When the Houston Zoo launched "Takeover Tuesday," they weren’t just posting cute animal pictures—they were flipping social media marketing on its head. Each Tuesday, an animal “took over” their accounts, narrating its day with wit, charm, and a dash of attitude. A sea lion spilled zoo gossip, a lazy sloth complained about Monday blues, and a mischievous monkey shared behind-the-scenes chaos.
The result? Explosive engagement, skyrocketing visitor numbers, and a case study of how social media creativity can turn a local attraction into a global digital sensation.
Behind every groundbreaking campaign like this is a sharp mind—a CEO who understands that social media marketing isn’t just about posting content; it’s about owning the conversation. Houston is home to some of the most innovative social media marketing agencies in the country, led by visionaries who know how to make brands unforgettable. These are the power players shaping the future of digital engagement.
Let's see who these minds are and what makes them tick.
Top CEOs of Social Media Marketing Companies in Houston
In Houston, the right social media marketing firm can make or break a brand’s online success. Behind every great agency is a visionary CEO who understands the power of engagement, storytelling, and data-driven strategy.
Here are the top CEOs leading the charge in Houston’s social media marketing scene.
1. Mary Shekari
If there’s one name that stands out in Houston’s social media marketing scene, it’s Mary Shekari. As the Founder and CEO of Versa Creative, she has built more than just a marketing agency—she’s created a powerhouse of strategy, creativity, and innovation.
With a background in Graphic Design from the University of Houston, Mary always had a knack for storytelling. To her, every brand is more than just a logo or tagline—it’s a dynamic narrative waiting to connect with the right audience.
Before launching Versa Creative in 2009, she honed her skills as an Art Director for Fortune 500 giants like HP, Sysco, and AIG. This experience gave her the insight to craft social advertising campaigns that aren’t just visually compelling but also data-driven and results-oriented.
Under her leadership, Versa Creative has become one of Houston’s most recognized marketing agencies, known for blending strategic vision with bold creativity. In 2018, it was named one of Houston’s 101 Best & Brightest Places to Work, a testament to the inspiring workplace culture she’s fostered.
Mary’s secret? A hands-on approach. Whether it’s social media, branding, or advertising, her agency delivers innovative marketing solutions that help businesses grow and thrive.
Originally from Iran, Mary’s journey to success is one of resilience, passion, and vision. She has made Houston her home, and in turn, has helped countless brands find their voice in an ever-evolving digital landscape. With over 17 years of experience, she continues to redefine what it means to be a leader in marketing.
2. Karen De Amat
When Karen De Amat launched Social Behavior in 2014, social media marketing was still an emerging force. Fast forward a decade, and her agency is now one of Houston’s top social media powerhouses, helping brands master the art of digital engagement.
With a Bachelor’s Degree in Finance from the University of Houston-Downtown, Karen brings a data-driven approach to creative marketing—a rare combination that sets Social Behavior apart. What started as a one-woman operation in a home office quickly scaled into a full-service agency with a turnkey social media solution tailored for businesses in luxury, hospitality, wine & spirits, and beyond.
But Karen isn’t just shaping brands—she’s shaping the conversation. As a social media expert on FOX26’s "The Isiah Factor," she shares her insights on industry trends, proving that she’s not only a CEO but also a thought leader in the digital space. Her expertise extends beyond Social Behavior—she also leads Influence by Social, expanding her reach into influencer marketing.
Beyond business, Karen is a community-driven entrepreneur. She sits on the board of the South Asian Chamber of Commerce and supports local charities, reinforcing her commitment to giving back to Houston—the city that shaped her journey.
3. Shon Tillman
When Shon Tillman founded True Digital Marketing in 2017, Houston was still recovering from the impact of Hurricane Harvey. But where others saw setbacks, Shon saw an opportunity—the chance to help local businesses rebuild and thrive in an increasingly digital world.
As the CEO of True Digital Marketing, Shon leads a team of experts dedicated to SEO, PPC, web design, social media, and content marketing—essentially becoming the in-house digital marketing department for startups and small to medium-sized businesses. Whether it’s getting brands to the top of Google searches or crafting high-impact organic social campaigns, his agency is all about driving traffic, engagement, and conversion.
With a decade of experience in digital marketing and a track record of exceeding revenue goals, Shon isn’t just another consultant—he’s a strategist who understands both the art and science of online marketing. His expertise spans Google Ads, Facebook Blueprint, and advanced analytics, making him a go-to resource for businesses looking to cut through the noise and get noticed.
Beyond running his agency, Shon stays plugged into industry trends, ensuring his clients are always ahead of the curve. And if you ever catch him outside the digital world, you’ll likely find him discussing music, politics, or the latest marketing innovations—because, for Shon, business is about more than just numbers; it’s about culture, connection, and strategy.
4. Krista McDaniel
From high fashion to high-performing marketing campaigns, Krista McDaniel knows how to build a brand that captivates. Before launching Kreative Media in 2020, she spent a decade running KB Kasuals, an upscale women’s boutique with two locations—and even landed a feature on ABC’s "The Bachelor". That kind of brand-building expertise is exactly what she brings to the world of digital marketing today.
