Justin Oden is currently a Multimedia Designer at Downstream Casino Resort. After obtaining a Bachelor’s Degree in the Graphic Arts from Missouri Southern State University, he started out his career at The Joplin Globe as a graphic designer where he won several Addy awards for his illustration work. He’s committed to staying current with design trends and constantly challenges himself to learn more while pushing his skills outside of his comfort level. When not in front of his computer, he can be found drinking copious amounts of coffee with his face buried in a sketchbook.
Kesha co-owns Supper Co., a marketing agency in Springfield, Missouri. At Supper, they specialize in alcohol, cannabis, food and hospitality doing everything from brand strategy and identity to marketing communication planning to website design and development. She specializes in marketing strategy, communication planning, and brand strategy. Kesha spent 16 years in marketing and advertising working on national brands like Unilever Food Solutions, McCain Foods, International Delight, and Procter & Gamble Professional as well as boutique brands like Askinosie Chocolate. Her career has been focused on account service and strategic planning. She was fortunate to build and lead the strategic planning practice at the Marlin Network, introducing a new discipline to the agency. She loves uncovering opportunities and building plans to activate them. She thrives in collaborative environments and believes that diversity in thinking gets us further, faster.
Over my tenure of a nearly 25 year career in production and operations, I have worked with every cross-functional team imaginable on projects big and small. I keep my sights on the big picture, yet somehow uncover the tiny details that make the cogs turn smoother. No problem or project is too tough for me to solve because of my earnest belief that there’s always a way.
As Marlin Connections' creative lead, Tim fosters an open environment with a cross-functional creative team made up of storytellers, technologists and motion media experts. Tim believes in the blending of technology and creative applied to simple ideas that break through the clutter and create real impact for brands. His years in food and beverage branding have earned him plenty of awards, but Tim is most proud of work that works.
Prior to Tim’s current role within Marlin Connections, he co-founded The Alchemedia Project, a digital branding agency in 2009. Tim has also held posts at Pyramid Foods as Marketing Director and at Noble Communications as Executive Creative Director. He holds a Fine Arts degree in Graphic Design from Missouri State.
Traci Hughes is a Associate Instructional Professor at Pittsburg State University in the Graphic Communications department. She came to PSU after working in the printing and flexible packaging industry for 18 years. She is excited to have the opportunity to be in the classroom and share her experiences with the students. Traci has served on the board for AAF Heartland since 2017 assisting with the American Advertising Awards each year. Before becoming President, she served as club treasurer.