In January 2025, Digital Haus, a vibrant new influencer management agency founded by Demi McCormack and Hannah Swiggard, made a splash in Houston’s marketing scene with a high-energy launch event. Hosted at Sophie in Montrose, the evening combined an intimate dinner with a star-studded after-party, attracting influencers like Logan Lester (former Miss Texas USA), Jourdan Sloane, and Margret Rojas.
The event wasn’t just another influencer gathering—it was a masterclass in blending authentic influence with strategic content creation, showcasing how agencies can seamlessly mix creativity with business acumen.
The strategic genius behind this campaign was clear from the start: Digital Haus aimed to position itself as more than just an influencer management agency. Their goal was to redefine how campaigns are executed, offering far more than just talent coordination.
By focusing on meticulous contract negotiations and providing full-spectrum campaign management, they created a win-win for both brands and influencers. This hands-on approach not only ensures authenticity in every partnership but also helps brands engage with audiences in a more meaningful way, paving the way for long-term success in the digital space.
For those keeping an eye on Houston’s digital marketing landscape, this event wasn’t just a launch—it marked a turning point. Digital Haus isn’t just shaping the future of influencer partnerships; they’re setting the bar for what’s to come in digital campaigns.
As we dive into the top digital marketing agencies in Houston, it's clear that being part of the cutting-edge movement means securing your digital future.
1. Mary Shekari
Mary Shekari, the Founder and CEO of Versa Creative, has firmly established herself as one of Houston’s most influential leaders in the digital marketing space. With a Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design from the University of Houston, Mary brings a blend of creativity and strategic insight that has been a hallmark of her agency's success since she founded Versa in 2009.
Before stepping into the entrepreneurial world, Mary honed her skills as an Art Director for Fortune 500 companies like HP, Sysco, and AIG, where she oversaw high-impact marketing campaigns. This experience set the foundation for her vision of creating a full-service agency that combines digital innovation with traditional advertising expertise. Under her leadership, Versa Creative has grown to employ over 40 talented professionals, delivering cutting-edge solutions in areas like SEO, social media marketing, and PPC advertising.
Versa’s impressive portfolio spans regional and national brands, helping businesses refine their brand identity and expand into new markets. Mary’s commitment to excellence is reflected in her hands-on approach to client relationships and creative execution. This dedication has earned Versa recognition, including being named one of Houston’s places to work in 2018.
What truly sets Mary apart is her ability to balance big-picture strategy with a personal touch. She fosters a culture of collaboration, creativity, and respect, which has translated into a dynamic and energetic work environment.
Her efforts not only elevate Versa Creative but also contribute to the broader marketing industry in Houston. With her forward-thinking vision and dedication to innovation, Mary Shekari continues to inspire the next generation of marketing professionals.
2. John Anger
John Anger is a dynamic and influential leader in Houston’s digital marketing scene. As a Partner at MARION Integrated Marketing, he has played a pivotal role in shaping the agency’s success over the past 13 years. Starting his career at MARION as an account executive, John steadily rose through the ranks, serving as Marketing Director and Senior Project Manager before taking on the role of Vice President.
John's leadership has been instrumental in MARION’s growth, including the successful acquisition of the agency by AIM Creative in 2015—a milestone that highlights his strategic vision and industry acumen. With a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing from Texas State University, John combines a strong academic foundation with a wealth of hands-on experience, making him a key figure in the agency's long-term success.
Known for his outstanding leadership and ability to cultivate top talent, John has helped foster a positive and collaborative culture at MARION. His efforts to build a high-performing team have contributed significantly to the agency's continued growth and ability to deliver impactful marketing campaigns for a diverse range of clients.
Through his dedication to both clients and employees, John Anger has established himself as one of Houston’s top digital marketing leaders. His ability to adapt, lead by example, and build a thriving agency makes him a standout in the competitive world of digital marketing.
