Our Team is Made Up of Smart, Passionate Individuals Who Challenge Each Other to Push the Creative Envelope : Ellyn Davidson, CEO of Brogan & Partners

Brogan & Partners is a leading marketing agency with over 30 years of experience creating strategies that build emotional connections. Founded by Marcie Brogan in 1984, the agency was built on creativity, charisma, and strategic insight. Under the leadership of CEO Ellyn Davidson, Brogan & Partners continues to push creative boundaries while maintaining a focus on delivering results. The agency blends storytelling with data-driven insights, ensuring that campaigns resonate with audiences and drive meaningful engagement. By staying ahead of industry trends while holding true to foundational principles, Brogan & Partners consistently produces impactful work that moves people.

In Conversation with Ellyn Davidson, CEO of Brogan & Partners

How did your journey with Brogan & Partners begin?

I joined the agency in the mid-90s. Marcie Brogan was an incredible mentor, and I had the opportunity to learn from one of the best. She built a culture that encouraged curiosity, creativity, and fearless thinking. Over the years, I took on different roles, gaining experience in account service, strategy, and leadership. When Marcie was ready to step away, I was honored to take the reins. Leading this agency is both a privilege and a responsibility that I take seriously.

What makes Brogan & Partners different from other agencies?

We put people at the center of everything. Whether it’s understanding what motivates a consumer or building a great relationship with a client, human connections drive our work. We don’t just create ads—we create experiences that make an impact. Our team is made up of smart, passionate individuals who challenge each other to push the creative envelope. And we don’t just talk about giving back; we commit five percent of our profits to the community every year.

What’s your approach to leadership?

I believe in leading with transparency, collaboration, and trust. A great team thrives when people feel valued, supported, and challenged. I encourage open dialogue, fresh thinking, and taking smart risks. Advertising is a fast-moving industry, and staying ahead requires a team that is adaptable and driven. I also believe in balance—great work happens when people are energized, not burned out.

How has advertising changed since you started?

The biggest shift has been in how people consume media. When I started, traditional channels like television, radio, and print were dominant. Now, digital platforms have transformed the way brands interact with consumers. There’s more data than ever, and while that’s a powerful tool, it also means marketers have to be smarter about how they use it. The core principles haven’t changed, though. People still connect with stories, and great advertising is about storytelling that resonates.

How do you ensure campaigns remain fresh and relevant?

It starts with listening. We pay attention to cultural shifts, emerging trends, and what people care about. Research and insights fuel our creative process. We also challenge ourselves to think differently. No two brands are the same, so no two campaigns should be. The best work happens when strategy, creativity, and execution align.

What kind of clients do you work with?

We have worked with a wide range of industries, from healthcare to financial services to consumer brands. The common thread is that we partner with organizations that want to make an impact. Whether it’s a company looking to drive sales, a nonprofit raising awareness, or a healthcare provider trying to change behavior, we take on projects where we can make a real difference.

How does Brogan & Partners balance creativity and data-driven strategy?

They go hand in hand. Data informs our decisions, but creativity is what makes campaigns memorable. We start with research to understand the audience and identify opportunities. Then, we build a creative strategy that taps into emotions and behaviors. Once a campaign launches, we track performance, analyze results, and optimize as needed. It’s a constant cycle of learning and refining.

What challenges do agencies face today?

The industry moves fast, and keeping up with changing technology, consumer habits, and media platforms is a challenge. Clients expect results, and agencies must be able to prove the value of their work. The volume of content people see daily is overwhelming, so breaking through requires smarter, bolder ideas. There’s also a growing demand for brands to be authentic and socially responsible, which means agencies need to guide clients in meaningful ways.

What advice would you give to someone entering the industry?

Be curious. Read everything, ask questions, and learn from people who have been in the industry longer than you. Be willing to experiment and take risks—some of the best ideas come from unexpected places. Develop a strong work ethic but also know when to step back and recharge. And finally, surround yourself with smart, creative people who challenge you to be better.

What’s next for Brogan & Partners?

We will keep doing what we do best—creating work that moves people. The media landscape will continue to shift, and we’ll adapt. Our commitment to strong strategy, great creative, and meaningful community involvement won’t change. Growth is always on our radar, but we’ll never lose sight of what makes this agency special: our people, our clients, and the work we produce together.

Ellyn Davidson, CEO, Brogan & Partners

We have worked with a wide range of industries, from healthcare to financial services to consumer brands. The common thread is that we partner with organizations that want to make an impact.