Gabrelcik will help build and develop Pathfinders’ e-media processes, provide a communications bridge between clients, vendors and Pathfinders on digital projects, and expand the agency’s digital media best practices. She will assist clients in developing social media strategies, monitor the progress of numerous projects, and marshal the appropriate agency resources in order to meet project schedules and budgets.

“Nina brings a fresh, enthusiastic perspective to our expanding digital media capabilities that will be of tremendous benefit to our clients,” said Vicky Holland, president of Pathfinders. “Having grown up in the digital age, she has an intuitive understanding and knowledge of the breadth of online methods available to reach target audiences, drive consumers in our clients’ direction and build market share. From producing high website rankings through effective search engine optimization to social media networking, Nina will be a valuable asset in helping our clients build profitable digital relationships.”

Prior to joining Pathfinders, Gabrelcik completed an internship in the sports department of the NBC affiliate in Washington, D.C., editing game highlights for nightly broadcasts, providing sideline reports and other responsibilities.

Gabrelcik graduated in just three and one-half years from Thiel College in Pennsylvania with a double major in Media Communications and Communications Studies. She was captain of the women’s basketball team, created social media pages for Thiel’s athletic programs, and served as a Vice President of Sigma Kappa sorority. A member of the Society of Collegiate Journalists, she wrote numerous articles for the school’s newspaper and alumni magazine.

In her position Kennedy will play a key role by focusing on the day-to-day management of several client accounts and supporting the Pathfinders Account Services team in her areas of expertise.

“Cathi has a diverse communications background that will serve our clients well, and features a unique insight that comes from being skilled at both the strategic and the creative side of our business,” said Vicky Holland, president of Pathfinders. “Her extensive experience in the ever-changing healthcare arena will prove to be invaluable in servicing our partners in the healthcare category. Cathi’s keen attention to detail and ability to see the big picture while managing multiple moving pieces are outstanding – especially at the service levels we are committed to delivering.”

Previously, Kennedy was Corporate Communications Editor at Press Ganey Associates, Inc. in South Bend, a leader in healthcare performance improvement and research. Her communications career also includes a variety of positions within the legal and insurance industries.

Kennedy’s 10 years of experience includes writing articles and editing a bi-monthly client magazine, plus editing internal and external media ranging from ads and brochures, to white papers and case studies. She managed the content of an electronic newsletter while increasing its click-through rate by 10 percent, and also a corporate Intranet site, including its blog content. She supervised a client awards program with a substantial budget, developed and maintained a Sharepoint site for all mass communications, tracked nationwide media coverage, and created layouts for a wide range of online and print marketing collateral.

A member of the American Copy Editors Society and a longtime resident of the Michiana area, Kennedy received a Bachelor’s degree in Organizational Management from Bethel College.

Mishawaka's Pathfinders Advertising & Marketing Group has announced the addition of Jeremy Smith, Account Director on the Pathfinders team. Smith will serve as an integral member of the account services team – concentrating on the areas of account management and growth and assisting with new business development.

"Jeremy's marketing experience comes from agencies big and small in both the Chicago and Detroit areas and more recently in the local market, providing him with big brand experience and a keen understanding of our industry," said Vicky Holland, president of Pathfinders Advertising & Marketing Group, Inc. "All of our clients will benefit from Jeremy's high-level of knowledge and expertise – from the clients that he will manage directly to those that he will impact through his strategic counsel and insights. We anticipate Jeremy's know-how will be a tremendous value-add."

Smith joins Pathfinders after holding diverse roles servicing clients ranging from Kraft Foods, Heineken, Kellogg's and Pabst Blue Ribbon, among others. His strategic planning and leadership helped increase clients' sales and brand presence while he served as the lead account manager at previous agencies in Chicago. Smith's marketing career spans more than 10 years. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Communications from Manchester College in North Manchester, Indiana.

Mishawaka's Pathfinders Advertising & Marketing Group has announced recent promotions for several staff members. Richard Abbott has been promoted to Executive Creative Director, Kelly Ball is now an Account Director, Kerry Bonk is now Accounting and Human Resources Director and Mike O'Brien is now Account / Media Director.

Richard Abbott was recently promoted to Executive Creative Director. In his new role, Abbott will be responsible for overseeing all creative work done by the agency. In addition, Abbott will lead and manage the creative department of the agency, providing guidance and direction to all creative employees. Abbott joined the company in 2004 as Associate Creative Director. He received a bachelor's degree from Indiana University and his graduate degree from the University of South Carolina.

Kelly Ball has been promoted to Account Director and will continue to provide strategic guidance and direction to client accounts. Ball will also lead the account services team within the company, overseeing all employees within that division. Ball has been with Pathfinders since 2004 and holds a bachelor's degree from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio.

Kerry Bonk is now Accounting and Human Resources Director for Pathfinders. In this new role, Bonk will continue to oversee all financial aspects of the agency while also adding all human resource responsibilities for the company to her position. Bonk has been employed with Pathfinders since 1988.

Mike O'Brien has been promoted to Account / Media Director. O'Brien will continue to provide strategic counsel and day-to-day management of key client accounts. In addition, O'Brien will also provide media counsel across all client accounts as the media director, focusing on both traditional and emerging media. O'Brien has been with the company since 2003 and holds a bachelor's degree from Indiana University and an MBA from Davenport University.

"Pathfinders has been very fortunate to work with such talented and valued employees," said Steve Ball, chief executive and founder of Pathfinders Advertising & Marketing Group, Inc. "Recognizing our employees with these deserved promotions says a lot about how much they offer to not only Pathfinders, but each of our clients' businesses as well."