About Us
DVL is a full service public relations and advertising agency. Founded in 1980, we have grown to become one of the largest independent agencies in the Southeast. Our roots are in Nashville, but we help clients around the world communicate more effectively.
partners
John Van Mol
chief executive officerJohn’s strengths are in overall strategic counseling, issues and crisis management and media skills training. He serves clients ranging from Psychiatric Solutions, Inc. to Prison Health Services. He has particular expertise in the health care and energy industries and served as director of information for the Tennessee Valley Authority. John was a public affairs officer for the Army in Vietnam and executive vice president of another Nashville public relations firm before helping establish DVL in 1980. He is immediate past chairman of the board of directors of the Tennessee Chamber of Commerce and Industry and serves on the boards of Cumberland University, Goodwill Industries of Middle Tennessee, Inc., the Pencil Foundation and the Nashville Songwriters Foundation. He is a past chair of Goodwill and the Nashville Downtown Partnership and a past member of the Nashville Chamber of Commerce executive committee. B.S. Journalism, University of Tennessee.
Tom Lawrence
partner, vice chairmanTom’s principal areas of activity are corporate communications, financial communications and marketing communications. He serves clients such as CLARCOR, Pi Beta Phi Fraternity for Women and J. Alexander’s Corporation. Tom has led creative teams in the design, writing and production of more than 150 annual reports and directed an agency team in a branding campaign for an international fraternity with more than 150,000 members. Tom is also active in local community organizations and is a former board member of Junior Achievement of Nashville and the Nashville-Davidson County chapter of the American National Red Cross. Tom is a past president of the Nashville City Club and Hillwood Country Club. B.A. Journalism, Florida Southern College.
Jerry Southwood
partner, chief financial officerJerry has responsibility for all financial areas of the agency, including management of the agency’s billing system and administration of the benefit and retirement programs. Jerry also lends his knowledge in support of many client activities. Jerry, who was captain of the 1967 Vanderbilt University basketball team, was previously in the oil and gas business. He has been president of the Nashville Vanderbilt Club and the Vanderbilt Rebounders and serves on the board of directors of Martha O’Bryan Center, as an Elder at Westminster Presbyterian Church and on the Vanderbilt Alumni Board. B.A. History, Vanderbilt University.
Ronald Roberts
president, chief operating officerRonald is responsible for the overall day-to-day operations of the agency and serves clients such as Bridgestone Americas, Inc. and the Tiger Woods Foundation. He is certified in crisis management via the Institute for Crisis Management and has participated in extensive crisis management for clients throughout the country. He is a leader in meeting and event production, executing annual sales meetings and special events for many DVL clients. He previously worked at The Nashville Network (TNN) and taught public relations at Middle Tennessee State University. He is a member of the Nashville Chapter of 100 Black Men, the Nashville Downtown Rotary Club, the Nashville Sports Council, and Bethlehem Centers of Nashville and serves as a deacon at Lake Providence Missionary Baptist Church. B.S. Mass Communication, Middle Tennessee State University; M.A. Education, Middle Tennessee State University.
Nelson Eddy
partner, creative directorNelson’s expertise is developing creative concepts – uncommon communications approaches and vehicles. His background is copywriting, with a focus on feature writing, live performances, video scripts and corporate-sponsored books. His work has garnered numerous local, regional and national awards, including an American Advertising Federation Gold Addy Award, Advertising Club of New York’s Andy Award of Excellence and a One Show Bronze Pencil. In 2001, he was named the Nashville Advertising Federation’s Copywriter of the Year. He wrote a successful toast book for the introduction of Gentleman Jack whiskey and his “Wingtips On A Ledge” feature for Johnston & Murphy brought awards and considerable media reaction. Before joining DVL, he was an English teacher. B.A. English and Psychology, Lipscomb University; M.A. English, Middle Tennessee State University.
Jimmy Chaffin
partnerJimmy helped establish Dye, Van Mol & Lawrence as one of the area’s leading resources for broadcast and web-based communications solutions. His experience ranges from marketing and branding videos to documentaries, from television spots and live productions to satellite media tours and electronic press kits. Jimmy specializes in web-based communications strategic planning and development of custom-designed e-mail marketing campaigns, media relations strategies and corporate communications vehicles (e.g. websites and media sites). Recognized with hundreds of awards, including Emmys, Tellys, New York Film Festival, U.S. International Film Festival and the London International Advertising Awards, Jimmy has produced videos, commercials and live shows for international clients, including Goodwill Industries of Middle Tennessee, Inc., Bridgestone Americas, Inc., Martha White, Dollar General, Jack Daniel’s, Captain D’s Seafood Kitchen, Saturn, Fruit of the Loom and Blockbuster Video. B.A. Communications and Marketing, Lipscomb University.
