Betsy Balgooyen Keller
Senior Project Manager
This Senior Project Manager is no slow poke. You can find Betsy running around to make client's hopes and dreams come true in the form of engaging and innovative communication solutions. As an experienced project leader, she pulls every detail and plan together to create presentations, meetings and creative communication solutions to surpass her client's expectations. The eight years (and counting) veteran of the Quicksilver Team believes receiving client feedback starting with "Wow" is better than any award. Don't think for a second that she takes a seat after a long day. Outside the office, you can find the devoted mom and passionate marathon runner on-the-go with her family. Betsy hits the Lakefront Trail for not only stress relief, but to enjoy Chicago's natural beauty. She has completed 24 marathons; you would think she would be tired. But not Betsy. She finds inspiration when leading packs of marathon training groups and has goals to accomplish more marathons around the world. Whether she is running after her toddler, with 20 people during a training session, or keeping projects on track, you'll most likely find her in running shoes.
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Cheryl Mitchell
Senior Writer/Producer
Cheryl, Quicksilver’s Senior Writer/Producer, is a dedicated, enthusiastic, and extremely gifted creative professional. No two days are ever the same in her world; from input sessions with clients and managing projects to brainstorming concepts and developing them with the team, Cheryl approaches every project with a passion to exceed each client’s expectations for one-of-a-kind quality communication solutions on time and on budget. Among the many awards she has received over the years, the Silver Hugo award from Chicago International Film Festival for a video produced for IBM is one of her most treasured. Her theatrical experience at the Carnegie-Mellon acting program, as one of the 35 students to be accepted from nation-wide auditions, is irreplaceable. It’s not often to find someone comfortable behind and in front of the camera. She actually began her career performing, writing and producing for a young unknown magician, now known as the one and only David Copperfield. Since returning to Chicago, Cheryl has starred in the world-premiere production of James Sherman’s "From Door to Door" at the Tony-Award winning Victory Gardens theater. Cheryl lives and breathes original production creation; someday she wants to produce a TV series, make documentaries, and perform a cabaret act. The active member of the "Obsessive Chihuahua Disorder" club on Facebook is also the proud mom of two rescued, long-coat Chihuahuas. Rosie (10) and her younger counterpart Dewey (2) have found puppy love – one may even call Rosie a cougar. When Cheryl takes a break from work and spoiling her furry friends, she loves watching the Food Network, cooking, reading several books at one time, Broadway Musicals and quiet dinners with great friends and, of course, great wine.
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Chris Bartot
Senior Producer
During Senior Producer Chris Bartot’s fifteen year tenure at Quicksilver, he has created and directed videos, interactive multimedia, meetings and events at the cutting edge. He is constantly seeking out the latest tech, whether it is the latest effects lighting or a round screen, to make each event wow clients and audiences. Chris uses his brilliant gift for storytelling in producing video and interactive projects for Quicksilver’s Fortune 500 clients to consistent acclaim. He might not look it, but Chris knows how to wield social media to benefit clients and Quicksilver to find the best staging possible. As the owner of a LinkedIn group for professional live event producers and stage managers he helps moderate conversation and connects close to 1,000 global members in the meeting production industry, while helping him and Quicksilver be in the know of industry best practices. Chris earned his Television Communications degree from the University of Illinois, is a father of four and mentor to many teens. He uses his vacation time to participate in mission trips and countless retreats in support of his church and youth group.
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Debbie Mackron
Executive Assistant
Walk up the steps of the brownstone donning the Quicksilver sign and open the old-school double doors, Debbie is there to greet you. Coming from the west coast after co-writing songs and ‘Riding the Storm Out’ with her ex-rock star husband, her stories are sure to knock your socks off. A fellow Illini alumna with Diane, the loyal and dependable Executive Assistant is the indispensable core of the operations team. She manages the day-to-day and long term internal work to smooth the way for the creative types upstairs. Debbie is a warm and caring professional with a savvy intuition for getting things done. Once the weekend rolls around, you are bound to find her letting loose and riding the trail on one of her show jumpers or race horses, who have taken her all the way to the Winner’s Circle. And that Winner’s Circle is exactly where Debbie belongs.
