Cynthia J. Hill, Co-President
Cynthia spent over 10 years working for Fortune 100 companies such as American Express and Met Life in New York City. She was recruited to Los Angeles by an Internet start-up, then held strategic positions at Clear Channel and Ticketmaster where she developed marketing and promotions strategies—alongside future business partner Kelley McIntosh—before taking the leap as an entrepreneur. Cynthia honed her promotional skills throughout high school and college as a game-of-chance attendant, guessing the age, weight and birthday month of summertime amusement park revelers. After an inspirational trip to Alaska, Cynthia decided to bring her experience to clients and founded the zakHill Group in 2004.

Kelley McIntosh, Co-President
Kelley spent 10 years developing marketing and sponsorship campaigns for not-for-profit, sport and entertainment organizations including The Children’s Hospital, Qwest Communications and Six Flags Theme Parks. After managing key relationships for Ticketmaster in Denver, she moved to its Los Angeles headquarters to create promotional campaigns for Celine Dion and Clear Channel Motor Sports alongside future business partner Cynthia Hill. Kelley fostered her Midwestern “can do” attitude at stock shows where she was responsible for blow drying and primping cows for shows. She has worked with zakHill since its inception, and became a partner in late 2006.

Tracy Merrill, Director
Tracy began his career doing marketing and promotions for shopping malls in Utah. While living in Utah, he also worked for Steven R. Covey and Utah’s first family The Osmonds… (okay, he gave tours of their studio to put himself through school, “We’re walking, we’re walking…”) He moved to California to lead global marketing communications and branding for Novell. After several years at Novell, Tracy decided to trade high tech for Hollywood joining the Warner Bros. Theatrical production resources team. Before joining zakHill, he was the Director of Branded Integration at Norm Marshall where he placed brands such as Xbox, Wonder Bread, Hostess and Heineken. Tracy currently serves on the Board of Directors of The Entertainment Resources and Marketing Association.

Jamie Jacobs, Manager
As a Los Angeles native with a Midwest heart, Jamie joined zakHill with 5 years of marketing knowledge in Experiential, Sports and Entertainment Marketing.  She has worked with national brands including Honda, T-Mobile, Adobe, Oregon Chai, and Chick-fil-A, managing all aspects of their sponsorship/promotion on-site activation and client communication.  In addition, Jamie has assisted with PR and endorsement opportunities for NBA athletes.  Go Badgers!
   

Amanda Marble, Manager
Amanda has come a long way since her days as an ice cream scooper at her home town ice cream parlor. With six years of retail apparel experience under her belt and a business degree from the University of Maryland, she left behind the hustle and bustle of Washington, DC for the sunny coast of California. Amanda got her first taste of the famous LA entertainment industry as an Ad Sales Coordinator for in-theater advertising at National CineMedia. Amanda’s desire for creative freedom and extensive familiarity with the 405/101 interchange lead her to the zakHill team. Now, with less than a mile commute, she is living the real California dream!
   

Afton Aurand, Promotions Administrator
A transplant from the St. Louis Metro area to the grind of Los Angeles, Afton Aurand arrived at zakHill as a self-proclaimed “Saved by the Bell” Trivia Champion. With a Communications degree from Southern Illinois University in hand, Afton proudly galavanted her banners of personal victories at Technisonic Studios in St. Louis where she shaped a colorful video production background. In addition she had a 3-year-run in promotions for Island Records in both Los Angeles and St. Louis. An eye for photography, love of silent films and Cardinal baseball are compiled in her E! True Hollywood Story, which is currently in post.
   

A.J. Garcia, Research Assistant
A.J. is starting to feel his age. The bygone days of remarking that he is a recent college graduate are beginning to fade into memories and gratuitous superlatives. Pro athletes are no longer his senior; he remembers playing Nintendo (no, the 8-bit console) and most startling of all – he now speaks of a career. An Amherst College graduate, he trekked cross-country to experience the frigid winters of Western Mass.  Fed up with the Pats and Red Sox, he returned to his native Los Angeles to cheer on his home town teams and luxuriate in the So Cal sun. Of his past occupational forays, he counts among his most favorite - after-school teacher and magazine fact-checker. An insatiable Science Fiction reader, he welcomes the friendly suggestion.