The Frankel Story

Frankel: HIGHER ED is a dedicated division of Frankel, a nationally recognized marketing and branding agency with more than 20 years of experience across healthcare, finance, real estate, hospitality, and education.

While we've long worked with colleges and universities, we’re not higher ed-exclusive—and that’s by design. Our team brings proven strategies from other performance-driven industries and applies them to higher education’s unique structure, culture, and goals. The result? Campaigns that outperform expectations, creative that resonates across audiences, and strategies that break through in a competitive landscape.


Led by Experts. Designed for Impact.

Our senior leadership brings decades of experience in brand development, enrollment marketing, digital strategy, and creative execution—specifically for colleges and universities.

Ryan Frankel
President
With a lifetime of experience building brands, Ryan leads with strategic insight. He’s developed campaigns and communications for universities across the U.S., including Auburn University, Florida Gateway College, Florida State University, Kennesaw State University, Mercer University, the University of Florida, the University of Georgia and the University of Richmond, helping these institutions grow stronger, more authentic brands that connect and endure.
Ashleigh Flanders, PhD
Vice President & Partner
Ashleigh brings more than 15 years of experience in marketing and advertising management and holds a PhD from the University of London. She combines academic research with real-world strategy to lead award-winning campaigns and brand efforts that deliver a strong return on investment for several universities across the country, including Auburn University, the Kennesaw State University and the University of Florida.
Catherine DiVeta, MBA, PMP
Vice President of Innovation and Operations
Catherine has more than 12 years of experience ensuring operational excellence and working closely with client teams to navigate complex approval processes, align expectations with multiple stakeholders and streamline workflows for efficient milestone delivery. Her strategic approach to process development and team leadership has successfully guided marketing projects for higher ed institutions, including her alma mater, UF, as well as colleges at Auburn and UGA.
Walton Dale
Creative Director
With over 20 years of experience, Walton brings bold, creative thinking to every project. His work includes branding for Auburn University, Kennesaw State University, the University of Georgia and the University of Florida, helping higher ed clients stand out with strong visual identities and effective campaigns.
Bri Weimer
Bri Weimer
Director of Digital Marketing
After earning her degree in Public Relations and Business Administration from the University of Florida, Bri began her career in agency marketing, quickly finding her stride at the intersection of digital strategy and creative storytelling. Over the past decade, she’s built a reputation for crafting thoughtful, results-driven campaigns. Before joining Frankel, Bri spent over a decade at small advertising agencies where she managed multimillion-dollar media budgets, guided full-funnel campaigns, and oversaw analytics and owned digital strategy for a diverse roster of clients.
Jason Cohen, PhD
Director of Research + Insights
A recovering academic and life-long researcher with two books to his name, Jason brings 20+ years of insight and market intelligence to guide clients through high-stakes branding and reputational challenges. Prior to joining Frankel, Jason served as Senior Research Advisor at Hanover Research, where he led data-driven initiatives for more than 100 colleges and universities. At Frankel, Jason leads research engagements with a deep understanding of client culture and a clear focus on results that matter.
Fox Troilo
Fox Troilo, PhD
Head of Client Partnerships
With over 20+ years working in higher education globally, Fox drives client partnership success and satisfaction at Frankel. With an approach that combines empathy, data-driven methodologies, and industry experience, Fox helps institutions create clear pathways to make their operational goals a reality. Before Frankel, Fox was the Managing Director of the Higher Education Research Advisory team at Hanover Research where he led and consulted on research initiatives for over 150 partner institutions. Fox also serves as a Professor within the QUEST Honors Program at the University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business. He's involved on the board to advise on curriculum development, student success, and alumni engagement.
Lillian Caloiaro Vargas, M.Ed.
Lillian Caloiaro Vargas, M.Ed.
People Operations Manager
Lillian earned her bachelor’s degree in Education and a minor in Marketing from Stetson University and a master’s degree in Language Education from Rutgers University. Over the last 10 years, she has built a career at the intersection of People Operations and Talent Acquisition, with experience spanning early‑stage tech and creative agencies. At Frankel, Lillian leads People Operations and Talent Acquisition, building and nurturing the foundation of the agency’s culture.

Recognized for Excellence

We don't just win results—we win awards. Our work has been recognized by some of the most prestigious organizations in marketing and design, including:

    Certified. Trusted. Performance-Driven.

    Frankel holds active certifications across leading platforms to ensure our clients receive best-in-class performance and analytics.

    Learn More About Our Capabilities

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