Meet The Team

Jay Connaughton founded Innovative Advertising with the goal of combining exceptionally high design standards with a deep understanding of the client’s needs. A philosophy of “no limits” guides Jay’s creative process. No Limits means Innovative Advertising is not afraid to dive deep into your organization to discover barriers and unlock opportunities that specialized agencies don’t understand. Jay truly believes that only when everything is on the table, can true solutions be crafted.

Innovative is a full-service ad agency with almost 20 years of experience. From Hospitality to Finance, Retail to Healthcare and every industry in between, Jay has crafted strategic marketing and advertising solutions for businesses and corporations across the southeastern United States. Jay has a keen understanding of business dynamics and how sales, operations, marketing, advertising and HR must work together for brand success.

Jay leads People Who Think, an advertising agency with three core divisions: Innovative Advertising, Innovative Politics and Fridge. The Louisiana-based agency was named one of the fastest growing ad agencies in the nation by Inc Magazine.

If Jay Connaughton’s creative energy inspires People Who Think, his wife and partner Jennifer’s financial and operational management skills are the engine that keeps us moving forward. She plays a pivotal role in the company’s ability to grow, thrive and succeed for our clients in the future. On the home-front Jennifer expertly manages two school-age children, a toddler, two cats and an unruly miniature golden-doodle named Mollie.

With more than a decade of advertising agency experience, Lena has a true passion for the business. and is committed to leading the account team to provide exceptional client service and quality control. Lena guides clients from strategic planning to execution, helping them to reach their objectives and achieve measurable results.

Lena believes there’s always something new to learn and a challenge that needs a solution. She’s used that persistence and curiosity as Chief Operating Officer to establish strong, collaborative relationships with our corporate clients across the southeastern US.

Emily’s at the heart of what makes business tick — relationships. She works for clients to gain a clear understanding of their needs, and then works with the People Who Think team to develop the best solutions. Managing an account in the top 5 of the Fortune 500, Emily has helped them make their brand a visible and viable part of events like the Super Bowl and the NBA All Star Game. A Loyola University New Orleans graduate, Emily divides her time between the home office and our location in Nashville, Tennessee.

Jamie Miller has enjoyed a more than 20-year career in Florida, working at nearly every level of politics in the state. He previously served as executive director for the Republican Party in Tallahassee. He has managed several statewide campaigns in Florida and has also served as a consultant for campaigns in West Virginia, Mississippi and North Carolina. His deep expertise positions him to lead Innovative Politics in winning victories for candidates, issues and organizations in the Sunshine State.

Beth knows with certainty that words can be shaped to elevate ideas and make brands come alive. For more than 10 years she has crafted words and helped create ideas for Innovative that win awards, votes, media coverage and, most of all, create results for our clients. Beth began her career on the other side of advertising, as a radio broadcaster. Whether strong or subtle, eloquent or outrageous, Beth finds a way to say what you mean. Beth competed in the Moth Grand Slam Storytelling event, sharing her own true story to a sold-out crowd in New Orleans.

Jeremy is a creative leader with a passion for problem solving. To him there’s nothing more exciting, challenging and rewarding than coming up with the perfect idea and executing it to meet a client’s needs. Equally at home with graphic design and interactive media, Jeremy has received a national ADDY award, two Best of Show ADDY awards and two Best of New Orleans awards. As Director of Design Jeremy’s unique perspective and positive attitude powers the design team and encourages them to explore all ideas and communicate each client’s message in a powerful, compelling voice.

Nicole is a dedicated and perceptive partner to our clients, closely monitoring the rapidly evolving online world and social platforms to create effective and measurable strategies that deliver results. Nicole listens, monitors and measures to ensure content is on-point and has a flair for overcoming obstacles…as evidenced by her hobby of waterskiing in a lake that’s also inhabited by alligators.

Rick leads the Video Services department, guiding the creative development of all agency digital and broadcast video productions. His vision, execution and leadership play a crucial role in developing ideas that build brands. Rick has developed and expanded the company’s internal video production and post-production capabilities which now average over 130 unique ads, films and digital assets annually. Rick was honored with the Ad Person of the Year Award for Creative Production. Always ahead of the curve, the gift of his grandfather’s 8mm movie camera inspired Rick to enter the industry and produce and sell his first feature film at the Sundance Film Festival before age 21.

