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KMG to Host 'From the Classroom to the Boardroom: Career Conversations with Successful Alumni' on Friday, Sept. 17
Event kicks off KMG’s alumni-focused year
Chicago – August 30, 2010 – The Kellstadt Marketing Group (KMG), a graduate student marketing organization at DePaul University, will kick off the 2010-2011 school year by connecting marketing students with alumni at its event “From the Classroom to the Boardroom: Marketing and Career Conversations with Successful Alumni,” held on Friday, September 17th on the 11th floor of the DePaul Center, 1 E. Jackson.
The evening will begin with an alumni- focused open bar reception, followed by a panel of successful DePaul marketing alumni representing various industries and career stages. KMG is providing all alumni attendees with a special discounted registration rate. With this event, KMG seeks to facilitate student and alumni connections while educating attendees on marketing trends, career paths and skill sets necessary to be successful in each panelist’s respective field. Further, KMG intends to set the tone for what will be an alumni-centric year.
“KMG’s top priority this year is to engage DePaul’s marketing alumni,” said KMG President Allison Massey. “Our 2010-2011 inaugural event will do just that. We look forward to benefiting our student membership and honoring our alumni through this year-long initiative. We couldn’t be more excited to begin than by featuring this accomplished panel of alums.”
KMG recently finalized an impressive lineup of Kellstadt graduates for the panel, who will provide a variety of marketing and career perspectives. Participating in the panel is Peter Diamond, Senior Vice President, Group Account Director at Leo Burnett. Diamond graduated from Kellstadt in 1990 and brings more than 20 years of advertising insight to the panel. Also participating is Matt Kowal, Principal at bioStrategies Group. Kowal received his MBA in 2002, currently consults in marketing strategy and research and has over 10 years of strategic marketing experience. Rounding out the panel is Rose Nichols, Director of International Development at Dairy Queen International. Nichols shot up the career ladder quickly with a successful international marketeering related career and is the most recent Kellstadt graduate (2009). Dr. Joel Whalen, Academic Director of the Kellstadt Center Sales Leadership Program, will moderate. Dr. Whalen obtained his Ph.D. in Marketing Communications from Florida State University and has spent nearly 25 years of his career at DePaul. He’s received numerous teaching, sales and advertising awards.
Reception and panel attendance is open to the public from 5:30 to 7:30pm. The cost is $15 for DePaul Alumni; $25 for KMG members and $35 for all other attendees.
Come Join KMG at Our Fall 2010 Alumni Event 9/17!
The Kellstadt Marketing Group is pleased to announce our 2010 fall alumni event. The event will provide DePaul undergraduate and graduate marketing professionals with the opportunity to hear from and network with a panel of successful Kellstadt alumni. We will begin with an informal, open bar alumni focused networking reception and will end with a faculty moderated panel by Dr. Joel Whalen, featuring three successful DePaul marketing alums at various stages in their careers.
Presentation topics will include discussions about the latest trends and topics impacting each panelist’s career, business, and industry, common career paths and stages in each panelist’s respective field (marketing focused), and skills, experience and knowledge necessary to launch and progress a successful career in the different fields represented.
Event Details
5:30 - 6:30: Alumni/Student Reception - Location, DPC 11th Floor Terrace
6:30 - 7:30: "From the Classroom to the Boardroom: Marketing and Career Conversations with Successful Alumni" - Location, DPC 11th Floor North Cafe
Matt Kowal - Principal bioStrategies Group
Rose Nichols - International Dairy Queen
KMG is proud to announce the new 2010-2011 board!
The Kellstadt Marketing Group is proud to announce this year's board!
2010-2011 Officers
Allison Massey
President
Undergraduate Institution: Western Illinois University
Kellstadt Program: MBA Candidate 2011, Integrated Marketing
Current Position: Senior Investigator, CME Group
Connect with Allison: 
Allison graduated from Western Illinois University in 2006 with honors, where she majored in Law Enforcement and Psychology. She began her career working as an Investigator at TransUnion and was recently promoted to Senior Investigator of CME Group’s Market Regulation Department. Pursuing a career change to Marketing, she is halfway through DePaul’s part-time MBA program tentatively concentrating in Marketing Strategy and Planning. Outside of work and school Allison enjoys spending time with her family and friends, reading pop psychology, taking random weekend trips, and hanging out around (but not in) Lake Michigan.
