WE MAKE AN IMPACT

OUR MISSION:  We positively impact people’s lives.

OUR VISION:  Through the dedication of our talented team, we are trusted partners in transformative communication for schools, local governments and organizations that serve people with developmental disabilities.

To say we’ve walked a mile or two in your shoes would be accurate.

Our partners & staff have experienced careers in city school communication, school leadership, superintendent positions, school district employees, economic development, finance, elected city council, planning commission, and zoning, and have first-hand experience in the areas we provide solutions.

With the combined knowledge and experience of The Impact Group’s team, the company brings proven expertise and strategic partnership by building upon the years of experience and proven strategies that have worked very well for past clients. We know what works; we know what doesn’t work.

Partner

Tom Speaks
Partner

Phil Herman
Vice President of Client Services

Krista Rodriguez
Vice President of Finance

Fernanda Frazier
Lauren Scherr
Director of Client Development

Lauren Scherr
Director of Strategic Services

Doreen Osmun
Creative Director

Christie Cereshko
IT Director/Graphic Designer

Scott Banner
Account Lead

Aurora Wilson
Kaitlin Witzberger
Account Lead

Kaitlin Witzberger
Account Lead

Sarah Lambert
Assistant Account Lead

Colette Liepert
Assistant Account Lead

Katelyn Vargo
Copy Writer/Content Specialist

Linda Miller

Partner

Tom Speaks

Co-Founder of The Impact Group, Tom is an appreciation advocate, marketing and communication expert, professional speaker, community engagement guru, statistical polling analyst, and published author (Hannibal – The Forging, Linh – Dying Pride Meets Living Wisdom, and Appreciology – The Art and Science of Appreciation…all available on Amazon). Tom is also a husband, father and fitness nut.

Partner

Phil Herman

Phil is passionate about helping individuals and organizations become their best selves. With over 25 years of experience in education, Phil has worked as a teacher, coach, principal, director of human resources, assistant superintendent and superintendent for 11 years. As a leader in community engagement, team development, crisis communications, leadership development and leading high-level organizations, Phil focuses on the creation of meaningful relationships to bring community members, staff, administrators, parents and students together to solve problems.

Vice President of Client Services

Krista Rodriguez

As the vice president of client services for The Impact Group, Krista excels in building relationships and trust with clients. Her expertise is in general marketing and management, solving problems, building relationships and thinking strategically to benefit all IGPR clients.

Krista enjoys that the industry is constantly evolving, giving her the opportunity to learn new programs, tactics and technology to bring the latest innovation to clients. Krista also believes in the power of marketing and has seen how marketing campaigns can truly change lives, such as the Anti-Human Trafficking Campaign for the state of Ohio.

Vice President of Finance

Fernanda Frazier

Fernanda is the Vice President of Finance and is responsible for all of financial and operating aspects of The Impact Group. She earned her accounting degree from the University of Akron and is a jack-of-all-trades.

Fernanda’s responsibilities include invoicing, client audits and ensuring that all client accounts are accurately managed. She enjoys bringing her analytical and data-driven calculations, projections and problem-solving skills to the creative industry where can watch campaigns develop from concept to design to client fulfillment.

Lauren Scherr

Director of Client Development

Lauren Scherr

Lauren will be with you every step of the way as your partnership with The Impact Group begins to take shape.  With over 20 years experience in television, radio, and educational sales, Lauren has extensive advertising and marketing knowledge that will guide Impact Group clients toward custom tailored solutions that deliver results.  Committed to developing long term, genuine relationships, Lauren believes in providing a human and holistic approach that begins with an overall strategic direction followed by a detailed plan of action designed to address all IGPR client’s goals and challenges.

Director of Strategic Services

Doreen Osmun

With 35 years of experience in education, Doreen has had the privilege of serving as a teacher, elementary principal, curriculum director, and assistant superintendent. Throughout her career, she has developed a deep passion for understanding an organization’s “why”—the core purpose of every decision and action. This understanding fuels her dedication to creating dynamic and lasting relationships within and among groups, fostering environments where collaboration and shared vision thrive.

At the heart of her work is a strong belief in treating everyone with respect, kindness, and dignity. Whether leading classrooms, guiding schools, or shaping district-wide initiatives, Doreen has always prioritized the human element, ensuring everyone feels valued and heard.

