Management

Experience you can trust. Expertise you can rely on.

Harris D. McKinney’s management team consists of agency veterans who understand that a keen customer insight leads to an enviable marketing strategy, which forms the foundation for relevant and creative campaigns. With an abiding commitment to client success, this team is hands-on in everything we do.

Dan Hoexter

Daniel Hoexter
President & CEO

Daniel started his advertising career as a copywriter, so it’s no surprise he is still very active in the strategic and conceptual development of client campaigns. Most importantly, though, he is responsible for increasing HDM’s footprint and capabilities to meet clients’ growing needs. Prior to HDM, Daniel worked in both consumer and B2B agencies honing his strategic and creative skills. Daniel received his BA from the University of Illinois and Columbia College and attended the Institute for Advanced Advertising Studies through Northwestern University. He currently serves on the Board of Directors for Confrad International and is a former CopyChaser for B-to-B Magazine, as well as the former President of the Chicago Chapter of the Business Marketing Association.

Dillon Allie

Dillon Allie
Vice President

As Vice President, Dillon is responsible for agency operations, daily account supervision and for leading the team that develops insights required for Harris D. McKinney’s Creative Development Process. This means interviewing client customers and key personnel, pouring through market data and understanding business strategies and goals in order to generate the idea upon which compelling and effective creative campaigns are built.

Before joining HDM in 2005, Dillon spent four years conducting market research, developing marketing strategies, managing competitive intelligence and coordinating campaign launches for First National Nebraska, Inc., a $20 billion financial institution. Dillon received his B.A. from the University of Notre Dame, a general management certificate from the University of Texas at Austin, and an M.B.A. from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business.

Alan Zachary, Ph. D.

Alan Zachary, Ph.D.
Director, Public Relations and Business Development

Joining HDM in 2004, Alan came to the agency with more than 20 years of public relations and agency management experience, including senior positions with Porter Novelli and Ruder Finn. His unique ability to always find the story, his relentless drive and his expertise in legal services, financial services, information technology, energy policy and biotechnology have proved a perfect fit for HDM’s clientele. Alan has spent his career developing productive relationships with business and trade media and has brought his clients coverage from major outlets, such as the wire services (AP, Bloomberg, Reuters), national magazines (Business Week, U.S. News & World Report, Fortune, Forbes Magazine), network newscasts and countless trade publications. Alan received his BA from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, an MA from the City College of New York and a Ph.D. from Northwestern University.

Hooshna Amaria

Hooshna Amaria
Director, Client Services

Hooshna is a trusted marketing professional with specific expertise and interest in healthcare and life science marketing. Prior to Harris D. McKinney, Hooshna held positions at three agencies in New York City where clients included Pfizer, The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, GlaxoSmithKline, Brookhaven National Laboratories, Unilever, The American Board of Medical Specialties and Fujirebio Diagnostics, to name a few. At HDM, Hooshna guides accounts through a strategic and consultative approach to brand marketing. In addition, Hooshna has a particular interest in technology, digital communications and social engagement and is an active member of the social media community in Chicago. Hooshna graduated with a B.A. from New York University and is a Certified Professional Coder (American Academy of Professional Coders).

Michael Nienow

Michael Nienow
Director, Creative Services

Since 2004, Michael has specialized in turning insights into inspiration at Harris D. McKinney. Collaboration is key in his creative process that works to bridge the gap between strategic thinking and conceptual development. Michael earned a Bachelor’s in Marketing/Management, and a Master’s in Integrated Marketing Communications at the University of South Carolina. He is also a recipient of the IMC certificate from the American Association of Advertising Agencies and the University of Illinois. Michael’s work at HDM has been regularly recognized at regional and national industry award competitions, including the BMA and DxMA.

Seth Schwartz

Seth Schwartz
Director, Digital Solutions

With 16 years of agency experience, Seth is an industry veteran. Specializing in website design and development he has helped lead Harris D. McKinney and its clients through the ever-evolving world of digital media. Since joining HDM in 2001, Seth has helped transform an interactive department into a digital agency. Prior to HDM, Seth worked at Tribal DDB and DaVinci Software. He earned his BA from Millikin University and completed Graduate Studies at the Art Institute of Chicago. Seth is active in numerous Chicago user groups, focused on topics ranging from Flash development to augmented reality.

Katie Jeter

Kate (Jeter) Cibula
Director, Media Planning

Kate specializes in strategically planning, placing and managing media within the life science, technology and precision manufacturing sectors. Since 2003, her work has been a critical component of both the Inspiration and Implementation phases of Harris D. McKinney’s Creative Development Process. By working closely with the client and the creative department, Kate ensures that the most meaningful channels are utilized in order to engage the client’s customers. This means meticulous channel planning and measurement, building long-lasting relationships with print and interactive media representatives, and keeping abreast of the latest media trends and hot button editorial issues. Kate and her team work tirelessly to negotiate the most favorable rates while seeking impactful value-add opportunities.

Before assuming her current role, Kate served a variety of B-to-B companies as an Account Executive. She received her B.S. from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, and an Integrated Marketing Communications Certificate from the American Association of Advertising Agencies and The University of Illinois.