THRILL Co-Founder | Senior Marketing & PR Strategist | Client Lead

With 25 years in marketing and public relations, Ryan is exceptionally agile and relentless in his ability to make a story stick, drive value, and THRILL. Ryan’s strong perspective and empathy for business and communication underscore his diverse industry experience through various in-house global communication leadership roles at Sony PlayStation and Mars, as the technology practice leader at FleishmanHillard, and today as an entrepreneur.

RYAN HAS WORKED across technology, consumer-packaged goods, retail, food, sports, and entertainment across all major markets. As many of the world’s iconic brands, startups, or personalities like Sony PlayStation, Mars, the Government of Switzerland, Läderach, an AAPI activist, a decorated Paralympian, an NFT startup or NASCAR champion driver Kyle Busch have made significant pivots in their industry, Ryan has been there to develop strategy, advise and guide them through these transformations and creatively keep them top-of-mind. And the storytelling doesn’t stop with THRILL...

Outside of THRILL, Ryan actively supports his wife Colleen and their four kids’ acting pursuits in Los Angeles. Additionally, Ryan is an active Masters Swimmer and enjoys mountain biking.

THRILL Co-founder | Creative LEAD

As co-founder of THRILL Communications, Colleen brings nearly 20 years of experience and perspective from her leadership roles in package design, new product ideation, consumer research, affiliate marketing, digital advertising, and publicity for some of the world's largest CPG, healthcare, and entertainment brands.

COLLEEN HAS WORKED on the global redesign of a J&J brand (Carefree) and developed creative campaigns for Läderach, the Government of Switzerland, Enclustra, and the Alexander Graham Bell Association for the deaf and hard of hearing. Colleen has designed websites for Emory Healthcare Innovation Hub and a decorated Paralympian; developed creative videos for Mars and the United Nations and managed package design for Campbell's Soup, Safeway, and Hawaiian Tropic. Her passion for fostering creativity, drive, and motivation is visible in all her work from beginning to end. Colleen's passion for storytelling goes far beyond her work at THRILL...

As a professional actor, Colleen brings stories to life on screen and on stage. Most recently, Colleen appeared in a supporting role in Sofia Coppola's Fairyland feature film, which debuted at the Sundance Film Festival. Colleen has also appeared in several commercials for major consumer brands, including Target and Dick's Sporting Goods. Colleen also made her stage debut last year as a lead in a theater performance, various short films, and music videos.

Senior Designer

Brett is an AWARD-WINNING DESIGNER with 20+ years of experience telling client stories through thoughtful visual identity, packaging design, social media marketing, and web design.

Brett spent more than a decade working at Mattel on the iconic Barbie brand before launching her design firm in 2020 with a diverse portfolio of clients across multiple categories, including fashion, wealth management, food and drug, non-profit, real estate, technology, and toys.

Most recently, Brett designed the various merch and event signage for Switzerland’s X marks the spot campaign in Texas, and Enclustra’s US operations announcement.

Click here to see Brett’s portfolio.

Senior Designer

Aileen is a seasoned designer with more than 20 years of experience, specializing in brand identity development and consumer packaging, with additional experience in print and digital marketing. Aileen has worked across Food/Beverage, CPG, Retail, Financial/Insurance, Entertainment, Tech, Health & Wellness. As a former Design Director at a San Francisco global agency, Aileen led and inspired a team of designers with concept development and provided art direction to various contract photographers, food stylists, and illustrators.

AILEEN’S CURRENT SPECIALITIES include branding and identity systems, packaging and print design, digital and web design, illustration and photography art direction, design, and project management. Most recently, Aileen developed the creative campaign design elements for Switzerland’s X marks the spot campaign in Texas, along with Enclustra’s brand guidelines and event signage.

From concept through final production, Aileen strategically uses her design skills and keen insights to elevate brands and connect with customers.

Click here to see Aileen’s portfolio.

Media Strategy & Buying

With over 25+ years of marketing experience, Alana specializes in global media strategy and communications planning. She has worked on some incredible brands including the San Diego Zoo Global, Levis Strauss & Co, One Medical, Hilton Worldwide, the CW Network, Activision, and PlayStation, leading strategy and working on new business acquisitions.

As an experienced Marketing Executive she is a leader in innovation and creativity in integrated and cross-channel media across digital, traditional, customer relationship management, and influencer marketing. Most recently, Alana founded The Mighty Media Shop, a marketing agency that provides personalized services for brands and small businesses based on achieving their business goals. In her new role, she has had the honor of partnering with the Swiss Government, the World of Barbie, Cocomelon, and Pechanga Resort Casino.

