Peter Bramley, President
What I do here: It's my job to make sure that things run smoothly, that the company is profitable, and that it provides a quality product. I work closely with our clients to help them develop strategies to meet their goals. I direct the company's creative process. And I work hard to provide the kind of environment that nurtures our employees and encourages them to become all that they can be.
Education: Antioch College, BA Psychology/Social Welfare
What I like most about my job: I get to learn new stuff from each of our clients. Every day is different and I feel lucky to look forward to coming to work each day.
Passions: Traveling, Jazz, Human Rights, Camping, Reading and Gourmet Cooking.
Recent Reads: Memoirs of a Geisha, Arthur Golden, Shrub, Molly Ivins, Gravity, Tess Gerritsen
Words of Wisdom: Never buy a rental car
Barbara Sparks, Vice-President
What I do here: Strategy development; project planning and management; research, writing, and editing; making sure that our projects run smoothly and we serve our clients well.
Where I learned it: BA, psychology, Brandeis University; many years’ experience in public administration, education, and social services.
When I’m not working, I can usually be found: Practicing yoga, walking the dog, working my way through the Sunday NY Times crossword, traveling to far-flung places (or planning the next trip).
My current iPod playlist includes: Bob Marley, Jason Mraz, Sam Cooke, Jimmy Buffett, Angelique Kidjo, UB40, Maria Muldaur
I am passionate about: Social justice, effective communication, and the restorative powers of music, thermal hot springs, whale watching, road trips, and good coffee.
Daniel Benavidez, Director of Media Relations
What I do here: I use my over 15 years of community organizing, public and media relations experience to help our clients raise their public profile through innovative campaigns integrating new social media and traditional media and public relations.
Where I learned it: I learned my craft through the extensive real world experiences that comes from working for grassroots and business organizations, and high profile political candidates and elected officials. I am happy that everyday I learn new things from the creative and talented people I work with and work for.
When I’m not working, I can usually be found: Enjoying being a father and a husband. My greatest joys come from being with family.
My current iPod playlist includes: ABBA, Michael Jackson Journey, Leona Lewis, Bruce Springsteen, LL Cool J, Garth Brooks, and Falco
My favorite quote: “Mommy, I love dance, because it reminds me of you.” -Zoe Benavidez
Melissa McGee, Account Manager
What I do here: Research, copywriting, editing, conference and event planning, Web site conceptualization and development, and all other tasks necessary to make our clients happy.
Where I learned it: A B.A. in English and Religious Studies from Northern Arizona University, a natural curiosity and lots of on the job training.
I am passionate about: Human rights, animal welfare, sustainable agriculture and the power of a well-rounded education.
My favorite book, and how it changed my life: The Picture of Dorian Gray, by Oscar Wilde gave me a deep appreciation for a well-turned phrase and a devastating wit.
My favorite quote: “Bad times have a scientific value. These are occasions a good learner would not miss.” - Ralph Waldo Emerson
Louis DeBonis, Director of Web Development
What I do here: As the Director of Website Development, it's my job to interact with our clients to design the technical and functional specifications of their website while complementing their organizational business model. I work hard to ensure that our client’s vision is transferred to the Internet while adhering to their timeline and budget. Another function of my job is to anticipate client wants and needs; sometimes, even before our clients realize they want or need it.
Where I learned it: M.B.A. from the University of Phoenix, B.S. in Computer Science and Business Administration from Chaparral College, and an A.S. in Computer Networking from Chaparral College.
I am passionate about: Ensuring that my daughter has everything she needs to become a successful woman.
If I could be anywhere in the world right now, I would be: Enjoying the view from the top of the Empire State Building.
Most people aren’t aware that I: Wrote and performed my own music in front of an audience of 4,000 people.
Tom Baumgartner, Art Director
What I do here: Graphics and illustration for print and Web. HTML, CSS development.
Where I learned it: BFA, School of the Art Institute of Chicago
What I like most about my job: Design gets into your life and you start to interact with everything in a visual way. Working daily on a variety of projects challenges me to expand my vocabulary and tempers my creativity in dynamic ways. Visually interpreting a clients "look and feel" never grows old and I'm always on the lookout for fresh ideas to bring them. I'm fortunate to do what I love in an environment where I can learn and grow.