David Maenner
Executive VP
Undergraduate Institution: University of Wisconsin
Kellstadt Program: MBA Candidate 2011, Entrepreneurship andStrategy, Execution, and Valuation (SEV)
Current Position: Chicago Area Field Agent at Redfin
Connect with David:
Dave is a Wisconsin transplant and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry from the University of Wisconsin – Madison. After beginning his career at Sigma Aldrich and Abbott Laboratories as a chemist, he is making a career transition by getting his MBA in Entrepreneurship and Strategy, Execution, and Valuation. He also currently works part-time for Redfin Corporation, a real estate startup, and is the graduate assistant for Dr. Harold Welsh for the 2010-11 school year. He has interest in product management and marketing and wants to combine his technical and business backgrounds. During his free-time, he enjoys reading Malcolm Gladwell and watching TED Talks.
Matthew Royse
VP of Marketing
Undergraduate Institution: The Pennsylvania State University
Kellstadt Program: MBA Candidate 2011, Integrated Marketing Communications
Current Position: Freelance marketing and public relations consultant
Connect with Matthew: 
Matthew is a freelance marketing and public relations consultant. His background includes working for a PR firm in downtown Chicago, a publicist at the National Geographic Channel, a spokesman for a national trade association and a marketing pro for a 24-hour news station in Washington, DC. Matthew is also a part-time graduate student at DePaul University, where he is earning his MBA degree in Integrated Marketing Communications and E-Business. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with his new daughter, working out, and playing basketball and golf. His blog, Knowledge Enthusiast, is one of the fastest growing Wordpress.com blogs. He has run two marathons (Chicago and New York) and two half marathons with his lovely wife.
Stephanie Furlan
VP of Alumni Relations
Undergraduate Institution: Purdue University
Kellstadt Program: MBA Candidate 2010, Integrated Marketing Communications
Current Position: Marketing and Outreach Manager at DePaul University's Coleman Entrepreneurship Center
Connect with Stephanie:
Stephanie is the Marketing & Outreach Manager for DePaul University’s Coleman Entrepreneurship Center which provides support and educational programs to student-entrepreneurs and business owners in the community. In her role, she oversees the Center’s marketing communication efforts and helps manage various programs and events including its annual fundraiser, e-Motion. Prior to coming to DePaul, Stephanie was an Account Executive for the Chicago White Sox where she managed sales and special events for large groups including fundraisers and other non-profit organizations. She received her MBA in Integrated Marketing Communications from DePaul University in 2010, and her bachelor’s degree in Communication from Purdue University in West Lafayette, IN.
Jennifer Bara
VP of Global Strategy
Undergraduate Institution: Columbia College Chicago
Kellstadt Program: MBA Candidate 2011, Marketing Research and Analysis
Current Position: Database Marketing Analyst at Arc Worldwide
Connect with Jennifer:
Jennifer is currently pursuing her MBA part-time with a concentration in Marketing Research. She received her bachelor's degree in Marketing Communications fromColumbia College in 2004. While at Columbia, Jennifer interned with MTV Networks and Leo Burnett’s Qualitative Research Group. Upon graduation she began her career at Leo Burnett/Arc Worldwide in the Database Marketing Department. Since then she has been promoted and continues to work for the company in an Analyst role. In her spare time, Jen loves to travel and experience new cultures. Her passport currently holds stamps from Italy, the United Kingdom, France, Mexico, Jamaica, Australia, New Zealand and most recently Japan. Jen looks forward to bringing a fresh international perspective to KMG as the VP of Global Strategy.
Nina Martin
VP of Communications
Undergraduate Institution: Illinois Wesleyan University
Kellstadt Program: MBA Candidate, Marketing Management
Current Position: Project Manager at Critical Mass
Connect with Nina:
With nearly 5 years of account service experience in digital and direct marketing, Nina is currently a Project Manager at Critical Mass working on the consumer and dealer initiatives for AutoTrader.com. Prior to joining CM, Nina worked at Starcom Worldwide in the media department for several top brands, including Kellogg, US Cellular, Macy’s, Applebee’s, Pet Smart, and Miller Lite. After receiving her undergraduate degree from Illinois Wesleyan University, Nina enrolled at Kelstadt Graduate School of Business in 2007 with a concentration in Marketing Management. In her free time, Nina loves to run Chicago charity races, hang out with friends and family, and play softball and volleyball.
