Meet the Team

Denise Blackburn-Gay, APR Denise Blackburn-Gay holds a Masters Degree in Marketing from Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia where she graduated Magna Cum Laude. Blackburn is one of only 48 accredited public relations professionals in the state of South Carolina, hence the APR designation. She is a certified media buyer with a demonstrated knowledge of ad placement, rate negotiation, and coverage for news stories on a local, regional and national basis. She is a certified trainer and a graduate of Disney University where she received certification in the Disney Approach to Customer Service.   She has a strong marketing background both on the client and agency side, and is one of those rare individuals who has tasted academics, as well. She began her professional career in the area of banking and broadened her realm of experience to include packaged goods, technical marketing, food services, non-profits, real estate, retailing, professional services, entertainment, transportation, golf and tourism. Subjects she has taught include marketing, marketing research, advertising, consumer behavior, management and statistics, just to name a few. For more, see Unmasked: Denise Blackburn-Gay.
Sarah George, APR Sarah George is a native of Charleston, WV, who joined Marketing Strategies, Inc. in 2004 as a marketing assistant.  A graduate of Marshall University’s School of Journalism in Huntington, West Virginia, George holds a Bachelor's Degree in Advertising.  While attending Marshall, she was active in several student organizations and served on the staff of The Parthenon, Marshall's student newspaper.   George maintains professional affiliations in the Public Relations Society of America, the South Carolina Chapter of PRSA, and was recently awarded her Accreditation by the Public Relations Society of America, (APR).  She is responsible for the firm’s Public Relations Division. George is one of only 48 accredited members in the State of South Carolina and one of only four in Myrtle Beach. For more, see Unmasked: Sarah George.
Jennifer Arce Jennifer is a graduate of Clemson University, where she obtained her Bachelor of Science in Marketing with an emphasis in Communications. She joined Marketing Strategies in May '08 with five years of experience in Marketing. Originally from Greenville, SC, Jennifer moved to the Myrtle Beach area a year and a half ago and now maintains the day-to-day administrative and production operations of the agency.  For more information, see Unmasked: Jennifer Arce.
Melanie Cormier Melanie Cormier joined Marketing Strategies, Inc in September 2006 as an intern for PRinciples, the Agency's Public Relations internship program. Cormier, a native of New Brunswick, Canada, graduated from Coastal Carolina University in May 2008 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science. Cormier is involved in several community organizations, including the Theater of the Republic. Prior to joining Marketing Strategies, Inc., she completed an internship program with The North Myrtle Beach Chamber of Commerce, where she worked as an Administrative Assistant. For more, see Unmasked: Melanie Cormier.
Kristi Swiger Kristi is a graduate of Columbia College in Chicago, IL where she obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Graphic Design.  She joined  Marketing Strategies, Inc. with over 8 years of experience in graphic design development. She has worked nationwide in cities ranging from Los Angeles to Chicago and possesses extensive experience in political campaign development, graphic illustration and product package design. For more, see Unmasked: Kristi Swiger.
Stacy Kleber Stacy Kleber joined Marketing Strategies, Inc. in June 2010. She is a graduate of the University of Delaware and holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Visual Communications with a concentration in Graphic Design and American Material Culture Studies. Stacy has studied with agencies in London and has worked with many reputable design agencies from Myrtle Beach to New York City.  For more information, see Unmasked: Stacy Kleber.
Madison Neeley A graduate of the Agency’s Public Relations internship program, PRinciples, Madison Neeley joined Marketing Strategies, Inc. in August 2010 as Marketing Representative.  Madison graduated from Clemson University in May 2009 and is a native of Greenwood, South Carolina. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing and a minor in Communications in Advertising. For more, see Unmasked: Madison Neeley.
Jason George A graduate of Marshall University, Jason has over ten years of experience in web programming and database development. He has worked with Marketing Strategies, Inc. since 2004 in developing and supporting a number of award winning sites. For more information, see Unmasked: Jason George.