Stuff I like: Oil painting, drawing, "projects", blogging, hiking, Second Life, sensory deprivation tanks. My site: patterntology.com
What you didn't know: I worked for the start-up software company that became Macromedia and now is part of Adobe.
Aaron Bramley, Director of Digital Media
What I do here: I help our clients build robust communities using a multitude of online resources including social media and multimedia platforms. By creating rich audio and video content, also with their distribution networks, I give our client’s the tools to communicate effectively in the media landscape of the 21st Century. I also constantly research to keep Ridgewood on the cutting edge.
Where I learned it: A BA in Politics and Linguistics from New York University, my parents and independent study, driven by an incredible thirst for knowledge.
When I’m not working I can usually be found: At the dog park with Pepper or working on one of many independent projects including Lights. Camera. Help: The Nonprofit Film Festival, and a TV show called Ghosthunting and Milkshakes.
Most people aren’t aware that I: I was a stellar trombone player in high school and I was a bike-taxi driver in Manhattan.
I’m scared of: Lobsters. (Thanks a lot Dad!)
David J. Neff, Senior Digital Strategist
What I do here: I help people for a living. I do this through helping our clients with Digital Communications Strategy, Public Relations/Marketing, Social Media, Filmmaking, Campaign Management and constant research into new trends in the non profit industry.
Where I learned it: University of Texas at Austin with a B.S. In Public Relations, Minor in Business Foundations. Also over eight years working in non profits, serving on boards and volunteering.
When I’m not working I can usually be found: In my garden or yard doing some geek gardening involving rain collection, mendel theories and the like or at the amazing dog parks here in Austin with my two dogs.
My favorite quote: “Do not go where the path may lead; go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.” - Ralph Waldo Emerson
Most people aren’t aware that I: Host a local TV show here in Austin.
Joe Sweeney, Web Developer
What I do here: I’m a code monkey – I write the code that makes the website sing!
Where I learned it: It all started in the early 80’s with a TI 99/4A and many long nights teaching myself BASIC.
My current iPod playlist includes: A lot of dance music – and not that cheap “club” music either.
My favorite quote: "We’ve secretly replaced the Enterprise’s dilithium crystals with new Folgers Crystals. Let’s see if they notice."
My favorite guilty pleasure movie: Mamma Mia!
Chrystal Snyder, Account Manager / Education Specialist
What I do here: Research, writing, curriculum development, training, facilitation, project management, and nurturing collaborations with creative partners.
Where I learned it: BA, art history, Pomona College; decades as an executive in non-profit and government organizations; more decades facilitating and communicating, teaching and designing curricula, developing organizational systems.
I am passionate about: My garden; art (looking at it, touching it, making it); renewable energy (solar, wind, hydro, biomass, hydrogen, and FUN); intellectual razzle-dazzle; and (most of all) my family and friends.
My favorite reads: The Solar Hydrogen Civilization by Roy McAlister, Al Gore’s Earth in the Balance, The Way of the White Clouds by Lama Anagarika Govinda, anything by Ursula K. LeGuin or Orson Scott Card.
My favorite sounds: The mockingbird singing outside my window at night; symphonies by Arvo Pärt; the susurration of ocean waves.
Sulochana Konur, Bookkeeper / Office Manager
What I do here: I am responsible for receivables, payroll, payables, budgets and administering employee benefits.
Where I learned it: B. S. in Mathematics (India), Associate Degree in Computer Programming & Small Business Management (Tucson).
I am passionate about: Helping others and making a difference in their lives.
My favorite quote: Happiness is a journey, not a destination.
I am happiest when: I am with my family and friends.
Pamela Brill, Receptionist
What I do here: I answer the phone, greet clients, and help out in the office if and when I can. The best part of what I do is take care for those I work with, because they are part of my family. They’re a great bunch!!
Where I learned it: I would have to say I learned this from my previous jobs.
I am passionate about: Helping others especially those who are less fortunate. It makes me feel good.
My favorite guilty pleasure movie (or TV show): I heart chick flicks! If Pride and Prejudice is on I am not going anywhere until it’s over!
What a dork I am!
If I could be anywhere in the world right now, I would be: On a cruise or on a sandy beach somewhere with family and friends.