The Turchette Agency | Core Team | An experienced team on advertising, marketing, creative, public relations and media executives focused on the needs of New Jersey companies in business-to-business and consumer markets.

While Turchette Advertising Agency has a full staff of professionals who work within their areas of expertise to provide our clients outstanding service and creativity, there is a "Core Team" that interacts with our clients on a more regular basis.

ACCOUNT MANAGEMENT

Michael Gavin, President, joined Turchette in 1980 after serving 10 years in the financial marketing sector as Director of Public Relations for National Community Bank and Director of Marketing for the Ramapo Financial Corporation. A graduate of Seton Hall University with a B.S. in Business Administration and a graduate of the Stonier School of Banking, Mike is able to offer a wealth of expertise in financial services marketing and consumer-focused advertising, while maintaining a hands-on management style in the day-to-day operations of the agency.

Jim Gorab, Executive Vice President, has been with Turchette since 1989. A graduate of Rutgers University with a B.A. in Communications/Public Relations, Jim's agency background reflects an in-depth understanding of advertising, marketing, public relations and media. From industrial equipment, packaging technologies and software to consumer products, healthcare and financial services, Jim brings a broad base of brand management and business-to-business marketing experience to the Turchette team.

Deborah Gavin, Senior Vice President, has been with Turchette since 1984 and has been responsible for managing marketing, advertising and public relations efforts on behalf of a wide range of the agency's banking and consumer-focused clients. A graduate of William Paterson University with a B.A. in English and Art, Debbie's extensive background in financial services, real estate and education - combined with her in-depth knowledge of event promotion and merchandising - provides our clients with a unique resource for all of their marketing needs.

Laurie Kneller, Senior Account Executive has over ten years of business-to-business marketing experience, including heavy involvement in brand management and marketing communications strategy. A graduate of Rutgers University with a degree in Communications, Laurie previously served as the Marketing and Communications Manager for J-M Manufacturing Company, where she was responsible for managing the company's advertising and public relations efforts including creative development, media planning, new product launches and the creation of sales support collateral. Prior to that, Laurie was the Marketing Manager at Turner Construction Company, one of the nation's leading general contractors. Her experience, knowledge and fresh creative ideas energize our campaigns and give our clients the competitive advantage in the markets they serve.

CREATIVE DEVELOPMENT

Christopher McDonough, Vice President Creative Director, is an award-winning designer with over 20 years of experience and the right blend of conceptual talent and computer savvy. A graduate of Georgetown University with a B.S. in Psychology and a member of Turchette since 1998, his layout, design and supervisory skills translate into high-impact visuals, strategic creative concepts and unique branding opportunities. Before joining Turchette, Chris directed design work for such clients as Searle, Kraft Foods, Hershey's, Intel, MCI, McDonalds, IBM, Liz Claiborne, AT&T, Upjohn, Sandoz and Mennen.

PUBLIC RELATIONS

Alysa McKenna, Director of Public Relations and Communications, has nearly ten years of business-to-business and consumer public relations experience, garnering press coverage in major, national media outlets and assisting in the development and execution of strategic public relations programs. Prior to joining Turchette, Alysa spent many years working in various public relations agencies in the New York Metro area, supporting PR efforts for major brands including Fisher-Price, Jeep Consumer Products, Virgin Mobile USA, Zipcar, Popeyes and Zwilling J.A. Henckels. Her enthusiasm and creativity, combined with her knowledge and experience, ensure that our clients are accurately positioned as leaders in their respective industries. Alysa holds a B.A. in English from the University of Delaware.

MEDIA SERVICES

Rhona Siciliano, Assistant Vice President, Media Director, has been providing Turchette's clients with highly-targeted media planning and buying since 1993. A graduate of Caldwell College with a B.S. in Business Administration and Marketing, her aggressive and disciplined approach to analysis, negotiation, and strategic planning ensures that each ad message gains maximum exposure at the lowest possible cost. Her contacts with local, national and global media outlets provide our clients with invaluable guidance in both print and interactive environments. Prior to joining Turchette, Rhona served in the Advertising Promotions Division of TBWA Advertising Agency in New York City.