Who are we?
MARQUEE is
The crown jewel of your marketing strategy.
MARQUEE wants clients who want to build their brand through captivating experiences, creative marketing and relationship building. It’s a unique way of doing business, but Marquee is a unique company.
MARQUEE Creatives
where courageous creativity meets strategic impact.
MARQUEE is a full-service marketing and events firm specializing in strategic communications and event management for commercial, nonprofit, and government clients. As a certified Women-Owned Business Enterprise (WBE) and Small Business Enterprise (SBE), we’re proud to support agency goals while meeting supplier diversity and procurement standards.
Founded by Aundréa Cika Heschmeyer in 2005 and headquartered in Youngstown, Ohio, MARQUEE Creatives is an experiential marketing agency focused on delivering strategic marketing and inspired events for a select group of passionate clients.
Our team is made up of highly skilled affiliated professionals, each bringing an average of 20+ years of experience to the table. Ignited by an infectious energy and passion you won’t find anywhere else, our creative experts help our clients grow, stand out, and succeed.
At MARQUEE, we intentionally work with a limited client base so we can give every project the time, creativity, and care it deserves. We provide bold, personalized marketing solutions tailored to the unique goals of each client. You won’t find any cookie-cutter campaigns here — only courageous creativity that produces real, memorable results.
That’s the MARQUEE way.
MARQUEE'S
specialties include:
Public and Media Relations / Brand Development / Nonprofit Fundraising / Corporate and Community Events / Digital Marketing and Content Creation
Meet the Team
Our team of creatives – designers, writers, publicists, storytellers, event planners, and marketers – is made up of talented, experienced professionals, all of whom share your dedication to success.
Aundréa Cika Heschmeyer
President
Aundréa is a seasoned communications professional with more than 30 years of experience in marketing, public relations, journalism, event planning, and strategic development. As President and Founder of MARQUEE Creatives, she leads client strategy, messaging, and engagement efforts with a passion for storytelling and results.
A Mahoning Valley native, Aundréa began her career at The Business Journal in Youngstown before expanding her expertise nationwide as a broadcast journalist, national magazine editor, newsletter and book publisher, and nonprofit founder. Her career reflects a deep commitment to helping organizations communicate with purpose and creativity—whether through public campaigns, crisis communications, or signature events.
Known for her ability to turn big ideas into action, Aundréa has created and managed more than 100 successful events. She specializes in strategic planning, media coaching, volunteer and stakeholder engagement, and nonprofit development. Her clients span the nonprofit, entrepreneurial, and corporate sectors, and she’s recognized for her ability to unite message, mission, and community impact.
Aundréa’s return to Youngstown reignited her love for cultural heritage and inspired her to found PolishYoungstown, followed by the creation of Simply Slavic—a beloved downtown festival celebrating Eastern European traditions. Her cultural advocacy continues through event production, culinary classes, and community storytelling.
In addition to her work at MARQUEE, Aundréa serves on several nonprofit boards, including the Rotary Club of Youngstown, the Autism Society of the Mahoning Valley, and the Youngstown Press Club.
Married for 30+ years, Aundréa and her husband Mark have five children, six exchange student daughters, and an ever-growing collection of pets. An award-winning polka dancer and devoted fan of detective fiction, she brings energy, imagination, and a deep sense of place to everything she does.
Agata (Agi) Khoury
Senior Art Director
Agi is a seasoned graphic designer who thrives on creative challenges and visual storytelling. As Art Director at MARQUEE Creatives, she brings years of experience in commercial design, branding, and print advertising, coupled with a keen eye for detail and a passion for producing results-driven visuals.
Agi’s design approach is rooted in communication and research—she works closely with clients to align visual choices with brand goals, industry standards, and emerging trends. Her expertise spans typography, color theory, and layout, always emphasizing movement, proportion, and clarity to reflect each client’s unique personality and message.
