Leadership
The Principal and Directors of The Lavidge Company are creative, smart, fun people with years of experience in their respective fields.
Bill Lavidge, CEO & President
After gaining experience in account service, research and media at two of the nation’s most respected and prominent advertising agencies (Foote Cone & Belding and Bozell & Jacobs), Bill Lavidge started pursuing his vision of the perfect agency right here in Scottsdale in 1983. He is active in many community organizations, including the Young President’s Organization, Phoenix Advertising Club, Better Business Bureau and the Phoenix Suns Charities. Bill also loves peanut M&M’s—his candy jar is always filled and open to the entire agency! He is married with two children.
Alicia Wadas, Chief Operating Officer/Public Relations Director
Alicia Wadas has been in the advertising and public relations field for nearly 25 years, more than 20 of which were spent in the Phoenix market. Prior to joining The Lavidge Company, she served as the Executive Vice President of Cooley Advertising and Public Relations for ten years and a Principal at Martz & Wadas Advertising and Public Relations for 12 years. Throughout her career, she's worked with a variety of clients across a broad range of industries, directing local, regional and national communications in crisis management, employee communications, media relations and event management. In 2008, Alicia assumed the role of Chief Operating Officer. This new position will help steer The Lavidge Company through it's continued growth and diversification. Alicia has a husband, three children, two grandchildren and an adorable pooch who thinks she is their grandpuppy.
Bob Case, Chief Creative Officer/Creative Director
Nationally-recognized illustrator and animator Bob Case joined The Lavidge Company in 2001. He’s produced award-winning work for the Phoenix Suns, Nickelodeon, HBO, Penn, the Arizona Diamondbacks and John Deere (among many others). In addition to his role as Creative Director, Bob also serves as our Chief Creative Officer, insuring that the proper time and care is taken with each creative piece, even as The Lavidge Company continues to grow and diversify . Bob and his wife have two lovely kids.
Sandra Hieb, Chief Financial Officer
Sandra Hieb, CPA, has led the Lavidge accounting team since 2003, with over 15 years of experience in accounting and finance. Prior to joining The Lavidge Company, she worked in a number of industries, including healthcare, legal, and technology/communication. Sandra is currently a member of AICPA (American Institute of Certified Public Accountants) and ASCPA (Arizona Society of Certified Public Accountants). When she's not crunching numbers, Sandra is spending time with her two dogs, Charlie and Isabell.
Ed Munro, Director of Client Services
Ed Munro has worked in advertising for more than 16 years. His background includes automotive, retail and quick serve restaurant (QSR) experience. Ed developed his QSR marketing acumen while working with McDonald’s Corporation, as a Regional Marketing Supervisor. During the past six years he led account teams for clients that include The Home Depot, Saks Fifth Ave., Toys"R"Us, Mars Petcare and Taylor Morrison Homes. Originally from Vancouver, Ed has lived in four countries, four states and currently resides in Scottsdale with his dog Max.
Tim Trull, Account Planner
Tim Trull brings a unique blend of creativity and strategic thinking to The Lavidge Company. With almost 25 years of experience that includes graphic design, art direction, marketing and communications management, general management and account planning, Tim can certainly wear many hats. In addition, he owned and operated a successful marketing consulting firm in Dallas, Texas, representing a range of clients from Fortune 1000 firms to Internet start-ups. Tim is married with two active daughters and two (very) spoiled dogs.
Betsey Griffin, Media Director
With over 20 years of experience in planning, buying, media sales and sales management, Betsey has headed The Lavidge Company Media team since 2003 in expert fashion. She’s bought and planned media and supervised buyers working on behalf of McDonald’s, Arizona Diamondbacks, KTAR Radio, Phoenix Suns, Phoenix International Raceway, Arizona Lottery, KTVK Newschannel 3, Paddock Pools & Spas, Blimpie Subs & Salads, Scottsdale Healthcare and Pointe Hilton Resorts. In addition to the Media team, Betsey successfully supervises her teen aged son Christopher.
Stephen Heitz, Director of Interactive Services
Stephen is a technology and Interactive executive with over twelve years of experience in software development, business process integration, e-commerce Web design and marketing. He has executive and consultant experience in education, insurance, auctions, retail products and e-business for such companies as eBay, eBay Motors, and Barrett-Jackson. Stephen's accomplishments include receiving Innovator of the Year award from Paradise Valley Community College in 1994. In 1999, he was chosen by Microsoft to be a "product presenter" at Microsoft's Developer Days seminar in Phoenix, and was selected Forbes Best of the Web list for TV/Online Auction in 2001. Stephen currently serves on the board of directors of the Arizona Small Business Association. Stephen obtained his Bachelors of Science in Information Technology from the University of Phoenix.
Ben Smith, Director of Interactive Marketing
Ben has been on the cutting edge of Arizona business and technology since 1985, with many roles in both the public and private sector. Previously, his role as Director of Operations for a multi-million dollar consulting firm had him managing engineering, programming and R & D teams for a variety of enterprise clients across the country. Ben’s business operations, coupled with technical experience offer clients a unique perspective on long range planning, design and project planning. He attended the University of Arizona, and is proud father of three.