Doreen’s journey has also extended beyond the walls of the school system. She has had the opportunity to work with various nonprofits, helping to facilitate and lead initiatives that make a meaningful impact on school communities. These experiences have reinforced her commitment to serving others and contributing to the greater good. She always strives to make a positive difference in the lives of those she works with and serves.

Creative Director

Christie Cereshko

Christie is known for elevating design quality and setting high standards for her team. As a Cleveland State University alum with nearly 20 years of design experience, she’s worked with a diverse range of clients across various industries. Christie is a trusted leader, admired for her creativity, problem-solving, and knack for bringing people together. Her leadership goes beyond design, helping others grow while continuously embracing new tools and processes to keep improving.

Outside of work, Christie thrives on adventure. She loves exploring new places, soaking up live music, and spending time by the water. Traveling with her husband and two kids is one of her favorite things, along with meeting new people and hearing their stories.

IT Director/Graphic Designer

Scott Banner

Scott is our go-to guy for all things technology. With more than 25 years of experience in graphic design, Scott has seen first-hand how quickly this industry can change. This gives him a unique adaptability to tackle any project that comes his way. We have yet to come up with a computer question that Scott can’t answer—and he is sure to tackle our clients’ challenges in the realm of digital design with insight, creativity and ease.

Account Lead

Aurora Wilson

As an Account Lead with the Impact Group, Aurora focuses on strengthening relationships and strategizing high-quality content for her clients. With expertise in client relations and special project management, Aurora brings a high level of organization to her work and is dedicated to meeting client needs. Aurora comes to the Impact Group with a background as an Account Executive in the advertising industry and has spent most of her career living and working in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. As a Cleveland native, Aurora is thrilled to return home to Northeast Ohio as a member of the team at the Impact Group.

Kaitlin Witzberger

Account Lead

Kaitlin Witzberger

Kaitlin is an education account lead for the Impact Group. With a passion for education and lifelong learning, she has experience in school and nonprofit communications in aspects of website management, content creation, graphic design, social media and storytelling. Kaitlin brings a unique and creative perspective to projects valuing quality and commitment to IGPR clients.

Account Lead

Sarah Lambert

As an Account Lead at the Impact Group, Sarah brings a diverse advertising, marketing, campaign management and client management skill set. With an extensive background in the advertising industry, she combines strategic thinking, relationship-building and project management skills to provide clients with a comprehensive range of marketing solutions that drive results. Sarah oversees the implementation and supervision of marketing and communications plans to ensure they align and meet all client goals and objectives. Sarah loves to travel, run, and spend her free time watching her two sports-loving boys compete.

Assistant Account Lead

Colette Liepert

As an Assistant Account Lead at The Impact Group, Colette works to support our Account Leads in their daily operations. Recently graduated from Ohio Northern University, she brings her valuable experience gained through five internships focused on project management, communications and public relations to our team. She is passionate about brainstorming high-quality content that meets the needs of clients and audiences alike. In her spare time, Colette enjoys reading, writing and spending time with her friends and family.

Assistant Account Lead

Katelyn Vargo

Katelyn is an Assistant Account Lead at the Impact Group working to support Account Leads in bringing their client’s needs and visions to life. With experience in social media strategy, project management, and marketing analytics she is well-equipped to drive impactful campaigns and deliver measurable results. A Summa Cum Laude graduate of John Carroll University, she was highly involved in JCU’s Campus Ministry department where her passion for serving others grew. Her commitment to service and fostering meaningful connections has been a cornerstone of her professional journey.

In her free time, Katelyn enjoys reading, hiking, taste testing all of Cleveland’s locally made ice cream, and keeping up with everything Taylor Swift.

Copy Writer/Content Specialist

Linda Miller

Linda Miller, a copywriter for The Impact Group, seamlessly blends 24 years of public education experience with a dedication to crafting captivating articles and messages. With a deep appreciation for the nuances of written communication, she thrives on the artistry of language. When not at the keyboard, Linda enjoys reading, boating, skiing and baking.

Our Core Values

Make an Impact

Consistently seek ways to make a positive difference for our clients, colleagues, families, community, and world.

Seek Balance

Make decisions based upon the needs of the client, employees, and company.

Exhibit Perseverance

Succeed regardless of circumstances. Honor your commitments to your teammates and clients.

Instill Teamwork

Set one another up for success.

Be Respectful

Be kind, be open to one another’s opinions, give people the benefit of the doubt, and assume others have good intentions.

Be Creative

Generate fresh ideas.

