Leadership
Evolutionary leadership. Revolutionary thinking.
The visionary JPL leadership team is always looking at the next horizon for opportunities others might miss. They have diverse backgrounds. And varied specialties. But share a laser focus on doing the right thing. And discovering the next big thing. For our clients. Our business. And our communities.
To meet our leaders, click on any individual below.
Mary Pedersen
Creative Director
Mary provides creative direction for campaigns in all media. Her background includes international, national and regional experience in both business-to-consumer and business-to-business markets, from corporate and service industries to consumer packaged goods. Previously, Mary served as an Associate Creative Director at Pavone, as well as art director for publishing companies and advertising agencies.
Paul Grosso
Vice-President, Media Production
With more than 20 team members, six post production suites and amazing special effects capabilities, JPL has the largest media production operation in Central Pennsylvania. And Paul oversees it all. Beginning as JPL's manager of post production in 1999, Paul has the team and technology to successfully handle any project. Before joining JPL, Paul was the General Manager for Nittany Productions and Senior Editor/Producer and Video Manager for Wallabee Multimedia.
Melissa Washington
Director, Human Resources
Melissa drives JPL's talent pool. She recruits, develops and nurtures JPL team members, and has helped the company earn a place on Pennsylvania's Best Places to Work list ten years in a row. A certified professional in human resources, Melissa has implemented many innovative practices. Previously, Melissa worked in HR with Ahold and Advantica, and served as a Staffing Specialist with Manpower.
Susan Cort
Director, Communications
Susan oversees marketing, advertising and PR efforts for JPL and many clients. With JPL since 2005, Susan ran her own communications business for 12 years and provided scriptwriting, PR, media training, on-camera and voice-over talents. Previously, she was Director of Communications for Hershey Entertainment & Resort Company, and was a television anchor/reporter for WHP-TV and WJAC-TV.
Dave Wilson
Chief Financial Officer
Dave keeps JPL financially healthy and keeps our back office running smoothly. Under his leadership, JPL implemented a sophisticated financial system, spearheaded the strategic acquisitions of two local companies, and engineered a solid record of managed growth and profitability. Prior to joining JPL in 1999, Dave was the Biomedical Communications Director at Penn State Hershey Medical Center.
Jodi Christman
Vice President, Interactive and Design
Jodi leads the JPL project management, creative and technology teams that bring client brands to life. Jodi keeps our systems running smoothly to deliver high quality products at optimum speed. Jodi has been with JPL since 1994 as a multimedia project manager, multimedia services manager and IT manager. Prior to joining JPL, Jodi was an Associate Producer for Rite Aid Corporation and a JPL intern.
Luke Kempski
President
Luke directs the JPL team to help leading organizations evolve their marketing, communications and training. Luke started with JPL in 1989 as the company's first video writer/producer. In the mid-90s, he led JPL's expansion into interactive media, including e-learning, multimedia, web development and webcasting. He became company President in 2004, and helped foster the company's growth as a strategic, integrated communications provider.
Bill Kobel
Vice President, Strategy and Integrated Communications
Bill is JPL's strategic marketing guru. In 2006, Bill led JPL through the strategic planning process, conducting extensive research and analysis that helped us develop a focused plan to grow the company. Prior to joining JPL, Bill was Vice President, Marketing, Communications and Strategic Planning with Platinum Equity, and Director, Corporate Communications for Synertech Health System Solutions.
Michael Endy
Associate Creative Director/Copywriter
Michael leads a team of strategic thinkers and copywriters. He joined JPL in 1991 as a writer, producer and director. He's helped hundreds of clients use media creatively to reach their goals. Prior to joining JPL, Michael was the artistic director for Fulton Theatre, theater professor, and PR specialist.
Matt Daly
Vice President, Client Solutions
Matt leads JPL marketing and new business efforts. He's helped clients improve marketing and business processes with strategic integrated communications programs. Matt served as an intern, web developer, web department manager, client consultant and director of client strategy since joining JPL in 1997.