Angie Housel
VP of Brand Management
Undergraduate Institution: Michigan State University
Kellstadt Program: MBA Candidate 2011, Brand Management
Current Position: Account Manager at Cision
Connect with Angie:
Angie started her MBA program at DePaul in Spring of 2009 with a concentration in Brand Management. She received her bachelor’s degree in Communication from Michigan State University in 2006 and moved to Chicago shortly thereafter. She holds the position of Account Manager at Cision, a global media company. Angie resides in Lincoln Park, and enjoys all aspects of Chicago, from the fast pace of city life to the community feel of each neighborhood. She loves to travel, especially to various places in Europe – her next adventure will be a tour through France. Keeping up with her book club, practicing yoga, and now her new position on the KMG board will certainly keep her quite active as she continues to enjoy every minute of her time at Kellstadt.
Alana Kheyfets
VP of Events
Undergraduate Institution: University of Delaware
Kellstadt Program: MBA Candidate 2011, Marketing Management
Current Position: Full-time student
Connect with Alana:
Alana graduated from University of Delaware in 2006 with a Bachelor of Science in Marketing and Management. She also minored in psychology. Right out of college, Alana began working for AT&T in B2B sales. Her role as an outside account executive in Manhattan, NYC was challenging and exciting. Alana has gone back to school full time to get her MBA in Marketing, majoring in Integrated Marketing Communication and Brand Management at DePaul University. Alana is originally from NYC but adores Chicago now. Besides enjoying the MBA process, Alana likes to play with her dog Gizmo, work out to relieve stress, and spend time with friend and family! She also loves the KMG!
Benjamin Grinold
VP of Corporate Relations
Undergraduate Institution: Michigan State University
Kellstadt Program: MBA Candidate 2011, Marketing Management andFinance
Current Position: Full-time student
Connect with Benjamin:
Ben received his undergraduate degree in Telecommunication from Michigan State University. He has 10 years of sales experience working in the telecom, Internet, & industrial supply industries. He is currently pursuing a DePaul MBA, concentrating in Marketing Management & Finance, with plans to move his career into marketing after graduation. Ben is an avid soccer fan, who enjoys watching almost as much as playing. Other interests include fitness, Michigan State football/basketball, reading, & traveling.
David Barkules
VP of Finance and Administration
Undergraduate Institution: Calvin College
Kellstadt Program: MBA Candidate, Marketing Strategy and Planning andOperations Management
Current Position: Associate Manager, Advertising Analysis at Cars.com
Connect with David:
Dave graduated from Calvin College in 2001 with a Finance major and minors in Economics and Communications. After graduating, he spent over 7 years in the commercial banking industry. Deciding to shift careers, Dave went back to school full-time and obtained a dual concentration MBA in Marketing Strategy and Operations Management (graduated June 2010). In the summer of 2009 Dave began working in the online marketing industry and is currently working for Cars.com. In his spare time, Dave enjoys music, playing both guitar and piano, as well as traveling and playing tennis.
LOOKING TO BUILD YOUR RESUME?
KMG is looking for committee members to join this year's board. If you are interested, please contact KMG President Allison Massey at alli.massey@gmail.com.
NextGen Finalizing Panelist Roster as Event Draws Near
CHICAGO, Ill. -- The Kellstadt Marketing Group is finalizing the roster of panelists for its 2010 marketing symposium, NextGen: Insights on Innovation from Marketing Leaders, on April 17. Joining keynote speaker and DePaul alumnus James M. Jenness, KMG has announced the final members of the media panel over the last week, as well as some changes to the list of professionals joining other panels at the day-long conference.
Announced via the group's Twitter account, VivaKi's Christian Kugel and Razorfish's Patrick Hounsell bring a wealth of executive experience to the media panel, "Now Streaming: Implications of an All-Digital Media Landscape." Adding to the impessively credentials of panel members, KMG confirmed participation of Evelyn Duff, a senior manager at Nielsen and DePaul graduate, on Monday afternoon (March 29).
