Your Team

Executive Team

Meredith Vaughan, Chief Executive Officer

Every business that is built for the long haul needs a growth engine, and that is the role that Meredith plays for Vladimir Jones. Meredith joined Vladimir Jones in 1999 after spending most of the ’90s working for powerhouse agencies such as TBWA\Chiat\Day in Los Angeles and Goldberg Moser O’Neill in San Francisco. Between 1999 and 2008, when Meredith became VJ’s president, she grew agency billings by more than 600% through new client acquisition and retention strategies. Meredith became CEO in 2014 and continues to ensure that VJ brings to life our focus on building meaningful relationships that last, as well as ensuring that VJ is a place where our team is fulfilled and has a sense of purpose. Meredith’s current and previous client work covers a wide range of industries, including extensive work in the retail, nonprofit, health care, sports marketing, travel and tourism, and Native American gaming categories. Meredith currently sits on the board of directors for the National Advertising Review Board, the American Indian College Fund, and the Myron Stratton Home.

Debbie Frickey, President

Debbie joined the agency in 2002, starting as leader of account services before becoming president in 2014. She now leads all work for the agency’s accounts, driving realization of client brand potential and business goals. During her tenure with the agency, Debbie has helped acquire national and international clients such as the Colorado Tourism Office, United States Olympic & Paralympic Museum, BOK Financial, Xcel Energy, Black Hills Energy, Western Union and Centura Health. She provides strategic support to the agency’s broad array of advertising clients and her varied background includes extensive work in tourism, attraction and hospitality, as well as energy and health care industries. A partner in Vladimir Jones, Debbie is responsible for the day-to-day business operations of the company and leads the agency’s investment in quality ideas. She ensures that the agency’s reputation is well positioned for long-standing client relationships and future growth. Debbie sits on the 4As Women’s CEO forum and has served in various leadership positions for National Charity League.

Ariel Obenauf, Director of Account Services

With extensive experience in account management, branding, and campaign execution, Ariel is a dynamic marketing leader with a proven track record of driving impactful results for high-profile clients such as AWS, Adobe, Microsoft, and Denver International Airport. Throughout her career, she has successfully led teams to deliver exceptional marketing strategies that align with client objectives and goals, ensuring a strong ROI. Ariel’s expertise spans developing and executing comprehensive branding strategies, optimizing digital marketing, and creating high-impact campaigns that resonate with target audiences across various industries. Ariel oversees the strategic direction and delivery of client projects, identifying growth opportunities and maintaining the highest level of satisfaction across all accounts. She also supports the talented Account Services team, ensuring that client goals are met with excellence and efficiency. Known for building lasting client relationships and leading high-performing teams, Ariel brings a strategic, results-driven approach that aligns with a commitment to providing top-tier service and delivering outstanding outcomes for our clients.

Jim Morrissey, Executive Creative Director

Enthusiasm is Jim’s secret weapon. It helps him create and build human connections for brands. His creative approach is to always keep iterating and constantly honing his chops in the art of simplification. He’s written and created noteworthy (and award-winning) work for a diverse group of clients like Ford Motor Company, Procter & Gamble, Tri-State Energy, Odell Brewing Company and the Colorado Lottery. From social media platforms and branding to integrated marketing, Jim’s able to guide clients through the ever-changing landscape of digital and traditional channels, balancing creativity with strategic rigor.

Jon Bross, Director, Integrated Media and Data

The marriage of message and medium is the challenge, passion and focus for Jon. With more than 30 years of media planning and buying experience, Jon leads VJ’s team of multimedia planners and buyers through media strategy, technology convergence and campaign efficacy in our world of data-driven marketing. Since joining Vladimir Jones in 2003, Jon has worked on accounts including Xcel Energy, Centura Health, Colorado Tourism, The Broadmoor and Otter Products, among others. A graduate of the University of Wisconsin, Jon began his career at Hoffman York learning the planning processes on accounts such as KFC, The Dow Chemical Company, Wisconsin Lottery and Yamaha water vehicles. He is a sought-after keynote speaker on the subjects of media innovation, channel convergence and ad tech, and has been featured at publishing industry conventions, ad clubs, Kantar Media’s Product Advisory Panel, the Colorado American Marketing Association and NPR’s coverage of political advertising. His experience in strategic planning, the evolution of buying and platform convergence keeps him focused toward the next big thing in our dynamic media landscape.

Dan Dalton, Director, Integrated Media and Data

A constantly evolving media landscape requires innovation and an agile mind; these are aspects that fuel Dan’s passion for digital media. Dan started his career in digital marketing over 14 years ago and has worked in almost all aspects of the business from tactical implementation to large-scale digital business strategy. He has helped Fortune 100 companies such as Samsung, Facebook and Warner Bros shape their digital presence and connect with their customers through personalized experiences. He has also held board positions on local digital marketing clubs. Dan currently leads the Digital and Data team in identifying and implementing the latest data technology and measurement strategies. Providing brands with a thorough understanding of their digital relationship with their customers is Dan’s primary focus. He helps provide insight into a customer’s behaviors and motivations in an increasingly segmented industry.

