Attendees

aaron hall

Director of Missionary Department
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Bio

Aaron Sherinian

Managing Director, Church Communication Department
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Aaron Sherinian is passionate about fostering open conversations about faith, creating projects that help people realize God’s love and the relevance of Christ in their lives. He thrives at the intersection of seemingly unlikely pairings, such as global policy and family dynamics, faith and mass media, and humanitarian aid and influencers. Aaron believes these intersections spark meaningful conversations and drive action. While he plans to enjoy all the snacks, he also has a deep appreciation for smart people, inspired ideas, and the role of love in communications.

Adrienne Cardon

Creative Director
Western Lights
Adrienne Cardon created the brand architecture for Pause/Play, a sacred space for preachers, and leads social strategy for affordable housing leader April Housing. With 20 years of industry experience, she’s worked with clients like Volkswagen, Nestle, and Burger King. Passionate about climate, God, and poetry, Adrienne is also a regular contributor to Wayfare. Her expertise lies in writing and brand strategy, and she loves to ski whenever she gets the chance.

Amanda Hansen

Messaging Strategy Sr. Manager
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Amanda Hansen has played a vital role in projects like Publish Glad Tidings, the Global Initiative for Women and Children, and the Church Communication Guide. She is passionate about building meaningful relationships, understanding audience needs, and strengthening brand identity to help more people receive the gospel of Jesus Christ. Amanda’s expertise includes leading cross-functional teams to solve complex problems, as well as skills in marketing and brand strategy, internal and external communications, relationship management, and public relations.

Andra Duke

Director of Content
BYU Broadcasting
Andra Johnson Duke joined BYU Broadcasting in 2017 as Director of Content, overseeing development, programming, distribution, and acquisitions. She was previously VP of Unscripted Production at BBC Worldwide Productions in Los Angeles, where she worked on global formats for various US networks. Andra has also held producer and executive roles at GRB Entertainment, Kaleidoscope Pictures, and Gay Rosenthal Productions. A BYU alumna, she and her husband Steve have three children.

Andrew Bagley

President
Boncom
Andrew Bagley has worked with top brands like Nike, PetSmart, Kroger, and the Smithsonian, and contributed to impactful campaigns like Light the World and I’m a Mormon. Passionate about behavioral psychology, mountain biking, wake surfing, skiing, and making pizza, he brings expertise in strategy, behavioral psychology, and creative leadership

Anne Lloyd

Director of Strategic Messaging
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day
Bio

bradley thatcher

CEO
Thatcher + Co
Bio

brandon burton

President
Bonneville Communications
Bio

brent anderson

Global Chief Creative Officer
TBWA \ Media Arts Lab
Brent Anderson has spent eight years leading Apple advertising at Media Arts Lab. Before that, he served as Chief Creative Officer at TBWA\Chiat\Day Los Angeles, overseeing campaigns for Gatorade, AirBnB, adidas, Visa, and Nissan. Brent is passionate about creating cultural impact and harnessing emotion in communication. His expertise lies in global brand building, storytelling, and fostering long-term client trust, driving work that resonates deeply with audiences.

Brian J. Adams

Writer / Executive Producer
Sovereign Media
LeeAnne H. Adams & Brian J. Adams are a writing and producing duo best known for creating and showrunning DWIGHT IN SHINING ARMOR, a family adventure/comedy series that aired for five seasons on BYUtv and is now in 45 countries. They also created RUBY AND THE WELL. And, with their production company, Sovereign Media, they have created campaigns for GMC, Hasbro, Disney, Blue Cross, TNT/TBS, Mattel, Honda, among many others.

