David Ellis – President

Dave’s 10-year career as Advertising Director at The Moorings provides him with extraordinary insight into the sailing market and an insider’s view of what a company experiences in hiring, directing and coping with advertising agencies. Dave was responsible for building the brand and preserving its integrity, developing campaigns, measuring results and directing creative resources in balance with internal marketing capabilities.

Realizing an unmet need for dependable creative talent and expert counsel under sensible terms, Dave created Affinity to deliver it -- an agency that understands controlling cost, defines clear plans and provides high value for the talent you need.

Starting nearly 30 years ago as a graphic designer and pre-press production specialist, Dave’s professional focus evolved to capitalize on computer savvy production and marketing tactics that produce a competitive edge for Affinity’s clients. He is the primary creative force behind the Affinity team.

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Tom Casey – Marine Industry Consultant

Tom’s reputation and credentials need no introduction to the captains of the sailing industry. His 30-years of dedication generating business activity and networking business solutions for his clients during his career at SAIL Magazine speaks volumes. Tom’s love of everything about sailing and vast experience as a media and marketing consultant in this industry make him a valuable resource for achieving superior results. He’s seen what works, what doesn’t and will devise powerful marketing strategies that leverage your brand and your budget. With his insider knowledge of the publishing business applied to media planning and negotiations, you can expect to see improvement in your ROI.

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Mary Orme – Public Relations

Mary's 15-year career in sales – all of it in the marine industry -- has evolved into that of a talented and diverse marketing communicator specializing in public relations, copywriting and editing. Mary started as a yacht sales agent for The Moorings back in the 80’s and was selling luxury yacht charters on the Bordeaux 76’s before she joined the Affinity team in 2001.

Building on her English major and study of Ogilvy’s principles of Public Relations, Mary has proven her ability to build receptive media relationships with ink in print and online publications.

Mary’s in-house database of media resources is updated daily, and meets or exceeds those of much larger agencies. Her liaison with editors, writing skills and dedication to copywriting and editing details means your projects are handled with the utmost care, accuracy, efficiency and professionalism.

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Michael O’Keene – Art Director
Michael's career as a Graphic Designer and Art Director included agency experience prior to joining Affinity five years ago. A graduate from the University of South Florida with a Bachelor in Fine Arts degree, Michael also received extensive computer software training at the International Academy of Design in Tampa, Florida. His specialty is developing and producing premium-quality creative on time and within budget. Michael takes great pride in keeping up to date with computer techniques and design technology.

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Simon Scott – Chairman/Partner
Former V.P. of Marketing, then CEO of The Moorings, Simon possesses extraordinary marketing vision and capacity for strategic planning balanced by the practical aspects of sales, operations and corporate agendas. Although his passion for sailing and boats compels him to pursue various marine related enterprises, Simon is available to consult on key issues.

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