Her career began at Winner Advertising, designing for major brands like Henn Workshops, Winner International, and the Youngstown Symphony. She later expanded her portfolio in Cleveland and Charlotte, working on campaigns for McDonald’s, Pearle Vision, The Ohio Lottery, and lifestyle magazine Skirt! Her return to the Mahoning Valley sparked a creative collaboration with longtime friend Aundréa, leading to the founding of PolishYoungstown and eventually the launch of MARQUEE Creatives.
In addition to her agency work, Agi continues to share her Polish heritage through teaching pierogi-making workshops under her “Sip & Pinch” brand and designing for cultural events like Simply Slavic. A native of Poland and proud mother of three, Agi enjoys hiking, traveling, photography, dancing, and baking—especially cheesecake.
Kim Dobrzynski
Director Client Success
Kim brings a wealth of experience in marketing and communications, paired with a strong work ethic and an energetic, solutions-oriented mindset. Her “can-do” attitude and passion lies in helping brands amplify their message and connect authentically with their audiences.
Throughout her career, Kim has built a reputation for developing strong, lasting relationships—with clients, vendors, and internal teams alike. She’s a firm believer in the power of community engagement, brand storytelling, and aligning marketing efforts with broader business goals. As Client Success Manager at Marquee, Kim plays a key role in ensuring our clients receive exceptional support, strategic insight, and consistent results.
Originally from New Jersey, Kim relocated to the mountains of West Virginia in 2017, where she lives with her husband Jim and their loyal border collie, Hope. A proud mom of three grown children, Kim enjoys traveling, spending time with family, taking long walks, and savoring great Italian food.
Anthony Fusco
Digital Marketing Director
Anthony is a digital strategist and media specialist whose creativity, technical expertise, and collaborative mindset have elevated MARQUEE’s digital marketing capabilities. With a strong ability to connect big-picture strategy to hands-on execution, he consistently delivers innovative solutions that drive engagement and measurable results.
Since joining MARQUEE, Anthony has played a key role in advancing digital campaigns across a wide range of clients. From modernizing legacy outreach to developing high-performance funnels and e-commerce platforms, his work reflects a deep understanding of audience behavior, platform fluency, and performance metrics. His refreshed content strategies and social media innovations have helped clients remain relevant and grow their digital presence.
In addition to leading content production and account management, Anthony contributes to strategic initiatives such as the proposed “Ohio, The Heart of it All” merchandise platform. He brings expertise in visual storytelling, analytics, and platform integration, and is proficient in tools including Adobe Creative Suite, Mailchimp, and Google Analytics.
Anthony holds a B.A. in Digital Marketing and Media Production from Baldwin Wallace University and is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Emerging Media and Technology at Kent State University. His commitment to evolving platforms and experience design makes him an invaluable asset to MARQUEE and its clients.
Matt Abramowski
CRM Data Coordinator
Matt brings over 15 years of nonprofit experience to MARQUEE Creatives, where he serves as a Data Systems Specialist supporting client growth through organized, actionable insights. He is passionate about helping organizations use their data to attract, engage, and retain funders, customers, and stakeholders—bridging the gap between raw information and meaningful strategy.
Highly organized and solutions-oriented, Matt leads MARQUEE’s efforts in data retrieval, list management, and system optimization. He ensures that data is clean, current, and structured for strategic use. Whether managing large datasets, evaluating software tools, or training staff on data systems, Matt brings a thoughtful, puzzle-solving mindset to every task. He is experienced with Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets, and has a growing knowledge of donor and CRM platforms.
Matt’s professional philosophy—centered on meeting client needs rather than chasing sales—was shaped early on during his high school job at a family-owned shoe store. That same values-driven approach now guides his work with mission-based organizations.
Outside of MARQUEE, Matt finds his greatest joy in being a husband to his wife Kathy and a devoted dad to their three daughters: Hannah, Gabriella, and Bridgette. He enjoys biking, golf, and exploring authentic Polish cuisine in his spare time.
Valentine J. Brkich
Staff Writer
Val Brkich is a seasoned writer and editor who brings a sharp editorial eye and a gift for storytelling to his role at MARQUEE. He specializes in crafting clear, compelling web content that helps clients articulate their message and connect authentically with their audiences.
