Debbie Bates-Schrott brings more than 30 years of creative leadership to her role as Chief Marketing Officer at Yes&, where she fuels the agency’s growth with a sharp blend of strategy, curiosity, and entrepreneurial drive. A natural connector, Debbie bridges marketing and business development to spark meaningful client relationships, build momentum, and open new doors of opportunity. Before joining Yes&, Debbie was the founder and CEO of Beyond Definition (formerly Bates Creative), a women-owned branding and marketing agency that earned more than 200 industry awards under her leadership. There, she led work that helped associations and mission-driven organizations clarify their identity, 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.