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.
OUR COMPREHENSIVE SERVICES INCLUDE:
Public + Media Relations Experiential Marketing + Advertising + Media Buying Graphic Design + Branding Web Design + SEO Management Social Media + Digital Marketing Market Analysis Database Development + Management Fundraising + Campaign Development Relationship Marketing + Community Engagement Fundraisers, Corporate Workshops, Conferences, and Special Events
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 finds inspiration where others see challenges. With more than three decades in marketing, public relations, journalism, event planning, and strategic communications, she brings an impressive level of experience and expertise to our clients. A Mahoning Valley native, she also has a passion for promoting local businesses and helping them achieve their goals.
Aundréa began her career at the Youngstown Business Journal before pursuing other opportunities nationwide to expand her skills and build her career. In addition to serving as broadcast journalist, an award-winning national magazine editor, newsletter editor, and book publisher, she’s also worked with professional communications firms, founded thriving non-profits, and created more than 100 successful events. Most of all, Aundréa is passionate about helping companies and organizations tell their story and achieve their goals.
Aundréa’s return to Youngstown rekindled a calling to share the ethnic traditions of food, family, and music that bind a community together. This led to her to the creation of Polish Youngstown and its numerous classes and events based on her family roots. She later worked to bring the whole Eastern European community into her vision, and helped launch the highly successful Simply Slavic held in Downtown Youngstown. #culturalevangelist
A big proponent of giving back, she is active with a variety of non-profit and their boards including the Rotary Club of Youngstown, Autism Society of the Mahoning Valley and the Youngstown Press Club.
Aundréa is responsible for strategic development, planning, crisis management, and general public and media relations for a variety of nonprofit, entrepreneurial, and corporate clients. She is particularly well-known for the creative special events she envisions and orchestrates to support these activities. She writes, edits and monitors a wide variety of client communications while coaching and developing media skills in clients. Her vast community experience provides demonstrated skills in project development, volunteer management, and nonprofit fundraising.
Married for 30+ years, Aundréa and her husband, Mark, have five children, four exchange student daughters and twice as many pets. An award-winning polka dancer, she is obsessed with Robert Parker’s Spenser detective novels and refuses to believe that Garrison Keeler’s Lake Wobegon doesn’t really exist.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
• Autism Society of Mahoning Valley – Board President
• Polish Youngstown, Inc. – Director /Founder
• Simply Slavic – Vice President/Founder
• Rotary Club of Youngstown
— Future of Rotary Youth Engagement Chair
— Communications Committee
• Trumbull County Tourism Bureau Treasurer
• Polonia Foundation of Ohio
• American Council of Polish Culture
AWARDS SERVICE
- 2022 Athena Award (Nominee) Youngstown Warren Chamber of Commerce
- Charles Owsley Award for Exceptional Service Rotary Club of Youngstown
- Polish American Heritage Award Polonia Foundation of Ohio
- Gold Cross of Merit (Nominee) People’s Republic of Poland
- Grand Lady of Pulaski Polonia Foundation of Ohio
- Ignace Paderewski Distinguished Service Medal Polish Army Veterans Association of America
WORK
Prince William County Chamber of Commerce
- Gold Star Service Award
- Society of National Association Publications
- General Excellence, Magazine
- Gold Award, Most Improved Magazine
- Silver Award, Best Redesign Magazine
- Design Excellence, Newsletters
- Gold Award, Media Kits
- Honorable Mention-Single Topic Issue, Magazines
Washington Edpress
- Gold-General Excellence, Magazines
- Silver-Redesign, Magazines
American Society for Association Executives
- Gold Circle Most Improved Magazine
- Honorable Mention-Newsletters
Agata (Agi) Khoury
Senior Art Director
Agi loves a good design challenge. With years of experience in commercial graphic design, she’s enthusiastic and detail-oriented. She is able to prioritize and effectively deal with multiple deadlines while quickly adapting to unique situations. Her extensive print advertising background, and personal business experience enables her to provide experience driven results.
The gift of successfully putting together all the puzzle pieces of a brand visually begins with lots of communication and upfront research. Agi works closely with each client to align design choices with the client’s goals. She employs the latest trends in font, color and style choice, closely studying the industry standards and trends. Her visual principles emphasize the client personality and messaging through movement, proportion, and approach.
Agi got her start at the former Winner Advertising, designing for Henn Workshops, Winner International and the Youngstown Symphony, among many others. After honing her skills, it was off to larger agencies in the Cleveland, OH and Charlotte, NC markets. There she designed visuals for McDonalds, Pearle Vision, The Ohio Lottery and lifestyle magazine, Skirt!
