happy holidays from our team

centralstatesmarketing.com ↗

Ann Johnston

President

What's your favorite CSM memory?

My favorite memory has to be when we landed our first big client—it wasn’t about the contract, it was the excitement with our team. I remember thinking, ‘This is just the beginning.’ That energy still drives us today.

What's your favorite holiday memory?

As a kid and even through today, we have our traditional family picture in front of the Christmas tree – I love the tradition behind it and all the memories we create. My family is everything!

Brynne Behringer

Partner & Senior Project Manager

What's your favorite CSM memory?

It’s hard to pick just one memory! It’s wild to think I’ve been part of CSM for 17 of its 25 years. I still remember the early days — back when “conference room” meant squeezing around our one table and hoping the Wi-Fi held up, but I’ll never forget those early days above Ann’s garage — back when it was just a handful of us, fueled by coffee, big ideas, and a whole lot of ambition. I still remember how exciting it was the first time someone recognized the name CSM — it felt like all our hard work was starting to mean something. Watching us grow from 3 employees to over 40, moving into a beautiful space we now call home, and seeing how much we’ve evolved while keeping the same heart and drive — that’s what makes me proudest. It’s been incredible to be part of the journey and to see what CSM has become.

What's your favorite holiday memory?

My favorite holiday memory is spending Christmas morning with my kids — the mix of chaos, laughter, and wrapping paper everywhere. There’s nothing better than seeing their excitement and realizing those are the moments that will stick with them, too.

Brian Buralli

Senior Project Manager

What's your favorite CSM memory?

For my 60th birthday, the entire team joined me at Sophia’s Kitchen in Peoria, where we spent the afternoon volunteering. It meant so much to me to have their support for one of my favorite organizations.

What's your favorite holiday memory?

Gathering at my Aunt’s house for Christmas Dinner with both sides of our family. Over 60 people. The only time this happened but still lives on as my favorite holiday memory.

Ali Hogan

Senior Project Manager

What's your favorite CSM memory?

My favorite CSM memory is our recent trip to Punta Cana. It was such a great time to recharge and enjoy the sunshine!

What's your favorite holiday memory?

As a child, I always loved Christmas Eve - going to church and then getting to open our Christmas pajamas was something I looked forward to every year. Now, my favorite part of the holidays is watching Christmas through my kids’ eyes. Seeing their excitement makes it all feel magical again.

Jason Starbird

Project Manager

What's your favorite CSM memory?

My favorite memory at CSM so far has to be our after-hours baseball game outing this past July. It was my first chance to meet some of our remote teammates in person, which made the night especially meaningful. There’s something about connecting outside the office that helps you see people in a different light. It was great to share laughs, conversations, and stories beyond work. I could have done without the stifling heat and humidity, but the good company made it well worth it.

What's your favorite holiday memory?

I don’t have one standout holiday memory, but seeing Christmas through my kids’ eyes has been meaningful. Their excitement during the Polar Express ride, pointing out the best-decorated houses as we drive by, or quietly taking in the Christmas Eve service all remind me how special the season can be when experienced through them. It’s a good reminder to slow down and appreciate the simple moments.

Allison Terveer

Internal Project Manager

What's your favorite CSM memory?

I have a couple! The first time I saw our work out in the "wild" was amazing. I love being able to see all of our team's hard work come to life and see it out in the community. I also love when the remote team comes into town, the office is so much fun with everyone here. It's always nice to see everyone in person instead of on Teams!

What's your favorite holiday memory?

My favorite holiday memory is when I was growing up, my grandparents would have all the grandkids over to make Christmas cookies. We would have a big sleepover the night before and when we thought our grandparents were asleep we would try to steal cookie dough out of the fridge, we always got caught, but that didn't deter us from trying again in the morning when we would start to roll out the dough.

Nyah Winiewicz

Internal Project Manager

What's your favorite CSM memory?

My favorite memory is the first time I saw one of our campaigns in public. I love seeing billboards our team created on my drives around Peoria. Seeing our work out in the community will always bring a smile to my face.

What's your favorite holiday memory?

