WHO WE ARE >

Jill Balis | SVP/Managing Director, Strategy and Analytics

In her current role, Jill Balis is responsible for overseeing SMG Search, the dedicated search marketing unit of Starcom Mediavest Group. Working alongside SEM and SEO experts, Jill directs SMG Search's product and technology, providing clients with tangible business results in the search marketing space. Additionally, Jill leads strategy and analytics for SMG Performance Marketing (SMG PM), a cross-channel coalition consisting of SMG Search, Halogen Response Media and SMG Directory Marketing, which provides fully integrated, cross-channel performance marketing solutions to its clients.

A 15-year business leader with expertise in online marketing, marketing analytics and internet technologies, Jill had previously led e-marketing for Orbitz Worldwide. There, she oversaw all online marketing initiatives-including paid search, SEO, in-market research, display advertising and affiliate marketing.

Earlier, Jill led the marketing analytics group at Orbitz and held marketing analytics leadership roles at Budget Rent-A-Car and Ourhouse.com, an internet retail startup affiliated with Ace Hardware.

Jill received her MBA from Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management, with a concentration in marketing, strategy and technology. She holds a bachelor's degree in political science from the University of Pennsylvania.

A native of Swampscott, MA, Jill currently lives in Chicago. She enjoys traveling and live music, and is on the advisory board of Adoption-Link, a not-for-profit organization that specializes in domestic and international adoption services for African, African-American, multiracial, HIV+ and special needs children.

Kevin Lange | Vice President, Operations Director

As one of the founding members of SMG Search, Kevin Lange recognized the power and potential of search long before the industry even begun to contemplate its marketing importance. He has helped forged the way for SMG Search to become a viable marketing services company, leading blue chip clients such as GM, Disney and Kellogg into this rapidly growing space.

As Operations Director, Kevin has taken a lead role in establishing the necessary process and groundwork for launching General Motors’ search campaigns in 22 countries outside of the US. Kevin is also a key contributor to the agency’s new business growth and pitch strategy. In his years spent working with GM, Kevin has contributed to a number of award-winning search campaigns including Google Pontiac and Who Killed the Electric Car, both of which have been lauded by the industry.

Prior to spearheading SMG Search, Kevin worked at sister agency Starcom IP, fostering the agency’s unparalleled search expertise through its work on behalf of client Network Solutions from 2001-2004, establishing the early foundations for SMG Search. Kevin received his B.S. in Advertising from Bradley University in Peoria, IL.

Sherwood Stranieri | Director, Natural Search

At the forefront of search engine optimization for nearly a decade, Sherwood Stranieri has introduced top SEO agencies to innovative optimization techniques targeting both B2B and B2C markets in the financial, high-tech, manufacturing and healthcare sectors.

Named director/natural search for SMG Search in 2007, Sherwood now brings his search expertise to the largest search operation inside Publicis Groupe. In this role, he leads a team of dedicated natural search experts in the development of natural search consulting capabilities, identifying and applying best practices, and ensuring their work is integrated with that of their counterparts in paid search.

Previously, Sherwood had been search marketing director for Catalyst Online, a search engine marketing firm whose clients have included P&G and Pfizer. He launched his career in search marketing in 2000 at WPP Outrider. He has been a featured speaker/instructor for several industry organizations, including JupiterMedia, NCC, and the Direct Marketing Association.

Sherwood received a bachelor’s of science degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Hartford.

He lives in Boston, MA.

Michael Melone | Director

In his current role at SMG Search, Michael Melone provides clients with strategic counsel in paid and organic search marketing. As director and a member of the SMG Search executive committee, he leads implementation team workflow and deliverables and helps plan organizational direction for the agency. He currently directs search programs for clients such as ESPN, Miller Brewing Company, US Cellular, Metromix, and National Car Rental.

With more than a decade of interactive marketing experience, Melone has worked on both the client and agency side of the business. Prior to joining SMG Search, Melone helped to develop the emarketing division and program offering for Boulder-based interactive advertising agency, texturemedia. He also developed the ecommerce and online marketing backbone for the world’s #1 best-selling 3D home and landscape design software company, Punch! Software.

Melone graduated from Winthrop University in Rock Hill, South Carolina with a bachelor’s degree in English Language and Literature and received his master’s degree in global marketing communications and advertising from Emerson College in Brussels, Belgium.

He currently lives in the south suburbs of Chicago, with his wife Monica and daughter, where he spends his leisure time enjoying soccer. He also speaks Spanish and typically spends vacation time traveling and visiting his vacation home in Medellin, Colombia.

Brian Doelle | Director

A recent addition to SMG Search, Brian Doelle directs national paid search investment for General Motors. With 11 years of online marketing experience, Brian brings an extensive knowledge of performance marketing techniques to the agency.

Prior to joining SMG Search, Brian led the paid search, organic search, and affiliate marketing teams at Quicken Loans, the nation’s largest online mortgage lender. Earlier, he served as an internet marketing consultant, helping clients in the retail, automotive and energy sectors meet online sales and lead generation goals.

Brian began his career by founding a boutique production studio in 1996. As Vice President, Brian helped Detroit’s “Big 3” and their agencies navigate the early internet and create immersive brand experiences.