Michelle L. Marshall

Mullen Advertising Agency
Vice President, Director of Digital Media
Winston-Salem, N.C.
Age: 38

When Michelle L. Marshall discovered her passion for advertising as an undergraduate at Ferris State University in Big Rapids, Mich., she changed her major from computer information systems to marketing/advertising and never looked back. Today, buttressed by 12 years’ experience creating digital media strategies for Fortune 500 companies, she is the vice president, director of digital media for Mullen Advertising Agency, tasked with leading the digital media strategy, planning, negotiations and performance analysis for the firm’s digital accounts.  Since joining Mullen, she has worked on a few amazing brands, Embarq Corp., now CenturyLink; Dickies apparel brand; SunTrust Bank; Kumon Learning Center; and chemical giant BASF Corp.

Marshall’s interest in computers served her well with the advent of digital media, enabling her to quickly understand the industry’s technology infrastructure and leverage that understanding to serve her clients. “I still smile and get chills when I talk about digital media,” she says. In the digital world, however, new technology and innovations seem to emerge every day. To stay ahead, Marshall knows that she must always be “on her game” — a welcome challenge for someone who says she “loves not being comfortable.”

Marshall began her career in advertising as an assistant media planner for W.B. Doner & Co., working on the Greater Michigan Ford Dealers, Motrin, Long Drugs and Red Roof Inn accounts. She moved into positions of increasing responsibility at such top agencies as J. Walter Thompson, Starcom MediaVest Group and PHD. To date, she has worked on more than 55 global brands, including HBO, Capital One Bank, Ford Motor Co. and General Motors Co.

Away from advertising, Marshall can be found making jewelry, an occupation she considers her personal stress buster. She treasures the time she spends with her husband and two daughters. She says, “Having a strong support system through family and friends is a key ingredient in my success.”

Fun Facts
Favorite singer: John Mayer
Favorite author: J. R. Ward
Last movie: “Tangled”