As the Founder and CEO of Kreative Media, Krista leads an award-winning, full-service digital agency specializing in web design, branding, SEO, paid ads, social media management, and content creation. With headquarters in The Woodlands and a second location in Dallas, her agency is helping businesses across industries elevate their digital presence and turn engagement into conversions.
Krista’s Public Relations background from the University of Miami gives her a storytelling edge—she knows how to craft messages that not only get seen but also resonate. But Krista isn’t just about digital success—she’s about real connections. As an Executive Member of Pavilion, she stays plugged into the latest industry insights, ensuring Kreative Media remains at the forefront of marketing innovation.
With over a decade of experience in digital marketing, Krista has proven that great branding isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about strategy, engagement, and turning followers into loyal customers.
5. John Anger
With nearly two decades at MARION Integrated Marketing, John Anger has played a pivotal role in shaping the agency into one of Houston’s top full-service marketing firms. Starting as an Account Executive in 2006, he climbed the ranks to Marketing Director, Vice President, and eventually, Partner in 2020—a testament to his leadership, strategic mindset, and deep understanding of digital marketing.
A Texas State University graduate with a BBA in Marketing, John has built his career on helping businesses establish and grow their brands. Under his leadership, MARION offers a full suite of marketing services, including web design, SEO, PPC, social media marketing, graphic design, and branding. With offices in Houston and Austin, the agency has earned a reputation for delivering data-driven strategies and creative solutions that help businesses stand out in competitive markets.
His ability to adapt to industry trends, leverage digital tools, and drive impactful campaigns has positioned MARION as a go-to agency for brands looking to elevate their social presence.
6. Siva Yenneti
Siva Yenneti, the Founder and President of ITVibes, has spent over 20 years in software development and digital marketing, helping businesses elevate their online presence and drive measurable growth.
Launched in 2009, ITVibes has grown into a leading web, social, and marketing agency based in The Woodlands, Texas. With a background in software engineering and project management, Siva brings a tech-driven approach to marketing. His expertise in website development, integrated marketing, and online visibility ensures his clients stay ahead of industry trends.
Beyond running ITVibes, Siva is a trusted consultant, strategist, and industry leader, always staying ahead of evolving search algorithms, marketing trends, and digital strategies. His hands-on leadership and commitment to innovation and data-driven marketing have made ITVibes a go-to agency for businesses looking to scale.
7. James Kaatz
For James Kaatz, marketing isn’t just about visibility—it’s about impact. As the Co-Founder and CEO of Illumination Marketing, he has spent over 20 years perfecting the art of brand positioning, lead generation, and digital strategy. His mission? To help small-to-medium-sized businesses cut through the noise and get their message in front of highly targeted audiences—consistently and efficiently.
With a background that spans media buying for Fortune 500 companies, executive roles in marketing firms, and experience in the entertainment industry, James brings a data-driven, results-oriented approach to every campaign. But James isn’t just about building brands—he’s about building communities. He actively serves on various Houston Business Boards, leads networking and business development initiatives for the Cy-Fair Chamber of Commerce, and supports multiple charitable causes.
At the core of his success is a simple yet powerful philosophy: great marketing isn’t just about getting more eyes on your business—it’s about turning those eyes into loyal customers.
8. Ashley Bryant
When Ashley Bryant launched The Social Content Company in 2020, she wasn’t just starting another marketing agency—she was filling a gap in the industry. After running a multi-six-figure hair business that thrived on social media, Ashley realized that many so-called "marketing experts" were offering outdated, ineffective strategies. Instead of settling for bad advice, she did what true entrepreneurs do: she became the expert herself.
With a background in mass communication, psychology, and digital marketing, Ashley built The Social Content Company to provide "done-for-you" social media management and training services. Whether it's coaches, consultants, sales professionals, or passion-driven entrepreneurs, her team helps businesses navigate algorithms, implement SEO-driven content strategies, and enhance brand optics to reach the right audience.
But Ashley’s influence goes beyond Houston. With a global footprint spanning Atlanta, Kingston, Mumbai, Lagos, and Nairobi, she’s proving that social media success knows no borders. Her expertise has even been recognized by Authority Magazine, where she shared insights on staying agile and leveraging AI in digital marketing.
Ashley’s approach is simple yet powerful: help businesses master their online presence so they can focus on what they do best. Through hands-on management and strategic training, she ensures that her clients aren’t just posting content—they're making an impact.
The Visionary CEOs Shaping Houston’s Social Media Landscape
The CEOs leading Houston’s top social media marketing firms are more than just business leaders—they are digital visionaries redefining engagement in an ever-evolving online world. From crafting viral campaigns to leveraging data-driven strategies, these experts have positioned Houston as a hub for innovative digital marketing.
Whether it's Mary Shekari’s creativity, Karen De Amat’s data-driven approach, or Shon Tillman’s focus on strategy, each leader brings a unique edge to the industry. As social media continues to shape brand success, these CEOs are at the forefront, driving the future of marketing with expertise, passion, and undeniable impact.
