We’re Brand Federation, and we work with businesses, universities and nonprofits that believe their brand isn’t working hard enough for them. We discover what makes organizations special and guide them in turning their brand into a growth catalyst.
With a leadership team that has counseled and advised the likes of GEICO, Capital One, Walmart, UPS, MIT, Harvard Medical School, Mercy Corps and PepsiCo – and a global network of independent specialists who make up our “Federation” – we’re built different. But our biggest difference is in the way we think. That’s our promise.
A Brand Federation partner is attached to every engagement, leading the team’s mix of discipline expertise and category knowledge deployed to energize your brand.
Kelly O’Keefe is a respected brand strategist known for his leadership in corporate brand strategy.
He is formerly a professor and chair of the creative brand management program at the VCU Brandcenter — a master's program for advertising, branding and creative problem-solving at Virginia Commonwealth University's School of Business. He’s an inductee in the Virginia Communications Hall of Fame, a former Richmond Ad Person of the Year, as well as Virginia Entrepreneur of the Year; and he has been a strategic brand advisor to corporate clients like Capital One, Carmax, GE, ESPN, Walmart, Dominion Energy, UPS and many other leading organizations.
O’Keefe’s commentary on brands and creativity has been featured in dozens of media outlets, including CNN, Fox News, MSNBC, PBS, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Fast Company, Huffington Post, Time and The Washington Post.
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Prior to joining Brand Federation in 2019, Matt was CEO of The Martin Agency, one of the world’s most creatively recognized advertising agencies. Over his 26-year career at Martin, he helped the agency become the 25th-largest in the US and managed brand strategy development for world-class brands like GEICO, OREO, UPS, Discover Financial, Walmart, and Benjamin Moore.
During his five years as Martin’s CEO, Matt led the agency’s efforts to win over $70 million in new business revenue, including assignments from Land O’ Lakes, Mondelez, TIAA, Chevrolet and Subway. Under his leadership Martin was also recognized as the One Show Creative Agency of the year, won the Effie Award for Sustained Success for its GEICO work, and was named to the Ad Age Creative Innovators List four times.Matt is a Visiting Clinical Professor at the Mason School of Business at William & Mary, where he received his undergraduate degree in marketing. He also has an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University.
He speaks regularly on creativity, culture and brand strategy around the country. He’s a contributing author of the book, Kellogg on Branding, has served on non-profit, publicly traded and ad industry association boards, and consulted with both the State and Defense Departments on communications strategy.
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Rian Chandler-Dovis is an accomplished researcher and brand strategist with two decades of experience helping organizations define what they stand for and deliver meaningful experiences. She has developed strategies for some of the world’s best-known brands, including MIT, Harvard Medical School, GM, American Express, Mercy Corps, Samsung, PepsiCo, the World Wildlife Fund, AB InBev, and Colgate.
Rian served as an adjunct professor of Creative Brand Management at the VCU Brandcenter and is committed to mentoring the next generation of brand leaders. She regularly volunteers in her community and has served on numerous nonprofit boards, including her current position on the board of Adagio House.
Rian holds an undergraduate degree from James Madison University and a master’s from the VCU Brandcenter, where she was valedictorian.
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With a small, yet mighty, full-time team, these talented professionals bring a depth of marketing and branding knowledge to our client work.
Suzy Rohler brings more than 25 years of experience in marketing and client leadership to our team. Over the course of her career, she has built deep expertise in developing trusted client relationships, guiding complex engagements, and designing processes that drive both efficiency and consistently high-quality work. She previously served as a contractor for Brand Federation for engagement and strategy work, and has previously led brand marketing and communications efforts at Commonwealth Savers, Maymont, and Feed More.
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Andrew Allen is an experienced brand strategist with a decade of work spanning advertising agencies, research firms, and strategic consultancies. His portfolio includes engagements across consumer packaged goods, government institutions, and leading technology companies. Andrew holds a bachelor’s degree from Virginia Tech and a master’s degree from the VCU Brandcenter. Earlier in his career, he pursued a passion for storytelling in the film industry, working in the casting department and as a production assistant at DreamWorks Studios. Outside of work, Andrew enjoys exploring the outdoors with his chocolate lab, Berkely, and following his favorite football club, Arsenal F.C.
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Chelsea Glowacki is a Brand Strategist with a background in website development and graphic design, bringing both a visual and holistic perspective to her strategic work. She has worked across industries, including non-profit, education, health & wellness, hospitality, business services, and tech, breaking down complex problems, identifying patterns, and deriving insights for effective strategies. A thorough researcher and creative problem solver, Chelsea earned her Master’s degree from the VCU Brandcenter and her undergraduate degree from James Madison University.
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Bobby is a brand strategist specializing in research, with over ten years of experience uncovering insights and shaping brand strategy. His work has helped shape brands across diverse sectors, including AT&T, General Mills, McDonald’s, MINI, State Farm, and Timberland. Bobby holds a bachelor’s degree from the College of Charleston and a master’s degree from the VCU Brandcenter.
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Our network of specialists worldwide includes brand strategists, fractional marketing leaders, project managers, researchers, digital experts, and more. If it’s a marketing discipline we’ve got the experts to help bring it to life.
They’re proven strategists, proficient tacticians, and skilled professionals who form talented and efficient engagement teams, custom-built for your challenge.
Your team will hit the ground running, meet scoped objectives, and exceed expectations.
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