He wasn’t a politician. He wasn’t a journalist. But in 2024, inside the high-stakes world of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, a social media influencer held more power than most reporters in the room. Over 200 influencers were invited—not to spectate, but to shape the narrative, capturing the pulse of the event and delivering it straight to millions of followers. The goal was to generate viral content and engage Gen Z voters.
This wasn’t just another marketing stunt; it was a seismic shift. In a city known for its deep-dish pizza and deep-rooted politics, the DNC’s influencer strategy wasn’t just innovative—it was a signal. A signal that social media marketing had transcended the realm of trendy hashtags and hot topics to become a force that could shape elections, businesses, and public perception itself.
And behind every viral campaign and every disruptive digital strategy, stand the architects of this new world—the CEOs of Chicago’s top social media marketing agencies. These visionaries don’t just follow trends; they create them, turning brands into movements and engagement into power. Here’s a look at the leaders defining the future of social media marketing in Chicago.
Top 9 CEOs of Social Media Marketing Agencies in Chicago
In a city known for its innovation and fast-paced digital evolution, these CEOs are leading the way in social media marketing. From data-driven campaigns to viral storytelling, their firms are shaping brands, industries, and even cultural conversations. Each leader brings a unique perspective, turning insights into impact and engagement into lasting influence.
Meet the trailblazers redefining Chicago’s digital marketing landscape.
1. Aalap Shah
Aalap Shah isn’t just a CEO—he’s a marketing strategist, data geek, and growth hacker rolled into one. As the founder of 1o8, he’s transformed the way CPG brands approach digital marketing, merging creativity with analytics to drive measurable success.
With a knack for turning customer insights into scalable strategies, Aalap and his team focus on the 20% of customers who drive 80% of sales, ensuring brands don’t just grow but thrive in an ever-evolving digital scene. His expertise spans everything from paid social media and content marketing to deep data mining, helping brands like Gildan, Sweet Leaf Tea, and Vetnique Labs dominate both eCommerce and traditional retail.
But Aalap’s influence extends beyond business. Recognized as a Trailblazer Entrepreneur and Young Emerging Philanthropist, he’s committed to mentorship, community engagement, and sharing his insights as a thought leader in digital marketing. Whether he’s fine-tuning brand strategies or discussing customer retention at industry events, his passion for innovation is evident.
2. Thomas Sanchez
When it comes to blending digital marketing, advocacy, and innovation, few do it as seamlessly as Thomas Sanchez, CEO and co-founder of Social Driver. Under Thomas’s leadership, Social Driver has become a go-to digital partner for top brands like Honda, Target, and the American Hospital Association, crafting social media campaigns that don’t just resonate but create lasting impact. His firm’s approach? Collaboration, creativity, and cutting-edge tech earned them accolades like the NGLCC Supplier of the Year and Best & Brightest Company awards.
But Thomas’s impact goes beyond business. Named one of the top LGBT executives globally by the Financial Times, he’s a champion for diversity, inclusion, and tech accessibility. Whether advising the Mayor of D.C. on innovation policies or leading The Trevor Project’s Board, his commitment to social good is just as strong as his business acumen.
From his early days on a Missouri farm to becoming a tech titan and digital marketing trailblazer, Thomas proves that innovation isn’t just about technology—it’s about people.
3. Dan Salganik
When it comes to turning digital marketing into real-world impact, Dan Salganik is leading the charge. As Managing Partner at VisualFizz, he’s built an agency that prioritizes quality, relationships, and process—three key pillars that have propelled brands to new heights.
Dan’s entrepreneurial journey started in college when he traded scholarships for a startup dream, launching a community-based crowdfunding platform. While that venture eventually closed, it laid the foundation for his future success—because when Dan sees a gap in the market, he builds a better, more effective solution. That’s exactly what he did with VisualFizz, helping brands scale, reposition, and thrive in competitive industries.
From rebranding Chicago neighborhoods like Wrigleyville/Lakeview East to doubling a client’s revenue from $150M to $300M, Dan and his team are in the business of high-impact marketing. His work has touched on projects involving former President Obama, Rahm Emanuel, and even Yoko Ono, proving that his influence extends far beyond the digital space.
But it’s not just about the wins—Dan is all about the people behind the projects. Seeing VisualFizz grow into a powerhouse team is one of his proudest achievements, and it’s clear why: he’s built an agency that feels like an extension of each client’s team, not just another vendor.
4. Jeremy Greenberg
In the world of digital marketing and web design, Jeremy Greenberg isn’t just another CEO—he’s a storyteller, strategist, and relationship builder. As the Founder and Managing Director of 97 Switch, he’s crafted an agency known for its personalized approach, creative execution, and measurable impact.
Since launching 97 Switch in 2013, Jeremy has built a multi-award-winning firm that’s consistently ranked among the best. His team doesn’t just create marketing campaigns—they create experiences that connect brands with their audiences in industries ranging from technology and hospitality to finance and real estate.
Jeremy’s philosophy? Trust, innovation, and delivering results. That’s what has helped 97 Switch expand from Chicago to Portland, bringing its client-first approach to a national level. Even during the challenges of COVID-19, he adapted by launching the "Restarting America" podcast, giving business leaders a platform to share insights and resilience strategies.
With a background in hospitality and marketing, Jeremy understands what makes businesses thrive—and it’s not just data and design, but the people behind them. His ability to merge analytics with storytelling is what makes 97 Switch a standout agency in the digital space.
5. Sam Karow
When marketing budgets hit the billions, you need someone who treats them like investments, not expenses—and that’s exactly what Sam Karow, CEO of Effective Marketing Communication, Inc., does best.