BRITT LYNCH

SENIOR brand strategist
TBWA \ Media Arts Lab

Britt Lynch is an experienced advertising professional who has worked in agencies across New York City, San Francisco, and Los Angeles. She has a deep understanding of how to connect brands, consumers, culture, and products in meaningful ways to drive brand growth and engagement. Her expertise spans a diverse set of clients, including Meta, Pinterest, Equinox, IHOP, and most recently, Apple.

bruno delfino

Sr. Global Product Marketing Insights Manager
Wellhub

Bruno Delfino is the founder of Desígnio, an online school teaching soft skills to teens in Brazil. Before joining Wellhub, he worked on global marketing campaigns for Walt Disney World and led brand storytelling at Google. With experience as a strategist at R/GA and ad agencies in Brazil, Bruno is passionate about creativity, technology, and education. He holds a master’s degree in Instructional Technology and brings expertise in brand marketing, storytelling, data insights, and education.

christopher carlson

Vice President of Client Strategy
Boncom

Christopher Carlson has been with Boncom for a decade, overseeing all Church clients and contributing to notable campaigns such as Light the World, Easter, 99+1, Give Thanks, and the ongoing Missionary Campaign. Before joining Boncom, he served as Director of User Experience at the Library of Congress. Passionate about the Great Salt Lake, he has a book on the lake coming out in 2025. His expertise is cross-disciplinary, spanning Strategy, Creative, Media, and Analytics, with a focus on Advertising.

Christine Baird

Founder & Head of Content
Worthfull Media

Christine Baird has spent a decade in podcast production, working on key projects such as The School of Greatness, Proclaim Peace, and podcasts for numerous high-profile personal brands in self-development and entrepreneurship. Passionate about self-worth, sustainable media, art, design, and wellness, she brings expertise in content strategy, YouTube chat shows, and event programming to the summit.

David Morring

Creative Principal
Lerma/Advertising, Dallas TX

David Morring is the creator of the He Gets Us campaign, aimed at freeing the name of Jesus from divisive uses. He has written and produced over 20 national TV commercials for the campaign, including 4 Super Bowl ads, and oversees national creative work for Hobby Lobby and The Salvation Army. David has also led campaigns for brands like Dodge, Alfa Romeo, Doritos, and Orkin. A passionate writer, photographer, and traveler, his work has been featured in publications like Overland Journal and Alpinist magazine.

Derek Westra

Director of Reputation Management
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Derek Westera has worked for the Church for 15 years, focusing on large campaigns and the Church’s brand and reputation. His key projects include Social Listening, SEO, I’m a Mormon, Light the World, and Advocate Strategy. Recently, he’s been passionate about ensuring fair and accurate portrayals of the Church in TV, film, and media. A proud girl dad, Derek enjoys building with his wife Danielle, playing guitar, piano, and pickleball, as well as trail-running and watching The Great British Baking Show.

Deric Nance

Creative Director
The Martin Agency

Bio

emma higbee

Art Director
VMLY&R

Bio

Erik Christensen

Executive Producer
BYU Broadcasting

Erik Christensen has served as Executive Producer at BYUtv since 2019, contributing to all new original programming, including favorites like Relative Race and Studio C, as well as new series such as Ruby and the Well, Dwight in Shining Armor, How I Got Here, and The Wizard of Paws. With 20 years of experience in unscripted and documentary television, Erik is passionate about discovering new ideas and creating content that uplifts, inspires, and organically represents faith in exciting ways.

ETHAN HANSON

Sr. Director, Experience & Brand Strategy
Dentsu

Ethan Hanson, a marketing and management consultant, has worked with over 60 brands including Samsung, Google, Adobe, Discover, Nike, Under Armour, and L’Oréal. He also served as an advisor at The Church, collaborating with departments such as Priesthood and Family, Temple, and Communications. Passionate about driving revenue growth and personal development, Ethan specializes in brand strategy, experience design, and innovation. In his free time, he enjoys skiing, hiking, and kayaking with his family.