Success in public affairs happens at the intersection of policy, politics, and press.

That intersection is Jason Harbison’s home turf. As a strategic communications professional and experienced policy analyst, Jason has worked with lawmakers across the country – developing messaging strategies that advance their policy goals and keep their constituents informed.

Jason has managed high profile political campaigns and advised candidates on messaging and digital strategies. Recently, he served as Communications Advisor for the Republican Delegations of the Louisiana Legislature.

Previously, Jason was the Communications Director for the Republican Party of Louisiana and on the Policy Staff of the Illinois Senate Republican Caucus.

Jason is a graduate of Louisiana State University’s Paul M. Hebert Law Center, and a member of the Louisiana State Bar Association.

Holly is the master of getting it done, with a passion for getting it done correctly and on time, too. With a background in printing, design and direct mail, Holly recently trafficked and managed over 271 unique mailers, resulting in five million direct mail pieces, from design to mailbox in just 90 days. Hiding inside the mother of four teenagers is also a head-banging hard rock and metal music fan.

Anna thrives on creating unique concepts and pixel-perfect designs. She’s a planner, organizer, list maker and problem-solver for clients and co-workers, too. She loves collaborating with the design team to define the visual look and feel of a brand. Away from the office Anna is the mother of twins, owner of pugs and a lover of fairytales.

Kaitlyn has a knack for the details that matter. She’s known for being an effective communicator and building strong relationships with her clients. Hailing from Ohio, Kaitlyn brings a broad mix of global and domestic marketing, project coordination, and logistics experience to the team. She has a soft spot for well-crafted puns and roller skates.

Eric thrives on the creative process and the energy surrounding it. He loves to consider every angle and possibility before crafting a solution that is both effective and amazing. With over a decade of experience, Eric and his team have created websites that have earned nation-wide attention, national awards and resulted in measurable results for our clients. Eric’s background in graphic design and his work as a portrait photographer sharpens his creative vision for integrated success.

Dave understands that achieving results for our clients in the digital world requires a thoughtful blend of technology, design and strategy. For over five years, Dave has helped People Who Think craft digital solutions to complex problems that drive business growth. With a minor in Video Game Development, Dave is a self-professed geek who loves creating solutions for clients while striving to accomplish them in a way that is both unique and accessible.

Laurie knows that digital media isn’t just about getting views, it’s getting the right people to notice you with the right message at the right moment. Our digital team knows how to reach consumers in the most relevant environments for our clients. Laurie enjoys keeping up with the ever-changing world of digital and also serves as the office birthday party guru; if you want cake, be nice to Laurie.

Cory has been making movies for as long as he can remember, shooting neighborhood films with friends.
Today he creates video that helps people connect with brands and products in new ways. From creative concept to final delivery, Cory closely manages every aspect of the process, accurately controlling costs and scheduling. Cory spent some time as a sponsored skateboard rider and even pressed and shaped his own custom-made longboards.

Steve loves turning ideas into products and elegant, scalable solutions. Steve’s work sets our sites and apps apart from those that simply look good. Research and strategic planning ensures that what we build is carefully crafted to succeed. Outside the virtual world, Steve enjoys crafting things out of wood and is a fan of all sports teams based in Pittsburgh, Pa.

Katie is passionate about solving challenges for our clients, creating vibrant designs full of energy and fun. She contributes her unique perspective to deliver simple, inspired solutions to complex communications challenges. Katie’s also passionate about pottery, custom wearable Mardi Gras creations and paintings of her beloved pit bull pound puppies.

Visit our office and the first person you’ll probably meet is Melissa. Although holding the financial reins of the agency is her specialty, she’s also the pivot point for the people, places and things that keep the office efficient, happy and fully caffeinated. Melissa’s cheery outlook is a contrast to her encyclopedic knowledge of classic horror movies.

Matt knows that a good art director is open to the influence, inspiration and the experience of the team, while maintaining a clear vision of delivering a message that speaks directly to the brand. An illustrator at heart and a designer by trade, Matt is always open to finding new ways to create. He loves working with his hands to make works of art in wood.

Bridging the gap between technical details and the creative process is Laura’s specialty. She brings both agency and freelance experience to the team and loves being part of a strong, collaborative design effort. Laura was an all-state musician in high school and enjoys watching her daughter’s musical talent develop.