Smith Kroeger is a full-service marketing, advertising, digital, consulting and PR agency supporting Omaha and central Nebraska.

Marketing

Smith Kroeger

EVPs, Co-Creative Directors

Molly Polsen is a video editor and videographer from Omaha, Nebraska. Molly has worked as a video editor for the past eight years, most recently at [Smith Kroeger](/org/smith-kroeger). Molly has also worked as a graphic design intern at LI-COR Biosciences and as a video editor at Clark Creative Group. In their free time, Molly enjoys swing dancing and spending time with their cats.

Molly Polsen has a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Film & New Media from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Some of their coworkers include Randy Schnackenberg - Production Manager, Todd Birchard - Digital Production Designer. Molly Polsen reports to Mike Duman, EVP, Co-Creative Director.

Molly Polsen

Greg Ahrens is currently the EVP and co-creative director at [Smith Kroeger](/org/smith-kroeger). Prior to that, they were the president of Omaha Federation of Advertising from May 2004 to May 2005. Greg has also worked as a writer and producer at Blumenthal Cady & Associates from January 1990 to December 1995, where they wrote and produced TV, radio, outdoor, and print ads for Gordmans, 1/2 Price Store, FirsTier Bank, Yoga International, Hauptman O'Brien, Omaha Royals, and others. From January 1989 to December 1990, Greg was a copywriter at Falcon Marketing where they wrote for various ag accounts including Jacques Seed Company and Successful Farming Magazine.

Greg Ahrens reports to Terry Kroeger, President & CEO. Greg Ahrens works with Bob Duman - Senior Art Director, Brett Snead - Strategic Account Manager, and Richard Elver - Associate Account Manager.

Greg Ahrens

Todd Birchard is a digital production designer at [Smith Kroeger](/org/smith-kroeger). Todd has also worked as a graphics and communications coordinator, digital lead, and graphic designer. In their previous positions, they have been responsible for designing online and in-house digital promotions, managing apps and websites, developing and managing social media accounts, and designing newspaper ads and other publications. Todd has also worked in the mailing and sign department at Copycat Printing & Signs and as a graphic designer at The Red Oak Express & The Opinion-Tribune.

Todd Birchard's educational career includes completing an Associate of Arts in Advertising Design from [Iowa Lakes Community College](/org/iowa-lakes-community-college) as well as an Associate of Science in Advertising Design also from [Iowa Lakes Community College](/org/iowa-lakes-community-college). Todd Birchard also holds several certifications from Google in Advanced Google Analytics, Google Analytics for Beginners, Google Ads - Measurement Certification, Google Ads Display Certification, and Google Ads Search Certification. Finally, Todd Birchard has also completed the Google Analytics Individual Qualification.

Todd Birchard reports to Mike Duman, EVP, Co-Creative Director. Todd Birchard works with Molly Polsen - Video Editor & Videographer, Randy Schnackenberg - Production Manager.

Todd Birchard

Kelli Zieg is a project manager at [Smith Kroeger](/org/smith-kroeger). Kelli has previous experience working as a marketing project manager and traffic coordinator. Kelli has a strong background in managing projects and ensuring that they are delivered on time and to a high standard. Kelli is also experienced in managing vendor relationships and coordinating production schedules.

Kelli Zieg studied advertising with an emphasis in public relations at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Kelli Zieg works with Colin Comerford - Digital Marketing Coordinator, Mike Meehan - Senior Account Manager, and Lisa Meehan - Media Director. Their manager is Terry Kroeger, President & CEO.

Kelli Zieg

Richard Elver is currently an Associate Account Manager at [Smith Kroeger](/org/smith-kroeger). Prior to that, they worked as a Marketing Coordinator at [Sodexo](/org/sodexo) at [Creighton University](/org/creighton-university) from March 2019 to April 2021. There, they were responsible for creating and implementing yearly marketing plans, identifying areas of opportunity to increase sales, participating in weekly regional university marketing meetings, presenting dining program information to students and faculty, coordinating special dining events and promotions, and designing materials for marketing campaigns and events. Before [Sodexo](/org/sodexo), Richard worked as an Advanced Policy Owner Service Representative at Physicians Mutual from August 2017 to January 2019. In that role, they were responsible for initiating policy and coverage changes as appropriate for clients, assisting with new business calls and telesales, maintaining monthly production standards, assisting health care providers during the claims process, and providing excellent customer service. Richard is a skilled marketing coordinator and customer service representative with a proven track record of success.

Richard Elver pursued a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a focus in marketing from [Murray State University](/org/murray-state-university).

They are on a team with Kevin Ames - CFO, Business Manager, Ayman Sharif - Project Manager, and Lisa Meehan - Media Director. Richard Elver reports to Terry Kroeger, President & CEO.

