JANSON is successful because we have the ability to translate the business goals of our clients into solutions that resonate with their intended audiences. We are able to accomplish this because we have a team with an exceptional amount of collective knowledge and experience that drives every facet of the company. We employ more than 20 strategic and creative professionals, 50 percent of whom hold active security clearances.
Janet Chihocky, JANSON Founder & CEO
Janet Chihocky is a leader’s leader. Whether working hand-in-hand with executives from major corporations, advising key decision-makers on critical issues or formulating strategic communications plans for the senior leadership of a four-star military command, Janet’s expertise provides valuable insights and verifiable results. Armed with almost two decades of experience in the defense and aerospace industries, Janet Chihocky is JANSON’s founder, CEO and lead strategist.
In demand as a speaker and author, Janet is a well-known subject matter expert on such topics as: Global Organizational Branding, Marketing for International Success, Internal and External Strategic Communications and Tactical Brand Positioning within the defense, aerospace and government technology sectors. Janet takes the lead in expanding an organization’s portfolio of capabilities as well as helping clients to break into new markets. Her experience in communications management and overseeing large operational teams for multi-dimensional programs provides the backdrop for dynamic campaigns for JANSON’s client base.
Having launched her career in the late eighties with a global aerospace company (Orbital Sciences Corporation), Janet was heavily involved in the communications and publicity efforts for the roll-out and first several launches of the company’s air-launched space vehicle, Pegasus. In addition, she developed a domestic and international communications program for Orbital’s space systems and commercial space imaging business. Some of her other work includes high-profile organizations such as: Army Materiel Command (AMC), The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), HDT Technologies, Tooele Army Depot, PEO Soldier, Booz Allen Hamilton, Army Contracting Command (ACC), DRS, AM General and R4 Incorporated. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business with a minor in Marketing from Strayer University and complimented her education with executive education studies at the University of Pennsylvania, Wharton School of Business.
Elida Seretti-Pierson, Chief Operations Officer (COO) and Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
As acting Chief Operations Officer (COO) and Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Elida directs the company’s operations to meet financial goals and budgets to include short-term and long-range planning and budget development to support strategic business goals. Elida leverages over 20 years of financial and business management experience in both the private and public sectors. Prior experience includes being a controller at mid-size companies in the software development and engineering areas.
During her career, Elida has been involved in tax engagements related to the acquisition and disposition of multi-million dollar closely-held companies, transfers of ownership in closely-held companies, formation of new business entities, implementation, administration and termination of retirement plans.
In May 2003 Elida completed the certification process with the National Association of Certified Valuation Analysts (NACVA) to earn her designation of Certified Valuation Analyst (CVA). She received her BA from Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, Minnesota; and in 1997 concurrently received her MBA from Marymount University in Arlington, Virginia and MST from George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia.
Rachel Phillips, Creative Director
Rachel Phillips serves as Creative Director for JANSON Communications. She brings more than 20 years of experience in all areas of visual communications including print, web, advertising, and marketing strategies to JANSON.
Prior to joining JANSON, Rachel was a Senior Art Director at Ketchum Public Relations where she developed highly successful print, advertising, and digital campaigns for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), GlaxoSmithKline Oncology, The Clorox Company, Kraft Foods, Families Fighting Flu, National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), Centers for Medicaid & Medicare Services (CMS) and others. Recently, for NTIA, she was responsible for the overall branding and creative strategy for the DTV Converter Box Coupon Program, a highly successful and award-winning program assisting the nation’s conversion from analog to digital television.
Currently she manages and leads JANSON’s creative offerings including the concept, strategy and execution of print, web and mobile-based solutions. Rachel is a graduate of Marymount University where earned a degree a B.A. in Graphic Design.
Christy Samuels, Director of Client Services
As JANSON’s Director of Client Services, Christy is the lead for Government projects for all JANSON clients. Christy brings over 25 years of expertise to the JANSON team. As a career Army officer, she served as Chief of Media Relations for the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff at the Pentagon, spokesperson for the United States Pacific Command in Hawaii, and Public Affairs Staff Officer at Fifth United States Army. She also has corporate leadership experience and served as Division Chief for a 15-person strategic communications team for a major international information technology company. Christy was selected for the 2010-2011 Cambridge Who’s Who for Executives, Professionals, and Entrepreneurs. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the United States Military Academy at West Point, and a Masters of Public Administration degree at the University of Missouri-Kansas City.
Brigadier General Arthur F. ‘Chip’ Diehl III, Business Development—Air Force Programs
Brig. Gen. Chip Diehl retired from the Air Force in 2005 after nearly 30 years of service and more than 4,000 flying hours as a command pilot. General Diehl served as Deputy Director of Engagement, Plans and Policy Directorate, Headquarters U.S. Central Command, MacDill Air Force Base, Florida. He was responsible for building and maintaining military-to-military bilateral relationships with 22 countries and the guidance and sustainment of more than 70 Coalition nations supporting the United States in fighting the global war on terrorism.
General Diehl earned his BS Degree from the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, CO and his MS in Systems Management from the University of Southern California. In addition to being active on several boards of directors, he is the Executive Director of Embracing Florida’s Wounded Heroes, a 501c(3) non-profit organization.
Mark J. Flavin, Business Development—Army and Land Defense Programs
Mark Flavin has over 36 years experience in business development and strategies, government acquisition management, business process reengineering, merger integration, government affairs and customer relations services to companies doing business with the Army. His specialty areas include tactical and combat vehicles, logistics, force protection solutions (vehicle and personal armor) and strategic communications.
