A seasoned agency leader, Keelie Segars joined Markstein in 2015 and became CEO in 2019. Keelie has more than 20 years of experience developing and leading award-winning integrated agency offerings and operations that help clients and teams achieve their goals.
Keelie leads Markstein’s executive leadership team, setting the vision for the agency’s continued growth and commitment to helping to solve complex business and social challenges – one client at a time.
She steered Markstein’s human resources and operations during a time of double-digit annual growth, creating new offerings and improving agency performance. Keelie also oversaw the advertising strategy and national roll-out of Encompass Health’s new brand, supporting the company’s transformation across 120+ hospitals.
She previously served in account management roles and as director of human resources and director of operations at agencies including Intermark Group, Scout and Luckie. Throughout her career, Keelie has worked across sectors to deliver results for clients. Her work on Mohawk Flooring’s SmartStrand challenge led to sales of more than 50 million yards of SmartStrand carpeting and was recognized as a finalist by The Cannes Festival of Creativity. She also led multi-tiered, integrated programs for Krispy Kreme’s corporate and franchisee communications, including the development of a brand voice and social media platforms.
Keelie holds a bachelor’s degree from Birmingham Southern College with a double major in history and economics. She also completed a course study at the Centre for Medieval and Renaissance Studies at Keble College, Oxford University and has a certificate in human resources from the Cornell University School of Industrial and Labor Relations.
Positioning Statement & Company Values
In a world in which no two business challenges are the same, Markstein blends art and science to craft custom solutions. Our insights-driven partnership model is built on extensive diagnosis, creative strategies and vigilant performance measurement. While our approach enables our partners to achieve their goals, our inspiration lies in the belief that helping solve complex problems, be it business, legislative or societal, can change the world for the better – one client at a time.
Engaging
Insights-driven partnerships are rooted in our team’s intellectual curiosity. However, our quest for knowledge and insights comes with levity. Our “always learning” mindset is married with our “always lively” personality. We take our client objectives seriously without taking ourselves too seriously.
Open-Minded
Our open-mindedness is about receptivity to new perspectives and thinking – the fundamental humility required to acknowledge no one has all the answers. Our success, both as an organization and a partner, is predicated on always looking for new and better ways.
Purposeful
A collective achiever mentality focuses on ensuring activity is not mistaken for productivity. And while we vigilantly pursue success for our clients and our company, our professional nourishment comes from doing good and having loftier objectives beyond prosperity. We are collectively committed to making a difference and enhancing a legacy of bettering our partners, our community and ourselves.
