December 17, 2020
In 2020, the coronavirus pandemic has proved that people are resilient and we don’t necessarily have to be collocated with our colleagues to be effective. BL is now bringing more geographic flexibility to its hiring practices and is committed to finding the best talent out there, no matter where they operate from.
We are excited to welcome Mark Finazzo, currently posted in Detroit, Michigan, and John Melingagio, an Omaha native, to the agency.
Welcome Senior Art Director, Mark Finazzo.
Our steady new business growth has allowed us to continue to expand and we are excited to welcome Mark Finazzo to our creative department. Prior to joining us, Mark spent his career developing high profile campaigns while at some of Detroit’s most prestigious agencies.
His strong conceptual thinking and artistry brought additional attention to national brands such as Jeep, Chrysler, Dodge, Mopar, Ford, Johnson Controls, Sports Authority, Bell Helicopter, Brine, Carhartt, Jiffy Lube, and Owens Corning. Mark’s thoughtful approach to making meaningful connections between consumers and brands has garnered numerous industry awards. A perpetual student of the craft, Mark uses his photography skills to maintain active learning and is frequently seen roaming the streets with camera in hand.
“Mark has a firm grip on what it takes to create beautiful and effective work. He brings a master’s touch to every project set before him. We couldn’t be more delighted to add him to our growing creative team.”
— Carter Weitz, Chairman/Chief Creative Officer at Bailey Lauerman
Welcome Public Relations Director, John Melingagio.
John is an award-winning Public Relations practitioner with more than two decades of experience, specializing in strategic communications, media relations, branding, crisis management, and content development.
Most recently at Bozell, he supported the Men’s NCAA College World Series and First National Bank of Omaha. John also led Boys Town’s communications on what was singled out by national media as “one of the greatest expansions of a private, nonprofit corporation in modern history.” He has represented several other legacy brands, including the U.S. Army, Omaha Home for Boys, and Farm Credit Services of America.
John became Accredited in Public Relations (APR) in 1995. Before his public relations career, he was an award-winning journalist at The Omaha World-Herald, where he received a Sigma Delta Chi award for a team investigation of the Douglas County District Courts that led to numerous reforms in the court system.
“John is a thoughtful communication strategist who can provide public relations counsel on the most challenging issues. He has a passion for communication excellence and exudes that passion in his interactions with others.”
– Kathleen Al-Marhoon, Head of Public Relations