One of my favorite holiday memories is a bit of a strange one. Living in Buffalo, we always get TONS of snow, and one year there was a travel ban on Christmas because of a huge storm. Even though we couldn't go celebrate with a big extended family bash as usual, my family and I settled in for a cozy day and had a lovely dinner and festivities with just the five of us.

Danetta Smith

Director of Operations

What's your favorite CSM memory?

Loved snorkeling, beach days and pool time on our tenure trips. Also, all the activities we do as a team - breweries, gingerbread houses and team lunches. I love all the time we spend together!

What's your favorite holiday memory?

All the time spent together without an agenda - making Christmas Cookies, watching classic movies and playing games. 

Amie Slott

Director of Media Operations

What's your favorite CSM memory?

I haven’t been here too long to have too many memories but my favorite so far was the day the media team had our stand up at Bicycle Brews. It was a great opportunity to get to know each other a bit and support HISRA and PPD at the same time!

What's your favorite holiday memory?

My favorite holiday memory is when my son was two and my daughter was five. On Christmas Eve, we stood in the front yard in our Christmas PJs throwing “Reindeer Food” up on the roof and all over the lawn for Santa and his reindeer.

Mike Rea

VP of Operations

What's your favorite CSM memory?

Going to Las Vegas with a group from CSM for Danetta’s wedding.

What's your favorite holiday memory?

Our Oldest child saying that he knew Santa Claus was real because his mom and dad would never have gotten him all those presents.

Megan Ayers

Business Manager

What's your favorite CSM memory?

On my 40th birthday, I arrived at the office to find all sorts of pictures posted throughout the ENTIRE building, snapshots from my life. The thought, coordination and effort that went into that really meant a lot to me

What's your favorite holiday memory?

One year for Christmas I received a bunch of Barbie stuff. My mom and I spent a good part of the rest of the day putting the stickers on and assembling all the things to get them set up in the Barbie house my Grandpa had made for me.

Tabatha Hart

Media Director

What's your favorite CSM memory?

Some of my favorite CSM memories are the times we’ve been able to give back together. Volunteering at places like EP!C, Sophia’s Kitchen, and Midwest Food Bank always leaves a mark on me. It’s more than just stepping away from the office; it reminds me what it means to be part of a team that cares. We laugh, we work side by side, and at the end of the day you walk away knowing you were part of something that truly mattered. Those moments fill my heart and remind me why I’m proud to be here.

What's your favorite holiday memory?

My favorite holiday memories are tied to the simple traditions I grew up with. Every year my family would decorate the Christmas tree together while a holiday movie played in the background or Christmas music filled the house. The movies and music have changed over time, but I still love building and creating new memories with my own family today.

Melissa Diggle

Digital Director

What's your favorite CSM memory?

My favorite CSM memories are the team activities we’ve done – bowling, decorating gingerbread houses, golf lessons, chicken wing parties, Pop-A-Shot competitions, etc! Just spending time together and talking and laughing is the best!

What's your favorite holiday memory?

My favorite holiday memory is a recent one – our twin nieces were born right before Christmas 2023!

Ethan Morris

Director of Website Development

What's your favorite CSM memory?

I always enjoy getting together with the team to do fun activities like bowling, volunteering at the food bank, going to the escape room, and everything else fun that we get to do. There's something special about laughing together and seeing different sides of everyone on the team.

What's your favorite holiday memory?

Every holiday is my favorite now that my wife and I have two little ones of our own. It's incredible how having kids completely changes your perspective and makes every celebration feel magical again.

Tim Kennedy

Senior Website Developer

What's your favorite CSM memory?

Hanging out in the office getting to know the team better and catching up. It’s always fun to chit chat in person!

What's your favorite holiday memory?

Anytime we can get together with family around the holidays and have fun together was and is always a great time!

Michaela Frigren

Senior Graphic Designer

What's your favorite CSM memory?

Definitely one of our in office days when everyone’s together! It’s always so fun to catch up, laugh and actually work side by side after being remote most of the time. I also love those moments when a big project finally goes live. Especially brand refreshes or websites I’ve spent a lot of time on. Seeing it all come together is such a good feeling.

What's your favorite holiday memory?

I love all the small things about the holidays. Baking, decorating, eating great food and spending time with family in Sweden. It’s always such a cozy and special time.

