Towan Isom, President and CEO

Towan Isom is President and CEO of Isom Global Strategies. She brings over 15 years of proven experience in strategic planning and management, as well as the spearheading of public education initiatives. Towan is a revered pioneer in the development of marketing plans, communication messaging, and strategy enhancement, and an industry leader in partner development and community involvement initiatives. Often cited is Towan’s ability to create, implement, manage, and oversee complementary, comprehensive, and culturally sensitive public education campaigns designed to create attitudinal and behavioral change.

Towan is highly regarded for her expert management of government and private-industry projects, with demonstrated results in marketing, communications, event management, and meeting support. She is well-informed about the importance of accessibility of content materials for research and evaluation. Towan leads her firm, including subject matter experts (SMEs), in creating memorable communication materials and events that meet client objectives cost-effectively, and develops powerful and proven branding techniques that promote an organization’s mission and values. Supported by the IGS team, Towan plans and directs all aspects of event coordination for clients in urban markets, from pre-event planning details to execution and post-evaluation; identifies and partners with health organizations, coalitions, community-based organizations, and social service organizations to leverage client brands; and helps consumers embrace a healthy lifestyle to prevent illness, seek treatment, and encourage wellness. Within recent years, she has directed and conducted qualitative research and facilitated focus group recruitment for a diverse clientele, including GlaxoSmithKline’s campaign to promote Nicorette, a smoking cessation product, with an emphasis on vulnerable, at-risk, and diverse populations.

Prior to founding Isom Global Strategies (formerly Isom Events) in 1996, Towan served as Associate Marketing Director for PBS in Washington, DC, where she conducted competitive research and developed media materials, talking points, press releases, presentations, electronic press kits for children’s programming, and sales and marketing strategies for account management. She is also a former Senior Marketing Manager for Black Entertainment Television (BET). Towan received her Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing from Bowie State University (Maryland). She is the author of Chasing Greatness: The Young Professional’s Guide to a Dynamic Life, published in early 2010.

Erika Singletary, COO

Erika Singletary has attained over 15 years of knowledge and experience through analysis of best business practices for Fortune 500 companies, government agencies, and non-profit entities across the globe. Erika’s area of expertise is evaluating operational and financial procedures for clients, including U.S. Federal Courts, Fannie Mae, and the International Committee of the Red Cross; and providing recommendations and training to improve efficiencies. Erika’s project management skills and background as a certified public accountant are also critical to IGS’s effective financial and budgetary oversight of client-based projects and internal processes.

Adrienne Hackney, Creative Director

Adrienne Hackney is a dynamic, results-driven Creative Director with over 10 years of combined professional and academic experience in creative management that includes proven vision and direction to create compelling graphic design and technical guidance for public education campaigns targeting at-risk and underserved populations. She executes promotions and packaging for targeted and culturally sensitive campaigns designed to create attitudinal and behavioral change; branding and visual solutions for conveying corporate and government communication strategies; and development and production of creative materials, including digital advertising and product packaging. Furthermore, she provides leadership in the development of outreach and communication vehicles for branding strategies, Web site enhancement plans, briefing templates, and survey instruments. Adrienne’s experience also includes internal and external initiatives, such as illustrations, brochures, promotional items, PowerPoint presentations, image manipulations, logos, stationery, marketing and event collateral, trade show displays, proposals, Web sites, and email campaigns.

As Principal, Designer, and Front-End Developer with Affinity Creative, Adrienne provides online and offline visual branding solutions for individuals, emerging businesses, and non-profit organizations; manages and performs all aspects of design projects from consultation, research, and concept development to programming, implementation, and training; and develops compelling and user-centric Web sites with content management systems using PHP and MySQL database integration.

Adrienne’s former employers include Booz Allen Hamilton, Inc., and State of Maryland Treasurer’s Office. She is a U.S. Fulbright Scholar to India, and her educational accomplishments include a Bachelor of Science degree in Information Science & Systems, Morgan State University, and coursework in Graphic Design, Corcoran College of Art + Design.