Alana is a proud mom of two girls, and enjoys spending time serving her community and family.

Video & Photography

Michael started his career at The Today Show in Rockefeller Center, New York City, producing sports and wildlife segments nationwide. This led him to Los Angeles, where he founded SPLASH Cinema in 2009, along with his wife Susanne. He has filmed Hollywood heavyweights like Taylor Swift, Steven Speilberg, Jennifer Lopez, Oprah Winfrey, The Kardashians, Rihanna, Seven Colbert, and more.

Michael is business-focused on the promotion and marketing success of companies, including Activision, Apple, Enclustra, the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, FIJI Water, Moose Toys, Redbull, Shutterfly, Sunkist, and more. With over 25 years of experience in both the television and corporate marketing industries, Michael has established himself as a leading expert in producing compelling content that captures audiences' attention.

Michael loves hiking with his two labs, skiing, scuba diving, and spending time with his family.

Video & Photography

Susanne, along with her husband Michael, is the Founder of Splash Cinema, a boutique production company specializing in making marketing videos for corporations such as Activision, Enclustra, Moose Toys, Redbull, Shutterfly, Synergy, and The Wonderful Company. With her passion for storytelling and attention to detail, Susanne has helped these companies create engaging and impactful videos that have led to increased brand awareness and sales.

Susanne has over 15 years of experience in the entertainment industry, producing and managing live events for MTV, VH1, Country Music Television, and more. From managing talent, determining logistics, and overseeing production teams, Susanne is known for her ability to seamlessly bring all aspects of an event together into a cohesive and unforgettable experience. She has worked on everything from large-scale film productions to intimate corporate gatherings.

Susanne loves hiking, paddleboarding, and having adventures with her family.

Inclusive Marketing & Design

Anna Johannes, PLY, MBA (she/her), is a Paralympic Bronze medalist, TEDx speaker, and dedicated advocate for equity and inclusion. Formerly co-leading Omnicom’s Disability ERG and a board member of Adaptive Sports New England, she drives meaningful change. Leveraging her extensive experience, from serving on the USPOC Social Racial Justice Task Force to her role as Strategist for the Inclusive Design Team at Interbrand, Anna fosters inclusive environments and amplifies diverse voices, empowering clients and audiences worldwide with her commitment to intersectional, disability justice.

Check out her TED Talk titled “Inclusion Without Equity Leaves Us Behind.”

Tumi is a seasoned Corporate Affairs Executive with extensive experience in the Global FMCG industry and across Africa.  Most recently, in the Broadcasting industry in South Africa. With over 26 years expertise in Government Relations, Corporate Communications, Stakeholder Management and a proven track record in strategic leadership and counsel.

A people-centred leader who is passionate about enabling corporations to build sustainable brands that resonate with their customers and communities. She is also the proud founder of Soweto Swim School, the first privately owned swimming academy in the heart of Soweto. Guided by an unshakable belief that every child deserves the chance to dream, play, and compete, she has become a fierce advocate for inclusive sports. Her lifelong mission is to break down the barriers that have kept underserved communities on the side lines—creating access not only to facilities, but to the full spectrum of sporting codes often overlooked in townships. Through her work, she is building a future where talent is nurtured, diversity is celebrated, and no one is left behind.

Internal & External Communications

Heather Sorensen is an accomplished brand communications strategist and storyteller with more than 20 years of experience representing emerging startups, nonprofits and global industry leaders. She excels at reputation management and building brands through high-impact public relations, integrated marketing campaigns and community engagement. 

Companies such as Sony Computer Entertainment America, Titmouse, Meta/BigBox VR, Capcom, Crosby Hops, Viacom NEXT, Burton, Future US, Assistiveware, Pandora and Best Buy and have relied on Heather to drive results that meet business goals. Creative and solution oriented, Heather is a responsive and collaborative strategic communications leader. 

Carrie has extensive expertise in creating digital solutions and brings an intense focus on a project process that emphasizes communication and successful delivery. She works closely with other project vendors to ensure a cohesive experience and outcome. 

Carrie is an independent contractor and developer with 20+ years of experience in web development and deep experience in full-scope WordPress projects, from Fortune 500 companies to local brick-and-mortars. She also teaches WordPress and web development courses for LinkedIn Learning.