Richard Elver

Izzy Nichols is currently an Associate Account Manager at [Smith Kroeger](/org/smith-kroeger). Izzy has previously worked as Front Desk Staff at Fly - A Fitness Revolution, Community Ambassador at Archrival, and Marketing and Branding at Osborne Family Enterprises - Forever Faithful Boutique And Gifts.

Izzy has always been passionate about helping others and making a difference in their community. Izzy is a strong advocate for women's empowerment and is always looking for ways to help businesses grow and succeed.

Izzy Nichols has a Bachelor of Journalism and Mass Communications from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with a focus in advertising and public relations as well as minors in textile merchandising and fashion design and communications. Izzy also has certification from Google in advanced Google analytics and Google analytics for beginners.

Their manager is Terry Kroeger, President & CEO. They work with Kevin Ames - CFO, Business Manager, Richard Elver - Associate Account Manager, and Colin Comerford - Digital Marketing Coordinator.

Izzy Nichols

Mike Meehan is a Senior Account Manager at [Smith Kroeger](/org/smith-kroeger), a communications firm in Omaha, Nebraska. Mike previously worked as an account manager at Clark Creative Group.

Mike Meehan's educational career is as follows: Mike earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communication and Media Studies from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Mike Meehan reports to Terry Kroeger, President & CEO. Mike Meehan works with Sara Wilson - EVP, Client Services & PR, Barb Ruser - SVP, Creative Services, and Kelli Zieg - Project Manager.

Mike Meehan

James West is currently a Digital Marketing Specialist at [Smith Kroeger](/org/smith-kroeger). Prior to this, they worked as a Global New Business Associate at FCB Global from January 2019 to July 2020. In this role, they were responsible for content development and production for RFI/RFP submissions, pitch materials and marketing assets, agency materials, and reporting for global and senior management. James also initiated and managed relationships with local leads and tracked pitch costs throughout the process.

James West has a Bachelor of Journalism from the University of Missouri-Columbia. James has also received certification from [Basis Technologies](/org/basis-technologies) in Programmatic Essentials, Google Ads in Google Ads Display Certification, Google Ads in Google Ads Search Certification, and Google Ads in Google Ads Video Certification.

James West reports to Dave Klemencic, EVP, Digital & Media Strategy. Some of their coworkers include and Cara Eccleston - Web Development Specialist.

James West

Randy Schnackenberg is the Production Manager at [Smith Kroeger](/org/smith-kroeger). Randy has over fifteen years of experience in production management, and has previously worked for [Swanson Russell](/org/swanson-russell) and Envoy, Inc. Randy is a highly skilled and motivated individual who is always looking for new ways to improve efficiency and quality in the production process.

Some of their coworkers include Todd Birchard - Digital Production Designer, Molly Polsen - Video Editor & Videographer. Randy Schnackenberg reports to Mike Duman, EVP, Co-Creative Director.

Randy Schnackenberg

Cara Eccleston is a web development specialist at [Smith Kroeger](/org/smith-kroeger). Cara has also worked as a search engine optimization manager at [Schrock Innovations](/org/schrock-innovations) from August 2019 to May 2021. In this role, they were responsible for developing and organizing lead generation strategies, enhancing the company's web presence, creating content, managing the CRM for sales reps, and writing and designing sales and marketing literature. Cara has also served in support roles for various companies, including coordinating meetings and managing photography and videography.

Cara Eccleston holds a Master of Arts in English from the [University of Nebraska at Omaha](/org/university-of-nebraska-at-omaha) and a Bachelor of Arts in English from the same institution. Cara also has a certification from the [University of Nebraska at Omaha](/org/university-of-nebraska-at-omaha) in Technical Communication.

Cara Eccleston works with and James West - Digital Marketing Specialist. Cara Eccleston reports to Dave Klemencic, EVP, Digital & Media Strategy.

Cara Eccleston

Marilee Magiera has been working as a copy editor and proofreader at [Smith Kroeger](/org/smith-kroeger) since December 2001. Prior to that, they worked as a travel editor in the features department at The Omaha World-Herald from January 1985 to December 2001. From January 1981 to December 1985, they were an editorial assistant in the entertainment and editorial departments at The Tribune. Marilee began their career as a production assistant at the San Diego Opera Company from January 1981 to December 1981.

Marilee Magiera has a Bachelor of Science in English Literature from the [University of Tulsa](/org/university-of-tulsa).

Marilee Magiera reports to Sara Wilson, EVP, Client Services & PR. They are on a team with Lisa Conklin - Director, Media Planning & Buying, Lauren Gilmore - Director, Media Planning & Buying, and Robbie Owens - Web Design & Email Specialist.

