Skip Navigation

About Geniuses, Seekers, <span class="bubble-pop right pop-shooting-star"></span> <br />Doers &amp; Mavericks

OUR STORY

In 1971, chose Austin over Madison Avenue because they wanted to do things differently, in a town known for being different. Over time, we’ve helped elect a president, won the Super Bowl, created pop culture and championed causes that matter. Today that same spirit drives us to deliver First & Only ideas for First & Only brands.

Pioneers and trailblazers

Our fearless leaders

Duff Stewart Chief Executive Officer

No one knows GSD&M inside and out better than Duff, who started in the mailroom and worked his way through and up every department to become what he is today: our fearless and inspirational CEO.

Lee Newman President

Jerry Garcia once said, “You don’t want to be the best at what you do, you want to be the only one.” And there’s no one like Lee who has traveled the world harnessing the power of creativity to outsmart the competition for clients.

Kcenia Leo-Gaona Chief Financial Officer

The daughter of immigrant parents, Kcenia worked more and harder than everyone else. And then some. So, it’s no wonder she ended up graduating college at 19 and quickly climbed the ranks to CFO.

Keisha Townsend Taitt Chief Inclusion Officer

As a track-and-field athlete at Syracuse, Keisha went from leaping over hurdles to removing them for others by bringing people together and promoting meaningful inclusion in every department and at every level.

Nancy Ryan Chief Client Officer

Even sailors remark how Nancy speaks like a sailor, but what our clients say is how she also speaks with enthusiasm, thoughtfulness and, above all, expertise when it comes to helping them grow into First & Only brands.

Jay Russell Chief Creative Officer

Amateur gamer, infielder and wild-game trapper, Jay is above all a professional creative leader. GSD&M has won hundreds of national and international awards under his leadership, more than any other CCO in agency history.

Maria D’Amato Executive Creative Director

Maria’s drive to always be ahead of what’s happening in technology and the industry led GSD&M to establish the experience design discipline and to her being named to Adweek’s Creative 100 list. We, however, think she’s number 1.

Andrew Teagle Chief Strategist

When Andrew left California for Austin on an anthropological lark to study “real” people, he didn’t realize it would turn into a lifelong journey helping clients better understand and connect with real audiences.

Kate Rush Sheehy Director of Strategy & Insights

There are just some things you can only learn from seeing the world up close. After visiting all 50 states and 17 countries, Kate is full of insights that she applies every day to make our work smarter and our clients more successful.

Bo Bradbury SVP, Managing Director

After years of leading an array of clients including the U.S. Air Force and Space Force, Bo is just as at home working alongside CMO’s and four-star Generals as he is ripping through Voodoo Child on his white Fender Strat.

Marci Rogers Chief People Officer

When she’s not island hopping somewhere exotic, Marci is following the words inscribed on her bracelet, “Give Back,” whether that’s by volunteering in her community or enriching the work lives of everyone in our building.

John McAdorey Head of Production

As a six-time marathon finisher, Mac likes to challenge himself to do something impossible every year. He brings that same attitude to our integrated production team where they make the impossible possible for our clients.

Keith Jose SVP, Business Development

Keith lost a bet with founder Tim McClure but in the process won a job at GSD&M. And he’s been winning ever since by forming strong relationships with like-minded companies to grow their business and ours.

Melissa Severin SVP, Communications

With the eloquence of a poet (which she is) and the presence of a rock star (which she totally is), Melissa has spun success stories in the music and beauty industries, search engine marketing and now in our very own business.

core values

You are what you stand for

 

  • Curiosity

    “What’s around the next corner?”

  • Community

    “We’re all in this together.”

  • Freedom & Responsibility

    “It’s in your hands.”

  • Winning

    “Play hard. Play fair. Play to win.”

  • Restlessness

    “Won and done. What’s next?”

  • Integrity

    “If you have to ask, don’t bother.”

Look out for bees!
Our resident beehive helps keep the Austin area green.

Community

We don’t just make a difference for our clients, we make a difference in the world. Sometimes it’s by supporting local nonprofits. Other times it’s by taking on major issues such as the treatment of minors at the border or women’s reproductive rights. We even created our state’s rallying cry, Don’t Mess with Texas, to combat littering. Whatever it is, we’re always up to fight the good fight.

Making a difference is what we do

OUR VOLUNTEER PARTNERS

  • Austin Parks Foundation
    Austin Parks Foundation
  • Austin Chamber of Commerce
    Austin Chamber of Commerce
  • The Ad Council
    The Ad Council
  • e4 Youth
    e4 Youth
  • Austin Music Foundation
    Austin Music Foundation
  • The Trail Conservancy
    The Trail Conservancy
  • Make It Movement
    Make It Movement
  • Coalition of Texans With Disabilities
    Coalition of Texans With Disabilities
  • Austin Theater Alliance
    Austin Theater Alliance
  • Shoal Creek Conservancy
    Shoal Creek Conservancy
  • Proclaim Justice
    Proclaim Justice
  • Hospice Austin
    Hospice Austin
  • Center for Reproductive Rights
    Center for Reproductive Rights

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion: Inclusion is our superpower

An inclusive environment where diverse perspectives are encouraged and empowered makes the work better, makes our agency better and ultimately makes the industry better. That’s why we’re proud to be recognized by the Advertising Federation’s Mosaic Awards year after year for our efforts in diversity, equity and inclusion.

Explore our DE&I work