Kassy Kerr

Social Specialist

What's your favorite CSM memory?

My favorite work memory was going to an escape room with the team!

What's your favorite holiday memory?

One of my favorite holiday memories was when my dad got a waffle maker for Christmas and he made us all waffles for breakfast with his new toy.

Jordan Tomlianovich

Graphic Designer

What's your favorite CSM memory?

My favorite CSM memory would have to be our team visit to the Peoria Zoo. All the project managers and designers who had a hand in the Zoo’s new environmental signage got to see the final pieces live, including the large scale map which was a labor of love for me to illustrate. Beyond the rewarding view of our work, we got a tour backstage and even got to meet and interact with the giraffes and rhino. The Peoria Zoo was my local childhood destination as a nature and animal lover, so getting to pet a real White Rhinoceros after making so much collateral to get people to come see him added a whole new level of “Yeah, this is the difference we make” to this client visit.

What's your favorite holiday memory?

I can’t pick a specific favorite holiday memory, but one of my favorite things every year is sitting back at night with the decorations and gifts all over the place, fireplace ablaze, watching our tree slowly spin, and listening to our childhood album which begins with a rousing start with Gene Autry’s Jingle Bells.

Cory Turek

Website Developer

What's your favorite CSM memory?

My favorite memory at CSM so far is when we attended the Murder Mystery night at the Winery in 2024.

What's your favorite holiday memory?

My favorite holiday memory is spending time with my entire family for Christmas at my Grandparents' house when they were still with us (I was around 10 at this time). The adults would all be playing cards together while the children would all be playing with toys/games together.

Delaney Walden

Digital Specialist

What's your favorite CSM memory?

My favorite memory was the Murder Mystery Dinner at the Mackinaw Valley Vineyard!

What's your favorite holiday memory?

My favorite holiday memory was going to my grandma and grandpa’s house every Christmas Eve when I was a kid and spending time with my entire extended family.

Emily Barker

Print Coordinator & Graphic Designer

What's your favorite CSM memory?

My favorite CSM memory would have to be the little holiday get-togethers we have, when everyone meets in the conference room, we snack, share a favorite holiday memory, and play a quick game. I think my favorite so far was Easter and seeing everyone’s decorated eggs.

What's your favorite holiday memory?

My favorite holiday memory growing up was making a small present for Santa to take with him after he visited our house and spending Christmas Eve with my family. Everyone would come over, and we’d enjoy soups and appetizers all night. Now, my favorite holiday memory is watching my son run into the living room on Christmas morning to see what Santa brought him. Seeing his smile and the way his eyes light up is pure magic. I love experiencing the holidays through his eyes.

Hannah Vysoky

Social Specialist

What's your favorite CSM memory?

I love whenever we get together just to spend time together outside the office! The murder mystery event at the Mackinaw Valley Vineyard was a ton of fun.

What's your favorite holiday memory?

The years that were my parents' turn to host the family Christmas were so fun as a kid because all my cousins would be at the house and opening presents together was always a great experience.

Tina Machlan

Assistant Business Manager

What's your favorite CSM memory?

I would have to say my favorite CSM memory was the summer outing at the Chiefs game.

What's your favorite holiday memory?

One of my favorite holiday memories would be after we opened gifts on Christmas morning we would go to my grandparents for breakfast and grandma would make sure she had prepared all of your favorite breakfast foods.

Natalie Cordoba

Video Editor

What's your favorite CSM memory?

My favorite CSM memory is when we filmed a fun cowboy themed commercial with the whole team for an RFP.

What's your favorite holiday memory?

Growing up, my favorite holiday memories were waking up early to see what presents Santa brought and then having Christmas breakfast with my grandma’s famous homemade coffee cake.

Kyra Doherty

Media Coordinator

What's your favorite CSM memory?

My favorite CSM memory would be spending our half-day Fridays this summer playing pickleball with people from different teams!

What's your favorite holiday memory?

My favorite holiday memory is spending Christmas morning with my immediate family, eating cinnamon rolls, opening presents, and watching Hallmark Christmas movies.

Shayla Mille

Social Media Coordinator

What's your favorite CSM memory?