Audrey Burke, Research and Planning Director

Audrey Burke is an established marketing researcher with more than 18 years’ experience, including 10 years in the areas of qualitative and quantitative research and leading formative research and outcome evaluation. As a Senior Managing Director for Isom Global Strategies, her expertise lends itself to conducting formative and evaluative research tasks that guide creative strategies for campaigns, with an emphasis on at-risk and underserved populations. She is adept at converting complex, science-based information into salient, user-friendly language for key audiences. She is highly efficient in her management of project and program resources and time frames, achieving outcomes within cost and deadline. She brings expertise in the development of marketing and communication materials from conception to messaging and is an accomplished researcher, moderator, and analyst, having led more than 1,000 group discussions and over 500 one-on-one interviews with physicians, health practitioners, and patients, including children. Additionally, Audrey has hands-on experience implementing projects for and with healthcare organizations, pharmaceutical companies, marketing organizations, and non-profits.

As a Project Lead, Audrey is the impetus propelling teams to exceed client expectations and deadlines, and recommending actionable strategies. She routinely manages research and the proposal process for government and corporate clients and develops problem-solving strategies to enhance client product offerings.

Her previous professional experience includes marketing and research for Pfizer and Sara Lee Corporation. Audrey received her Master of Business Administration and Marketing degree from Clark Atlanta University, and her Bachelor of Science degree in Management from Binghamton University (SUNY).

Ashley Siegle, Communication and Social Media Specialist

Ashley Siegle is a multiculturally sensitive and Spanish-speaking Communication and Social Media Specialist with the acumen to conduct communications outreach to vulnerable and underserved populations, in particular the Hispanic community. With a combination of academic and professional experience developing and implementing interactive and innovative new-media strategies, including the creation of social and new-media tools and e-partnerships, she has demonstrated strategic, creative, and technical expertise in the development and execution of digital strategies to reach target audiences with relevant content that prompts behavioral change. Ashley’s additional proven abilities are in writing culturally appropriate content for target-audience racial and ethnic groups, managing and maintaining online content, preparing channel-specific formats for digital content, and assisting in developing a full range of activities associated with planning and producing consumer-based communication programs, strategies, and materials for targeted and culturally sensitive public education campaigns. Prior to joining Isom Global Strategies, Ashley was a Public Relations Specialist for On The Marc Media in Washington, DC. She also has experience in managing and developing content for professional blogs, engaging business, law, health, and nutrition. Ashley received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Media, Arts, & Design and Spanish from James Madison University.

Joary Casey, Associate

A graduate of George Mason University, Joary has served in many leadership and organizational positions before joining IGS. As an associate, Joary supports many IGS projects through writing, research, planning, and communication functions. Her ability to think outside the box and make time-sensitive decisions has been an excellent asset to IGS clients. Some of Joary's previous clients included George Mason University, Fairfax Area Christian Emergency Transition Services, and the Parent Institute for Quality Education; she currently leads the Department of Education project and coordinates IGS strategy team initiatives.

Samiha Sobhan, Project Assistant

Samiha Sobhan coordinates with program elements and teams to bring success for IGS. Managing project elements so they operate seamlessly to leverage our clients' objectives is Samiha's responsibility. Samiha has a diverse range of experience, including researching, writing, editing, and providing project assistance for results. Her previous clients include George Washington University, the World Bank, and the International Food Policy Research Institute. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Literature and a minor in French from Old Dominion University.

