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Michelle-M-Marks-portrait

Michelle M. Marks

Principal, Strategy; Managing Partner

Michelle is the candid, straight-shooting force that oversees client needs and best interests from project goals through launch. She leads the development of communication, sustainability, and creative strategies for clients—working across media to ensure all solutions meet business criteria and engage audiences. She knows good design starts with a good idea, and focuses on building the idea, concept or story that best communicates the client’s messages. Her advocacy of a content-oriented, narrative approach is rooted in careful research, thorough analysis and an unwavering desire for audiences to “get it.”

With a background in design, an inclination towards storytelling, a belief in the power of digital, and a passion for sustainability, Michelle deploys her spot-on insights to advocate for the best project outcomes. She also focuses her well-honed skills and commitment to client service toward enduring collaborations, internally and with clients.

Michelle’s work has garnered her numerous awards. She is proudest of her SmartCEO Brava Award honoring extraordinary female leaders and the fact that her wedding invitation, designed with her husband, was featured in Communications Arts Magazine.

Born and raised in Los Angeles — “arty” in a science-y family, Michelle holds a BFA in Graphic Design from ArtCenter College of Design in Pasadena and is a member of the AIGA and the Women Presidents’ Organization.

Michelle commutes “18th Century style” — walking or biking to the IOP offices from the home she shares in the East Village with her husband and Stella.

Michelle is available for speaking events and panels. Some past engagements include The Use of Visuals and Video in Investor Communications at Citi Investor Relations Academy, Moderating “The Evolution of ESG Reporting” panel for 3BL Network Effect: Charlotte, and speaking in the Baruch Masters of Communications program.

A cyclist from an early age... Michelle is happy to report she's upgraded from this very first bike.

John Connolly

Principal, Executive Creative Director

Darren Namaye

Principal, Creative Director

Abby Rose Blaine

Designer Director

Amy Brown

Senior Sustainability Strategist & Writer

Diane Colomer Cheadle

Director of Client Services

Ria Das

Designer

Kesia Davies

Associate Designer

Ava Giaquinto

Project Manager

Jack

Chief Trashcan Raider

Michael Howley

Proofreader

Chris

Production Designer

Dasha

Senior Designer

Paula Knevitt

Director of Project Management & Team Development Lead

Alejandro Madera‑Sandoval

Designer

Joe Maller

Director of Technology

Kara Mason

Design Director

Stella

Chief Bellyrub Needer

Codrin Pavel

Lead Developer

Zack Peacock

Senior Designer

Alexandra von Hein

Office Manager & Bookkeeper

Cristina Vitucci

Senior Project Manager
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