As a senior vice president, Mr. Kugel is one of the leaders guiding VivaKi, the strategic entity created by Publicis Groupe to leverage the combined scale of its media and digital operations, which represent nearly US $50 billion in global adspend and influence.
Mr. Hounsell serves as the central region manager of media and marketing for Razorfish. Another company currently under the Publicis umbrella, Razorfish is one of the world's leading digital agencies as well as one of the largest buyers of digital ad space.
Ms. Duff, Mr. Kugel and Mr. Hounsell join Kari King, midwest account director of Glam Media, and group moderator John Martin, vice president at Tribune Co. Mr. Martin also serves as an adjunct member of DePaul's marketing staff.
Kellstadt Marketing Group has also announced changes among the participants on its Sustainability/CSR panel. Jane Madden, svp csr and sustainability at Edelman, joins the dais on the marketing implications of CSR and Sustainability. Mission Measurement's Cheryl Davenport will no longer participate on this panel due to a scheduling conflict. Cassie Green, founder of local sustainable supermarket Green Grocer, will also lend her expertise to this group.
DePaul University's 2009 Loop Campus Event of the Year, KMG's Symposium returns for its second year on Saturday, April 17. Titled NextGen, this year's event will be a forward-looking exploration of marketing leadership and the realities the next generation of leaders will face under the realities of the "new normal."
NextGen event is open to the the public. KMG members can reserve their seats for $65; registration for guests and marketing professionals is $85. Lunch and a cocktail reception following the event are included in the registration fee. More information, including a full synopsis of the each panel and speaker bios, can be found at kellstadtmarketing.com.
Updated panelist bios:
Evelyn Duff (coming soon)
Cassie Green (coming soon)
Listing of Special Topics Courses for Spring 2010
The Marketing Department has announced four special topics courses for the 09/10 Spring term:
MKT 798/538 Strategic Planning for New Product Management
MKT 798 Marketing in Asia Pacific
MKT 798 Multichannel Marketing Communication Program (MC2)
MKT 798/579 Category Management
Please read on below for full course descriptions.
MKT 798/538 Strategic Planning for New Product Management
The importance of managing successful new products has increased exponentially given the impetus of a global economy, the faster rate of innovation and the increased sophistication of consumers. New products as a result of innovation are at the center of companies’ strategies for both growth and survival. Executive issues to be explored include: Managing New Product Portfolios, Fostering Innovation and Creativity, Design as a Competitive Advantage, Borderless Innovation: The impact of globalization, and Mastering channels of distribution.
In this course we’ll use current case studies, events and articles to provide the students a series of tools and concepts that will enable them to manage successful new products situations in the workplace. The course is targeted to marketing professionals interested in transitioning to new product development, to technical professionals looking to move into management, entrepreneurs and general managers who are responsible for a portfolio of products, financial analysis who assess growth prospects, and product development professionals who need to learn tools and techniques to handle strategic challenges today.
PREREQUISITE: New Product Development (537) or instructor's approval.
Campus Day Time Professor
LOOP M 5:45 Loida Rosario
MKT 798 Marketing in Asia Pacific
The course is designed to provide a strategic business perspective of the marketing environment in the Asia-Pacific region. Major emphasis will be given to Japan, S. Korea, China and India. The course is structured to review and understand the different business cultures found in the region, including East Asia (Japan, Korea, China, Taiwan), Southeast Asia (Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Vietnam), and South Asia (India).
The course draws together an analysis of the micro marketing environment of specific countries and the macro environmental factors of the region.
Campus Day Time Professor
LOOP TH 6:00-9:15 Luis Larrea
MKT 798 Multichannel Marketing Communication Program (MC2)
All firms have multiple channels of communication that they employ to interact with customers, supplies, and others. However, they are all challenged to make this total system of communication accountable and measurable. Many communications channels, traditional, internet, social media, and other direct methods will be explored. We use reading materials, projects and outstanding professional experts to show us how to make multiple channels of communications accountable. Prior to this year this course has only been offered as a certificate course to professional students. Now graduate students may take it for credit so they can learn and network with practicing direct and interactive marketing professionals.