With nearly 30 years in the industry, Sam has led award-winning paid media programs for some of the biggest names in consumer goods, retail, and travel. From his time at Leo Burnett and Starcom to launching his own performance-driven marketing agency, his expertise spans media strategy, analytics, and ROI modeling—all with the goal of making marketing predictable, scalable, and insanely effective.
Sam’s data-first approach is what sets him apart. He’s a master of A/B testing, real-time bidding, attribution modeling, and dynamic creative optimization, ensuring that every marketing dollar works harder. His ability to blend creativity with analytics has earned him multiple Effie Awards, Media Magazine Creative Media Awards, and Jack Meyers Awards—recognition that only comes with proven measurable success.
But his impact goes beyond just campaigns. As a former adjunct professor at Loyola University, Sam has shaped the next generation of media strategists, reinforcing his belief that marketing should be as accountable as any financial investment.
6. Adam O'Leary
Adam O'Leary is the President of Encite, a full-service marketing agency spanning Denver, Chicago, and New York. Founded in 2005, Encite has established itself as a dynamic marketing firm serving SMBs with annual revenues up to $90M.
O'Leary's strategic approach centers on comprehensive brand strategy and impactful marketing tactics. His agency's consultative 8-step client onboarding process transforms rough concepts into well-branded campaigns, delivering an impressive 6X typical ROI for clients.
Throughout his career, O'Leary has demonstrated remarkable marketing expertise. At Swanson Services, he contributed to 40% revenue growth, and with Encite, he's driven business development through organic SEO and paid social and search, growing repeat business to over 60% of revenues.
Notable achievements include developing a brand strategy for Pickens Technical College that increased enrollment by 10-25% and redesigning Dr. Earth's ecommerce site, which boosted client revenues by 80%. His agency has earned multiple awards, including B2B Marketing Excellence recognition and "Best of Marketing Agencies – Denver."
O'Leary's leadership extends beyond traditional marketing. He has scaled his agency's staff, recruiting professionals across various disciplines and managing client marketing budgets ranging from $14K to $200K.
7. Chris O'Neill
With over 20 years of experience in digital marketing and technology, Chris O’Neill has built Logical Media Group into one of Chicago’s leading digital marketing agencies. As CEO, he has led the company’s evolution into a powerhouse specializing in SEO, PPC advertising, and web design, helping brands cut through the noise and maximize their online presence.
Chris isn’t just about data and strategy—he’s about building a team of passionate, motivated experts who push the boundaries of digital marketing. His leadership philosophy is rooted in collaboration and innovation, ensuring Logical Media Group stays ahead in an ever-changing digital scene.
His impact goes beyond Logical Media Group. As the former CEO of The Ocean Agency, Chris successfully led two major digital brands, proving his ability to scale businesses and drive lasting success.
But Chris’s influence doesn’t stop at marketing—he’s also deeply involved in community leadership, serving as Co-President of the Lincoln Park Conservancy for nearly a decade.
8. Patrick Holt
When it comes to paid search and performance marketing, Patrick Holt isn’t just playing the game—he’s rewriting the rules. As Co-Founder and Paid Search Director at LyteYear, Patrick specializes in SEO, SEM, and paid social, helping brands achieve scalable, profitable growth in an increasingly competitive digital landscape.
With a background managing paid search for some of Chicago’s largest retail and eCommerce brands, Patrick knows how to turn ad spend into serious revenue. Whether it’s in-housing paid search for luxury retailers or leading campaigns with Google-level recognition, his expertise speaks for itself.
In fact, his strategies have been featured in a Google case study, proving he’s among the best in the business.
His results? Nothing short of game-changing. Under his leadership, LyteYear has delivered:
✅ 300x Return on Ad Spend (ROAS) for a high-growth financial company
✅ 55% increase in appointments for a national medical clinic chain
✅ 50% decrease in CPC while driving 40% more traffic and conversions for an eCommerce brand
Patrick’s approach isn’t about quick wins—it’s about long-term profitability. From high-intent keyword prioritization to conversion-optimized landing pages, he ensures every ad dollar works harder and smarter.
9. Susan Reilly
For over 25 years, Susan Reilly has been shaping the communications landscape, helping brands cut through the noise with data-driven PR, strategic messaging, and influencer media. As the Founder and President of Reilly Connect, she leads an award-winning, women-owned communications agency that specializes in health, wellness, and corporate reputation management.
Susan’s expertise spans corporate and brand communications, media relations, crisis planning, and executive coaching. She is the creator of The Reilly Communications Training Method™, a proprietary coaching system that has helped countless leaders master media interviews, public speaking, and high-stakes messaging.
With a Silver Anvil Award from PRSA, a Top Women in PR honor, and recognition as one of Illinois’ Top 50 Women Leaders, Susan’s impact on the industry is undeniable. She’s also a Forbes Agency Council member, contributing thought leadership on emerging PR and digital marketing trends.
Beyond the boardroom, Susan brings a creative flair to her work, drawing from her background in theatre, photography, and even sailing (yes, she’s licensed to captain 50-foot vessels!).
The Power Players of Social Media Marketing: Chicago’s CEOs Leading the Charge
As social media marketing continues to shape industries, elections, and consumer behavior, the role of digital marketing CEOs has never been more crucial. The social media marketing landscape isn’t just about trends—it’s about the visionaries behind the brands, the strategists turning engagement into influence.
From innovative paid media strategies to high-impact storytelling, these leaders are redefining how businesses connect, grow, and thrive.
