The city of Philadelphia changed its name—at least for a little while. In 2020, in a bold and unapologetic move, the birthplace of American independence rebranded itself as The City of Sisterly Love. This wasn’t a casual tagline swap; it was a calculated, disruptive social campaign celebrating the 100th anniversary of women’s right to vote. A billboard in Times Square. A wave of viral social media engagement. A city-wide embrace of a new, progressive identity.
It wasn’t just marketing. It was a statement. And in the world of social media marketing, statements are everything.
In an industry where algorithms shift overnight, engagement is currency, and attention spans are measured in microseconds, the CEOs of Philadelphia’s top social media marketing agencies understand the game better than anyone.
They don’t just follow trends—they manufacture them. From crafting viral brand narratives to engineering high-impact influencer campaigns, these leaders have turned Philadelphia into a powerhouse of digital marketing innovation.
So who are the masterminds behind the campaigns that make brands impossible to ignore? Let’s meet the CEOs redefining social media marketing in the heart of Philly.
Top 8 CEOs of Social Media Marketing Companies in Philadelphia
Philadelphia is home to some of the most innovative minds in social media marketing. These CEOs are not just keeping up with the fast-changing digital landscape—they’re setting the trends, crafting impactful campaigns, and transforming brands into industry leaders. Let’s take a closer look at the visionaries leading the city’s top social media marketing firms.
1. Matt Bowman and Josiah Wiles
Digital marketing in Philadelphia wouldn’t be the same without Matt Bowman and Josiah Wiles. Their leadership at Thrive Internet Marketing Agency has propelled the firm into a national digital powerhouse, blending expert SEO, web design, and social media marketing to drive real business results.
Bowman, the agency’s founder, launched Thrive in 2005, evolving it from a small web design shop into a full-service digital marketing firm that’s earned a spot on the Inc. 5000 list for seven consecutive years. His passion for helping businesses grow online has built a team of over 220 professionals spanning 34 states, all dedicated to delivering innovative, results-driven marketing strategies.
Wiles, who climbed the ranks from sales leader to president, has been instrumental in refining Thrive’s client experience and strategic direction. His ability to scale operations while maintaining a sharp focus on ROI has positioned the agency as a trusted partner for businesses looking to dominate the digital space.
Together, they lead Thrive with a mix of data-driven innovation, creative strategy, and a commitment to people-first marketing. Whether it’s crafting high-converting ad campaigns, optimizing search rankings, or driving social engagement, their approach ensures businesses don’t just compete online—they lead.
2. Kate Marlys
Want to know what’s happening in Philadelphia? Kate Marlys probably knew before it hit your feed. What started as a blog covering local events in 2010 quickly evolved into Philly PR Girl, a full-service PR and marketing agency known for its deep community ties, event planning expertise, and influencer-driven branding strategies.
Marlys understands that successful marketing isn’t just about visibility—it’s about making the right connections. Through Philly PR Girl, she has built a firm that helps brands foster meaningful relationships with their audience, from coordinating high-profile influencer collaborations to launching buzzworthy campaigns that leave a lasting impression.
Her passion for blending social media with experiential marketing led to the launch of Photo Pop Philly in 2018, the city’s first interactive art pop-up. Designed to showcase local artists while creating Instagram-worthy moments, it became a prime example of how she seamlessly integrates digital engagement with real-world experiences.
Recognized in Philadelphia Style Magazine’s Power Players list and Billy Penn’s "Who’s Next in Communications," Marlys is a force in the PR and social media space. Whether she’s shaping a brand’s digital presence or organizing citywide events, her impact on Philadelphia’s marketing landscape is undeniable.
3. Marc Brownstein
Marc Brownstein isn’t just running an agency—he’s setting the standard for modern branding. Under his leadership, Brownstein Group has evolved into a powerhouse of advertising, public relations, and digital strategy, helping clients navigate an increasingly complex marketing landscape.
A second-generation leader, he took the reins of the agency his father founded in 1964 and transformed it into a forward-thinking firm known for blending traditional expertise with cutting-edge digital strategies. From content creation and paid media planning to influencer marketing, Brownstein Group ensures brands don’t just get noticed—they become iconic.
His latest innovation? Poster Child, a dedicated influencer relations agency built to help brands amplify their presence in the social media space. Focused on credibility and authenticity, Poster Child moves beyond surface-level promotions, ensuring influencer partnerships drive real engagement and trust.
Named one of Philadelphia Business Journal’s "Most Admired CEOs" in 2024, Brownstein has also led his agency to finalist recognition in Adweek’s Small Agency of the Year Awards. His ability to blend creative storytelling with strategic marketing keeps both his agency and his clients ahead of the curve.
4. Jason Rocker
Marketing is more than promotion—it’s storytelling with impact. Jason Rocker has spent over two decades mastering this art, leading Braithwaite Communications into a new era of social media marketing, PR, and digital engagement.
His career began in journalism and digital marketing, experiences that shaped his ability to craft compelling brand narratives. Since joining Braithwaite in 2000, Rocker has played a key role in the agency’s transformation from a traditional PR firm into an integrated digital powerhouse. With a client roster that includes Chemours, Merck, FMC, and Wawa, he ensures brands leverage social media not just for exposure but for strategic influence.
His approach combines creativity with analytics. The agency’s Digital Marketing Playbook—developed under his leadership—guides brands in defining goals, mapping customer journeys, and optimizing content for maximum engagement. Whether through influencer collaborations or crisis communications, Rocker helps brands control their digital narrative with precision.
