Over the years we’ve had a number of different TVG staffers put on their blogging hats and share their thoughts here on the TVG Blog. Each staffer has his/her own unique backgrounds, interests and expertise they like to share, so soon we’ll be adding a new Bios section to the About Us of the blog. Check out the bios below and we encourage you to interact with the bloggers that share your interests- any questions you have for them or blog topics you want to see discussed- just let us know!

Donna Vandiver, President & CEO @DMVand
Specialties: Strategic counsel, planning, corporate reputation and issues management, branding, public relations, social media and marketing, market research, executive training, crisis communications, community relations and engagement.
When Not in the Office: Donna enjoys golf, although she says there is much room for improvement in her game. She enjoys home tours, the beach, and likes to visit out-of-the way antique stores looking for interesting and unusual items.
Quote: “The way businesses do PR and marketing is in a state of upheaval. Traditional methods are making way for new techniques that incorporate new technology, changing demographic landscapes and shifting consumer attitudes. But some things never change. Things like being innovative, building trust and maintaining quality. These never go out of style.”

Kelly Ferrara, Executive Vice President @KellyFerrara
Specialties: Corporate training, media relations, crisis communications, media training, executive coaching, community engagement, and strategic communications planning and implementation.
When Not in the Office: While not working, she relishes time with her family and attends area martial arts and soccer practices cheering on her children. Tweeting, reading, music and catching up with friends and family round out her days.
Quote: “It is hard to see the ripples when you are the rock. The words and actions we share with the world can have quite an impact, so choose carefully.” – Kelly Ferrara

Andy Likes, Media & Crisis Communications Practice Leader @TVGMediaGuy
Specialties: Media training, media relations and crisis communications.
When Not in the Office: Andy prefers to spend time with his wife, daughter and golden retriever. During the growing season he regularly spends weekends in the yard perfecting the art of turf manipulation in an ongoing effort to take over the head groundskeeper position at the new Busch Stadium. Andy is also an avid golfer who dreams of consistently breaking 85.
Quote: “Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once and a while, you could miss it.” – Ferris Bueller

Paul Van Klaveren, Branding Practice Leader @TVGBrandGuy
Specialties: Branding, creative direction, graphic design, art direction, web development, interactive marketing and social media.
When Not in the Office: Paul enjoys spending time with his dogs and playing semi-pro volleyball.
Quote: “I invent nothing, I rediscover.” –Auguste Rodin

Cassie McCloud, Team Leader @CassieMccloud
Specialties: Employment branding, media relations, research and marketing communications.
When Not in the Office: Cassie enjoys spending time with her friends and family. She is an avid sports fan and often spends time cheering on her favorite team, the St. Louis Cardinals. When she has time to relax, Cassie usually can be found watching episodes of the television show Friends. As a result, nobody has yet been able to beat her at the Friends trivia game.
Quote: “Most people are more committed to obstacles which keep them from doing something, rather than being committed to their vision of success.”

Eileen MacLean, Senior Team Member @EileenMacLean
Specialties: Social media, community outreach, media relations, interactive marketing and Web-based communications.
When Not in the Office: Eileen enjoys exploring her new home in the Midwest while keeping in touch with friends and family back on the East Coast. She loves traveling, photography New York Yankees baseball, spending too much time online and learning to cook.
Quote: “When it is obvious that the goals cannot be reached, don’t adjust the goals, adjust the action steps.” – Confucius

Shelley Lester, Team Member @ShelleyLester
Specialties: Web architecture, branding, public relations, marketing, research, copy writing, event planning, social media and graphic design.
When Not in the Office: Shelley enjoys planning events with creative details. She strives to visit new and exciting places throughout St. Louis and around the world. She experiments with new recipes and perfects family favorites, scrapbooks and relaxes at the lake with her family.
Quote: “Good is the enemy of great.” – Jim Collins

Kanna Taylor, Team Member @KannaTaylor
Specialties: Public relations, research, event planning, social media, non-profits and community relations.
When Not in the Office: Kanna enjoys playing in summer softball leagues, as well as playing tennis and working out. She is a huge sports fan, and supports her St. Louis Cardinals by going to as many games as possible. She enjoys cooking, reading, going on road trips, volunteering and watching her favorite TV shows.
Quote: “Hope for the best, plan for the worst.” –Tony LaRussa

Rich McEwen, Senior Associate
Specialties: Video/media production and copy writing.
When Not in the Office: Rich enjoys science fiction movies and television, practices tai chi, annoys other drivers in his zoomy little convertible, reads about vertebrate paleontology, and travels to sunny places with palm trees and tiki bars.
Quote: “Unexpect the expected.”