Her timely return to the Mahoning Valley resulted in collaborating with her old Krakusy Hall friend Aundréa to pursue Polish cultural evangelization, incorporating her exquisite eye for design. Branding every aspect and event of PolishYoungstown, including Polish Day, Krakowiaki Polish Folk Group and the Zatanczmy – a regional collaborative dance festival. The relationship spawned freelance opportunities for the pair outside of their shared Polish heritage, and, eventually, they decided to make it official as Marquee.
This Polish-born, married mother of three continues sharing her culture by teaching pierogi making under the banner Sip & Pinch. She enjoys her pets, theater, traveling with her family, trips to Europe to visit family are her favorite – and she enjoys hiking, singing, dancing, photography and good food and pastries – especially cheesecake!
AWARDS:
Organizational Leadership Certificate
Szkoła Liderów [School For Polish Leaders]
VOLUNTEER:
• Polish Youngstown – Founder + Art Director
• Boo Squad – Board Member
• Hope Foundation
• United Way
• Simply Slavic
• Angels for Animals
Kristine McAfee
Director of Digital Marketing
A marketing expert and social media enthusiast, Kristine has more than two decades of experience driving brands to new heights with her blend of strategic innovation and creative prowess.
Originally from California, Kristine is a proud graduate of Penn State University. Her professional background spans healthcare, pharmaceutical, and agency marketing. Outside of work, she is an avid outdoor enthusiast, enjoying camping, kayaking, and exploring nature. She also values quality time with her family, including her husband, three kids, and beloved dog, Rogue.
Often found working outdoors or at a local coffee shop, Kristine thrives on connecting people and embracing new challenges. Passionate about mental health and diversity initiatives and local advocacy, she actively engages in community initiatives, further solidifying her role as an indispensable catalyst for growth and transformation in the digital landscape.
Karen Cooper
Bookeeper
Karen has many years doing bookkeeping and administrative duties in Texas, New York, and Ohio. She loves working with Quickbooks and is very detail oriented. Her attention to the little things makes her the firm’s go-to proofreader as well! Karen is a life-long learner and has three degrees: a BA in Sociology, an MEd in Vocational Rehab Counseling, and a BSBA with a concentration in Accounting. She has two children (which means she has served as treasurer for multiple PTA groups) and two grandchildren, who keep her busy with their school and sports activities. In what little spare time she has, she loves to read, and do the daily newspaper puzzles.
• Shepherd Foundation Board Member
• First Presbyterian Church of Youngstown Church Elder, past Deacon,
• Finance Committee Member
• Women’s Organization treasurer
• Girl Scouts of America Lifetime Member & former Troop Leader
Matt Abramowski
CRM Data Assistant
Matt has been working to help non-profits achieve their mission for more than 15 years. One of the guiding principles Matt brings into all his work is something he learned early on while working at a small family-owned shoe store during his high school years: focus on fulfilling client needs, not making sales. The greatest joy in his life comes from being a husband to his beautiful wife, Kathy, and devoted dad to his 3 amazing daughters: Hannah, Gabriella, and Bridgette. If he happens to have some free time he enjoys biking, golf, and consuming authentic Polish cuisine.
Megan Augustine
Director of Client Success
Megan brings a forward-thinking approach to the company with her experience in digital and traditional marketing. After graduating from college, she worked for various small businesses and gained experience as a marketing generalist handling various duties from social media to website design, content creation, and more. In 2018 she relocated to the sunny shores of the Carolinas, where she currently resides with her daughters. Her outgoing personality, coupled with her creativity, makes her a valuable asset to the Marquee team. She loves to exercise, and her hobbies include traveling, hiking, and attending wine tastings.
Valentine J. Brkich
Editor/Copywriter
Val Brkich is a seasoned writer specializing in marketing content, editing, and ghostwriting. Using a B.S. in English from Westminster College, he has published over a dozen books and helps others achieve their publishing dreams. Val focuses on crafting clear, creative copy for websites and marketing initiatives. He also shares his recreational writing on valthewriter.substack.com.
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’s years of work as a business development manager and consultant allows him the expertise to negotiate the purchase of ad space and time slots in various local media outlets. His tenure at WKBN and WYTV as the advertising account executive affords him the network connections to develop the most effective buying strategies. Additionally, the former Youngstown Rotary President has an innate understanding of the local audience to help craft the most effective campaigns that target the appropriate audience.
Rotary Club of Youngstown Past President
Boys & Girls Club of Youngstown Board Member
WYSU Citizens Advisory Board
Anthony Fusco
Social Media Coordinator & Video editor
Anthony Fusco is a recent graduate of Baldwin Wallace University with a degree in Digital Marketing and Media Production. This fall he will begin his masters studies with a teaching assistantship at Kent State University. In his free time Anthony enjoys attending concerts and yelling at sporting events
Nathan Heinly
Procurement Coordinator
Nathan is an aspiring finance professional finishing his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration at Youngstown State University, planning to pursue his oMBA with a specialization in Marketing. With a strong background as a Teaching Assistant at YSU’s Sokolov Honors College, Nathan also serves as the Social Media Coordinator and President of Turning Point USA at Youngstown State University. He actively participates in the Ohio Procurement Internship Program, YSU WCBA Business Leaders, and YSU Honors Trustees. Outside of work, he loves spending time with his family and friends, playing Xbox, playing basketball, and other physical activities such as weight lifting and running.