Glen Nelson

CO-FOUNDER
Center for Latter-day Saint Arts

Glen Nelson, author of 35 books, including three New York Times bestsellers as a ghostwriter, has curated museum and gallery exhibitions. His latest works include Latter-day Saint Art: A Critical Reader (Oxford University Press) and Work and Wonder: 200 Years of Latter-day Saint Art (Church History Museum). Passionate about advocating for creative LDS artists, Glen brings extensive expertise in collaborating with artists worldwide across music, visual art, literature, and dance.

greg whiteley

Filmmaker
One Potato Productions

Greg Whiteley is the creator of Netflix’s America’s Sweethearts, Cheer, and Last Chance U. He also directed and produced New York Doll. Passionate about making honest, emotionally resonant films with broad appeal, Greg’s work captures raw, authentic stories that connect with diverse audiences. He brings a unique blend of expertise to the summit, combining a “cold eye” for objective storytelling with a “warm heart” for human connection.

Jacob Schwarz

Director / Creative Director
Mystery Box Productions

Jacob Schwarz has worked with brands like Apple, Netflix, NHK, Sony, The Chosen, and the Museum of the Bible, leveraging his expertise in commercial and long-form storytelling. Over the past five years, he’s directed four feature-length films, including a documentary on Facebook’s role in Syrian antiquities and a drama about conqueror Amir Timur. Passionate about emotionally resonant stories, Jacob explores themes of identity, faith, and human connection, aiming to inspire and unite audiences.

Jake Van Wagoner

writer / director / producer
Oak Park Production

Jake Van Wagoner is a Sundance award-winning director and producer, known for Aliens Abducted My Parents and Now I Feel Kinda Left Out. He spent 3+ years as the showrunner for Studio C and has directed projects for Hallmark. Passionate about entertaining through high-quality content that makes audiences laugh and feel, Jason brings a rare ability to bridge creative vision with logistics and budgeting. With experience across every production role, he has a deep understanding of what audiences truly want.

jared cardon

Filmmaker
Western Lights Studio

Jared Cardon is a multi-Emmy-winning producer, director, and filmmaker with 16+ years of experience leading creative teams. His work has earned over 3 billion views and recognition from The New York Times, BuzzFeed, and more. Cardon’s projects span film, TV, and experiential media, with accolades from IndieCade, NBC’s Comedy Playground, and Sundance’s Episodic Story Lab. He recently launched a CGI studio focused on photo-real digital characters. He lives in Utah with his wife Adrienne and their four curious kids.

Jason devilliers

Filmmaker
Freelance

Jason deVilliers is a writer, director, producer, and showrunner with over 25 years of experience, specializing in children’s television. His work includes Yo Gabba Gabba!, The Aquabats! Super Show!, and eight Jim Henson productions, including Fraggle Rock. Passionate about the outdoors, adventure travel, and storytelling, Jason brings expertise in family programming, social media, SEO, and global communication to the summit.

Jeff dunn

Children’s Book Author
Self-Employed

Jeff Dunn is an accomplished ad copywriter with experience creating TV, radio, social media, and digital ads for major brands like GEICO, Land O Lakes, Subway, Chick-fil-A, and Capital One. Passionate about creativity, collaboration, and brand building, Jeff also recently published a children’s book, A Buffalo Out of Water, promoting empathy and inclusion in adoption. Outside of work, Jeff is dedicated to supporting individuals with special needs, spending time with family, and spreading kindness.

jeff parkin

Filmmaker & Professor
Brigham Young University

Jeff Parkin is a filmmaker and professor in Theatre and Media Arts at BYU, where he teaches screenwriting, directing, and New Media. He’s the area head of Fiction Production and has directed, written, and produced award-winning films, TV series, web series, and New Media projects like Studio C and The Book of Jer3miah. His work has been honored by Sundance, NBC, and the Webbys. Jeff holds an MFA from USC and serves on the Advisory Board of the Center for Latter-day Saint Art. He and his wife, Jana, have three children and three grandchildren.

jeff simpson

President, CEO
Deseret Management Corporation

Bio

Jeff Taylor

Vice President, Executive Creative Director
Boncom

Over the past decade, Jeff has played a key role in the Church’s Easter and Christmas campaigns, collaborating closely with President Nelson and senior Church leaders. Recently, he helped the Utah Olympic Bid Committee secure the 2034 Games and worked with Governor Cox on the Disagree Better initiative. Jeff is passionate about his kids, grandson, golf handicap, and the incredible creative team at Boncom. His expertise spans creative problem solving, video producing, copywriting, and directing.

