Leadership

Daniel H. Nelson Sr.
Chairman & Chief Executive Officer

Dan Sr. brings more than 30 years of marketing, communications, strategic planning, branding, product development, sales and general business management experience to the table. A true “businessman’s businessman,” Dan continues to be a progressive leader, overseeing agency operations, developing new business ventures and spearheading opportunities for systematic growth for both the agency and our clients.

Daniel H. Nelson Jr.
President

Dan Jr.’s 20 years of marketing communications experience began in California, where he owned a commercial photography and graphic design studio. Dan’s entrepreneurial, creative and account management skills, combined with a highly technical educational background, enabled him to launch Nelson Schmidt into the interactive age upon his return as senior manager. Today, Dan acts as the official “player-coach” of the agency, guiding the agency’s strategic development initiatives for clients, and actively participates in business development endeavors.

Cody Pearce
Vice President Account Management

Cody began his career at Nelson Schmidt as a summer intern. After five successful years as an account supervisor, he undertook a new path to work on strategic planning for global brands – not only at another leading agency, but also as a corporate marketer for GE Healthcare. Returning to Nelson Schmidt as a certified Six Sigma Green Belt, Cody brings a unique focus to process and planning for all Nelson Schmidt client service activities.

Christopher Schell
Managing Director – Madison Office

As managing director of our Madison office, Chris brings over 25 years of marketing experience on both the client and agency sides, as well as a highly entrepreneurial spirit. Growing up in Chicago, Chris started his career in marketing communications at Leo Burnett USA after earning his M.B.A. at Northwestern’s J.L. Kellogg Graduate School of Management. Chris was a partner and vice president of account service at Hiebing, in Madison working on such national brands as Newell-Rubbermaid, Culligan, Coca-Cola, Nestle and Brown Shoe. On the client side, Chris has held marketing roles at United Airlines, A.C. Nielsen and most recently as VP of marketing and product management at AnchorBank in Madison, a 57-office, $4.5 billion financial institution.

Marty Ellery
Vice President Public Relations

Marty got her first PR position with a single qualification – she talked her way into it. Since then, she has accumulated more than 20 years of experience in media relations, new product launches and corporate communications/reputation management issues. Leading national and international brands rely on her to design and execute both stand-alone and integrated public relations and public information programs.

Ken Hagan
Executive Creative Director

Equally comfortable with B2B or B2C challenges, Ken excels at developing breakthrough marketing strategies, managing dynamic creative teams and building strong client relationships. His work overseeing the concepting and execution of creative products for leading international brands has won a slew of major awards and industry accolades.

Christopher Vitrano
Marketing Director

Chris’ 20-year career spans a wide range of agency creative, account service and business development roles. He has experience across multiple industries including publishing, healthcare, food, manufacturing, financial services, technology and social services. This unique background has helped him understand and identify the intricacies of agency/client relationships – and that the first work agencies and clients do together is deciding to work together. A truly accomplished matchmaker, Chris spearheads the agency’s business development initiatives, formal presentations and business proposals.

Lynne Chamberlain
Human Resources Director

Lynne began her career with Nelson Schmidt over 26 years ago, and has spent the last five years serving as the Human Resources Director. She is an employee advocate that helps to nurture strong internal relationships, build a positive working environment and directs all Human Resources functions and programs, from recruitment and performance management to compensation and benefit programs.