTexas, Michelle founded BorderLinea, an art and music organization to highlight the talents of our San Antonio artists. She uses her experience in event planning and marketing to promote and orchestrate showcases in the community.
Chad Wooten: Web Developer / IT Manager / Visual Design Production Artist
More than 15 years of print production and IT and website hosting experience has allowed Chad to offer the best of both worlds. Extensive knowledge of Photoshop, Illustrator and Indesign for both Mac and PC systems along with php-based website development ensures that, aesthetically and functionally, clients’ needs are accomplished. Chad has worked with an array of clients, from North Park Lexus and Miller Brewing Company to Museum of Fine Arts Houston.
Tim Smith: Web Developer / Visual Designer
As art director / designer, Tim’s strength lies in thinking strategically and creatively about any project he is given. He has handled assignments from small design pieces to website development to multi-level campaigns. Tim is proficient in all of the industry’s current computer design programs including Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop and Dreamweaver. His core development strengths are in User Interface design coupled with new-age technologies such as CSS3, jQuery and HTML5. His portfolio includes logos, brand / corporate identity campaigns, collateral / brochures / sales materials, television spots, direct mail, websites and promotional campaigns. Tim has worked with clients in a variety of industries including health care, restaurant, retail, engineering / construction, utility and real estate.
Sean Wood: Media Specialist
Sean joined KGBTexas after 20 years as a print journalist. Most recently he worked for the San Antonio Express-News covering Toyota, manufacturing, banking and aviation. While at the Express-News he launched the “Clocking In” blog for the paper’s business section. At KGBTexas, Sean touches all accounts, writing, advising and developing media plans — both traditional and social. Sean is one member of the agency’s digital marketing team. His duties include shepherding the agency’s “Communi-K” blog, administering the agency’s Facebook page and serving as the agency’s voice on Twitter. He has a bachelor of science from Texas Wesleyan University and a master of arts in multidisciplinary studies from the University of the Incarnate Word.
Jill Dolde: Media Planner/Buyer
For more than 12 years, Jill has planned and purchased media for a large number of clients in a variety of industries including financial, utilities, travel / tourism, political and restaurant.
Jill purchased media in various-sized markets including New York /New Jersey, Chicago, Philadelphia, Sacramento, Phoenix, Miami, Dallas, Houston, Austin and San Antonio. This experience along with media research, allows her to determine the most effective mediums, target audiences and media vehicles for a campaign. Jill’s skill in negotiations yield the most cost-effective media placement for our clients. She also has extensive knowledge placing television, radio, print, outdoor and internet buys and coordinating promotional opportunities and added value for Hispanic marketing.
Currently, Jill’s media roster includes: JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa; San Antonio Board of Realtors and CHRISTUS Hospital St. Elizabeth and St. Mary in Beaumont and Port Arthur, TX and more.
Outside of KGBTexas, Jill enjoys spending time with family and visiting small towns in the Texas Hill Country
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