Andrea Adleman, Interactive and Social Media Director

Andrea Adleman has worked extensively in multicultural settings, partnering with stakeholders from diverse ethnic, racial, religious, and socioeconomic groups. She has worked in various levels of California government, including the City of Los Angeles, the County of Los Angeles, and the State of California. She is a freelance journalist whose work has appeared in the Los Angeles Times, the LA Daily News, the Sacramento Bee, and the Washington Post. Andrea is also a Public Affairs professional with over 20 years’ experience in journalism, public relations, executive communications, electoral campaigns, community outreach, and constituent services. She is bilingual in Spanish and English and has served as a Spanish-language media spokesperson. Andrea holds a BA in communication from the University of California, San Diego.

David Luckett, Senior Vice President and Management Supervisor

David Luckett is an accomplished leader in Healthcare Informatics, providing over 15 years of proficient project and implementation management with expertise in clinical information technology training, healthcare compliance training management, and course and product development. An outstanding communicator with a strong ability to interface with healthcare providers and high-profile stakeholders, David is a master of Web conferencing training platforms such as Microsoft Live Meeting, WebEx, Wimba, and Articulate. In addition, he provides full-service marketing and management, specializing in healthcare outreach, social marketing, strategic communications, and program management; manages all phases of the business opportunity review process; and directs nationwide training initiatives.

David previously served as Deputy Director of the National Minority AIDS Education and Training Center (NMAETC) at Howard University, College of Medicine. During his tenure at NMAETC, David was the Project Manager for the cultural competency curriculum aimed at reducing health disparities among minorities living with HIV/AIDS. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Design from Illinois Institute of Technology and a Bachelor of Science in Technical Management from Devry University, and is in pursuit of a Master’s degree in Distance Learning from University of Maryland University College.

Heidi Mann, Senior Editor

Heidi Mann has been a member of the Isom team for more than a year. As Senior Editor, she is an expert on the mechanics of great writing. Heidi oversees 90% of Isom's written content and assists the entire team in communicating messages as clearly and professionally as possible. Heidi is a gifted written and oral communicator and has helped many authors pen their best work. Under her direction, Isom has produced numerous dynamic marketing communications. Heidi's expertise encompasses basic proofreading, copyediting, substantive editing, and valuing our clients' work as if it were her own, which is the Isom standard. Heidi graduated summa cum laude from a liberal-arts college, went on to earn a master's degree, and continues to employ her excellence in communication now for the sake of the Isom team and our clients. Since joining Isom, she has helped us share our best ideas, from brief correspondence to a full-length book, in a concise and impactful manner.

Kia Jefferson, Account Supervisor

Kia Jefferson is a Strategic Communications Professional with valuable experience implementing diverse creative campaigns to craft innovative concepts that convert into relevant materials and messaging. She is an expert in experiential marketing with over 10 years’ experience in entertainment, implementing successful campaigns for Black Entertainment Television Networks (BET), BET Interactive (BET.com), Discovery Communications, United States Pharmacopeia (USP), and Mattel, Inc. (Barbie Collector Division), where she was engaged as a member of the Collectors Advisory Panel, responsible for pitching toy ideas for urban/underserved populations, including the first African American Sorority doll and series. Among her many strengths are her ability to establish relationships with diverse groups, from industry professionals to target audiences, with a detail-oriented eye on achieving high-impact messaging and expertise at working with young audiences via an array of social media, marketing messages, and community outreach tactics. Kia brings experience targeting inner-city and minority teens, including Black College Day, Teen Upliftment Program–My Personal Best, and Cable In The Classroom for the BET Network. Kia is a graduate of Lincoln University in Pennsylvania, and is passionate about delivering thought-provoking communications strategies to underserved populations.