senior management
Jonathan Carpenter
Vice President, Senior Art Director / Interactive & New MediaJonathan is a seasoned designer and developer, focusing on multi-media projects from web to broadcast. He has managed projects for many of DVL‘s clients including Jack Daniel’s, the Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority, the Tennessee Lottery Education Corporation, Johnston & Murphy, Prison Health Services and Perry Ellis. He volunteers with Metro Schools, ONE campaign, World Hunger Fund and DATA. B.A. Graphic Design, minor in advertising, Memphis College of Arts.
Mark Day
Senior Vice PresidentMark heads up the Jack Daniel’s account at DVL and has extensive experience in media relations, crisis communications, public affairs, event management and community relations. He has led the team to great success with events such as the annual Jack Daniel’s World Championship Invitational Barbecue and the USO “Toast to the Troops” program. Before joining DVL, Mark was a senior vice president at the Washington, D.C. public relations firm, Powell Tate, where he headed the media relations team and worked on a number of national public relations campaigns for both corporate and governmental clients. He has extensive Capitol Hill experience and was press secretary for U.S. Senator Wendell Ford (D-Ky.) for more than 10 years, serving as primary media spokesperson in the Senator’s personal and leadership offices. B.A. Political Science and Philosophy, Transylvania University. Graduate work in communications and public relations, University of Kentucky.
Andrea Lindsley
Vice PresidentAndrea’s expertise in media relations stems from her background in television news, including winning an Emmy Award for her coverage of the Tennessee Titans at Super Bowl XXXIV. At DVL, her responsibilities include media relations, new product introductions, trade shows and special events for clients such as Psychiatric Solutions, Inc., Bridgestone Americas, Inc., and Affinion Group. She also is involved in media training for local and national clients. B.A. Communications, University of Alabama.
Heather MacDonald
Vice President, Senior Account SupervisorHeather’s deep appreciation for clients’ needs stems from her experience in “sitting on the other side of the desk” when she worked in marketing for Captain D’s Seafood Kitchen and Domino’s Pizza. She has extensive experience in both the restaurant and healthcare industries, and at DVL, she leads the team that represents Danville Regional Medical Center. She also has been instrumental in securing millions of media impressions for Jack Daniel’s, coordinating national programs and events and working with national media outlets for the world-famous Tennessee whiskey. She serves on the board of the Nashville chapter of the Public Relations Society of America. B.A. English, Albion College.
Jan Mattix
Vice President, Associate Creative DirectorJan’s creative work has won several ADDY and Telly awards over the years, including the Best of Show ADDY, and has appeared in Graphis Advertising. She has worked on a broad range of projects in industries from health care to food, financial to non-profit and tourism to retail. Her print projects have included corporate identity packages, annual reports, direct mail and ad campaigns. She has also served as an adjunct professor of broadcast advertising at Belmont University in Nashville. B.F.A Communication Design, University of Tennessee.
Pat Nolan
APR, Senior Vice PresidentPat has more than 22 years’ experience in media relations, crisis communications and politics, serving clients such as Nestle Waters North America, Metro Nashville Emergency Communications District (9-1-1) Board and the Greater Nashville Association of Realtors. His background includes strong agency experience in media relations, political, government and community affairs, lobbying and environmental public relations. He serves as special counsel in legislative matters at both the local and state levels and has extensive experience with Washington activities. He spent more than 15 years as a political reporter and analyst for two local TV stations and was a top aide to former Nashville Mayor Richard Fulton. Well-versed in local council activity, he is often called upon as a political commentator. B.A. Political Science, Vanderbilt University.
Dana Reece
Vice PresidentA former Vanderbilt University basketball player, Dana learned the value of teamwork and puts it to good use at DVL. As supervisor of the Martha White and White Lily teams, Dana is responsible for planning and executing public relations activities and special events. Her achievements include implementing Johnston & Murphy’s trade and national media program, the launch of Gentleman Jack Rare Tennessee Whiskey and the planning and promotion of “A Gentleman’s Guide To Toasting.” During her career, Dana has also served as communications manager for Lifeway Christian Stores. B.S. Communications, Vanderbilt University.
