We’re a tight-knit group of thinkers and doers, each bringing unique skills. Whether it’s cracking tough problems or refining strategies, we collaborate toward one goal: creating smarter, simpler solutions that work.
Jillian Wenburg is a strategic storyteller, sharp thinker and meticulous editor who brings writing, project management and critical analysis together to craft compelling marketing strategies. With experience as both a professor and a marketer, she applies a methodical approach to brand messaging, ensuring every word and concept serves a purpose.
Before Crux, Jillian led digital learning initiatives at Park University and honed her expertise in writing, editing and design through her company, Rural Designs. She also taught English at Fort Lewis College for over a decade. A relentless grammar enthusiast, she thrives on precision, clarity and crafting content that connects.
Becky Schieber is a master communicator with a knack for turning big ideas into strategic action. A former television news producer turned marketing pro, she’s spent 20+ years crafting compelling campaigns, connecting people and ideas, and delivering results that matter.
From raising millions for cancer research to driving high-impact brand strategies, Becky brings curiosity, resourcefulness and a sharp editorial eye to everything she touches. Whether refining messaging or mapping out a campaign, she’s always focused on meaningful connections and measurable outcomes for every client.
A master storyteller turned marketing strategist, Christina Hager helps brands cut through the noise with sharp, strategic communication. With expertise in social media marketing, digital strategy, executive communications and thought leadership, she’s worked across industries from tech and professional services to hospitality, luxury goods and the performing arts.
As founder of Ovations Digital, Christina built a reputation as a trusted authority in digital marketing, earning recognition from Forbes, Inc. and Social Media Today. A passionate leader, speaker and advocate, she serves on multiple boards and was named one of Kansas City Business Journal’s Top 20 in Marketing & Advertising in 2023.
Eliza Graves is a dynamic marketing leader with a talent for blending data-driven strategy with creative storytelling to drive brand growth. With 20+ years of experience, she’s helped both emerging and established brands refine their marketing, brand positioning, operations and client retention strategies.
Known for bringing order to chaos, Eliza thrives on aligning big-picture vision with seamless execution. A natural problem-solver, she ensures teams are empowered to implement strategies effectively. Beyond marketing, she’s a dedicated community advocate, earning recognition for her leadership in philanthropy and women-in-business initiatives.
Jenn Evans is a strategic powerhouse with a talent for turning complex data into clear, results-driven marketing solutions. With 20 years of experience across hospitality, entertainment, big tech and pharma, she’s led brand development, communication strategies and global launches—always with a sharp focus on ROI.
Jenn thrives in fast-moving environments, guiding teams through evolving business challenges with a “get it done” mindset. Whether building annual marketing plans or pivoting strategies on the fly, she brings a mix of analytical thinking and creative storytelling to every project. At Crux, she’s all about delivering impact that lasts.
A recovering journalist turned digital strategist, Kara Brooks knows how to craft content that gets results. She leads the marketing efforts for Crux KC and Crux-Xcelerate, supports business development, oversees the communications team and provides strategic social media guidance for clients.
With a background in content strategy, media relations and digital engagement, Kara specializes in press releases, social media campaigns and data-driven marketing strategies that fuel brand growth. She brings a sharp editorial eye and a results-oriented mindset to every project, helping clients connect with the right audience at the right time.
Brooke Barrier is a brand strategist and content expert with a passion for crafting bold, insight-driven marketing that delivers real impact. With expertise in brand identity, messaging and full-funnel strategy, she blends creativity with data to help brands stand out and grow.
She’s led creative and strategic teams for global giants like Microsoft, Humana and Citigroup, as well as local Kansas City favorites. A former journalist turned marketing leader, Brooke brings a sharp editorial eye and a deep understanding of audience engagement. Beyond work, she’s a dedicated community builder, having founded KC’s CreativeMornings chapter and served on multiple nonprofit boards.
For Katie Ragan, success starts with people. A seasoned HR leader, she specializes in aligning business strategy with employee growth, ensuring teams thrive while driving company goals forward. With expertise in compensation, benefits, talent development and organizational strategy, she’s built high-impact HR programs across industries, including cybersecurity, architecture and technology.
Before Crux, Katie helped shape HR strategy at CYDERES and Fishtech Group, implementing salary bands, career ladders and employee engagement initiatives. A collaborative problem-solver, she’s passionate about creating workplaces where employees feel valued, supported and set up for success.
Josh Selig-Votaw is a digital marketing powerhouse with a talent for uncovering opportunities that drive business growth. A strategic leader in omnichannel marketing, he’s built and executed high-impact campaigns across industries, including CPG, insurance, hospitality, healthcare, finance and real estate.
Before Crux, Josh climbed the ranks at iFocus Marketing, shaping digital strategy, launching new technologies and driving 50%+ year-over-year growth in agency partnerships. With deep expertise in PPC, media strategy and data analysis, he’s a trusted advisor in the digital space. A five-time KCDMA AMBITs winner, Josh thrives on innovation, efficiency and making digital marketing work smarter.
Ethan Whitehill is a brand builder, agency leader and strategic thinker who’s spent his career helping businesses grow. As founder of Two West, he led the independent agency for nearly 20 years before joining MERGE as CMO, guiding an AdAge Top 100 Agency. Now, as President & CSO of Crux, Ethan brings an entrepreneur’s mindset to marketing, helping clients turn strategy into success.
His expertise spans industries—from finance and healthcare to hospitality and tech—working with top brands like American Century, H&R Block, Hallmark, Sprint, T-Mobile, John Deere and AMC Theatres. Ethan also serves on nonprofit boards, including The Rabbit Hole.
Melea McRae is a marketing strategist, business connector and fearless entrepreneur with a passion for driving brand growth. In 2016, she founded Crux KC—the “un-agency”—offering full-funnel outsourced marketing solutions that combine strategy with expert execution. Under her leadership, Crux has become a two-time Inc. 5000 honoree and a Kansas City Business Journal Fast 50 company.
Melea also co-founded Crux-Xcelerate in 2019 to bridge the gap between sales and marketing, delivering coaching that fuels revenue growth. A recognized leader in business and marketing, she serves on multiple boards and is a member of the Forbes Communications Council.