Account Services

Lauren Verdi, Account Supervisor

Lauren joined Vladimir Jones in February of 2025 as a seasoned account service leader with 15 years of marketing and advertising agency experience and a passion for building lasting relationships. Her strategic leadership has benefited a wide range of brands, from her niche in travel and tourism (Blackberry Farm, Greater Beaufort–Port Royal (SC) CVB, Grande Lakes Orlando, High Hampton Resort, JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa) to manufacturing, government, QSR/convenience, technology, nonprofit and retail. Lauren’s ability to rapidly understand a client’s brand, industry and objectives as well as cultivate strong relationships drives impactful strategies that deliver results. She currently leads the agency’s work for Visit Santa Fe and the Colorado Department of Transportation.

Travis Wilson, Account Executive

Travis joined the VJ team in March 2026, serving as the day-to-day account support for Source Colorado Springs, Visit Santa Fe, Air Methods, and Colorado Department of Transportation. With 4.5 years of experience spanning Saatchi & Saatchi and Hooray Agency, he brings a specialized blend of brand strategy and digital media expertise to the team. A graduate of the University of Colorado Boulder with a degree in Advertising Strategy, Travis has managed high-profile accounts including Toyota and Salamander Resorts. He excels at bridging creative management with technical digital marketing to deliver seamless, high-impact campaigns. Known for his strategic lens and positive, determined attitude, Travis is dedicated to ensuring total alignment between internal teams and client goals.

Integrated Media and Data

Patrick Cannarozzi, Integrated Media Supervisor (activation/buying)

With more than 10 years of digital marketing experience under his belt, Patrick has become an expert in his field of digital strategy. Ensuring data integrity, meeting business goals, and understanding the ever-growing inventory of digital channels are where his priorities lie. With backgrounds and certifications in Google Ads, Google Analytics and Bing Ads, and expertise in Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat and more, he is well equipped to produce strategies that will drive meaningful business results.

Matthew Mitchell, Integrated Media Planner

Matthew joined Vladimir Jones in October of 2025. He previously worked at a local agency in Omaha for three years as a media buyer, where he spent most of his time planning and buying traditional media. Having only worked with small businesses, he was very excited to become an integrated media planner at Vladimir Jones and contribute to larger goals. His focus here is on strategizing and creating media plans and reporting on campaign performance for Visit Santa Fe. He graduated in May of 2022 from Creighton University with a Bachelor of Science in Marketing, and has since been drawn to data and the analytical side of marketing and advertising.

Sristhi Tamanna, Optimization Specialist

Sristhi joined Vladimir Jones as an optimization specialist, bringing two years of experience in design, brand marketing and optimization. She holds a master’s degree in Media Management from The New School, New York, and is certified in Google Search, Display and Video Ads. With a background in media planning, data analysis and strategic communications, Sristhi combines creativity with data-driven strategies to optimize digital campaigns. At VJ, she works with clients to enhance their campaigns’ performance across PPC, display, video and social media platforms.

Creative

Roxie Ferguson, Associate Creative Director/Art Director

Roxie believes the strongest ideas live at the intersection of strategy, concept and execution. She brings a sharp eye for typography, a deep love of print and a drive to create work that feels human, smart and intentional. With over a decade of experience across packaging, identity and integrated campaigns, her work spans from building taste appeal in food and beverage to developing campaigns for global licensed brands such as Disney, Marvel, Pokémon, Warner Bros. and Miffy. Prior to joining Vladimir Jones, she led packaging and design teams at PopSockets and Moxie Sozo. At VJ, Roxie contributes to a range of clients including Alpine Bank, Source Colorado Springs, Numerica Credit Union, Visit Santa Fe and Hall Pass Productions, helping translate strategy into compelling visual ideas and scalable creative systems. She is known for turning complex ideas into clear, compelling design with moments of the unexpected.

Samar Singh, Copywriter

Sam’s love for advertising took him from India to Germany, where he studied copywriting at Miami Ad School. Since graduating, he’s worked with agencies including TBWA\Chiat\Day New York, 180LA, DDB Berlin and David+Martin Munich. His portfolio spans brands like Volkswagen, Expedia and Orgain, and his work has been recognized by D&AD, The Clios, The Webby Awards, The ANDYs, New York Festivals and The One Show, among others.