Cheryl Thompson
Vice President, Advertising ServicesCheryl’s expertise is in the marketing and advertising field. She has a strong understanding of the resources it requires to effectively serve clients, having been directly involved in overall agency administration and the supervision of production and creative departments. Cheryl’s experience includes planning and implementing strategic advertising campaigns for a variety of non-profit, hospitality, manufacturing, retail, restaurant, automotive aftermarket and other business accounts. Currently, she works with Goodwill Industries of Middle Tennessee, Inc., and Bridgestone Americas, Inc. B.S. Advertising and Public Relations, Middle Tennessee State University.
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strategy and planning
Cynthia Howard
Strategy and PlanningCynthia directs DVL’s strategy and planning efforts and oversees its development and marketing initiatives. As a former client, she brings a unique perspective to her role at DVL. As the HealthSpring, Inc., senior vice president of sales and marketing for eight years, she managed the public relations, advertising, product development and sales functions for the growing health maintenance organization. She has also worked at the Travelers Health Network corporate offices in southern California, HealthAmerica Corporation and AT&T in Nashville. She has owned two entrepreneurial ventures, one in health care advertising and the other in the automotive aftermarket industry. B.A. Mathematics and Business Administration, Vanderbilt University.
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creative
Carrie Apple
Art Director / Interactive & New MediaCarrie is an interactive & new media designer, specializing in web design and development with a focus on usability. She has worked for HCA’s Internet Strategy department which designed, deployed and maintained more than 500 hospital and facility website accounts. Her repertoire includes other clients such as Bart Durham, BMI, Landmark Digital, A.O. Smith, NASCAR, Jack Daniel’s, Stewart Transportation and Flash Technologies. In her spare time, she served as her neighborhood association president for three years. B.A. Graphic Design, Anderson University.
Brad Bartlett
Editor / BroadcastAs editor of the Broadcast department, Brad’s responsible for editing video pieces for a wide range of clients, including Jack Daniel’s, Comdata, White Lily, Dockers and Bridgestone Americas, Inc. Prior to joining DVL, he edited and produced several acclaimed documentaries and short films, in addition to working on promotional pieces for some of country music’s biggest stars. B.F.A. Editing, Watkins College of Art and Design.
Gary Conn
Producer / BroadcastGary has extensive experience in film and video production and post production. He has worked for various film and video production companies, as well as television networks such as CMT, Shop At Home and GAC. Gary also has experience in interactive media project management. For many years prior to joining the agency, Gary worked with DVL on numerous award-winning video and film projects for some of its biggest clients. Certificate in Audio-Video Technology, Nashville State Community College.
Mike Ferguson
copywriterMike is a creative writer with experience in multiple media formats including print, outdoor, radio, television and interactive. He has worked for clients in the legal service, retail, non-profit and sports marketing fields. Prior to his time at DVL, Mike was a copywriter at Earnhart and Friends, an agency in Bowling Green, Kentucky. B.A. Mass Communication, focus in advertising, University of South Florida.
Robinette Gaston
Project Manager / Interactive & New MediaRobinette manages interactive and new media projects. Working with clients such as Jack Daniel’s, Johnston & Murphy, The J.M. Smucker Company, Lifepoint Hospitals and Bridgestone Americas, Inc., she helps incorporate the latest interactive and social media concepts and technologies into communication strategies. Prior to joining DVL, she worked as a software consultant in Atlanta and later as a project and marketing manager in creating web applications for Tennessee.gov. Robinette also serves on Harpeth Hall’s Young Alumnae Council. B.S. Industrial and Systems Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology.
Jessie Gilmore
Creative AssistantJessie works on numerous accounts and projects, including editing, traffic and production, development and marketing initiatives and general creative project coordination. A native New Orleanian, she is a 2007 Nashville transplant and has worked in the publishing and book industries prior to joining DVL. She has extensive event planning and fund raising experience for non-profits specializing in the prevention of domestic violence. B.A. History, minor in gender studies, University of Mississippi.
Barbara Herd
Traffic and Production ManagerBarbara joined DVL as the traffic and production manager after working with the marketing and communications department of United Way of Metropolitan Nashville as the creative services manager. She previously worked at David Paine + Partners and NDC, Inc., a national medical supply company. She has volunteered with the Park Center and Cumberland River Compact. B.F.A. Painting and Print Making, East Tennessee State University.
Sean Williams
Associate DesignerSean joined the DVL team with a wide variety of education and experience. He previously worked in the media relations office of former Tennessee Gov. Don Sundquist and managed his own freelance design firm, Sean Creative. Sean currently plays in several bands and volunteers with the Martha O’Bryan Center and Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee. B.A. Public Relations, Harding University. Certificate Degree in Graphic Design, Watkins College of Art and Design.
