Maria is principal of MJ Lilly Associates, LLC, with more than 25 years experience in strategic marketing communications development and programming. Previously, Maria spent five years in consulting as an Executive Vice President at Edelman Worldwide and Managing Director at Gavin Anderson & Company. Earlier, she spent seven years in corporate positions at CS First Boston and Furman Selz, managing all elements of integrated marketing programs. Maria's clients have included a host of companies including Amadeus GDS, BNP Paribas, Deutsche Asset Management, Experian, Optum Health, JPMorgan Chase Asset Management, MasterCard, and Moody's KMV.

Susan is a writer and creative consultant who works exclusively with clever people developing copy and concepts that are informative, provocative, engaging, sometimes funny — yet always eminently appropriate to the assignment at hand.  She's most recently written for projects as varied as mapping software brochures and construction materials websites, national art initiatives, book publishing pitches, and collegiate fund-raising materials. She co-founded a NYC marketing communications firm with American Express, Verizon, and Citigroup as anchor clients. Currently she is researching a book on the double life of a Southern spinster.

Kim has more than 20 years of experience managing communications and marketing functions and brand development initiatives. She served as a senior partner for over a decade at Lippincott, the premier New York-based brand consultancy, leading engagements for clients across a broad range of industries and businesses including Fortune 50 companies and not-for-profits. Her primary focus is on positioning strategy, recognizing that lasting impact requires effective collaboration with the client and start-to-finish teamwork so that all aspects of the brand strategy and expression are reinforcing and fully realized in support of the strategic goals of the business. 

Ellen is dedicated to providing essential services to people in need and supporting mission-driven institutions. Her unique approach blends traditional development strategies with marketing and branding. As advisor, strategist and coach, Ellen helps organizations distinguish themselves and raise revenue in ways that are distinctly right for them. Under her personal guidance, some of New York City's most beloved non-profits developed seamless fundraising and marketing programs that raise revenue and support their mission.

Alex has over 16 years experience in developing intuitive and compelling websites and online tools. Working with a range of clients from local artists to large industrial firms, from award-winning architecture studios to Broadway shows, his experience and expertise play a vital role in the delivery of each project. Alex’s work is differentiated by the quality of its execution and his ability to make sense of the complexities. He has also developed a proprietary web-based content management system (CMS) that allows any person or organization to update their website without using any programming — or programmer. At Russell Design, we use this tool for our website and can vouch for its ease and effectiveness.