With a B.S. in English from Westminster College and more than a decade of professional writing experience, Val excels at translating complex ideas into accessible, engaging copy across websites, marketing materials, and email campaigns. He guides clients through the full content development process—from uncovering their core story to refining copy that reflects both voice and vision.
Val is passionate about humanizing brand messaging and aligning it with strategic goals. Known for his attention to tone, grammar, and structure, he brings both creative insight and editorial precision to every project. Outside of MARQUEE, Val shares personal essays and humor writing on valthewriter.substack.com and has published more than a dozen books.
Outside of MARQUEE, Val shares his personal essays and humor writing on valthewriter.substack.com and has authored over a dozen books. He also helps aspiring authors achieve their publishing goals through ghostwriting and editorial support.
Simone Corner
Marketing Associate
Simone is a driven marketing professional passionate about sports, community, and creating memorable experiences through strategic events. A summa cum laude graduate of Youngstown State University (BBA, Marketing Minor), she has held roles at Premier Bank and Youngstown Parks and Recreation, developing strong foundations in data analysis, project management, and communications.
Simone brings exceptional organizational skills to every project—adept at coordinating diverse groups, managing complex logistics, and ensuring no detail is overlooked. Her experience spans program management, community engagement, and content creation, with a proven ability to bring people together for impactful initiatives that promote unity and inspire positive change.
Outside of the office, Simone continues to foster growth and connection through her work with the YMCA of Youngstown’s youth sports programs, where she helps young athletes develop both skills and character.
Kaden Coss
Social Media Coordinator
Kaden brings a strong foundation in digital marketing and a passion for content creation to his role at MARQUEE Creatives. With experience managing social media for multiple clients through Smoothie Media and the Baldwin Wallace Digital Marketing Center, he is skilled in developing platform-specific content, editing video, and turning brand goals into organic engagement.
Kaden currently serves as Vice President of Communications for Sigma Phi Epsilon at Baldwin Wallace University, where he leads social strategy and creative direction for the chapter’s digital presence. He also maintains a personal TikTok following of over 70,000—highlighting his fluency in platform trends, audience behavior, and viral storytelling.
Creative, driven, and detail-oriented, Kaden brings a fresh perspective and strong technical skills to ev
Jessica Detwiler
Marketing Associate
Jessica boasts experience with a large spectrum of both clients and types of marketing. She is a digital marketing expert, with a specialization in Social Media Marketing. Jessica has worked in the digital marketing field for 13 years. She brings an analytical approach, following trends in algorithms to obtain the best results. While Jessica has worked with many brands over the years like Hasbro, Joovy, Great Wolf Lodge, and Disney On Ice- her heart is with helping local businesses establish and maintain a digital footprint that will make a lasting impression.
Jessica graduated from Youngstown State University with a degree in Marketing Management. When she isn’t working on her next big idea, Jessica enjoys attending local activities and traveling with her family.
John Fahnert
Media Buyer
John brings more than 30 years of expertise in media buying, business development, and strategic advertising to his role as Media Planner at MARQUEE Creatives. A seasoned negotiator, he has built strong relationships with media outlets across the Midwest and developed highly effective buying strategies that deliver measurable results for clients.
John’s background includes advertising roles at WKBN, WYTV, Keynote Media Group, and the U.S. Army, where he honed his skills in media planning, campaign development, and client service. His deep understanding of the Mahoning Valley audience—shaped by years of leadership and civic engagement—allows him to craft targeted campaigns that resonate with the community.
A former president of the Rotary Club of Youngstown, John has also served on the boards of the Boys & Girls Club of Youngstown and the WYSU Citizens Advisory Board. He holds a degree in Economics and Political Science from Youngstown State University, with a focus on urban studies.
John is a graduate of Sebring McKinley High School and remains actively involved in his community. He lives in Hermitage, Pennsylvania, and brings a passion for service, strategy, and storytelling to the MARQUEE team.
Nathan Heinly
Procurement Specialist
Nathan is a motivated and detail-oriented procurement professional supporting MARQUEE’s growth in the government contracting space. As Procurement Specialist, Nathan leads research and proposal development across multiple sectors, helping align contract opportunities with MARQUEE’s capabilities and long-term strategy.