Daniel Rosing, Senior Editor

Daniel has been with the agency since 2005, providing proofreading, editing and QA/QC for all agency clients across all mediums, as well as new business efforts and agency social and PR work. His career experience ranges from advertising and marketing materials to large and highly complex environmental impact reports. He also has experience as a copywriter in advertising and other disciplines. He graduated with honors from Western State College of Colorado in Gunnison with a Bachelor of Arts in English, emphasis in writing, and a minor in Biology.

Production

Robert Ortega, Senior Director/Editor

Robert joined Vladimir Jones in October of 2020. He received his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Film from the University of Colorado Boulder. Prior to joining our team, Robert worked as a director, cinematographer and editor with Google, ESPN, Chili’s, Vega, FitPlan, Dymatize and Breckenridge Brewery. At VJ, he works as the videographer and editor across all VJ clients and projects.

Allai Kaushik, Executive Producer

Allai is a high-impact producer who blends creative vision with rigorous production execution. With a strong foundation in both independent film and commercial advertising, he specializes in bringing complex, multi-platform campaigns to life for global audiences. He has established himself as a versatile leader, producing high-profile campaigns for major brands including Logitech, Midea, Insomnia Cookies, Slickdeals, and Suja. He excels at navigating the intersection of creativity and strategy, ensuring that every project, from cinematic brand spots to digital-first content, is delivered with precision, on time, and on budget.

Insight & Strategy 

Jamie Webb, Senior Insights Strategist

Jamie joined Vladimir Jones in November 2023 with 22 years of experience in building results-oriented branding campaigns. From helping to launch the MINI Cooper, reintroducing the world to The Burger King, taking IZZE from a start-up juice to a household beverage, to leading Polaris powersports through double-digit (12%) growth for seven years, his strategic leadership has yielded meaningful advertising and marketing. Jamie thinks customer first, and through primary and secondary research develops and drives strategies that deliver on consumers’ needs and wants. His efforts have won him multiple Effie Awards, 4As Jay Chiat Awards, and Cannes Awards, but more importantly have lifted business performance. 

Leslie McCright, Junior Insights Strategist

As a junior insights strategist at VJ, Leslie joined the team in March 2026 to synthesize nationwide consumer data with human-truth insights for clients in the financial, tourism, nonprofit and QSR industries. She transforms complex buying behaviors and lifestyle trends into actionable reporting for clients including Numerica Credit Union, TacoTime, Visit Santa Fe, and the American Indian College Fund. By leveraging five years of marketing experience and a Bachelor’s of Science in Marketing, Leslie fuses intuitive storytelling and measured data. Her background in journalism provides a unique investigative edge, allowing her to rigorously “gut-check” details to uncover the deeper meanings that make brand stories impactful. Whether she is tracking consumer sentiments or defining nuanced buyer behaviors, Leslie focuses on providing the relevancy power that establishes genuine connection in today’s world.

Data

Tara Foulkrod, Data Architect

As data lead at Vladimir Jones, Tara plays a pivotal role in designing and managing advanced data systems. With expertise in data analytics, visualization, and system architecture, she converts complex data into clear, actionable insights. Her skills in data modeling and database management are instrumental in driving data-driven strategies and solutions within the organization and for all of our clients. Collaborating with various teams, Tara ensures that data initiatives align seamlessly with business goals, highlighting her commitment to fostering growth and efficiency in a dynamic market.

Ad Ops

Robyn Bernardo, Controller I

Robyn has been with Vladimir Jones since 2010; in her current role as Controller I she manages financial operations, overseeing budgeting, forecasting and financial reporting. She ensures accurate billing, monitors cash flow, and maintains financial compliance, while working closely with leadership to optimize profitability and support strategic business decisions.

Sara Simon, Client Finance Coordinator

Sara came to Vladimir Jones in November 2022, bringing 16 years of client-facing experience in advertising/marketing. As the client finance coordinator, she processes client billing, accounts payable, accounts receivable, and vendor media invoices. 

Caile Turner, Agency Resource Manager

Caile joined Vladimir Jones in early 2025, bringing with her more than 15 years of experience leading operations, project management, and creative services within agency environments. As Agency Resource Manager, she serves as a critical operational leader, ensuring work across departments, including Creative, Strategy, and Media, is executed with clarity, efficiency, and excellence. Her responsibilities span agency-wide resource planning, timeline oversight, traffic and production coordination, and continuous process improvement to support client success and agency profitability. Before joining VJ, Caile held senior roles at various regional agencies, where she spearheaded agency operations, implemented end-to-end project management systems, and directed large-scale creative initiatives. Her leadership has supported a wide range of clients and industries, including health care, real estate, tourism, utilities, and destination marketing. Known for her strategic thinking, cross-functional collaboration, and commitment to quality, Caile ensures that teams are aligned, deadlines are met, and creative standards remain high. Caile holds a bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Technical Communication with an emphasis in PR and Marketing as well as a master’s degree in Business Management from Colorado State University and is passionate about fostering operational systems that empower creative teams to do their best work.

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