John Starkweather

Associate Vice President Advertising
AT&T

With 25 years leading global campaigns for top brands like Microsoft, Google, and AT&T, John Starkweather is a versatile marketing expert with a focus on Advertising, Communications, Digital, and community building. His career centers on leveraging technology to enhance customer experiences and advocating for ‘Human-to-Human Marketing.’ As adjunct faculty at SMU’s Cox School of Business, he mentors Latino leaders on personal branding. A global citizen, John treasures outdoor adventures with his family.

Josh Coates

Executive Director
BH Roberts Foundation

Josh Coates has contributed to projects like Canvas LMS, ldsbot.com, mormonr.org, the 2024 CFLDS national survey, and a mormom memes. A passionate software engineer, amateur astronomer, welder, machinist, and sociologist, Josh brings 20 years of experience running highly successful tech startups (except one that went really badly) to the summit.

Katie Schwarz

producer
Mystery Box Productions

Katie Schwarz has spent the last 15 years working in film, from feature films to successful social media and YouTube campaigns. At Boncom, she’s helped produce projects, including the last two Easter campaigns. Passionate about telling stories that challenge perspectives and spark meaningful conversations, Katie is aware of her position as a woman in film and the biases that come with it. She brings expertise in media production, advertising campaigns, creative direction, and team building.

Keith Vorkink

advancement vice president
Brigham Young University

Keith Vorkink oversees strategic communications for BYU, leading efforts like the university’s Big 12 introduction campaign. Passionate about advancing BYU’s unique mission and influence, Keith focuses on sharing the university’s light with the world. His expertise lies in branding, messaging, and communications, ensuring BYU’s voice resonates with key audiences and aligns with its values on a global stage.

Kirby Heyborne

actor
SAG

Kirby Heyborne, an actor with over 20 years of experience in TV, film, audio, and commercials, is known for his work on Making Good and films like Saints and Soldiers and Three Stooges. He’s narrated popular audiobooks, including Saints and the Dragonwatch series, and contributed to campaigns like Light the World. Passionate about sharing the light of Christ and spreading joy, Kirby brings his extensive expertise in storytelling and media to the summit

Kylie Romano Paz

Associate Creative Director
Lerma

Kylie Romano Paz has contributed to key projects including He Gets Us, The Salvation Army, The Chosen, and Nature Nate’s Honey. Passionate about connecting with people and telling diverse, unique stories, she enjoys reading, watching movies, and trying new foods. Kylie brings expertise in art direction, design, and faith-based advertising, with a focus on transcreation, blending creativity with cultural insight.

LeeAnne H. Adams

Writer / Executive Producer
Sovereign Media

LeeAnne H. Adams & Brian J. Adams are a writing and producing duo best known for creating and showrunning DWIGHT IN SHINING ARMOR, a family adventure/comedy series that aired for five seasons on BYUtv and is now in 45 countries. They also created RUBY AND THE WELL. And, with their production company, Sovereign Media, they have created campaigns for GMC, Hasbro, Disney, Blue Cross, TNT/TBS, Mattel, Honda, among many others.

Liz Maravilla

director of operations
MWEG Mormon Women for Ethical Government

Liz Maravilla has led transformative initiatives at MWEG, including revamping internal processes, enhancing security, and guiding the organization’s next employment phase. She also manages the development of MWEG’s new website. Passionate about civic engagement, Liz enjoys teaching others how to participate in their communities. With expertise in optimizing workflows, fostering collaboration, and building networks, Liz thrives on creating impactful connections that amplify meaningful work.

Mallory Everton

Writer/Actress/Filmmaker
Freelance

Mallory Everton is best known as an original cast member and writer of the sketch comedy show Studio C on BYUtv. She later served as showrunner and head writer for web series at JK Studios, composed of the original Studio C cast, and released her first feature film, Stop and Go (2021), now on Hulu. Mallory co-hosts The Soloists podcast for Faith Matters and continues pitching TV/film projects in LA. Passionate about portraying nuanced stories about Mormons, she focuses on themes of faith, singleness, and belonging.