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account services
Cheryl Bak
assistant account executiveBefore joining DVL, Cheryl interned with the YWCA of Nashville & Middle Tennessee, The Walt Disney Company and Sony Music Entertainment’s Provident Music Group. She has also held various roles in the non-profit industry, including development, finance and event planning. Cheryl works on accounts including Tractor Supply Company, the Elephant Sanctuary and Psychiatric Solutions, Inc. B.A. Public Relations, minor in journalism, Belmont University.
Becky Dotson
Account SupervisorBecky’s joined DVL after spending 15 years at two Nashville television stations determining news coverage and approach as an executive producer. She uses her knowledge and understanding of the media market and expertise in public relations to serve clients such as Bridgestone Americas, Inc., Pi Beta Phi Fraternity for Women, Psychiatric Solutions, Inc. and Healthcare Management Partners, LLC. She also volunteers with the Mt. Juliet League. B.S. Mass Communications, University of Tennessee at Martin.
Courtney Eller
Account ExecutiveCourtney specializes in media relations, interactive projects and event planning and implementation. She is the driving force behind media activity for the annual Franklin American Mortgage Music City Bowl and for Martha White’s National Cornbread Cook-Off. She is also a member of the Bridgestone Americas, Inc. media relations team, heading up the annual Safety Scholars Video Contest. She currently volunteers with the Hermitage United Methodist Youth and is a member of Leadership Donelson-Hermitage. B.A. Public Relations, University of Alabama.
Brian Fulton
account executiveBrian joined DVL after serving as vice president of marketing and communications with the Nashville Sports Council/Music City Bowl, Inc. where his primary responsibilities included managing corporate communications, developing and implementing integrated marketing campaigns, and negotiating media partnership agreements. His background includes extensive experience in event and project management, media relations and strategic partnership development. At DVL, he provides marketing and media relations expertise for clients including Psychiatric Solutions, Inc., Johnston & Murphy, Red River Redevelopment Authority and the Louisville Boat Show. B.S. Sports Management, Texas A&M University.
Michael Graham
Account Service AssociateMichael currently works on the Franklin American Mortgage Music City Bowl, Johnston & Murphy, the Metro Nashville Emergency Communications District (9-1-1) Board, Nestle Waters North America and Bridgestone Americas, Inc. accounts. Before joining the DVL team, he interned for Scripps Networks and the University of Tennessee Lady Vols Athletic Department. B.S. Public Relations, minor in business, University of Tennessee.
Kristin Hampel
Assistant Account ExecutiveKristin is a native Nashvillian who joined DVL as an intern. She currently works on accounts including, Psychiatric Solutions, Inc., Bridgestone Americas, Inc. and Johnston & Murphy. Prior to joining the DVL team, she held internships with the Knoxville area chapter of the American Red Cross and Knoxville-based EdFinancial Services. B.S. Advertising with a focus in public relations, double minor in business and Spanish, University of Tennessee.
Rob Hoskins
Account SupervisorRob’s responsibilities include leading the agency’s media relations and account/event management efforts for Tractor Supply Company, Civic Bank & Trust, the National Marine Manufacturers Association and the Tennessee Association of Utility Districts. Rob also has account service responsibilities for the Tennessee Valley Industrial Committee and Jack Daniel’s. His previous agency work included working with the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation, the Pigeon Forge Department of Tourism, the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency and Chicago’s Whitehall Hotel. B.S. Marketing, University of Tennessee. Graduate work in communications and public relations, University of Tennessee.
Jennifer June
Account ExecutiveJennifer has extensive experience in media relations, special event coordination and collateral production, serving clients such as Bridgestone Americas, Inc., Psychiatric Solutions Inc. and Metro Nashville Emergency Communications District (9-1-1) Board. She coordinates the agency’s intern program. Jennifer also volunteers in Metro Schools and is past president of the Kappa Alpha Theta Nashville Alumnae chapter. B.A. Communications, University of Alabama.
Elizabeth Lee
assistant account executiveElizabeth coordinates advertising and collateral projects for various clients including Civic Bank & Trust, Goodwill Industries of Middle Tennessee, Inc. and Bridgestone Americas, Inc. Before joining DVL as traffic manager, she worked in music publishing and business management. B.S. Recording Industry, Music Business, Middle Tennessee State University.
Jill Meyer
Media Relations SpecialistJill has extensive experience planning and implementing media relations campaigns at the local, regional and national levels. She plays a key role on the Jack Daniel’s team. She also volunteers at Calvary UMC and Calvary Young Children’s School, Neighborhood Association, and is an American Cancer Society Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk volunteer. B.A. Broadcasting and Government, Western Kentucky University.