3. Kristy Sexton
Kristy’s background in industrial design and visual communications, paired with her extensive experience, has made her an invaluable asset to Adcetera. As the driving force behind the agency's strategic direction, she ensures that every project is both creatively distinctive and aligned with client goals. Her dedication to fostering a collaborative and innovative culture has attracted top talent from around the world, making Adcetera a hub for creativity and strategic excellence.
As the founder and CEO of Adcetera, Sexton is a trailblazer in Houston's digital marketing landscape. With over 40 years of experience, she has transformed Adcetera from a local agency into a globally recognized leader in creative services. Under her leadership, Adcetera has expanded its reach with offices in Houston, Chicago, and The Woodlands, offering a wide range of services from brand strategy and creative design to digital platforms and media planning.
Not only is Kristy an accomplished leader, but she is also a prominent industry voice, frequently speaking at events and contributing to various charitable causes. Her commitment to community involvement is reflected in Adcetera’s partnerships with local charities, further solidifying her reputation as a leader who values both business success and social impact.
Adcetera’s impressive growth, combined with Kristy’s unwavering vision and hands-on leadership, positions her as one of Houston’s most influential CEOs in the digital marketing space.
4. Matt Bowman
As the Founder and President of Thrive Internet Marketing Agency, Matt Bowman has redefined what it means to lead a marketing powerhouse in today’s digital age. Under his guidance, Thrive has grown from a small, ambitious agency to a global player, with a team of 220+ across 34 states and 10 countries, making an impact on businesses of all sizes with cutting-edge strategies in SEO, PPC, web design, and eCommerce.
The numbers don’t lie. Thrive has been on the Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing companies for seven years in a row—a remarkable achievement in an industry that’s constantly evolving. This isn’t just luck; it’s a testament to Matt’s ability to foresee digital trends and position his agency at the forefront of innovation. A pivotal moment came in 2016 when Thrive entered a strategic partnership with Kurt Knapton, helping the company further strengthen its operational backbone and fuel its next level of success.
But what really separates Matt from the pack is his deep commitment to social good. With Thrive Gives Back, Matt has woven philanthropy into the agency’s DNA, empowering entrepreneurs worldwide through micro-loans provided via Kiva.org for every new client Thrive works with. It’s not just about business growth for him—it’s about creating a lasting, positive impact on communities and individuals around the globe.
A member of the Forbes Agency Council and a respected thought leader in the industry, Matt’s insights and forward-thinking approach to digital marketing continue to shape the landscape.
5. Moses Robles
With nearly two decades of experience, Moses Robles has worked with major global brands like Dell, eBay, Panasonic, and Mary Kay, crafting cutting-edge digital strategies that drive results. In 2007, Moses founded OAK Interactive, a full-service, Hispanic-owned agency that offers a wide array of services, from SEO and Google AdWords to creative design and social media management.
Under Moses' leadership, OAK Interactive has earned a reputation for delivering exceptional digital marketing solutions while maintaining a focus on client satisfaction. His agency's portfolio includes notable clients such as The Houston Museum of Natural Science, Hotels.com, and Fuddruckers, demonstrating his ability to create tailored strategies across diverse industries. The agency’s commitment to excellence was recognized in 2020 when it received the “Best of Katy Award.”
What sets Moses apart is his wealth of experience across both the U.S. and Latin America. Prior to founding OAK, he held key roles at top firms like MediaCom and GroupM, where he developed strategies for clients in diverse regions and markets. His deep understanding of interactive marketing, combined with his strategic approach, allows him to lead a highly motivated team at OAK, ensuring they stay ahead of the curve in a competitive industry.
Outside of his professional life, Moses is an avid pickleball and tennis enthusiast, reflecting his competitive spirit and determination to succeed both in and out of the office. Moses Robles is undoubtedly a key figure in Houston's digital marketing scene, continuously pushing boundaries and elevating the marketing landscape.
6. Christopher Pappas
Since founding Forthea in 2006, Christopher Pappas has driven the agency to become a recognized industry leader, particularly in the realm of pay-per-click (PPC) advertising. Under his leadership, the agency has earned the prestigious “PPC Agency of the Year” award for three consecutive years, solidifying its reputation for excellence in digital marketing.
