We believe better is always possible, and a commitment to people is the best way get there.
Since 1994, we’ve taken a strategic, creative approach to uncover what matters most to our clients’ audiences and their businesses. Our emphasis on empathy gives you an edge in creating truly outstanding B2B, B2C and healthcare marketing.
We don’t just work for our clients — we work with them. It’s not just about us. It’s not just about you. It’s about WE: collaborating to develop true understanding and make a real impact in peoples’ everyday lives. For stronger brands, better cultures and thriving communities.
We Bring It. Every day.
Successful businesses are built from the inside out. Happy people make better work, deliver better experiences, and form strong bonds that uplift one another. Here, culture isn’t an HR department task. It’s actively created by everyone on our team.
The inspiring environment we’ve built together helps our team do the best work of their careers — and thrive inside and outside of work.
Meet the people guiding our purpose
Beth is a proud superfan of Xanadu — box office results be damned.
Beth Crivello-Wagner
President/Chief Operating OfficerWith more than 30 years of experience, Beth brings sharp, strategic thinking and a deep understanding of clients’ businesses, offering objective insights that elevate brands. Her background spans international PR, brand reputation and organizational strategy.
With Patti, it’s all about balance: she’s a fitness champ with a weakness for chocolate.
Patti Schauer
Chief Financial Officer & Chief Human Resources OfficerA veteran financial wiz, Patti has spent decades helping companies realize their full potential. She balances heart and head to lead both financial and HR operations at Core, keeping us grounded but growing with a nationally recognized culture.
Puppies and craft beer are the only forces known to break Laura's focus.
Dana co-founded the New Berlin Porsche club — current membership: two and thriving.
Dana Carpenter
Vice President - Client ServiceDana leads Core’s Client Service team, building strong relationships while providing strategic planning, high-level coordination and a can-do attitude across teams. She’s managed standout campaigns for major brands in consumer goods, travel, healthcare and more.
Amy’s playlist game goes unmatched. Her mixtape mastery started at age eight, taping songs off the radio.
Amy Congemi
Vice President – CreativeAmy leads creative development for some of Core’s largest clients, bringing depth and precision to every project. With a background in art direction, Amy has spent over a decade committed to advancing our design capabilities, including packaging, illustration, 3D modeling and more.
During a childhood trip to Disney World, Sam met the world’s most famous princess (no, literally): Princess Diana.
Kevin only missed one day of high school — to watch 11 hours of Lord of the Rings (in theater).
Kevin Farrington
Vice President – Design OperationsKevin keeps some of our most complex internal teams and processes moving with speed and accuracy, overseeing workflow and ensuring every project hits its mark. Known for his detail-focused eye and calm under pressure, he brings both order and optimism to our everyday work.
Nick owns two huskies, a golden retriever, and the world’s most resilient vacuum cleaner.
Sue dreams of having 100 dogs (and we fully support it).
Sue Spaight
Vice President – Insights and StrategySue is a lifelong learner and passionate researcher of human behavior, advocating for audiences and weaving their needs into every strategy. With 30+ years in the field, her deep-rooted love for healthcare marketing drives campaign success across the board.
Ward is on a mission to prove Big Foot's existence. And to write the world's most entertaining Christmas letter
Ward Alles
Chief Executive OfficerAs one of Core’s original founders, Ward remains a driving force in our vision and business growth, infusing every brand conversation with big-picture thinking and creative passion. A former copywriter himself, he brings decades of branding expertise and strategic insight to the table.
Culture isn’t his only passion. Jeff also loves cruising on classic European motorcycles.
Jeff Speech
Chief Culture OfficerCore’s first employee, now a partner, Jeff remains deeply committed to cultivating Core’s culture, keeping teams engaged, inspired and connected through his agency leadership and open-door mindset. With a background in award-winning art direction, he brings empathy and experience to every interaction.
Rich’s favorite way to unwind is offline: casting flies in a trout stream.
Rich Vetrano
Chief Information OfficerRich leads Core’s operations and digital services with a focus on clarity, process and people — all grounded in decades of creative experience. As one of our founding partners and former art director, his influence can be felt in everything from IT to exploring new digital innovation.
Bringing the best together.
Ranked among Milwaukee’s top marketing agencies, it’s no wonder our team is the best in the business. Learn more about our team-created culture and the perks of a career at Core.