Virginia Pattison
senior consultantVirginia’s more than 30 years of experience in every phase of communications makes her a valued member of the DVL family. Her specialty areas include strategic planning, product promotion/introduction, grassroots marketing and employee communications. Her particular achievements include strategy development and program management for the national introduction of Gentleman Jack, Jack Daniel’s first new whiskey in over a century, and the creation of a national bluegrass music tour sponsorship program and national food writer program for DVL client Martha White. B.A. Journalism, West Virginia University.
Mallory Phillips
account service associateMallory joined DVL as an advertising account service associate following her graduation from Middle Tennessee State University, where she served as homecoming director, a campus tour guide and was a student orientation assistant. She has held various internships within agencies in Nashville and currently works on accounts including Stones River Mall, Danville Regional Medical Center and Goodwill Industries of Middle Tennessee, Inc. B.S. Mass Communications, Middle Tennessee State University.
Kristin Robinson
Account ExecutiveAs a former member of the corporate communications teams for some of the top entertainment brands, including Fox Entertainment Group, Lionsgate and Hallmark Channel, Kristin specializes in media relations, internal communications, crisis communications and event management. She began her career in communications with the Kellogg Company and Epson America. At DVL, she assists with clients such as Jack Daniel’s, Nestle Waters North America and Psychiatric Solutions, Inc. B.A. Public Relations, minor in Spanish, University of Michigan.
Aileen Wark
Account Service AssociateAileen currently works on the Metro Nashville Emergency Communications District (9-1-1) Board and Psychiatric Solutions, Inc. accounts. Prior to joining the DVL team, she interned with Senator Bob Corker’s (R-Tenn.) office and with Belmont University’s Office of Communications, where she assisted with media relations and communications for the 2008 Presidential Town Hall debate. While attending Belmont, Aileen was also an active officer for the school’s PRSSA chapter. B.S. Public Relations, minor in political science, Belmont University.
Molly Williamson
Assistant Account ExecutivePrior to joining DVL as an intern, Molly completed internships with CBS Radio, the Ohio Secretary of State and CMT. Since joining DVL, she assists in media relations for clients including Logan’s Roadhouse, the Franklin American Mortgage Music City Bowl, Danville Regional Medical Center, Bridgestone Americas, Inc., Tractor Supply Company and the Greater Nashville Association of Realtors. B.A. Communications, The Ohio State University.
Stacey Wilson
Account ExecutiveStacey’s areas of focus are consumer public relations, trade and national media relations, and event management. Her clients include Jack Daniel’s and Johnston & Murphy. She joined the agency from KCD, Inc., a New York City public relations firm where she represented clients in the fashion industry including designers Marc Jacobs, Versace and Zac Posen. B.S. Fashion Merchandising, University of Georgia.
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accounting
April Mangrum
Accounting ManagerApril’s responsibilities range from billing and financial statements to sales taxes and more. Attended Middle Tennessee State University and Lipscomb University. Associate’s Degree, Tennessee State University.
Ginger Poag
Accounting CoordinatorGinger works with receivables, payables, advertising traffic and invoice reconciliation. She came to DVL from a pediatrics office where she was the telephone nurse. Attended Nashville State Community College and Watkins Institute.
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administrative
Bonnie Cash
Executive AssistantBonnie assists with many accounts, including Bridgestone Americas, Inc., Jack Daniel’s, Martha White and CLARCOR. B.S. Office Administration, Lipscomb University.
Shey Jones
Administrative AssistantShey assists with many accounts including Jack Daniel’s, J. Alexander’s Corporation, The J.M. Smucker Company and the Tennessee Valley Industrial Committee. Attended Northern Illinois University.
Deyonda Sneed
Administrative AssistantDeyonda helps on accounts that include Martha White, Logan’s Roadhouse, Tractor Supply Company and Goodwill Industries of Middle Tennessee, Inc. She came to DVL from Willis. B.S. Liberal Studies with a focus in business, behavioral science and education, Middle Tennessee State University.
Laura Somerville
Account AssistantLaura is an account assistant responsible for media relations activities for clients such as Johnston & Murphy and Jack Daniel’s. B.A. Journalism and Corporate Communications, Elon University.
Charnell Thomas
receptionistCharnell joins DVL with wide-ranging, extensive experience in administration, with a strong background in the investment industry. She previously served as the main floor receptionist for Dimensional Fund Advisors in Santa Monica, California and as a sales assistant at Wachovia Securities, where she supported institutional sales staff on the trading room floor. Charnell also served as personal assistant to Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York. Attended New York Career Institute.
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