Linda Flournoy, Copywriter

Linda Flournoy is an award-winning copywriter and wordsmith with over 15 years’ experience crafting versatile, creative, and voice-authentic messaging to inform, engage, and influence target audiences. Her skill set includes brainstorming, writing, developing, and editing creative copy and marketing concepts for multiple target demographics; creating compelling, persuasive messaging across diverse media platforms; and adapting complex data into consumer-friendly language. Linda is highly regarded for her capabilities in promoting public relations and branding strategies to engage audiences and the media, and in influencing and facilitating team-collaboration. With exceptional oral presentation skills, she has beensuccessful as a voice-over talent for film, PSAs, documentaries, and commercials. In addition, Linda edits creative copy, white papers, proposals, RFPs, and other business messaging; provides translation of creative concepts into the written and spoken word, including script-development; researches, defines, and incorporates company and client goals to enhance messaging for optimum audience connectivity; and brainstorms, identifies, and applies trends, societal influencers, consumer-psychographics, and social media in creating copy to promote and sell brands and concepts.

Prior to joining the IGS team, Linda was one of 12 in-house writers for American Greetings Corporation, where she created and executed innovative concepts, copy, and storyline development for multimillion-dollar Social Expression messaging, branding, and product packaging; successfully implemented strategies to increase consumer sales and brand visibility; researched and applied consumer-engagement competitive strategies regarding trends, voice, lifestyle, and multicultural diversity; and received multiple appointments to American Greetings Corporate Advisory Boards and Think Tanks, traveling to conduct national competitive research for new-product initiatives and collaborative projects as a designated writer with product management, design directors, and Marketing and Business Intelligence divisions. Linda is a graduate of Spelman College in Atlanta, Georgia, where she received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theater with a minor in Mass Communications.

Lori Porchér, Account Director

Lori Porchér is a Madison Avenue veteran who has worked for various multicultural and international agencies over the past 20 years, including Burrell Communications Group, GlobalHue, Caroline Jones Advertising, and Mission Advertising. Her impressive client roster consists of the following blue chip companies: Amtrak Acela Express, Prudential Insurance, Prudential Foundation, Anheuser-Busch Companies, US Department of Health and Human Services, Girls Inc., Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, and others. Lori’s expertise in project management and client services for general market and multicultural marketing projects comes from experience working with African American, Hispanic, Asian Youth, and LGBT marketing campaigns. Lori is a graduate of Syracuse University’s Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs.

Megha Mirchandani, Partnership Strategist

Megha Mirchandani is experienced in internal and external communications, building effective marketing campaigns for target audiences. She has served as a Communications Consultant for a host of Fortune 500 companies. Her communications expertise is primarily in public relations, marketing, management, and internal communications. Among her clients are GE Healthcare, GlaxoSmithKline, Johnson & Johnson, Piramal Healthcare, Tesco Hindustan Service Center, Infosys Technologies Ltd., and Dr. Reddy Laboratories. Megha is a graduate of Manchester Business School, UK, with a Master of Science degree in Corporate Communication and Reputation Management.

Ryan Rosado, Senior Account Executive

Ryan Rosado is an accomplished Communications Specialist with a diverse skill set in social media and online outreach. With solid project management and organizational skills, along with sharp analytical and problem-solving abilities, Ryan has worked on marketing communications programs for Webby award-winning educational programs, including “For Love of Liberty” through the US Army. As a Marketing Coordinator for government contractor United Solutions and Services, LLC, Ryan has also had the opportunity to work on other marketing communications programs for the US Army, including Army Diversity and the Army Concert Tour series. He is proficient in Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Suite, Google Adwords, Google Analytics, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, FourSquare, Flickr, YouTube, Banner Admin Applications, and Recruitment Plus. Ryan holds a Bachelor’s of Science in Marketing from George Mason University.

Xina Eiland, Public Relations Strategist

Xina Eiland is a well-established authoritative figure on multicultural marketing and healthcare communications. As a seasoned professional with more than 13 years’ experience in communications, her work includes media and community outreach, event planning, branding, and strategy development. In addition, her vast experience in multicultural marketing and health communications provides her with valuable insight for racial and ethnic minorities. As a publicist, her media credits include the Washington Post, the LA Times, MSNBC, CNN, BET, and National Public Radio. Xina holds a Bachelor’s degree in Communications and a Master’s degree in Healthcare Administration from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor campus.