Marinda McKenzie-Cummings

marketing specialist
Corbion

Marinda McKenzie-Cummings has developed campaign briefs and market research for brands like Google, Ford, Sherwin-Williams, and United Rentals. In addition, she’s helped elevate consumer experiences across web and mobile platforms. Marinda is passionate about advocating for marginalized voices, which has inspired her pursuit of a master’s degree in social work. Her expertise spans market insights, media relations, and strategic communication. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, eating cereal, and taking walks with her dog, Wrigley.

Marty Patch

Executive Producer
Monument

Marty Patch is a seasoned producer and creative force in television and film. With a career spanning work on iconic Church films like The Testaments and Joseph Smith: The Prophet of the Restoration, Marty transitioned to commercial work, producing TV spots for brands such as Verizon Wireless, Yoplait, and Subway. His passion for longform storytelling led him to create series for BYUtv, PBS, and Animal Planet, and his production company has delivered hundreds of hours of unscripted TV. Outside of work, Marty enjoys family life with his four kids—and a new addition arriving in April.

Patrick Maravilla

Executive Creative Director
Little Big Engine

Patrick Maravilla has contributed to projects like “I’m a Mormon,” “Meet the Missionaries,” and “60 Beliefs in 60 Seconds,” as well as leading his own advertising agency, creating campaigns for national and global brands. He is passionate about mentoring young creatives, teaching students, and producing work that makes people laugh while making brands famous. His expertise includes creative problem-solving and helping brands engage with culture in meaningful ways.

phil smallwood

group Creative Director
Boncom

Bio

Rachael Herrscher

President
Hello I Am

Bio

Rebbie Brassfield

Creative Director
Boncom

Bio

Richard Call

Executive Strategy Director
Boncom

Richard Call has collaborated with brands such as Target, Walmart, Levi’s, Nike, and LG. Over the past decade, he has focused on purpose-driven organizations, including The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, The UN Foundation, and Intermountain Healthcare. His expertise lies in Branding and Communications Strategy, Experience Strategy, and Human-Centered Design Research. Personally, Richard enjoys people-watching, audiobooks, movies, TV, cycling, and brainstorming new hobbies.

Robert Reynolds

President
Reynolds Management

Robert Reynolds is the lawyer and manager for the rock band The Killers. He also produced Believer (sold to HBO, Emmy-nominated) and An Inconvenient Faith, a docuseries exploring challenges in the LDS faith. Passionate about his children, career, and making a positive impact, Robert focuses on helping those in need. His expertise includes TV and film production, entertainment law, and talent management, bringing valuable insight to creative and legal aspects of the industry.

roger pimentel

Vice President of Marketing
Boncom

Roger Pimentel has worked on Missionary Department initiatives to help missionaries find people to teach and previously worked at Amazon. Passionate about making room for everyone in the Church, he writes about it on his website. In his free time, he enjoys baking, yo-yos, and music. Roger brings expertise in full-funnel marketing management, product management, and business operations to the summit.

ryan anderson

Group Creative Director
Boncom

Bio

Sam Gray

Creative Director
Gray.Compamy

Sam Gray has worked with top clients such as DoorDash, Google, Twitch, Ancestry, Figma, Sephora, LinkedIn, and more. He is passionate about family, learning, innovative design, health, cycling, and snowboarding, with a focus on supporting individuals and organizations that create positive change. Sam brings expertise in creative strategy, design, communication, and a mindset rooted in curiosity, openness, and fun.

sam payne

Host: the apple seed
BYU Broadcasting

Bio

Sheri dew

Chief Content Officer
Deseret Management Corporation

Sheri Dew, a native of Ulysses, Kansas, and Brigham Young University graduate, is a 40-year veteran of the publishing industry. She has authored several best-selling books, including biographies of Church presidents Gordon B. Hinckley and Ezra Taft Benson, as well as Insights from a Prophet’s Life: Russell M. Nelson. Sheri served as second counselor in the Relief Society General Presidency and is currently EVP and Chief Content Officer at Deseret Management Corporation. She has spoken at global events and served on the U.S. Delegation to the UN Commission on the Status of Women.