Marilee Magiera

Thom Kastrup

Brett Snead

Colin Comerford is currently the Digital Marketing Coordinator at [Smith Kroeger](/org/smith-kroeger). Prior to this, they worked as the Marketing and Communications Specialist at Catholic Charities of the Diocese of La Crosse. Colin has also worked at the La Crosse Country Club, Chileda, [Reagan Outdoor Advertising](/org/reagan-outdoor-advertising), and [Wells Fargo](/org/wells-fargo). Colin is a skilled marketing professional with a wide range of experience in various industries.

Colin Comerford began their educational career at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse.

Colin Comerford reports to Terry Kroeger, President & CEO. Some of their coworkers include Patty O'Bryan - Director of Client Success, Annie Bradford - Account Manager, and Katie Wright - Senior Account Manager.

Colin Comerford

Morgan Crawford is currently an account manager at [Smith Kroeger](/org/smith-kroeger). Prior to that, they were a marketing manager at VirtuActive 3D Drafting & Design and at Battle Sports. Morgan started their career as a sales and marketing intern at Little Mango Children's Boutique. Morgan Crawford is a graduate of [Creighton University](/org/creighton-university) where they were also a student athlete.

Morgan Crawford earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing from [Creighton University](/org/creighton-university)'s Heider College of Business. Morgan also attended Millard North High School.

Morgan Crawford reports to Terry Kroeger, President & CEO. Some of their coworkers include Barb Ruser - SVP, Creative Services, Katie Wright - Senior Account Manager, and Greg Ahrens - EVP, Co-Creative Director.

Morgan Crawford

Patty O'Bryan is the Director of Client Success at [Smith Kroeger](/org/smith-kroeger). Patty was previously the Communications Manager at Rural Media Group, Inc.

Patty O'Bryan has a MBA in Technology Management from the [University of Phoenix](/org/university-of-phoenix-inc) and a BA in Art Education K-12 with a focus in Computer Graphics from the College of Saint Mary.

Their manager is Terry Kroeger, President & CEO. They are on a team with Morgan Crawford - Account Manager, Joleen David - Vice Chair, and Izzy Nichols - Associate Account Manager.

Patty O'Bryan

Lisa Meehan

Annie Bradford is an account manager at [Smith Kroeger](/org/smith-kroeger). Annie has previous experience working as an account coordinator and marketing intern. Annie also has experience working as an intern for NAI NP Dodge and [Texas Christian University](/org/texas-christian-university). In addition, they have experience working as a summer intern for Brad Ashford District Office and Walnut Avenue Radio.

Annie Bradford's educational career began at Westside High School. Annie then attended [Texas Christian University](/org/texas-christian-university), where they studied strategic communication, with a focus on public relations, advertising, and applied communication.

Their manager is Terry Kroeger, President & CEO. Some of their coworkers include Morgan Crawford - Account Manager, Sara Wilson - EVP, Client Services & PR, and Patty O'Bryan - Director of Client Success.

Annie Bradford

Bill Barna

Katie Wright is a Senior Account Manager at [Smith Kroeger](/org/smith-kroeger). Katie has been with the company since March 2015 and has held the position of Marketing Coordinator. Prior to joining [Smith Kroeger](/org/smith-kroeger), Katie worked as a Marketing Specialist at NMC, Inc.

Katie Wright received a Bachelor of Science in Communication with a focus in Advertising from Pittsburg State University.

They are on a team with Bob Duman - Senior Art Director, Mike Duman - EVP, Co-Creative Director, and Patty O'Bryan - Director of Client Success. Katie Wright reports to Terry Kroeger, President & CEO.

Katie Wright

Ayman Sharif

Joleen David learned about advertising before she learned to walk, wears a size 5½ shoe, is off the charts on the animal-lover scale and relishes the creative process.

Joleen David

Liz Scott

Robbie Owens

Bob Duman

Lauren Gilmore

Lisa Conklin

Dave Klemencic

Barb Ruser

Mike Duman

Mark Carpenter

Sara Wilson

Kevin Ames is pretty good with numbers, raises chickens, has gone toe-to-toe with bears and includes cyanide in his daily diet.

Kevin Ames

Terry Kroeger rubs elbows with the owners of the Los Angeles Chargers, admits he watches “The Bachelor” and hopes Led Zeppelin gets back together soon. Meet the big cheese and head honcho at Smith Kroeger.

Smith Kroeger

Randy Schnackenberg

Production Manager

Roles at Smith Kroeger

Production Manager

Mike Duman

Greg Ahrens

Ashley Essman

Satchel Daleo

Henrik Overgaard Kristensen