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Denise Byrne
Production Manager
Quicksilver’s Production Manager, Denise, sure knows how to manage a schedule when things change at the drop of hat. When the day starts out with a fantastic plan in place, one phone call can cause all the priorities to shift. As Denise would say, "It’s all part of the fun!" The reliable production manager joined the team in February of 2012, bringing her ability to juggle every task at hand, bachelor’s degree in Psychology, and of course her sarcastic sense of humor to help everyone get through a tough deadline to meet. To say Denise is good at what she does would be an understatement. She excels at managing multiple fast-paced projects, developing and maintaining great relationships, and being the point person of internal communication for the team. As you might guess this dependable production manager has organized her own life plans, much of which have to do with travel. She has traveled through Argentina, Chile, Bahamas, Iceland, Italy, Portugal, Scotland, England, Netherlands, Costa Rica, and the list goes on. Someday the globetrotter plans to sleep in a Yurt in Mongolia, travel through Cambodia, Russia, Korea, Austria and wherever else the wind may take her. When not jetting off to experience other countries, Denise is usually found taking her pooch out to the park, indulging in a good book or attending a live story-telling performance.
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Diane MacWilliams
President
When you've provided communications solutions since 1976 (and won a few awards for them, too) you're entitled to occasionally talk about "back in the day." Anyone remember multi-projector presentations? But, Diane isn't big on nostalgia; being a leader in creative business communications has more than a little to do with looking forward and that is exactly what she does. The successful entrepreneur stays current with technology and business trends; she excels at identifying and managing trends and talent in the industry. Much of the 35-plus years of Quicksilver’s success can be attributed to Diane’s knack for looking at the marketplace, anticipating change and adapting quickly. Her passion for not only satisfying, but absolutely delighting clients is a well-known ingredient to the Quicksilver special sauce. Diane meets every challenge with humor and an excellent solution, all while pushing the limits to keep Quicksilver the leading communication solution. As you would expect nothing less, Diane keeps up with her family and friends just as much as she does the creative communication industry. Whether it’s a short trip to LA or San Diego to visit her daughter, sister-in-law or clients, a night at the movies with friends, or a relaxing stroll with her dog, she makes time for it all. Diane knows how to make every moment count. And you can count on that.
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Donna Verga
Project Manager
Donna is an innovative and crafty Project Manager with imaginative ideas that really make projects come to life. The Loyola grad has spent the last year and a half with Quicksilver leading visual identity campaigns, implementing integrated marketing strategies, executing engaging events and evolving communications for her clients. Whatever the problem, Donna’s client’s trust she’ll find them the right solution on track with both timing and budget. The ambitious marketing maven consistently delights clients with her unique approach to messaging and design. She keeps everyone at Quicksilver on their toes – of course, she’s the only one with the knack to stay up on them. Donna’s training has taught her just the right amount of edginess and balance to dance any project to success.
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Jeff Maslouski
Post Production Manager
Bringing his video editing skills and IT knowledge to Quicksilver in 2002, Jeff has honed his expertise through the years as he grew from Quicksilver’s one-man video editing team to the Manager of Post Production. Any and every project entailing video or animation passes his desk at some point in its creation process. Jeff’s ambidextrous mind works to the client's advantage as he slides from a creative storytelling streak to tech geek streak all in the matter of a second. He has built Quicksilver's Post Production Department with cutting-edge ideas and an insatiable thirst for technical knowledge. His ability to take a library music track and rearrange it into an original piece is nothing short of genius. Walking through the Quicksilver office, you’ll see various project awards displayed, proving just how much talent he has. The ISU grad double majored in Arts Technology and Music Performance with a minor in computer science. It’s no surprise if you’ve heard this drummer’s beats before - Jeff has been in numerous bands since a young age, most recently alt-country band Farmageddon, which rocked the Chicago live music scene off and on for ten years. A father and husband, Jeff finds his family to be his prime source of entertainment. The rambunctious energy of two young sons is enough to keep every day eventful, but this fan of Chicago architecture, self-described political junkie, and music/movie buff does however, occasionally find time to soak up some culture now and then.
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John Oakes
Editor
John is a creative, detail-oriented Animator and Video Editor; he contributes a refined visual storytelling skill set to the Quicksilver Team. He remains focused on keeping the design, flow, and message of a video in continuous balance. Since earning his BFA in Film and Video from the University of Illinois, Chicago, John has contributed to a wide variety of film and video projects. These projects include non-fiction tv, commercials, and numerous corporate projects. What ties these projects together is John's desire to find unique, compelling, and appropriately sophisticated solutions for each story being told. John's interest in concise and simple aesthetics consumes all aspects of his life, professional and personal. He is constantly in search of new and interesting music, film, art, and food.