Stanley Hainsworth

chief creative office and founder
Tether

Stanley Hainsworth is the co-founder and creative director of Tatcha beauty and has led product design for Gatorade as their agency of record for 16 years. He also developed the Stephen Curry brand and worked with top clients including Amazon, Microsoft, Pepsi, Jimmy John’s, Columbia Sportswear, and Under Armour. With expertise in branding, writing, strategy, and design, Hainsworth brings a creative edge to every project he touches.

Stephanie Blackham

Copywriter
VMLY&R, Miami

Stephanie Blackham is a creative professional with a passion for making a positive impact through collaboration and connection. She has contributed to key projects for clients like The City of Miami Beach (including Spring Breakup), GMCVB, Fabuloso, Colgate, and BIC. Stephanie specializes in campaign ideation, social-first concepts, storytelling, and productions. Outside of work, she enjoys film photography, reading, and spending time with her dog.

Steve Babcock

Chief Creative Officer
Marketing Architects

Steve started in advertising 20 years ago as a part-timer in a Salt Lake City agency’s mailroom. That role soon turned into a creative career, leading him to create campaigns for brands like Volkswagen, Best Buy, American Express, Activision, and Domino’s. He’s held positions at major agencies, including VaynerMedia as its first Chief Creative Officer. Recognized by Forbes’ “30 Most Creative People in Social Media,” Steve is also a father of three, a public speaker, content creator, and woodworker.

Steve Wright

Vice President of Client Services
Boncom

Steve Wright has contributed to projects for the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum, the 2034 Olympics, Utah Jazz, US Ski and Snowboard Team, 988 Suicide Prevention, and Safe UT. Specializing in building community coalitions, he drives positive shifts in community norms by uniting public and private sectors to tackle pressing social issues. His expertise includes strategic messaging, behavior change marketing, coalition development, and creative campaign innovation. Steve enjoys exploring Utah’s natural beauty.

Tessa Thorne

Senior Creative Strategist
Mediacurrent

Tessa Thorne brings expertise in customer journey mapping, problem definition, and product strategy. She has contributed to key initiatives, including customer experience strategies for Ford and Google at VML, and web product strategies for Rhode Island School of Design, Truth Initiative, and Penn State University at Mediacurrent. Tessa is passionate about solving problems without business jargon and, in her personal life, enjoys re-growing her yard and watching sci-fi shows with her husband.

valentina almeida

director of strategy
Boncom

Valentina Almeida has worked on key projects for clients such as the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, SLC Olympics, United Nations Foundation, Smithsonian, Sprint, Boost Mobile, and McDonald’s. Passionate about audience affinity, media perceptions, and appropriate cultural representation, she brings expertise in brand strategy, audience insights, media trends, and global advertising. Valentina also has a deep love for Argentina, reality TV, and cooking.

Valerie Garofalo

Associate Producer
MTV

Valerie Garofalo has 5 years of experience as an entertainment journalist and producer, contributing to BuzzFeed, E!, Telemundo, NBC, MTV, and VICE. She is passionate about music, pop culture, and true crime, with expertise in media production, music coverage, and investigative journalism. Personally, she enjoys attending music festivals and is an active gym enthusiast, combining her professional and personal passions in dynamic and creative ways.

Yancy Zimmerman

Group Strategy Director
ThomasARTS

Yancy Zimmerman has worked with key clients including Guardian, Aetna, Estée Lauder (Aveda, Clinique, Origins), Shiseido (Clé de Peau Beauté, NARS, Laura Mercier), Herman Miller, Bridge Senior Living, Neat, and Tide. He is passionate about bringing strategic thinking, acute observation, clear communication, and elevated design to solving pivotal business and human challenges. With over 17 years of agency experience, his expertise lies in brand and marketing strategy, driven by curiosity and perspective.