Joe Cliber, Principal & Creative Emperor

B.A. Graphic Design, McDaniel College (formerly Western Maryland College)

If brand isn’t your top priority, you’re not paying attention. I created Creosote nearly 20 years ago to be dedicated to educational branding. The agency is low overhead, high ability because schools need an alternative to paying outrageous fees for agency expertise. I’ve helped institutions of almost every kind tell their remarkable stories and strengthen their brands. To me there is nothing more rewarding than connecting a student with the institution that supports the individual’s pursuits best.

Creosote Expertise: Making everyone’s experience with Creosote enjoyable and successful.

Emily Hajjar, Perfectionist and Brand Expressionist

B.A. Art and Communication, McDaniel College (formerly Western Maryland College)

Before I became “Creosote’s Prodigy” and Creative Director, I assisted in the marketing department of a continuing care organization and my alma mater's Alumni Relations and Annual Giving Office. Whether it goes in the mail or on an iPhone—from research to design, video shoots to press checks—I’ve been capturing the best for our clients for more than 12 years. Bringing comprehensive strategies and creative concepts to life is what I love. Within me is an unrelenting pursuit of perfection for everything Creosote does.

Creosote Expertise: Perfectly blending Creosote creativity with functionality to deliver results.

Peter Mason, LEAD RESEARCHER

B.A., Political Science, Bates College
M.Ed., Organizational Management, Endicott College,
Ph.D., Educational Leadership, Lesley University

Research and data have the power to uncover the core brand distinctions your community values most and to reveal the most effective strategies for reaching and engaging the right audiences. As a former independent school marketing director and industry consultant, I have extensive experience confronting the challenges that our clients see every day.

Creosote Expertise: Turning data into insights and insights into successful strategies.

BARB RUPPERT, WORDSMITH

B.A. English, University of Virginia
M.A.Ed., Secondary English Education, Virginia Tech

I have been developing, writing and editing communications materials for more than 30 years—and I still love it! Before joining the Creosote team as the lead copywriter, I was a writer and copy director with an agency specializing in higher education, healthcare and senior living. And a long, long time ago in a galaxy far, far away, I was an English teacher.

Creosote Expertise: Listening and crafting the message just right.

KRISTI KRAFT, BRAND & CLIENT ENTHUSIAST

B.S. Business Administration, Clarion University

I started working in higher-ed, mentoring first-year students through their transition into the university setting. At Creosote, I call on my experience in management and customer service roles to bring positive energy and passion to every project.

Creosote Expertise: Ensuring clients are informed and satisfied through every interaction with Creosote.

JOsie DILLARD, PROJECT MANAGER

B.F.A. Communications Journalism, Shippensburg

I advocate for every client and every member of the Creosote team, ensuring everyone has what they need to be successful. From prioritizing time to delivering on time, I help meet expectations. Bringing the energy and focusing on the details is my favorite part of the day.

Creosote Expertise: I make things happen.

JIM HOLTON, RESEARCH GURU

B.S. Frostburg State University
M.S.Ed. Counseling, McDaniel College
Ed.D. Higher Education Administration and Research, Virginia Tech

Before Creosote: 2 years as a VISTA Volunteer in Alaska; 10 years in secondary education; 20 years as community college administrator and adjunct faculty member; 5 years as research director of an agency. I’ve also pretty much seen and done it all, particularly in the field of education— the great, the good, the bad, the ugly and the really ugly. I really love what I do and it’s nice, after all these years to be able to work around such smart, creative people and for them to put up with me.

Expertise: I design and conduct the research we need to tell your story in the most effective way.

ESHE MCINTYRE, FINANCIAL OFFICER

B.S. Accounting, University of Maryland, College Park

I know the power of education firsthand, a power we firmly believe in here at Creosote. The seed for my love of accounting was planted in third grade, when Ms. Oliver told me that I should become an accountant. That resonated—that’s ultimately why I’m here today. I followed Ms. Oliver’s advice and started accounting and bookkeeping in high school. Things clicked right away. Since then, I have worked with several Maryland-area accounting firms serving the needs of for-profit and nonprofit organizations. Eventually, my hunger to crunch numbers brought me to Creosote. My passions for solving problems and my field drive me to continue to grow as a professional.

Creosote Expertise: Applying my love and knowledge of numbers to set the financial record(s) straight.

Mary Walters, Word witch

B.A. St. Mary’s College of Maryland
M.F.A. Creative Writing and Publishing Arts, University of Baltimore

I can't remember a time when I wasn't collecting and scribbling words and ideas into the margins of notebooks and on the backs of crinkly receipts, saving them for poems, stories and conversations. After receiving my M.F.A., I gathered my word collections and wrote and edited a couple of books. Now I enjoy collecting words and ideas to craft enchanting editorial that brings the brands of Creosote’s clients to life.

Expertise: Evoking emotion that inspires action.

Colton Serra, Creative Catalyst

B.F.A. The Cleveland Institute of Art

When approaching my work, I always aim for the WOW! I thrive on bringing ideas to life through vibrant colors, bold typography and unique illustrations. As a pop culture fanatic, I'm often humming along to Taylor Swift, Lady Gaga or Beyonce while working because music fuels my creativity like nothing else.

Expertise: Designing with empathy in mind.

Sharon Forrence, Design Aficionado

B.S. Elementary Education, Frostburg State University
Post-Baccalaureate Certificate Graphic Design, Maryland Institute College of Art

A number of years ago I was able to accomplish my design aspirations by going back to school to study graphic design. As a career changer, I am able to draw from my many experiences and use them in my design process. Now, with an eye for detail and a flair for creativity, I strive to create designs that capture attention while communicating a clear message.

Expertise: Designing with the end user always in mind.

Gavin Prather, Junior Multimedia Magician

B.F.A. Animation, University of Maryland, Baltimore County

I create content that helps clients tell their stories and grow their brand. I am passionate about many different forms of media, but I particularly love working with videos and motion graphics. I am also a big music fan and am frequently listening to bands like Hot Mulligan, Origami Angel and Polyphia.

LAURA OLIVEIRA, CORE BRAND DETECTIVE

B.A. American Studies and English, Amherst College
M.A. Higher Education Administration, Boston College
Ed.D. Higher Education Administration, University of Massachusetts

Discovery and research are a journey fueled by asking great questions. I am curious by nature and love listening for common themes, crunching numbers and connecting the dots to reveal the brand essence of each distinctive institution. After visiting hundreds of schools and colleges as a former admissions dean, I understand the power of campus culture and revel in the challenge of uniquely articulating our clients’ brands. To me, the discovery process sets the stage for the creative magic that makes a Creosote campaign so effective.

GRANT GIBSON, PHOTOGRAPHER

B.A. Advertising Photography, Rochester Institute of Technology

As a photographer, my responsibility is to create images that convey a feeling or idea. I enjoy working with people and playing an active role in the overall process. My main objective is to get the job done, but I try to make it a fun experience for everyone. I’ve always esteemed the value of education, from the time children enter their first year of school until they graduate college as young adults.

Dan Doane, Videographer

I bring Creosote’s creative vision to life through video and lead a team of videographers, assistants and audio technicians. Dan traveled the world capturing footage and stills for professional athletics and top tier ballet companies before dedicating his talents to Creosote.