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John Shartle
Account Executive
It's Addison Clark who gets John up every morning. "Addy Clark," the family's beloved third beagle, insists on a morning walk no matter how challenging the weather – or baseball season – may be. This long suffering Cubs fan still gleams with pride over his favorite team. For the outgoing, persistent and hardworking Account Executive, each day is all about collaborating with clients and Quicksilver’s talented staff of communications professionals to meet and exceed client expectations. His professionalism, combined with an unparalleled drive for customer intimacy helps John build long lasting relationships with the clients he serves. He pitches strategic and creative communication solutions to drive business changing results. The office is not the only place John pitches. He served as a boys’ baseball and fast-pitch girls’ softball coach for 18 years before his kids went off to college. John’s other favorite pastime, golf, engages the sales guru - say what you like about a 16 handicap, there's no arguing with TWO Holes-in-One. With his wonderful bride Dorothy by his side, John has traveled to such warm weather destinations as St. Thomas, Puerto Vallarta and the Hawaiian Islands. Passion for family, sports and business drives John’s life, all to the joyful soundtrack of "Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah."
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Julie Vaughan
Marketing Associate
Julie, Quicksilver's Marketing Associate, puts the team in team player. Gifted with written, verbal and visual creativity, she plans and accomplishes the wide range of projects for the Quicksilver marketing team since November 2012. From managing social media platforms and brainstorming campaigns for Quicksilver, to writing and designing collateral, she juggles numerous tasks day-in and day-out. The University of Missouri J-School grad brings her passion for the innovative communication industry, and resourceful and strategic mind to every challenge she meets. Usually a busy body out and about enjoying all Chicago has to offer, Julie also has an addiction to spending time at home in the kitchen baking. You can often find her making up reasons to celebrate anything for an excuse to try a new recipe. Julie's ambitious work ethic also leads into her strong desire to travel; she someday hopes to fill up an entire passport book with amazing adventures around the world.
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Kathy Morris
Vice President and Executive Producer
Since earning her Radio, Television, and Film degree from Northwestern University, Kathy Morris has embarked on quite a storybook adventure. From her humble corporate beginnings at Prudential Insurance, to putting television stations on the air in Indonesia, to serving as President and Chairman of the Board of ITVA to being selected as one of Video Producer Magazine’s producers of the decade (the 1990’s to be specific), Kathy has injected her astounding creativity and her unparalleled work ethic into projects across the globe. As Vice President and Executive Producer at Quicksilver, Kathy delights clients with her diverse skill set, which includes communications consulting, creative direction, writing and directing video, speech coaching, and so on and so on. She is also involved of the day-to-day management of the whole Quicksilver production team. Whew…in fact, if you don’t know Kathy, you may mistake her for a biogenetics engineer who has managed to clone herself, because she does the work of four human beings…literally. Kathy in action really is a sight to behold. Not only, can she do anything she puts her mind to, she does it in the perfect attire. After all, Kathy is the queen of seasonally appropriate and event-specific outerwear.
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Lakshmi Jayaraman
Programmer / Developer
Lakshmi, the talented programmer and Microsoft-certified developer, works behind the scenes to make things happen. She stays on top of the continuously emerging advances in technology and seeks the best long-term solutions for clients. Lakshmi is one of the extraordinary individuals who have the ability to actually make the Internet "work." She whips through tasks with an eye for detail, hardly giving anyone time to catch up. Some think she has a magic wand; how else could someone code at the speed of light? Maybe it’s a result of the coffee drip she plugs in everyday to wash down her vegetarian treats? You would think with all of those dried apricots and peanuts she would be like a squirrel and sleep through the winter, but her quick-moving mind keeps her coding the day away.
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Michael Sapp
Creative Director
Michael, Quicksilver's Creative Director, brought his natural, innovative intuition and unbelievable eye for design to the team in February 2013. He earned his bachelor's degree in Advertising Design from the Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale. Having a solid foundation in traditional advertising, combined with complete knowledge of digital and multimedia, allows him to create the most effective integrated marketing campaigns for Quicksilver's clients. While there are people in the world who dread coming into work each morning, Michael is not one of them. He is energized by the opportunity to solve communication projects with smart, inventive and visual solutions each day. His approach may vary based on each project but one thing remains consistent - his level of professionalism and desire to be the best. Michael is a true creative. His knack for concept development from the beginning big picture stages down to the smallest of details in execution sets him apart from the competition. His sense of humor and work ethic make him the key player every team needs. He sees each new project as a challenge to evolve and visually connect audiences with smart solutions to exceed their expectations. Michael's connection to the art world extends past the visual aspect of things. His guitar and favorite music from Fender Strat, Jimi, Clapton, Buddy, and Eddie - just to name a few - are close to his heart. Originally from Florida, Michael is quite fond of the ocean and someday plans to get back to his a coastal area. Until then, when he is not in the studio, you can find him at the gym or dog park living an active, healthy lifestyle.
