Martin Thoma
Principal
Credentials
Since co-founding Thoma, Martin has leveraged roots in journalism and writing to conceive, develop, and implement a diverse array of projects, ranging from new product initiatives for global technology companies to public information and safety campaigns for state agencies. Martin is the author of Branding Like the Big Boys and a recognized author of articles and white papers on branding, marketing strategy, and communications. Martin loves anything in the water – from swimming to fishing to paddle boarding and snorkeling. He’s an avid gardener, former beekeeper, private pilot, and Spanish speaker (un poquito)!
Melissa Thoma
Principal
Credentials
As a principal and co-founder of Thoma, Melissa has provided strategy and market research leadership on projects for over 25 years – drawing on her long history and experience with both for-profit and nonprofit clients. A brilliant and rapid-fire conceptualizer, Melissa delivers innovative ideas that elevate brand communications for clients in diverse categories including tourism, healthcare, higher education, energy, nonprofit, and financial services. Melissa is a staunch supporter of the arts, with a background in opera and musical theatre. She enjoys running marathons, vegan cookery, and lives for a good book.
Shawn Solloway
Principal & Executive Creative Director
Credentials
For 30+ years, Shawn has been working in the marketing trenches to help clients reach their business goals, grow market share, and build brands that stand out. Shawn developed a brand-driven, creative boutique that excelled at identifying and promoting its clients dominant selling ideas. He now serves as a Principal and Executive Creative Director at Thoma. Shawn loves music, sports and family time at the lake. He’s not a fan of public speaking, mattress stores or turtlenecks. He and Kristi, his wife of 28 years, have 4 children.
Beverly Hall
Controller
Credentials
Beverly is primarily responsible for managing the agency finances, but she does so much more than that. She allows us to express our right brain creativity while she makes prudent fiscal decisions that ensure the electricity stays on – working harder than us all to ensure that Thoma continues to thrive. Beverly previously worked in international tax and accounting at Alltel Information Services and served the community as a past chair of American Cancer Society Ball. When not at the office, Beverly likes to knit and has recently taken up gardening – although her thumb isn’t all the way green yet.
Adam Whitefield
Account Executive
Credentials
With more than two decades’ experience in integrated marketing, branding, advertising, and project management at some of Arkansas’ largest corporations — including Dillard’s Department Stores, Walmart, and Alltel – Adam has honed his ability to listen intently and respond creatively. His focus at Thoma is keeping projects and programs on track by understanding and integrating our clients’ objectives while providing guidance and strategy. Adam is a self-proclaimed baseball fanatic, coffee snob, award-winning chili cook, and a married father of three.
Will Griffin
Project Manager/Account Coordinator
Credentials
Will is originally from Little Rock, AR, and a graduate of Hampden-Sydney College with a degree in History. Prior working at Thoma Thoma Will held a multitude of positions in Washington D.C, which included roles in the political sphere, TV Advertising, and entertainment industry. He has now applied that experience to his role at Thoma.
Mandy Cordell
Art Director
Credentials
Mandy is an extremely talented graphic designer with a passion for telling stories through her work. She graduated from Henderson State University in 2020 with a Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design, and has since broadened her skill set and produced stunning brand, animation, and videography work for Thoma. Mandy is also a professional photographer, whose work has been featured in the Daytona Museum of Photography in Florida. She is a musician, world traveler, a lover of miniatures and her 2 cats Ron Swanson and Kuzco.
Micah Sardinha
Digital Media Manager
Credentials
Micah graduated from Middlesex University London in 2019 with a bachelor’s degree in music business and arts management. She then graduated from Greenwich University London in 2021 with a master’s degree in international events management. Her expertise in international business, digital marketing, and events management contribute to the quality results she brings clients. She enjoys reading books, doing yoga, and traveling across the globe!
Lola Simmons
Public Relations Associate
Credentials
Lola works develops media strategies and PR deliverables for a variety of clients. She graduated with a degree in public relations at the University of Central Arkansas, where she served as the PR Director of the UCA Chapter of Public Relations Society of America. Lola loves spending her free time traveling and can usually be found hanging around the office with her energetic dog Opie.
Cary Smith
Freelance Designer
Credentials
Cary Smith has 25+ years experience in the design industry. Smith has been involved in all steps of conceptualizing, management and fulfillment of design projects including brochures, direct mail, packaging, annual reports, exhibit design, environmental design and commercials. She has created concepts for employee motivation programs, all forms of new media marketing, presentations, logos and identity programs.
Elizabeth Michael
Digital + Social Strategist
Credentials
Armed with an MBA in Marketing from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and extensive certifications in Facebook Blueprint, Google Analytics, and Sprout Social, Elizabeth has built a reputation as the region’s leading social media strategist. She grew the national reputation of her family’s Delta artisanal home-goods business, built an eight-person social media department from the ground up, and built one of Little Rock’s most innovative new watering holes — Bark Bar. Elizabeth loves to travel, and she is an avid deer hunter (what Delta Arkansan isn’t?).