Management/Bios

Chris Marentis Founder and CEO: Chris Marentis is the founder and CEO of Surefire Social, whose notable career spans the evolution of the Web . As Senior Vice President of America Online’s Interactive Marketing group, Marentis was a key force in creating the foundational blueprints for online marketing, e-commerce and content branding. While CEO of Clearspring Technologies, he developed one of the most widely adopted venture-backed Web 2.0 technology platforms.

Ron Peele Chief Operations Officer: Ron Peele comes to Surefire Social with 25 years’ experience in building companies, both as an investor and as operating executive. Most recently, Peele was a founding investor and CFO at Revolution Health, the health company created by AOL co-founder Steve Case. Prior to that, Peele helped launch and build the AOL/Time Warner venture capital group, investing $250 million in a portfolio of 70 companies, including some of the industry’s most successful startups.

Abdul El-Tayef Chief Technology Officer: Abdul is an experienced technology executive with more than 15 years launching and leading technology companies. Prior to joining Surefire Social, Abdul El-Tayef was CEO and CTO of BEZA Inc., which delivers enterprise-grade web site solutions to small business and non-profit organizations across the United States. Abdul possesses a strong passion for Web 2.0 technology and in developing scaleable IT solutions to increase efficiencies and drive costs down.

Bob Sheehan SVP Coaching Operations: Bob Sheehan is our lead Surefire Social Certified Coach and has been with our team since November ’09. Bob has extensive experience in local marketing, recently being VP Marketing for NewPro Windows, and having run his own local marketing agency Coastline Advertising.

Phil Rappoport VP Sales and Marketing: Phil Rappoport is a 30-year marketing and promotion executive who has specialized in building viewership and membership for major media properties, including America Online, Fox, ABC, and Tribune. From 2003 to 2009, he owned 2 home improvement franchises and served as a consultant and trainer for a national franchisor.

Darryl Shrock VP Business Development: Darryl Shrock is a marketing executive with 22 years experience in advertising, direct mail marketing, online marketing and running small businesses. Darryl worked within America Online’s (AOL) Interactive Marketing group, worked at American Express and Chiat/Day, and ran his own real estate development firm.

Alyssa Gagen Director of Marketing: Alyssa Gagen is a social media and web 2.0 specialist with a veteran status at GenNext Media LLC. By monitoring current social media trends, marketing techniques and alternative strategies, Alyssa keeps Surefire Social, and its clients, on the cutting edge of online, local business marketing within the social media community.

Natalie Critchley Senior Surefire Social Coach: Natalie Critchley, oversees the daily operation of our sales and coaching team. Her responsibilities include analysis and execution of operational systems and processes to support our staff and business partners. She also handles project management, training, and employee development. Natalie, a former collegiate athlete, coach, and educator came to GenNext Media after a successful sales career where she was recognized for outstanding results as a top sales performer and manager.

David Frawley Sales and Coaching Director: David Frawley is a 30-year local marketing executive having held VP Marketing positions with Sports Authority, Burlington Coat Factory and other local focused businesses. David is also HubSpot Certified Internet Marketing professional.

Bill McDonough Creative and Editorial Director: Bill McDough is a seasoned advertising and PR executive having worked in both small and large agencies throughout his 30 year career. Bill is focused on website and social media copy for Surefire Social Clients and our own websites.

Sarah Vonesh Internal Marketing Manager: Sarah is a recent graduate from the College of Charleston in South Carolina. She is an avid social media enthusiast who has been currently working on leveraging the Surefire Social brand across the web, while keeping our clients up to speed on the latest social media tools and strategies for local business success.

Dori Ciccolo Henson Surefire Social Coach: With over 18 years professional experience, Dori is an expert in internet marketing, business development and client services. Dori has served in key positions with major media firms AOL/Time Warner and The Washington Post; she also has extensive experience working for and consulting with local, small and medium sized business. Dori has a degree in Marketing from Virginia Tech and a MBA from Marymount University.

Fred Coons Surefire Social Coach: Fred joins Surefire Social with an extensive background working with large and small companies to help make them successful. Most recently Fred has been a marketing consultant at Coons Consulting. Earlier in his career, Fred worked in corporate development and strategic planning/partnerships with global consumer-facing brands including Disney, Nike and NewsCorp/Los Angeles Dodgers. Fred earned his undergraduate degree in Economics at Brown University and his MBA at The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania.

Ronda Suder Lead Social Media Writer: Ronda Suder is an experienced social media writer and strategist. Ronda is the ghost writer for Chris in the many blogs, guest blogs, online and offline publications, webinars that provide a large footprint throughout the web. She currently works about 60% of her time to Surefire Social.

Edwin (Edge) Dimalanta Surefire’s Account Services Manager: Edwin (Edge) Dimalanta is leading Surefire Social’s Account Services initiative to keep our clients on the “cutting edge” of local search. In the upcoming months, Edge will support the launch of our new Customer Support Services program to provide assistance to Surefire clients of all levels. Edge comes to Surefire with deep experience in customer support with national leaders including Adobe Systems, AT&T and Comcast.