In this role, Nathan evaluates solicitations, tracks federal procurement trends, and builds internal systems to support certification management and compliance. With a proactive and analytical approach, he plays a key role in positioning MARQUEE for success in competitive contracting environments.
Nathan holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Youngstown State University and is pursuing his MBA with a specialization in Marketing. He brings leadership experience as a Teaching Assistant at YSU’s Sokolov Honors College. Outside of work, Nathan enjoys spending time with family and friends, playing basketball and Xbox, and staying active through weight lifting and running.
Madison Hoopes Associate Graphic Designer
Madison is a creative and detail-driven designer who brings strategic thinking and strong visual storytelling to her role at MARQUEE. She contributes to a wide range of branding and marketing projects, developing thoughtful, client-focused designs that resonate across platforms.
Madison holds a degree in Visual Communication Design with a minor in Business from Walsh University. Her background has consistently recognized her for her reliability, organization, and upbeat energy.
From crafting compelling logos and digital assets to working hands-on with production tools like the Cricut Maker 3 and UV-LED printers, Madison thrives at the intersection of creativity and craftsmanship. Her design philosophy centers on authenticity, believing that great work should reflect both the client’s identity and a genuine sense of care.
Outside of MARQUEE, Madison draws inspiration from her background in ballet and her lifelong love of storytelling. Whether she’s refining brand elements or shaping new campaigns, she brings a fresh perspective and commitment to quality in every project.
Madison Hoopes
Associate Graphic Designer
Madison is a creative and detail-driven designer who brings strategic thinking and strong visual storytelling to her role at MARQUEE. She contributes to a wide range of branding and marketing projects, developing thoughtful, client-focused designs that resonate across platforms.
Madison holds a degree in Visual Communication Design with a minor in Business from Walsh University. Her background has consistently recognized her for her reliability, organization, and upbeat energy.
From crafting compelling logos and digital assets to working hands-on with production tools like the Cricut Maker 3 and UV-LED printers, Madison thrives at the intersection of creativity and craftsmanship. Her design philosophy centers on authenticity, believing that great work should reflect both the client’s identity and a genuine sense of care.
Outside of MARQUEE, Madison draws inspiration from her background in ballet and her lifelong love of storytelling. Whether she’s refining brand elements or shaping new campaigns, she brings a fresh perspective and commitment to quality in every project.
Tony Jackson
IT Specialist
Tony brings more than 25 years’ experience to the company in all areas of information technology. He is a multi-disciplined web designer, specializing in the key areas required to conceptualize, build, launch, host and ensure the success of a website. From director of information services in manufacturing and higher education to creating and running a website design and hosting firm, Tony is committed to building long-term relationships with his clients to ensure a positive experience for all involved parties. Tony coaches girls’ soccer, is owner and driver of a multi-car race team. He enjoys camping with his family in the off-season.
Bella Khoury
Newsletter Editor
Bella brings a strong foundation in business operations, digital engagement, and content creation to her role as Newsletter Editor at MARQUEE Creatives. Currently pursuing a degree in Business Administration with a specialization in Operations Management at The Ohio State University, she combines academic insight with real-world experience to deliver compelling, brand-aligned communications.
Bella has hands-on expertise in social media strategy and customer engagement from her work with wellness brand HOTWORX, where she helped drive digital interaction and community connection. Her entrepreneurial spirit emerged early when she launched BellaBakes, an at-home baking business that blended creativity with client service.
Known for her energy, professionalism, and collaborative mindset, Bella is passionate about keeping audiences informed and inspired through thoughtful storytelling. At MARQUEE, she contributes fresh ideas and meaningful content that support our clients’ goals and strengthen engagement.
Debbie Larson
Photographer
Debbie is a creative professional with a passion for storytelling, connection, and community impact. At MARQUEE, she supports visual content creation and event coverage with a photography style that captures both the energy of the moment and the meaningful interactions between people. Her love of photography began during her senior year studying Public Relations and Advertising—and she hasn’t put the camera down since.