The Impactagon

History of The Impact Group Offices

Built in 1881 as a bank barn by Hial and Milton Danforth, who came to Ohio from Vermont to be dairy farmers.

The structure has long been regarded as the most significant remaining landmark in Darrowville, a small farming community founded by the two brothers who served as surveyors for David Hudson when he came to Ohio from Connecticut to explore the Western Reserve.

The barn was designed to feed all the cattle at one time. The piled-up stacks of hay were pitched from the center hole to the ground floor, where the animals gathered to feed. The foundation is tooled sandstone.

The building has been completely modernized by architect Alen Sveda, though the rooftop cupola is original, except for the wooden louvres, which were replaced with glass. The building has had many uses through the years, namely as a dairy barn, antiques auction house and a meeting place and storage facility for the Civil Air Patrol.

In 2014, The Impact Group acquired this iconic landmark, breathing new life into its timeworn walls. The Impactagon now serves as a welcoming hub for employees, clients, and guests alike, fostering collaboration and creativity in every corner.

As we continue to expand and evolve within these historic walls, The Impactagon remains a symbol of our deep-rooted connection to the past and unwavering commitment to shaping the future.

Kind Words

Building Lasting Relationships

“I am grateful for the partnership we’ve experienced with The Impact Group. Despite the physical distance of our offices, their integration with our team and knowledge of our district has been remarkable. Their strategic communications model has kept us focused on our big ideas and easily intertwined into our planning meetings and communication efforts. Working with their team feels like a partnership. Impact Group members are lifesavers!”

Dr. Laura Blessing, Miamisburg City Schools

“Our partnership and collaboration with the Impact Group has been invaluable in sharing our District’s story.  Whether positively promoting the district, effectively navigating and communicating change, or leading through a crisis, the Impact Group does a fantastic job of walking alongside the District to proactively and transparently communicate with our District and community.”

Nathan Stutz, Superintendent , Perry Local Schools

“Finally, a strategic planning process that was painless and resulted in meaningful goals and objectives.  I have never experienced this level of employee involvement with a strategic plan.  The Impact Group can be credited for a professional and straightforward approach, gathering valuable information, filtering out useless data, and getting people excited.”

Mike Pelcic, Superintendent, Pickaway County Board of DD

“The Impact Group is one of the best resources a local government can have regarding communication, messaging, and strategic thinking.  The strategic thinktank Tom and his team create is invaluable and I frequently find myself consulting with them for ideas beyond messaging and communication.

Their understanding of growing and strengthening an organization’s culture is commendable.”

Rob Schommer, City Manager, City of Bellbrook

“Working with The Impact Group to create our strategic plan was effortless! They took the time to meet with many facets of our school community and stakeholders to develop goals and objectives that will now guide the work we do over the next three years. I highly recommend using their team of educational experts to guide the work you do as the instructional leader of your district. You will be glad you did!”

Mike Cook, Superintendent, Sheffield-Sheffield Lake City Schools
“The Impact Group has been a trusted communications resource for me for many years. Their expertise regarding school district communications, strategic planning, crisis communication and staff development have helped me, help the districts I have served. I would certainly recommend The Impact Group to any school district.”
Rob Gress, Alliance City Schools

“The Impact Group’s expertise regarding the communication of complex topics to a community in a manner that is honest, approachable and understandable, is considerable. I’d recommend them to anyone!”

Nathan Schindewolf, Triway Local School District

“The Impact Group has a fantastic, high energy, creative staff who are a pleasure to work with. They are responsive and truly care about their clients. The work they have done for my organization has truly been invaluable and I highly recommend them.”

Amy Jordan, President, Hudson Community Foundation
“The Impact Group is a great resource for public relations, strategic planning and crisis communication. The Impact Group employs a cadre of professionals skilled in all aspects of public relations.”
Ed Stark, Superintendent, Trumbull County Board of Developmental Disabilities

“The Impact Group took our ideas and created an amazing brand for our business. They continue to come up with great ideas all the time. Would recommend their services to anyone!”

Amber Mohrman, Owner, Mohr Stamping

“Locking arms with the staff at The Impact Group who want to do the same and have fun doing it was nothing but advantageous for our organization in our strategic planning process. The Impact Group delivered a sophisticated report, yet, simple for staff to create, share and implement.”

Jeannie Turner, Director of Community Services, Greene County Board of Developmental Disabilities

Let’s Connect

We’d love to schedule a conversation.