Mark was the Senior Vice President for Government Operations, Armor Holdings Aerospace & Defense, one of the fastest growing US defense companies for three years until its sale to BAE Systems. Armor Holdings was the largest supplier to the Defense Department and Law Enforcement agencies for vehicle armor systems, personal protection systems and aircraft seating and restraint systems, as well as the manufacturer of the Family of Medium Tactical Vehicles and the Up Armored HMMWV. Mark led the business development efforts for building the annual revenues from $800 million in 2004 to $3.2 billion in 2007 though organic growth and mergers and acquisitions.
He directed the Aerospace & Defense business development efforts in international military sales, Guard/Reserve/Homeland Security, R&D business development, and managed the corporate marketing and public relations programs. Prior to joining Armor Holdings, Mark was with AM General Corporation as the Director for Government Operations responsible for coordinating defense and homeland security requirements with military and federal agency customers. He had a successful 26-year Army career in infantry, logistics and acquisition management, achieving the rank of Colonel.
Christina Rubino, Senior Media Relations Specialist and Program Manager
As JANSON’s Senior Media Relations Specialist and Program Manager, Christina utilizes over ten years of experience in the Department of Defense (DoD) and private sector. Her primary objective is to provide guidance and direction on public and media relations to JANSON clients. This includes, but is not limited to, media analysis, social media and blogging for both JANSON and our clients. Prior to joining JANSON, Christina was an Account Supervisor at a public relations firm where she focused on media relations for large consumer and DoD clients. Before working in public relations, she was positioned in the Pentagon working for Lockheed Martin and then at Marine Corps Base, Quantico, where she managed Foreign Military Sales cases and Foreign Comparative Testing for countries such as Iran, Taiwan, and Russia. Christina is a former broadcast reporter for an ABC affiliate. While in college, Christina held internships in the White House Press Office, CBS Evening News and 97.1 WASH FM in Washington, DC. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communications and a Bachelor of Fine Arts from George Mason University.
Sherri Headrick, Deputy Program Manager
As JANSON’s lead for its Huntsville-based operations and Program Manager for JANSON clients, Sherri provides senior communications strategy, management, training and support for the company’s existing clients in Huntsville as well as fosters new business opportunities and strategic initiatives. She brings 16 years strategic communication experience in government, academic and corporate settings. Her project lead, training and facilitation experience includes the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA), Pennsylvania Department of Transportation and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Prior to her government contract career, Sherri was an Assistant Professor in the Department of Communication Arts at University of Huntsville. She holds a B.A. from Lipscomb University, an M.A. from the University of Memphis and Ph.D. from The Pennsylvania State University. She recently earned her NASA Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification.
Al Philpott, Client Services Lead
Al Philpott serves as a Program Manager for JANSON Communications. Al brings 10 years of strategic communications and project management to the JANSON team working on various government and commercial projects. Prior to joining JANSON, Al was a Project Manager for SAIC where he managed a team of experienced communications professionals on a multi-million dollar United States Army contract. Al’s primary role was to provide award winning communications campaigns for his client as well as managing schedules for all technical and creative projects. Before working in the government sector, Al worked in commercial Project Management and Computer Aided Design and Drafting (CADD). Al has a Bachelor of Science in Sociology and Anthropology from James Madison University.
Hope Prosser, Production Coordinator & Program and Exhibit Logistics Support
As a JANSON Program Manager, Hope Prosser brings a detail-oriented business operations and customer focused approach to JANSON’s client support base. Hope possesses numerous capabilities. Hope brings 15 years of small business operations experience to JANSON. Hope serves as a Program Manager for JANSON clients and is the Manager of Exhibit and Event Planning Services at JANSON. Her experience in coordinating multiple schedules and ensuring high-paced deadlines are met on time, or early, is an attribute that strengthens our team. Hope’s skills as a planner add great value to short and long term support for our client base. She routinely finds excellent solutions for complex problems that our customers face. Her ability to review requirements and articulate tasks with follow-up is impeccable. Hope earned a bachelor’s degree from Elon University and master’s degree from Marymount University.
Jess Smith, Communications Strategist
As a JANSON Program Manager, Jess brings more than fourteen years of Department of Defense communications experience to the JANSON team. She spent five years as an active duty Public Affairs officer in the Air Force working at Beale Air Force Base (AFB) in California, Air Combat Command Headquarters at Langley AFB in Virginia and at the Pentagon Air Force Press Desk before joining the Strategic Communications consulting industry. She has worked on multiple high visibility efforts including the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC), Air Force 767 Tanker-Lease contract, aircraft crashes, F-22 Initial Operational Capability and international media relations in a warzone. She was assigned to the Air Force Press Desk directly following 9/11 and has deployed to both Haiti and Afghanistan. Jess understands the active duty and contractor environments and how they interact and exchange information. She has been trusted and relied upon by multiple general officers including former Air Force Chief of Staff of the Air Force, Retired Gen. John Jumper and Deputy Commanding General Multi-National Corps-Iraq, Retired Maj. Gen. James P. Hunt. Jess has successfully led diverse teams to develop and execute strategic communication plans and every tactical element assigned within those plans.
Derek White, Client Services Lead
As a JANSON Program manager, Derek brings exceptional creative and artistic drive. With over 15 years of experience in the Air Force Reserve, Derek is currently serving as a media operations officer for Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs at the Pentagon. He is often called upon to lead risk and crisis communication efforts, multimedia projects, and IT communication requirements. As well, he has many years of experience in the corporate world and has overseen and streamlined major web operations and developed and implemented numerous communication plans for commands across each service component. Derek brings a wide variety of both IT and communication skill sets to JANSON – from web content delivery and implementation, mobile web and application designs, strategic and tactical communication planning, and conference planning and design. He has produced and directed a number of documentaries as a professional videographer and voiceover artist for both the Air Force and Army. He is also a member of the District of Columbia Public Access Network. Derek earned a Bachelor’s degree in Communication at the University of Illinois at Chicago.