Brand & Growth Marketing Executive
Penny Spehar
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Building premium brands, launching products, and aligning marketing with revenue.
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I help organizations clarify their position, strengthen market presence and translate strategy into measurable growth.
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For more than 20 years, I’ve led integrated marketing strategies that elevate brand perception and drive business growth. My experience spans fintech, B2B services and complex organizations where positioning, executive visibility and cross-functional alignment are critical to success.
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I specialize in:
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Brand positioning for premium markets.
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Account-Based Marketing and revenue alignment.
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Product launch strategy and go-to-market execution.
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Executive thought leadership and industry visibility.
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Integrated campaigns that deliver measurable performance.
I believe marketing is both discipline and craft — where clarity, design integrity and strategic focus create lasting impact.
EXPERTISE
EXPERIENCE
2025 - Present
Senior Marketing Leader
Baker Hill
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Lead brand positioning and integrated marketing strategy aligned to a three-year objective of tripling business growth within the fintech sector.
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Implemented a targeted Account-Based Marketing strategy focused on high-value financial institution prospects, strengthening sales alignment and accelerating qualified pipeline.
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Supported the successful launch of a new product, contributing to expanded market visibility and new-logo acquisition.
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Develop executive thought leadership, media strategy, and cohesive messaging frameworks reinforcing premium positioning.
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Leverage AI tools to enhance content workflows, audience insights, and marketing efficiency while maintaining brand integrity.
2021 - 2025
Director
M3 GROUP
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Led integrated marketing strategies across digital, PR, and content channels to drive client growth and strengthen brand differentiation.
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Managed business development efforts and senior client relationships, contributing to agency revenue expansion.
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Oversaw an award-winning marketing team, establishing performance benchmarks and fostering creative excellence.
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Directed multi-channel campaigns with measurable performance outcomes across public and private-sector clients.
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Provided executive communications strategy and crisis leadership in high-visibility environments.
2018-2021
Senior Communications Manager
2014-2018
Communications Manager
2011-2014
Owner
MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY
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Led strategic communication planning and integrated campaigns supporting executive leadership and institutional initiatives.
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Managed high-visibility messaging across digital and social platforms, strengthening brand perception and audience engagement.
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Developed executive briefings, media strategies, and cross-functional communication frameworks within a complex organization.
MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY
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Developed and executed public relations strategies reinforcing organizational value, research impact, and economic contribution.
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Supported institutional brand alignment across decentralized units and stakeholders.
OPEN SWIM CREATIVE
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Provided strategic marketing, message development, and implementation support to nonprofit, political, and education-sector clients.
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Advised organizations on positioning, stakeholder engagement, and issue advocacy.
Earlier Leadership Experience
Director of Communications – Center for Charter Schools, Central Michigan University
Director of External Relations – National Charter Schools Institute
Communications Director – Michigan Office of Financial & Insurance Services
Communications Director – Bureau of Construction Codes & Fire Safety
(Details available upon request)
EDUCATION
Master's Degree
MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY
Strategic Communications
Bachelor's Degree
CENTRAL MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY
Business Administration
Hospice of Lansing Stoneleigh Residence // Capital Campaign Co-chair
Central Michigan Public Relations Society of America // Member, Mentor
MSU's Master of Arts - Strategic Communications // Student mentor
Project Management Institute // Member
Saint Martha Catholic Church of Williamston // Parishioner
City of Williamston // City Council Member
City of Williamston // Planning Commission