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Moe Amer
Financial Controller
With about ten years of Quicksilver experience under his belt, Moe has proven to be the "Ultimate Controller." From coordinating an entirely new phone system, staying on top of the billing, and making sure every detail such as office security and plumbing is in shape to orchestrating a tangle-free technical environment (wiring, serving room, software licensing and more) during the move from 16 W. Ontario to 18 W. Ontario, no two days are alike for him. Some may call him the "enforcer" of the team, but everyone will say he is the busy-body, helpful hand and organized mind Quicksilver needs for smooth sailing. Shortly after earning his B.S. in accounting in his native country Egypt and hearing encouragement from his family in the U.S., he made the move to Chicago. He has yet to go his roots since; instead his family enjoys making trips to the U.S. or meeting halfway somewhere in Europe for a family reunion. He became a U.S. Citizen in 2012. Moe’s problem solving and vigorous mind has led him to become an avid reader and his thirst for knowledge pushed him to start pursuing his MBA here in the U.S. When he is not accomplishing personal goal after goal, he is busy scoring them on the soccer field. Moe enjoys a healthy lifestyle and taking on physical challenges; he plans to break into extreme cross-fit workouts soon. That healthy lifestyle also includes time well spent with family and friends, whether it be out and about or just relaxing at home with his wife.
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Nick Drabicki
Editor
Since August 2011, Nick, Quicksilver’s Video Editing extraordinaire, has been telling captivating stories through video. While studying at Ferris State University in Big Rapids, MI, he earned a B.A in TV/Video and became a whiz at numerous editing software programs. With endless cups of coffee and a large monitor at the Quicksilver office, Nick uses his intuitive sense for editing that both saves time and gets to the heart of an excellent final product. He understands the power and emotion an editor brings to film and truly amazes clients with his knack of storytelling. Originally from the metro Detroit area, he later lived and worked in Grand Rapids, MI, moved on to Anchorage, AK, and finally Chicago to be closer to friends and family. As you might guess this Detroit native is a Lions’ fanatic and watches anything sports related to his hometown. But he can’t be satisfied with just kicking back and watching, Nick plays ice hockey downtown weekly with friends. He stays tuned into to music, photography, golf and almost daily you can find him and his wife Carlee walking their two West Highland Terriers. Nick’s friendly, reliable and deadline-driven personality keeps everyone on the team in a cheerful mood.
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Pat Lehnerer
Art Director
Pat is Quicksilver’s Art Director and the resident "Jack of All Trades." PowerPoint, Photoshop, Illustrator, vector graphics, Flash animation? You've got it! Pat is treasured by clients and staff alike, and respected for his old-fashioned, down-home Chicago work ethic. His brilliant and ingenious insights lead to a stellar final product each and every time. If he weren't a designer, he could be a Teamster—ensuring the flow of goods across America the same way he delivers killer design day-in and day-out. This guru can do it all, plus about a million other things. Lately outside of work, Pat dons a cowboy hat, Elvis shades and a silk kimono transforming him into a dancing, drumming DJ for the benefit of Chicago party-goers. And in a month, he might be doing something else entirely. There’s always something. Stay tuned!
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Sara Hubbard
Designer
When everyday offers of a new design challenge, artistic craft or photo shoot, Quicksilver’s Junior Designer, Sara, can’t wait to dig in and find inspiration for a visual solution. Since joining the team in May of 2012, Sara has used her unique perspectives to bring eye-opening and compelling designs to life for any project the producers toss her way. Her creative driving force aims every design into perfection. The Loyola University Chicago grad, with a BA in Visual Communication and French, brings her fresh ideas and ability to take on every design mission to ensure any project she touches turns to a masterpiece. Speaking of masterpieces, her cooking and baking would definitely fall under this category. From whipping up a scrumptious feast for her family or a tasty treat to share with her friends, Sara knows her way around the kitchen. When the weekend comes around Sara can be found anywhere from a concert with friends, trying out new recipes or local restaurants to on her couch catching up with friends (with her cat by her side, of course). Sara is a Washington native, but has moved six times and lived in a total of four states in all of her twenty-some years. Her true thirst for travel started after spending six months in France for school; she can’t wait to tour the rest of the world and see what amazing and inspiring characteristics each place has to offer. Chicago better hang on tight to the hardworking, friendly and talented designer, because this is one you can’t replace.
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