Driven by a deep belief in the power of human connection, Debbie brings warmth, empathy, and artistic insight to every project. In addition to her creative work, she is the founder of Youngstown Click, an active online platform where she shares her hometown adventures, and Community Christmas, a seasonal gathering that welcomes individuals without traditional holiday plans to share in food and fellowship.
Debbie also serves as Vice President of Membership for Toastmasters International Club #408, where she helps others grow their communication skills and confidence. In her free time, she enjoys reading, jet skiing, watching movies, and catching up with friends.
Michael Richmond
SEO & Google Specialist
Michael is a digital marketing strategist with deep expertise in search engine optimization, social media advertising, Google Ads, and website user experience. At MARQUEE Creatives, he leads the delivery and performance of digital campaigns, guiding the team in developing data-driven strategies that maximize reach and impact.
Certified in Google Ads and BrightEdge, Michael stays at the forefront of emerging tools and technologies, continually researching new ways to enhance digital performance. He brings a strong foundation in both entrepreneurship and marketing, holding a BBA in Business Entrepreneurship with a concentration in Sales and Marketing from DePaul University, and an MBA from Lake Forest Graduate School of Management.
Outside of work, Michael enjoys fishing and traveling internationally, always seeking new perspectives and inspiration.
Carissa Renninger
Event Specialist
Carissa brings more than a decade of experience in event planning and food service to her role at MARQUEE. With a strong background in restaurant operations, catering hospitality, and high-end weddings, she is known for executing seamless, detail-driven events that elevate the guest experience. Her work reflects a deep understanding of both logistics and client service—ensuring every event is as memorable as it is well-organized.
In addition to her event expertise, Carissa holds an MBA with a focus on leadership and team development. She is passionate about building strong teams and mentoring emerging leaders, applying that same focus to both her professional and volunteer roles.
Outside of MARQUEE, Carissa stays active in her Western Pennsylvania community. She serves as Sponsorship & Communications Chair for the Wilmington Area Soccer Club, is a dedicated Girl Scouts Troop Leader and Cub Scout Den Leader, and volunteers as a Sunday School teacher and Vacation Bible School leader at New Wilmington Presbyterian Church. She also coaches youth baseball and softball alongside her husband, and loves spending time at the ballfields with their two children.
Alexis Watkins
Newsletter Editor
Alexis is a skilled communicator and strategic storyteller who leads the planning, writing, and editing of engaging email marketing campaigns for MARQUEE’s nonprofit clients—ensuring each newsletter is not only visually compelling but also aligned with brand goals and audience engagement strategies.
With a strong foundation in content creation and editorial work, Alexis manages the entire content lifecycle—from collaborating with clients to gather stories to finalizing layouts and selecting visuals. She is known for her sharp attention to detail, creative instincts, and ability to humanize messaging in ways that build meaningful connections with readers.
Alexis holds a degree in Communication Studies from Baldwin Wallace University, where she also studied marketing, English, and psychology. She is committed to staying ahead of digital communication trends and continues to develop her expertise in email marketing tools such as Constant Contact, A/B testing, and audience segmentation.
Outside of work, Alexis enjoys reading, writing, and spending time with her two cats. She brings a thoughtful, organized, and audience-first mindset to every project she touches.
Brian Williams
Accountant
Brian brings more than 20 years of financial expertise to MARQUEE Creatives, with a career spanning Fortune 500 corporations, regional businesses, and nonprofit organizations. He specializes in budgeting, cash flow management, financial systems, and tax strategy—offering clients clarity, stability, and results-driven solutions.
With a background in industries ranging from transportation and technology to community-based nonprofits, Brian is known for his ability to simplify complex financial challenges and streamline operations. His attention to detail and big-picture thinking make him an invaluable partner in maintaining fiscal health and supporting organizational growth.
Beyond the office, Brian is a dedicated community member and active volunteer. He contributes his time and leadership to PolishYoungstown, the Order of the Eastern Star Masonic Lodge. A lifelong learner and classical guitar enthusiast, Brian is also a proud grandfather who enjoys sharing time and stories with the next generation.