Jason Hesler
Social Media Coordinator
Jason is a senior at Baldwin Wallace University studying Public Relations, Marketing, and Social Media Production. He is currently on the staff at the BW Digital Marketing Clinic and the Men’s Swimming and Diving team. Jason loves spending time with friends and family, talking about cars, and eating ice cream in his free time.
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.
Debbie Larson
Photographer
Debbie does a variety of creative work, but her real passion is in connecting people and helping reconnect them to the passions of their own life. While studying Public Relations/Advertising, she fell in love with photography her senior year of college and has barely set down a camera since. Her love of people is seen in her photography style in which she strives to capture both the event and the meaningful moments between the attendees. If she has spare time, she enjoys reading, jet skiing, watching a good movie, and catching up with friends.
- Toastmasters International, Club #408 Vice President, Membership
- Youngstown Click Founder
This active online platform that explores her many adventures around her hometown.
- Community Christmas Founder
This seasonal celebration brings together strangers who do not have a traditional gathering opportunity to be around a family table.
Michael Richmond
SEO & Google Specialist
Michael is an expert in search engine optimization (SEO), social media advertisement, Google AdWords advertisement, and website user experience. Michael is responsible for delivery and overseeing our digital marketing performance and guiding the digital team on how to best strategize their marketing efforts. Google AdWords and BrightEdge certified, he is constantly researching new digital marketing technology solutions. Michael holds a BBA in Business Entrepreneurship and a concentration in Sales and Marketing from DePaul University and an MBA from Lake Forest Graduate School of Management. In Michael’s free time, he enjoys fishing and traveling out of the country.
Kim Urig
Editor/Copywriter
Kim’s versatile writing experience with business, nonprofit and government entities ensures an understanding of the client’s messaging needs. A longtime blogger in her own right, client work has included hospitals, small neighborhood redevelopment projects, bestselling authors, and international travel consortiums. A travel expert, she is the proprietor at Love Our World Travel and customizes all of Marquee’s trips. She is a passion coach for high school and college students in public speaking, helping them articulate their messages in an effective manner. A veteran storyteller, she honed her skills at the local SMARTS stories events and she has participated twice in NPR’s nationally recognized The Moth in Minneapolis, MN. She has served multiple nonprofits and government agencies in Ohio and during her 18 months in Minnesota. (when she wasn’t searching diligently for President Aundrea’s beloved Lake Wobegon).
In her spare time, she strives to visit at least three new countries a year and takes road trips with her husband to spend time with her two adult daughters and far-flung family and friends. When home, she is an avid gardener and foodie.
Volunteer:
- North Coast Rotary Club
- Lorain County Chicks Against Hunger
- Youngstown Business Incubator’s Youth Advisory Board
- Hennepin County Library Board of Directors
- SMARTS
- OH WOW! Childrens’ Center for Science & Technology
- The Junior League of Mahoning Valley
- Mahoning County Soil and Water Conservation District
- Inspiring Minds Youngstown
- Mahoning Valley Sojourn to the Past
Carissa Renninger
Event Specialist
Carissa’s expertise and attention to detail will make your next event the exceptional experience you crave. Part of the event and food service since 2012, she has been involved with high-end weddings, restaurant service, and higher education food service where the focus is business meetings and banquet-style events. Her expertise isn’t limited to events. Using her MBA and focus on leadership, she thrives on building teams and growing leaders for organizations. When not planning the next noteworthy occasion, she is enjoying her time with her two husband and two children on the ballfields of Western PA.
kids volunteering assisting on the ball fields as a baseball and softball coach, on the soccer board for
- Wilmington Area Soccer Club Board, Sponsorship & Communications Chair
- Girl Scouts of America Troop Leader
- Girl Scouts of America Cub Scout Den Leader
- New Wilmington Presbyterian Church Sunday School Teacher, Vacation Bible School Volunteer
Joslyn Walker
Marketing Associate
Joslyn is a recent graduate from the University of Akron with a Degree in Media Studies, a Minor in Interpersonal Communications, and a Certificate in Entrepreneurship. With experience in customer service, she’s very personable and always up for a challenge. Joslyn occasionally volunteers as a videographer at her church and music events to capture special moments. The oldest sibling with two younger brothers and an aunt to two beautiful baby girls and one amazing handsome baby boy, Joslyn is a warm and energetic presence that you won’t forget.