Beyond leading major campaigns, he’s a respected industry voice, often speaking on brand reputation, digital strategy, and media relations. His ability to merge storytelling with data-driven marketing makes him a driving force in shaping Philadelphia’s digital marketing future.
5. Marc Brookland
Marc Brookland has never been one to follow the conventional path. What started as a side hustle in his Old City apartment quickly grew into SEO Locale, one of Philadelphia’s fastest-rising digital marketing agencies. His journey from bootstrapped startup to industry leader is proof that persistence—and a results-driven mindset—can take a business from the ground up to the top of search rankings.
In 2015, Brookland took a leap of faith, balancing a full-time job while cold-calling his way to 14 clients in just 30 days. Five years later, SEO Locale had scaled to over 100 clients, all benefiting from his agency’s expertise in SEO, social media marketing, and reputation management. His proprietary SEO App tool provides brands with data-driven insights, helping them navigate and dominate crowded digital spaces.
The agency’s reputation for delivering measurable results has earned it top honors, including being named Philadelphia’s Best Web Designer by Philly Happening. From law firms and e-commerce brands to medical practices and contractors, Brookland and his team craft customized strategies that turn website traffic into revenue.
Beyond the metrics, Brookland is committed to education and innovation, frequently sharing insights on SEO trends and digital marketing shifts. His ability to anticipate industry changes and stay ahead of the curve keeps SEO Locale—and its clients—consistently at the top.
6. Amy Jo Haven-Reynolds
Amy Jo Haven-Reynolds knows that great marketing isn’t just about visibility—it’s about making a lasting impact. With a career that began in radio and TV sales at CBS-Philly and Clear Channel Radio, she built a reputation for crafting award-winning campaigns long before launching Haven Marketing in 2006. What started as a media-buying consultancy has since evolved into a full-service marketing agency serving Philadelphia, South Jersey, and the Jersey Shore.
Her expertise in social media marketing is at the core of Haven Marketing’s success. From content creation and community engagement to reputation management and campaign optimization, she ensures that brands don’t just get noticed—they build meaningful connections with their audiences. With decades of experience spanning industries like healthcare, finance, hospitality, and automotive, her firm consistently delivers strategies that drive results.
Flexibility and adaptability are values she champions, both in business and in life. As a mother and entrepreneur, she understands the importance of balance and has built a company culture that supports both innovation and collaboration. That approach has earned Haven Marketing recognition, including a Best of the Biz Award, solidifying its reputation as a trusted marketing partner.
7. David Neff
For over three decades, David Neff has been a driving force in Philadelphia’s marketing scene. Leading his namesake agency, Neff, he has built an award-winning full-service firm that specializes in branding, public relations, social media, advertising, and media buying. His work spans industries from real estate and hospitality to B2B and retail, consistently delivering results-driven campaigns that make an impact.
A key to Neff’s longevity in the business? His ability to evolve with the industry. In 2017, he spearheaded a rebrand of his agency from Neff Associates to simply “Neff,” streamlining its identity while reinforcing its focus on integrated, modern marketing solutions. Whether executing high-profile branding initiatives or crafting targeted social media strategies, his firm remains at the forefront of digital innovation.
Neff’s social media expertise extends beyond posting content—his team builds campaigns that tell compelling brand stories. With a client roster that includes Geno’s Steaks, Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steak House, and other iconic brands, his agency’s influence is woven into Philadelphia’s marketing landscape.
His passion for the craft has earned him numerous accolades, including Graphic Design USA Awards and PR News Agency Elite Awards. But at the core of it all, Neff believes success comes down to loving what you do—and that philosophy has fueled his firm’s success for more than 30 years.
8. Heather Kelly
Heather Kelly doesn’t just craft brand stories—she makes sure they’re heard. At the helm of Next PR, she leads a team of strategists who fuse earned, owned, and paid media to create campaigns that resonate. Her ability to blend traditional PR expertise with modern digital marketing tactics has positioned Next PR as a go-to agency for businesses looking to elevate their influence.
With a career spanning more than two decades, Kelly has helped brands of all sizes—from emerging startups to Fortune 500 companies—turn their narratives into newsworthy moments. Whether through media placements, social media marketing, or influencer partnerships, she ensures that clients aren’t just in the conversation but leading it.
One of her most strategic moves? Partnering with Sprout Social to provide brands with real-time data insights, ensuring every social media initiative is backed by analytics. From community management to influencer collaborations, Kelly’s approach is rooted in engagement, authenticity, and impact.
Her leadership has earned industry recognition, including a spot on PR News’ Top Women in PR list. But for Kelly, success isn’t about awards—it’s about helping brands craft the right message, deliver it at the perfect moment, and spark conversations that matter.
With a team of more than 50 marketing professionals and a commitment to innovation, she continues to set the standard for what PR and social media marketing should look like in a digital-first world.
Shaping the Future of Social Media Marketing: Philadelphia’s Top 8 CEOs Leading the Charge
The world of social media marketing is ever-changing, but the CEOs behind Philadelphia’s top firms are proving they have what it takes to stay ahead of the game. With their innovative strategies, data-driven approaches, and keen understanding of audience engagement, these industry leaders are redefining how brands connect with consumers.
From viral campaigns to influencer partnerships and strategic content creation, their firms are shaping the future of digital marketing. As algorithms evolve and trends shift, one thing remains certain—these CEOs are driving Philadelphia’s reputation as a hub for cutting-edge social media marketing innovation.