What sticks with me the most about this company is how welcoming and supportive everyone is, especially as a remote employee. I can reach out to any team member, and they’re always excited to chat or help with anything I need. And when I come into the office in person, it feels like I’ve always been part of the team—working side by side with everyone every day. It really makes me feel connected and valued.

What's your favorite holiday memory?

My husband and I have a tradition of going to the Chiefs game on Christmas Day, which has become a really special way for us to celebrate together. I have many fond memories from my childhood—our family coming together, sharing traditions, and enjoying all the little moments. It’s wonderful to carry that sense of togetherness into my own holiday traditions with my husband.

Olivia Barnhart

Graphic Designer

What's your favorite CSM memory?

My favorite CSM memory was the murder mystery night at the winery. That was my first week starting at CSM and it was a great way to warm up to everybody!!

What's your favorite holiday memory?

My favorite Holiday memory is when me and my younger brother got an iPod Touch for Christmas. When I was in elementary school having an iPod Touch was the coolest thing ever and I remember being so excited to download all the fun games at the time like angry birds and temple run. I remember the joy I got from opening that present to this day hahah.

Jawon Winbush

Website Developer

What's your favorite CSM memory?

My favorite memory so far would be coming to the office in July and going to Peoria baseball game with the team.

What's your favorite holiday memory?

My favorite holiday memory would be spending time with my family during Thanksgiving and eating good food.

Sam Knapp

Graphic Designer

What's your favorite CSM memory?

My favorite CSM memory is going to watch the Chiefs baseball game with the team!

What's your favorite holiday memory?

My favorite holiday memory is on Christmas Eve every year we go to church with my family and then we travel to each of my mom’s sisters houses and at each house we have a different part of the meal! Starting with drinks, appetizers, main course and then dessert. At the desert house we then play some themed Christmas game and that is always the best part of the holidays!

Alexus Coleman

Digital Designer

What's your favorite CSM memory?

My favorite memory is getting to know everyone at the Chiefs game in July. We were all so hot and miserable, but I barely remember that part because of how much fun it was to talk to my new coworkers! I also won a lousy t-shirt 😊

What's your favorite holiday memory?

My favorite holiday memory is when my family and I spent it in Hawaii. I was in 6th grade and remember having a beautiful view of the beach. We went down and saw Santa get rowed in on a boat. It was pretty special and fun!

Ryan Rogy

Video Specialist

What's your favorite CSM memory?

Considering I've only been at CSM for 2 months,  I've barely had any time to create memories, but I look forward to the great ones I will make!

What's your favorite holiday memory?

My favorite holiday memories were getting together with the family, eating my mom and grandma's food, and beating everyone at card games.  

Grace Bong

Office Assistant

What's your favorite CSM memory?

My first birthday while being a full time employee. The whole front desk area was decorated.

What's your favorite holiday memory?

Beating Pokemon Diamond for the first time Christmas morning after working on it for months.

Nikki Horrie

Social Media Coordinator

What's your favorite CSM memory?

I think my favorite CSM moment would have to be when I met Shayla for the first time. We were both a bit shy…in the beginning. You get the two of us together now, and we will talk each other’s ears off (or anyone else’s who is within earshot. LOL)

What's your favorite holiday memory?

Man – I have so many favorite Christmas memories. One of my favorite Christmas memories would have to be from when I was a pre-teen and I got my dad a framed gold record. He and I (and my mom) all love Elvis Presley – and I got my dad “If I Can Dream” as a gold, framed record. I remember thinking it was sooo expensive – and my mom helped me pay for it. I was so excited come Christmas morning to give it to him. I couldn’t wait for him to open it. That is the first and only time that I’ve made my Dad cry – he was shocked and absolutely LOVED it. Now…I’m a parent, myself, and I literally LIVE to see my children’s faces on Christmas morning. They get SO excited to see their presents – it’s such a magical time of year – and it is even better knowing that they know the reason for the season.

Monica Whitman

Office Assistant

What's your favorite CSM memory?

My favorite CSM memory was the year Megan, Tabatha, and Melissa worked so hard decorating the entire building with lights, signs,and garland. It was so nice when we all came to the holiday wonderland!

What's your favorite holiday memory?

One of my favorite holiday memories was the year I got an Xmas ornament announcing that my daughter was pregnant!!