Pappas’s background in computer science, economics, and philosophy has played a pivotal role in shaping Forthea’s unique, data-driven approach to marketing. His academic and professional journey, which includes a Ph.D. pursuit in formal epistemology, laid the groundwork for his belief in measurable and accountable marketing strategies. This focus on analytics and continuous optimization has enabled Forthea to deliver impressive results, including a 10x year-over-year lead generation increase for Paul Davis Restoration.
Forthea's diverse clientele spans industries such as automotive, e-commerce, healthcare, and legal services, with a clear emphasis on helping businesses achieve sustained growth through innovative digital strategies. From SEO and content development to web design and conversion rate optimization, the agency offers a comprehensive suite of services tailored to meet the specific needs of each client.
Beyond his professional achievements, Pappas's commitment to client success and his forward-thinking approach to digital marketing have positioned him as one of Houston’s most influential business leaders.
7. Matt Bertram
Matt Bertram is a standout digital marketing strategist with over 8 years of SEO expertise and more than 12 years in the energy sector. The experience helped him rise to the upper echelons of EWR Digital, where he serves as CEO. Under his leadership, EWR Digital has successfully managed over $10 million in advertising dollars, driving substantial growth for clients across diverse industries.
A Texas A&M graduate with a background in marketing, Bertram has carved out a niche in Web3 and digital growth strategies, helping top brands achieve significant online positioning. His expertise extends beyond SEO; Bertram is also an accomplished author and thought leader, with books like Build Your Brand Mania and contributions to major publications like Forbes and Search Engine Journal.
Bertram’s influence extends to the podcasting world, where he hosts The Best SEO Podcast: The Unknown Secrets of Internet Marketing, which has garnered over 4 million downloads. His podcast offers valuable insights into SEO and com/digital-marketing-trends/, attracting over 55,000 listeners each month.
EWR Digital’s international recognition as a leader in SEO and earned media reflects Bertram's commitment to delivering results that matter. His agency’s creative and data-driven approach has made a tangible impact on brands' digital presence, and his collaborative partnerships with Google, Bing, and HubSpot further highlight his authority in the space.
With a reputation for driving digital transformation and revenue growth, Matt Bertram continues to be a driving force in Houston's digital marketing scene, making him one of the top CEOs to watch in the industry.
8. Melinda Tillman
Melinda Tillman is the dynamic CEO and co-founder of True Digital Marketing, a full-service digital marketing agency in Houston, Texas. Together with her husband, Shon Tillman, she established the agency with a clear mission: to empower small Black businesses in Houston and help them thrive in the competitive digital marketplace.
Under Melinda’s leadership, True Digital Marketing has become a go-to agency for a diverse range of clients, including beauty salons, medical offices, law firms, and e-commerce businesses. The agency offers a comprehensive suite of services, including website design, SEO, paid search advertising, and social media marketing.
Melinda’s entrepreneurial spirit is evident in her unwavering commitment to the local community. The agency is an active member of the Greater Houston Black Chamber (GHBC), reflecting her dedication to supporting and uplifting local businesses.
With years of experience in digital marketing and a passion for helping small businesses grow, Melinda Tillman has built a solid reputation as a leader in the Houston digital marketing scene. Her agency’s focus on delivering high-quality results and fostering strong relationships has earned her a well-deserved spot among the top CEOs of digital marketing agencies in the city.
The Digital Pioneers Shaping Houston's Marketing Future
In conclusion, Houston’s digital marketing scene is thriving, thanks to the innovative leadership of these standout CEOs. From Melinda Tillman’s dedication to supporting small businesses through True Digital Marketing to Matt Bowman’s commitment to growth at Thrive, each CEO brings unique expertise to the table.
Their agencies are redefining how brands connect with consumers, blending creativity with strategic insight. As we look ahead, these CEOs and their firms will undoubtedly continue to set the pace for digital marketing in Houston, driving innovation and results across industries.
