THREE DECADES OF MEDIA INTELLIGENCE

Our Story

For nearly 35 years, Makiaris Media has been one of the largest independent media agencies
between New York and Boston. As a full-scale media agency with a combined 130 years’ experience,
we know the local, regional and national markets and the ever-changing media landscape
better than most. And the proof is in the results.

Whether it’s media consulting, strategic planning, media buying or placement, Makiaris
is the media intelligence partner for you.

STARTING SOMETHING GREAT

Hard work comes easy for Irene Makiaris. That’s because as the daughter of Greek immigrants, her parents raised
her with a strong work ethic. It’s a heritage which led her to become an industry leader and establish one of
the region’s first female-owned media agencies.

But it didn’t happen overnight.

As the first employee for a Connecticut-based advertising agency where she worked for 15 years as
Director of Consumer Media, Irene found her passion for producing award-winning work by enhancing creative
campaigns with strategic planning and media buys. It’s an approach Irene took with her when, over three decades
ago, she shattered the glass ceiling and started her own company.

Today, you’ll find Irene’s passion for developing media strategies and unique campaign ideas throughout
Makiaris Media. Because she’s given the company more than just its name. She’s raised it the same way her
parents raised her—with an upfront, honest method of working hard that can be found in every employee and project.

LEADERSHIP TEAM

Irene Makiaris  |  CEO and founder

Irene founded Makiaris Media in 1987 and for over 40 years has continued to be a leader in the communications industry.
She’s the recipient of four EFFIE’S and serves on numerous executive boards. In addition to working with her management team,
she continues to lead new business development.

Donna Staples
President

With over three decades in the industry, Donna keeps us at the forefront of new media trends as President. Her experience and leadership makes her a media expert who helps develop innovative media strategies and campaigns that generate results.

Kim Kosiorek
Director  |  Media Services

As a strong leader focused on account management and media strategy, planning and buying, Kim manages multiple teams within the agency while working with a diverse range of client categories which include B2C and B2B campaigns.

Samantha Bellisio
Director  |  Media Services

In her account service role, Samantha is a liaison between the client and internal team members. She always keeps the clients’ end goal in mind while simultaneously keeping everything and everyone on schedule and meeting day-to-day needs. Her attention to detail and organizational skills keep everyone on the same page including team members and clients. In addition to servicing numerous accounts, Samantha also plans and buys across all mediums ensuring media plans align with the clients’ campaign strategy and that there is always value added. Samantha’s unique thinking creates a perfect blend of traditional and digital media that drives successful campaigns.

Sara Smith
Manager  |  Account Services & Business Development

Sara has over 15 years of experience within multiple agencies as well as within the radio industry. Her skill set is deep – from media buying, to account management and client service. Sara also has extensive media buying experience across all mediums for a varied range of national, regional, and local clients. In the digital landscape, she is on the cutting edge of the latest technologies and opportunities to continually bring laser-focused digital & social strategies to our clients.

Ann Herrera
Manager  |  Account Services & Business Development

Ann has 13 years of widely varied experience at the agency level where she was an Operations Manager. Her role included account management, media buying, production, client service, and more. She has also worked on the media side of the business where she was a senior account manager at one of the largest radio groups in CT. In this role, Ann maintained top sales levels exceeding budget goals year after year. Ann’s extensive knowledge in the field of radio allows her to strategically execute the most cost-effective campaigns and develop opportunities with our media partners for unique promotions and sponsorships, endorsements, and added value. Her duties at Makiaris Media include Account Management where she is adept at extending her clients’ media campaigns far beyond budget. This includes media planning and buying across all mediums for our regional and local clients. Also as part of the business development team, she is able to utilize her background to help increase client profits, to ultimately grow agency gross income. Ann has a bachelor’s degree in Communications from Ithaca College.