MICAH GAUDIO, President

Micah, a graduate of Liberty University with a double major in Communications and Advertising/Public Relations, worked for some of the largest ad agencies in Tampa, Florida, before returning to Central Virginia. During his advertising career, he has been a Senior Account Executive, Creative Director and even a Global Marketing Director for GE Medical Systems. Micah was also named one of the Top 20 business professionals under the age of 40 by the Blue Ridge Business Journal in 2003. He has worked with clients such as The Hard Rock Café, Florida’s Beach, FLA USA, The Florida Keys, US HOME, Centex Homes, Suncoast Mercedes, and HP/Agilent. He served as PR Chairman for the SML Charity Home Tour for three years while the event enjoyed its biggest gains to date. Micah also served on the Smith Mountain Lake Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and as Marketing/PR Chairman for three years. He was instrumental in bringing the first Business Expo to Franklin County and developing the successful “Chamber Champions” program. Micah is currently serving a two-year term on the Board of Directors for the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce. He is married to Shannon Gaudio and has two children, McKenna Kate (5) and Cash (2).

ANDIE GIBSON, Vice President

Andie Gibson contributed to the first issue of the Laker as a writer and copy editor and has been involved with the magazine in some capacity for every issue since. She has served as Editor of the Laker since 2005, generating story ideas, setting editorial and advertising deadlines, and managing contributing writers and photographers. She also serves as a project manager for GO Agency clients, working to assure projects are completed on time and to the client’s satisfaction. Andie earned a B.S. in Journalism from the University of Kansas in 1992 and started her career as a sports writer and copy editor at The Roanoke Times, where she earned several Virginia Press Association awards. She also held positions at the Associated Press and the Greensboro (N.C.) News & Record. At the dawn of the internet era she helped launch roanoke.com and served as its marketing director. Andie was a three-year board member and 2005 president of the Smith Mountain Lake Chamber of Commerce. In addition to serving on several Chamber committees, she also volunteers her marketing services for numerous charities. Andie is married to Chris Gibson and has one son, Ben (7). They have made their home in Franklin County for most of the past 15 years.

JERRY HALE, Marketing and PR Specialist

Jerry holds a BS in Journalism/Advertising from the University of Illinois and an MBA from the University of Delaware. He retired from the DuPont Company after a 33-year career as a marketing, advertising and PR executive. Since moving to the shores of the Blackwater and joining the Laker staff, Jerry has written extensively about Lake-area events and attractions. He uses Smith Mountain Lake on a daily basis year-round and is one of its most enthusiastic promoters. Jerry is a member of the SML Chamber of Commerce and is serving as Marketing Chairman for the annual Wine Festival, the chamber’s largest fundraising event. He also volunteers as a principal writer for the SML Charity Home Tour Publicity Team and has spearheaded the successful “No Wake Fireworks” event the past two years. Jerry is active in marketing strategy development for a number of area small businesses and has taught marketing skills to DuPont managers at training session in Asia, Europe, Mexico, South America and the U.S. He is married to Ferne Hale, a contributing writer for the Smith Mountain Laker.

KAREN CROMWELL, Sales Manager

Karen, an award-winning sales specialist with more than 15 years of experience, joined the GO Agency as an account executive in 2007. Karen was raised in the Bay Area of California and earned an associates degree in Business Administration from De Anza College in Santa Clara, Calif. She spent seven years in the Research Triangle Park area of North Carolina before relocating to Smith Mountain Lake in 2006. Her professional experience includes sales positions for Sun Microsystems and Progress Software. Karen is married to Charlie and has three children.

DANY TURNER, IT Specialist and Sr. Web Developer

The most recent addition to the GO Agency strategic team, Dany is a former computer technician for the Roanoke County School District. Dany is also the co-founder of a web development and IT company where he designed and developed a wide variety of web sites and web applications while providing IT support for local businesses and consumers. Dany moved to Smith Mountain Lake in 1998 to be closer to his family. He was married to Alison in May of 2006.

JENNIFER CHURCH, Art Director

Jennifer graduated from Clemson University with a BS degree in Graphic Communications. In addition to the extensive printing and pre-press knowledge acquired from her formal education, Jennifer’s experience in computer-aided graphic design helps her form a well-rounded approach to all design projects. Her 14 years of experience in the printing and creative advertising industry has allowed Jennifer to work in many areas of print design, including screen printing, package and specialty printing, as well as traditional lithography. Jennifer has won many industry awards for creative design projects completed while working for well-known advertising agencies in Greenville, SC, and Harlingen, TX, as well as in her freelance career. Jennifer and her husband David live on the Lake with their two children, Thomas (11) and Cameron (9).

JOSH ASHTON, Creative Director

Josh Ashton has been a part-time graphic artist at the GO Agency for the past year and will join the team full time at the end of May after graduating with a B.S. in Graphic Design from Liberty University. Josh was born in Norfolk, but has lived in Bedford County since he was 4 years old, graduating from Staunton River High School in 2002. His hobbies include art, photography, soccer, snowboarding and mountain biking, but most days you’ll find him on the Lake wakeboarding or fishing. Josh has volunteered for numerous organizations, including Thomas Road Baptist Church and Habitat for Humanity.

RAY REYNOLDS, Photographer

Ray took up photography 10 years ago as a hobby, but it soon turned into a profession when others began recognizing his talents. Ray, who has worked for the Laker and the GO Agency since 2005, enjoys shooting portraits, weddings, nature scenes and sports. He’s been the official photographer for several local professional race car drivers and tracks.

RENAE ANGEL, CFO

Renae is the team member who monitors client campaigns to be sure the media placements occur as intended and are fairly billed. As the GO Agency’s resident number cruncher, she makes sure the results of marketing campaigns are documented and clearly reported. Renae resides in Bedford County with her husband and two children.

MARK PALMER, Search Engine Optimization Specialist

Mark, a search engine optimization specialist, began his internet career in the early 1990s working with startup firms in the IT and insurance industries. He went on to develop the corporate internet strategy for Advance Auto Parts, a leading nationwide automotive aftermarket retailer. He currently leads internet operations for renowned Christian Worldview author and speaker Chuck Colson, founder of Prison Fellowship Ministries. Mark is pursuing a theological degree at Liberty University.

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

The GO Agency retains a corps of experienced writers who contribute to magazine and agency projects. While each has a unique area of expertise, all share a strong tie to – and love for – the Smith Mountain Lake community.