More than just a leadership team, these are your results go-getters. With deep expertise and an expansive love of foodservice, this results-oriented crew gets the job done and drives growth wherever your business needs it most.
Alli Welker
EVP/General Manager
Alli knows that the best work is the result of inspired experts working in tandem. She has a gift for bringing the right people together, illustrated by a 25+ year track record leading teams that drive profitable results. She founded one of the most notable commerce, strategy, media, creative and digital agencies in the consumer and retail segments, Edge Marketing, and has overseen teams at IN Marketing and Advantage Unified Commerce. At Connections, she is fiercely focused on applying her performance-forward capabilities to the food service sector while fostering a culture of belonging that drives industry-shaping outcomes.
Vanessa Brandt
SVP Strategic Connections and Performance
Vanessa has the enviable skill of bridging gaps—from reconnecting disconnects in communication to identifying the path clients are on and where they want to be. A true leader, she inspires successful growth with a direct and thoughtful approach: Listen, engage and empower. She has an impressive track record of brand development on a global scale that underscores her value as a strategist. Above all, it’s Vanessa’s ability to recognize and cultivate the best parts of brands, talent and work that makes her an invaluable member of the Connections family. Her superpower? Going beyond technology and recognizing that the most extraordinary accomplishments are often achieved face-to-face.
Matt Luaders
VP Culinary Marketing
As head of the agency’s culinary team, Matt leads a dynamic group of chefs and culinarians in reimagining creative food and beverage solutions. Throughout his 25-year career in the foodservice industry, Matt has immersed himself in all facets of the culinary landscape, leading teams in fine dining, hotel operations and contract management. His depth of knowledge—rooted in experience as a trained chef and operator—has enabled him to develop and present innovation-driving culinary concepts across the U.S. and internationally. With his expertise in product development, operator connectivity and culinary strategy, Matt brings a unique approach that translates to foodservice success.
Tim Bade
Executive Creative Director
As Connections’ creative lead, Tim fosters an open environment with a cross-functional creative team made up of storytellers, technologists and motion media experts. Tim believes in the blending of technology and creative applied to simple ideas that break through the clutter and create real impact for brands. His years of expertise in food and beverage branding have earned the agency plenty of awards, but Tim is most proud of work that works.
Jen Hachigan
Director of Operations
With over 20 years of marketing and agency experience, Jen brings a wide skill set to finance and planning for clients and the agency. Always ready to assist with projections and reviews, Jen helps lead and guide clients to the best possible agency contracts and financial solutions.
Emily Dunn
Sr. Director Account Management
Emily has years of client collaboration among her accomplishments, having provided marketing strategies for a diverse array of global brands within the foodservice industry. Her management expertise spans big-picture thinking and day-to-day details, making her efforts shine bright in strategic planning and execution across digital and marketing communications initiatives. Emily is a fervent believer in transparent communication, purpose-driven action, and adaptive processes, all while maintaining an unwavering commitment to achieving the desired goal.
Sue Marcheschi
Sr. Director Account Management
During her 25-year tenure in foodservice, Sue has worked in many facets of the industry including product development, purchasing and production. Her diverse experience has enabled her to bring a unique, well-rounded perspective to B2B marketing. Sue implemented successful campaigns for Hellmann’s, Maple Leaf Farms, Avocados From Mexico, USA Rice Federation, Griffith Foods and Custom Culinary. She is our point person for program development, training modules and coordinating culinary and target account programs. She manages all aspects of campaigns, including product development, print and e-media, merchandising and sales collateral. Sue is also well versed in culinary trends and provides unique insight into the foodservice segment.
Carrie Trevenen
Sr. Director Account Management
With 20 years of account management experience, Carrie is a results-driven marketer who ensures goals are met and clients are satisfied. Over the years she has worked with many leading food brands including Danone North America, Kraft Heinz, Good Foods and The Cheesecake Factory Bakery. Her deep expertise in foodservice led the strategic development and execution of national campaigns for Conagra brands, Blue Bunny ice cream, as well as Reggie-award-winning Philadelphia Cream Cheese. Carrie fosters relationships with clients by turning sound strategic planning into go-to-market tactical executions.
Sherry Gorsich
Director Business Development
The foodservice world is a natural fit for Sherry, an award-winning product development and B2B marketing expert who has spent her 20+ year career immersed in communications. In her work on both the manufacturer and agency sides of the business, she has led innovative advertising campaigns, sales training, promotions and strategic partnerships. Currently, in her role as Director of Business Development and Strategic Partnerships at Connections, Sherry’s insights drive holistic B2B and B2C recommendations that help our clients thrive in a competitive industry.