Campus Day Time Professor
LOOP T 6:00-9:15 Kelly, S.J
MKT 798/579 Category Management
Successful companies expect their suppliers to act as partners that will help them grow their businesses, not simply to trade share among competitors. Relationships are established between buyer and seller when vendor partners demonstrate and leverage business understanding to build customer volume.
In consumer packaged goods, this practice has become known as category management. In this system, one category manager is typically appointed from a group of competitors. The category manager is usually, but not always, the market share leader in a category. The category manager is always a category expert with the resources necessary to translate information into business insight and implement volume building activity.
In this course we will use the case method to:
• Learn the category management process;
• Use the information systems and data resources available;
• Develop sales presentations that effectively communicate solutions for business problems in three different industries.
These cases will be drawn from the consumer packaged goods, mass merchant retailing and industrial manufacturing businesses. Students will work individually and on teams to complete each assignment.
Campus Day Time Professor
LOOP T 6:00-9:15 Dan Strunk
SAVE THE DATE! KMG Announces 2010 Symposium
A limited number of tickets are available to members at a discounted price.
CHICAGO, Ill. -- Kellstadt Marketing Group is proud to announce the dates and preliminary schedule of topics for its 2010 marketing symposium, NextGen: Insights on Innovation from Marketing Leaders. The day-long event will be held on Saturday, April 17, 2010, in the DePaul Loop Campus 8th Floor Conference Center.
KMG's signature symposium event serves as an opportunity to explore the issues and challenges shaping the next generation of marketing leaders. NextGen programming will not only focus on defining the tools that are relevant within the constructs of a marketer’s core responsibilities, but also explain how these tools can shape the structure of a business model primed for growth.
At NextGen, top-tier executives will speak to the nature of marketing leadership in a world of radical change. Among the topics scheduled for examination are:
- • Developing sustainable competitive advantage through socially responsible behavior and the implications of using CSR as a marketing tool;
- • Identifying key moments when entrepreneurs can expand their ventures by leveraging skills from the ever-evolving marketing tool kit;
- • Utilizing social media and technology to create a positive collaboration with consumers in forming a brand’s story;
- • Translating marketing knowledge across boardroom disciplines, effectively packaging one's self, work and ideas to make a lasting impression; and
- • Understanding the forces that are shaping tomorrow’s marketplace today, from the shifting demographic landscape of the next decade to the radically democratized nature of media.
Last year's symposium, A New Era of Opportunity: Engaging the Consumer, featured a keynote address from Google's Jim Lecinski, as well as contributions from representatives of Chicago 2016, Dawn Foods, Wrigley, Motorola, Grainger, Edelman, Nielsen, PepsiCo, McDonald's, Tribune Interactive, Prophet and Threadless, among many more.
Building off the success of its inaugural year, KMG seeks to advance its mission of providing a real-time examination of the issues, trends and opportunities that marketers face as they begin the next stages of their careers.
Further details, including updates on speakers and content, will be announced at kellstadtmarketing.com.
Tickets for NextGen are now available. As a reward for early registration, KMG has made a limited number of seats available to KMG members for $50. After this allotment has been sold, tickets will be priced at $65 for members. Guests and Chicago-area marketing professionals are welcome to attend; registration for guests is $85.
Kellstadt Connections November 2009
Click here to read our newsletter.
Member Spotlight: Megan Lawless
Megan Lawless, MBA ’08 Business Development Coordinator, U.S. Region
Lovells LLP
Q. Why did you choose the DePaul MBA program and what was your area of study?
A. I selected DePaul for a number of reasons. When I compared the MBA programs offered in Chicago, DePaul seemed like the best fit for me. My undergrad degree was in the arts, so I had very little background in business, and I wanted a program that would provide a good business foundation and allow me to explore various concentrations. I also knew I wanted to attend school part time—DePaul's part-time program was incredibly flexible and highly rated. I graduated with a double concentration in Brand Management and Marketing Communications.
Q. What work did you do for the Obama campaign?
A. About a month after graduating from DePaul, I was offered a job with The Strategy Group, a political consulting firm in Evanston, Ill. The Strategy Group had been hired by the Obama campaign as media and direct mail consultants, and I was hired to work on direct mail campaigns for Indiana, Ohio, Michigan and Pennsylvania. Although direct mail is pretty old school marketing, it was fascinating to see how integral this was to all other campaign marketing efforts. The mail, TV ads, website and even Obama’s speeches promoted the same messages at the same time. When all was said and done, the campaign sent out 111 million pieces of mail to voters across the country.
