The future is bright at Starmark with an expanded leadership team

Starmark is excited to enter its next era with Jacqui Hartnett stepping into the role of CEO, Katy Gewartowski as President and Partner in the agency and our Founder, Peggy Nordeen, in the role of Chairman of the Starmark Board of Directors.

Jacqui joined Starmark as COO in Florida nearly 20 years ago immediately contributing her expertise in finance, operations, production as well as marketing communications. She helped grow Starmark’s business in tourism, healthcare, business/technology and education on her way to becoming Starmark President in 2010 and a partner in the agency in 2011. Active in community organizations, she was named one of South Florida Business Journals’ Women of Influence in 2021.

Katy took her first position at Starmark in its PR department back in 2001 and quickly embraced the agency’s entrepreneurial spirit — helping to create and grow a custom publishing and loyalty marketing line of business. From there she moved into senior positions in Account Service, ultimately leading the entire client support team where she has played a critical role in both new client acquisition and organic growth. Some significant contributions under her watch include the launch of several award-winning initiatives for clients like Amelia Island Convention and Visitors Bureau, Valencia College and Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital.

About our new President, Chairman Peggy Nordeen says, “Katy knows the agency inside and out, and can harness the power of our team’s thinking to generate return for our clients and for us. In her 24 years as a Starmarker she’s been growing long term relationships, building trust and making a business impact.”

The timing of this expansion of the Starmark leadership team coincides with an exciting new partnership – with Starmark now serving as Agency of Record for Visit Florida Keys and Key West. FAU also recently tapped Starmark to lead its digital experience transformation.

We’ve also just marked our 10 year anniversary of becoming an Agile Agency and dramatically grown our performance media practice, along with launching VR projects for Boggy Creek Airboat Adventures, South Florida PBS — and another VR partner we’ll be announcing soon.

“I’m thrilled and honored to be leading this team of amazing people — many of whom I’m proud to say I’ve worked alongside for 10+ years and longer. It’s going to be an exciting new era for all of us with such incredible client partners who let our strategy and creativity shine,” says Katy.