Zihla Salinas leads Yes& with a focus on growth, operational strength, and building a connected, future-ready organization. She brings deep experience running agencies and scaling integrated marketing networks. As Founder and CEO of Conspiracy Theory, Zihla built a collective of specialist agencies serving Fortune 500 clients. Earlier, as U.S. CEO and Global CMO of ENGINE, she oversaw global brand identity and U.S. media, strategy, and creative operations. Zihla is also an active mentor and industry leader, supporting organizations including Girls Leadership and the Marcus Graham Project. She is known for bringing people and capabilities together in ways that help clients move forward with clarity and confidence.

Josh Golden leads the creative vision for Yes&, guiding teams of storytellers, strategists, and makers to create work that connects and delivers results. His career spans writing, directing, marketing, and live experiences, shaping a practical, idea-driven approach to creativity. He has led work for organizations including Choice Hotels, FEMA, DC United, UVA, and the U.S. Department of State. Earlier in his career, he directed creative for the New York Mets and Washington Nationals. Josh brings curiosity, clarity, and a deep appreciation for language to every challenge—helping clients find the ideas that move people and make an impact.

Jeb Brown is a longtime leader in the advertising industry, known for building and scaling one of the largest independent agencies in the United States. He grew Earle Palmer Brown from a small PR firm into a fully integrated marketing organization with more than 1,000 employees and offices across the U.S. and England. A pioneer of integrated marketing communications, Jeb helped bring together advertising, public relations, digital, and consulting into one model. Today, he oversees operations and financial performance at Yes&, drawing on decades of experience in agency growth and leadership. He is known for his steady guidance, entrepreneurial mindset, and ability to build organizations that last.

Bob Sprague brings 40 years of experience helping organizations communicate clearly and strategically. His work spans branding, research, internal and crisis communications, and content development. He has advised organizations including Geisinger, Merck, Novo Nordisk, Fannie Mae, the U.S. Coast Guard, the National Transportation Safety Board, and the FDIC. Across sectors—from healthcare to financial services to government—Bob is known for bringing clarity to complex challenges. A skilled facilitator and speaker, he helps leadership teams align around strategy and engage key stakeholders with confidence.

Avigail Schlosser brings more than 20 years of experience helping agencies build strong financial foundations that support growth and innovation. She is known for her collaborative, solutions-oriented approach. Previously CFO of OKRP, she guided the agency through rapid expansion and a successful acquisition. She also contributes to the industry through the 4A’s Finance Committee and Agency Operations Roundtable, and serves as Treasurer of the BLAC Internship program. At Yes&, Avigail focuses on aligning financial strategy with creative ambition—ensuring teams have the support they need to do their best work.

Debbie Bates-Schrott brings more than 30 years of experience driving growth through brand strategy and business development. She is known for connecting ideas, people, and opportunities to build momentum for clients and the agency. As founder of Beyond Definition (formerly Bates Creative), she led work for organizations including Cisco, VMware, Exxon Mobil, the Department of Defense, and leading associations—earning more than 200 industry awards. Debbie brings an entrepreneurial mindset and a collaborative spirit, helping clients clarify their story, engage their audiences, and grow with purpose. A frequent speaker at industry events hosted by Adobe, AMA, ASAE, and General Assembly, Debbie is a champion of creativity with impact. She also serves on the board of Blossoms of Hope, a Maryland nonprofit that blends beauty and community support through initiatives that benefit people affected by cancer and mental health challenges.

Jeff Nowak brings more than 20 years of agency leadership experience, helping brands navigate complex, highly regulated industries. He focuses on building strong client partnerships and delivering meaningful, measurable results. He previously spent more than a decade at Hill Holliday, leading work for Bank of America, Optum, Fireball, and the American Lung Association. Earlier, at Arnold Worldwide, he worked on brands including Gillette, Vonage, and The Hartford. Jeff brings a steady, collaborative approach to client leadership, helping organizations align strategy, creativity, and execution.

Andy Blenkle leads Yes& Government, bringing extensive experience in federal communications and agency growth. He has built and led teams delivering complex, high-impact public sector work. He has supported organizations including FEMA, the U.S. Mint, the National Flood Insurance Program, and the U.S. Department of State. Earlier roles include leadership positions at Fors Marsh, iostudio, and JWT Inside. Andy is known for combining strategic insight with operational expertise, helping clients navigate the federal landscape and deliver campaigns that drive measurable impact.

Carmel McDonagh leads Yes&’s business-to-government practice, supporting public sector and technology clients across brand strategy, communications, and marketing. Her experience includes work with organizations such as Dell, Akima, Rubrik, Accenture, UiPath, and the Smithsonian. With nearly 20 years in the B2G space, she understands how to position complex offerings in ways that connect. Carmel brings a clear, practical approach to storytelling and strategy, helping clients stand out in competitive markets and engage the audiences that matter most.

Jay Cronin leads the Consumer Brands division, bringing 25 years of experience across brand management, sponsorships, and agency leadership. He has worked with organizations including the NFL, HSBC, Shell, and InterContinental Hotels Group, and spent more than two decades within WPP agencies such as JWT and Ogilvy. Jay focuses on building integrated brand experiences that connect with audiences across channels. He brings a thoughtful, hands-on approach to helping clients grow, engage customers, and build lasting brand value.

Alexia Koelling leads Yes&’s nonprofit and higher education practice, helping organizations navigate change and plan for the future. She has worked with institutions including UVA, Northeastern University, UMass Amherst, Brigham Young University, and the Society of Actuaries. Her background spans media strategy, consulting, and account leadership. Alexia is known for her collaborative style and ability to guide clients through complex challenges. She helps organizations clarify their goals, align stakeholders, and build momentum toward meaningful outcomes.

Andrew Teie leads strategic planning at Yes&, with 20 years of experience across brand, digital, and customer experience strategy. He has worked at agencies including Ogilvy and Anomaly with clients such as Coca-Cola, Nestlé, Pfizer, UPS, Marriott, and Diageo. He later led branding and donor experience work at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Andrew helps organizations connect with their audiences in ways that are both rational and emotional, bringing a thoughtful, insight-driven approach to strategy.

Mark Pedersen brings more than 15 years of experience developing and executing data-driven marketing strategies. He specializes in media planning, audience research, and performance optimization. His work includes campaigns for the U.S. Department of State, FEMA, Choice Hotels, BIO International, Sentara, and Mount Vernon. From strategy through execution, Mark focuses on delivering measurable results and efficient media solutions. He brings a detail-oriented, analytical approach to helping clients reach the right audiences with the right message at the right time.

Jerry Doyle leads Yes& CommCore, specializing in messaging, storytelling, and executive communications. He works with leaders across industries to prepare for high-stakes presentations and critical moments. His experience spans sectors including healthcare, technology, transportation, and finance, supporting clients in both day-to-day communications and crisis situations. Jerry brings a practical, coaching-focused approach, helping individuals and teams communicate clearly, confidently, and effectively when it matters most.