Executive Team

Michael H. Klumpe, CFO

Mike Klumpe takes his business background to its fullest potential for each and every client. By constantly researching new opportunities and business methodologies, Mike has been instrumental in taking an innovative concept and turning it into successful, nationwide enterprises.

Mike, a marketing professional since 1985, graduated from Valparaiso University with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a Minor in Fine Arts.

Barbara Douglas, Vice President, Sales

With over 25 years of Account Executive experience, Barbara Douglas earned and serviced major accounts, including Kellogg’s Corporation, Baxter Healthcare, Edward Lowe Industries, and other Fortune 500 companies. Putting her insight, education, and experience to work, Barbara forms solid working relationships with clients to develop strategic marketing plans that get results.

Barbara attended Valparaiso University with a concentration in Fine Arts, then continued to Purdue University to study Marketing.

Contact her at bdouglas@acincorporated.com

Karyn P. Azar, Vice President, Copy

Karyn Azar’s expertise lies in the ability to gain consumer insight, coupled with a deep understanding of the product and industry structure succinct, effective, and on-target messaging for the creation of effective traditional and interactive marketing communications.

Karyn has put her expertise and experience to work for a wide and varied client base, including International Steel Group, CNA Insurance, Stone Container Corporation, Griffith Laboratories, The Chicago Tribune, Urschel Laboratories, Esmark, and Tonn and Blank Construction.

Karyn graduated from the University of Michigan with Bachelor of Arts degrees in English and Political Science.

Kirby Miller, Art Director

Kirby Miller puts his design skills to work for numerous clients in the industrial, healthcare, commercial, and institutional sectors of the market place.

Proficient in many Macintosh-based graphic programs, including QuarkXpress, Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, Dream Weaver, and Visual Basic. Kirby is also the agency’s primary electronic strategist. Combining his graphic background with the latest technology in Internet capabilities, Kirby’s primary emphasis is to work closely with clients to help them maximize their productivity and profitability through electronic strategies.

Kirby graduated from Ball State University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Visual Communications.

Tim Adams, Art Director

Tim Adams, a professional graphic designer for over 21 years, has the ability to capture the true essence of a company, creating traditional and interactive marketing pieces that encapsulate and convey a company’s brand essence and the attributes associated with that brand.

Tim studied Communication Design at the University of Illinois, Chicago Circle, and continued his education at Columbia College, where he received his Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design and Illustration in 1986.

Amy Pendowski, Art Director, Production Manager

Amy Pendowski, a graduate of Valparaiso University, started her career as a graphic artist for the Central Intelligence Agency as a co-operative education student in Washington D.C., later working full time for the government for two years. Upon joining AC Incorporated in 1995, Amy – proficient in many Macintosh-based graphic programs, including QuarkXpress, Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator, and many other graphic packages – put her experience and software knowledge to work in her position as Art Director.

Today, with a dual role as Art Director and Production Manager, Amy designs, coordinates, and ensures a smooth workflow for every project that comes through our doors.

Tracey McElree, Director, Branding & Marketing

A branding and marketing specialist with a long history in the marketing world, Tracey McElree spearheads branding research and planning initiatives to provide customized, one-on-one service while ensuring adherence to the brand and measurable accountability in every aspect of its strategic marketing projects and programs.

Prior to joining AC Incorporated, Tracey worked for Draft at its Chicago headquarters, where she worked with healthcare clients such as PacifiCare Health Systems and Kaiser Permanente and telecommunications giants such as Sprint.

Tracey graduated from the University of Northern Iowa with a Bachelor of Arts in Communications/Public Relations. She then completed the Pennebaker Certificate in Direct and Interactive Marketing at DePaul University.

Jane Kobak, Director, Sales

Prior to joining AC Incorporated, Jane enjoyed a career in both the business-to-business and consumer ends of the marketing industry. In her position as an account executive for Bretts Communications in Wellington, New Zealand, Jane worked with BP New Zealand, Goodyear New Zealand, and New Zealand Breweries Limited and, upon returning to the United States, she worked with Ralph Lauren and established her own retail business enterprise, Lake and Land Outfitters.

Jane Kobak graduated from Tulane University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in history and a minor in communications.

Contact her at jkobak@acincorporated.com

Amy Hubbard, Director, Interactive Research

Amy Hubbard, with a strong educational and professional background in the performing arts, complements the AC Incorporated team with her creativity and ability to interface with all departments within the company – from graphic arts, copywriting, and, most recently, the AC Interactive side of the company.

As the Director of Interactive Research, Amy works closely with the web site development team and has excellent working knowledge of keyword gathering and tracking software. With the proper information and analytics, Amy is integral in helping AC Interactive develop effective, highly functional web sites for our wide and varied client base.

Ryan J. Dykes, Vice President, Strategic Business Development

With extensive experience in sales and management, Ryan keenly understands how building solid business relationships is key to building business – for the client and for the overall organization. With AC’s focus on working with clients as strategic partners, Ryan’s professionalism and approach are ideally suited for companies of all sizes in an array of industries.

Prior to joining the AC Incorporated team, Ryan spent eight years growing the Enterprise Holdings business in the Northwest Indiana area. His work experience also included a position with EDF Man Financial at the Chicago Board of Trade.

Ryan attended Indiana University, Bloomington, with a concentration in business and marketing.

Contact him at rdykes@acincorporated.com