Q. What is your current position?
A. I'm currently working in business development for London-based international law firm Lovells LLP. I've never worked for a company based outside the United States, so this aspect has been an eye-opening experience.
Q. What is your advice for MBA students and graduates seeking a career in political or legal marketing?
A. As in any industry, it is important to use your network when looking for a job, especially if you are changing careers. For students looking to get into politics, networking is essential—most campaigns rely on word-of-mouth when hiring staff. A good way to get your feet wet is to volunteer on a campaign. Legal marketing is a bit of a different animal. Legal marketing is a relatively new niche since many firms have been slow to recognize the value of marketing. Most law firms want someone with solid traditional marketing skills and a background in professional or legal services.
Q. What do you see as the next step in your career?
A. I would really like to work on another campaign. It was a lot of hard work, but I loved being part of something I believed in. Ideally my next campaign job will lead to a permanent communications staff position with an elected official.
Q. What was your favorite MBA class and why?
A. I really enjoyed James Moore’s Internet marketing class. It was one of the last classes I took, but also one of the most useful. I have referred to the notes from that class countless times.
Member Spotlight: Lindsay Hall
Lindsay Hall, MBA '08
Director of Relationship Marketing, International Speedway Corporation
Why did you select the DePaul MBA program and what was your emphasis of study?
I chose DePaul because of the variety of marketing concentrations offered in the MBA program. My entire career has been in marketing and I knew that I wanted and needed to hone my skills and knowledge base as well as update my education to new practices that had come about since my undergraduate concentration. The part-time program was exactly what I needed!
What is your experience working in brand?
At Sanford, my last position was brand manager for Sharpie, where I managed the highlighter business and was primarily responsible for developing and executing annual marketing and product development strategy and plans.
What is your current position?
I am the director of relationship marketing at International Speedway Corporation (ISC) in Daytona Beach. During the MBA program—surrounded with professionally minded individuals, like everyone else—I started asking myself questions about the direction of my career and what, in my previous experience, did I enjoy most about working in the marketing field. My passion for being on the sponsorship side of the NASCAR sport was a small piece of my job that I truly enjoyed. Before my final semester at DePaul, I started networking to understand where someone with my professional background and experience might best fit into the sport. I came across the position at ISC and it truly could not be a better fit. My position focuses on customer relationship management (CRM), which is a segment of marketing I had not experienced. This position has been a learning experience, and so exciting, because I am learning something new in an industry I love.
What advice can you offer MBA students who want to move into brand?
Start wherever you can to get into the door; I think internships are the best way. I was very lucky to be offered a position in product management from an internship during my undergraduate program. From there, my experiences built across companies. The skills that you learn being a brand manager will transfer across many products and services. Now, I am building brands for the racetracks that my company owns, operates and manages.
Also, use your network of connections (and LinkedIn) to ask people about what they do and what they like and dislike about their jobs/careers. It will help you understand more about where you might best fit. And, I know this sounds cliche, but follow your dreams and know what makes you happy. It may take several years to get there, but with an end goal in mind, the steps you take in your career should lead you there.
What was your favorite MBA class and why?
I really enjoyed Internet Marketing with Professor James Moore that I took my last quarter. It was a class that focused on elements of marketing that I had not touched with my last position and it really opened my eyes to the possibilities of social media and online marketing. It was one of my last classes and I am using much of what I learned in my job today.
Marketing Jobs & Membership Directory Launches Today
Marketing Jobs & Membership Directory Is Ready!
Have you heard of open marketing positions at your company? Are you interested in expanding your marketing network? Now you can share the open position and connect with a highly educated marketing group through our "Members-only" section of our website. With the job market showing no signs of recovery; it’s a good reason to utilize the KMG network.
Get started today by completing the following:
- Pay it forward! Post your open marketing position for other members to apply.
- Be sure to complete your profile on the www.kellstadtmarketing.com.
Current members will receive an email with information on how to sign up. If you're not a member yet, be sure to join now so you can receive this great member benefit!
Have questions, please contact Agung Koesnanto.
