Meet the Agile Team

We’re passionate professionals dedicated to transforming education data into actionable insights.

Leadership
Sales
Client Success

Leadership
Sales
Client Success

Leadership

Meet the visionaries driving Agile Education Marketing’s growth, innovation, and organizational leadership.

Bob
O'Dell

Chief Technology Officer

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Bob O'Dell

Chief Technology Officer

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Dave
Cohen

President + CFO

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Dave Cohen

President + Chief Financial Officer

As President and Chief Financial Officer, Dave oversees corporate governance, strategic planning, and financial management for Agile. He joined Agile full-time in 2012 after serving in an advisory capacity for two years, bringing a deep background in financial leadership and business transformation.

Before joining Agile, Dave was with Scholastic, Inc., where he was brought on following its acquisition of Quality Education Data. He was instrumental in restoring QED’s financial health through operational and strategic restructuring, ultimately leading to its successful sale to Dun & Bradstreet.

Earlier in his career, Dave worked with International Capital Partners, a Connecticut-based expansion capital firm. There, he focused on turnaround management and executing exit strategies for distressed portfolio companies across a range of industries.

Originally from the New York City suburbs and Connecticut, Dave earned a B.S. in Business Administration with concentrations in Accounting and Finance from the University of Rhode Island and Central Michigan University, followed by an MBA in Finance from Florida State University.

Verlan Stephens

Managing Partner + CIO

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Verlan Stephens

Managing Partner & Chief Information Officer

As Managing Partner and CIO of Agile, Verlan Stephens brings more than four decades of experience collecting, curating, and publishing large-scale databases to his leadership role. Since co-founding Agile in 2009, he has guided the company’s data compilation strategy, driven new business development, and helped grow Agile’s reputation as a trusted partner in the education space.

Verlan graduated with honors from Boise State University with a degree in Mathematics and Computer Science and has lived in Broomfield, Colorado for over 40 years. He is passionate about connecting mission-driven companies with the schools, districts, and educators who benefit from their work.

One of his proudest accomplishments is launching Agile’s Districts of Distinction initiative, recognizing school districts that are making meaningful progress for students. Verlan thrives on solving complex challenges and contributing to client success. Outside of work, he enjoys gardening, overlanding, and spending time with his family.

Derek Dallmann

Chief Revenue Officer
Joined Agile in 2016

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Derek Dallmann

Chief Revenue Officer | Joined Agile in 2016

Since joining Agile in 2016, Derek Dallmann has led the company’s revenue strategy with a focus on delivering value-driven solutions to clients across the education landscape.

With a background in history, education, and business, Derek brings a unique perspective to leadership. His approach is rooted in curiosity, strategic thinking, and creativity. Under his guidance, Agile has strengthened its client relationships, expanded its offerings, and positioned itself as a trusted partner in the evolving world of education data and marketing solutions.

When he’s not at work, you’ll likely find him golfing, fishing, biking, spending time outdoors, or listening to music.

Mike “Squid” LeClare

Director of Data Management
Joined Agile in 2011

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Mike “Squid” LeClare

Director of Data Management | Joined Agile in 2011

With over a decade of experience at Agile, Mike “Squid” LeClare leads the charge in data quality and integrity as Director of Data Management. He oversees all aspects of data compilation and presentation, ensuring the team and clients alike can count on accurate, reliable and current information.

Mike’s path to Agile began with a background in CIS and operations management. What sets his work apart is his consistency through continual improvement—he’s helped position Agile as the most trusted provider of education data by evolving internal data management processes, responding to client needs, and leveraging the latest technology.

Outside of work, Mike enjoys coaching soccer, traveling, and spending time with his family.

Lana Henningsen

Chief Product Officer
Joined Agile in 2015

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Lana Henningsen

Chief Product Officer | Joined May 2015

Lana drives Agile’s product vision, ensuring applications and integrations deliver meaningful value for clients. She leads the engineering team through design, development, and support while collaborating with sales, marketing, and account teams to align every solution with client priorities. With a background in software engineering, education application development, and a Computer Science degree from UConn, Lana bridges technical expertise with client needs to create impactful, user-focused products.

Alexa Chitwood

Director of Client Success + Strategy
Joined Agile in 2015

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Alexa Chitwood

Director of Client Success and Strategy | Joined Agile in 2015

Alexa Chitwood brings over 15 years of experience in account management, marketing strategy, and client success to her role as Director of Client Success and Strategy at Agile. She leads a high-performance team, managing client relationships and driving innovation across campaigns and operations. Alexa is known for anticipating client needs, fostering strong partnerships, and building long-term success.

Her career spans full-service agencies and education-focused organizations, including a higher ed agency where she honed a passion for learner-centered marketing. This background gives her a holistic view of the marketing ecosystem.

A Colorado native, Alexa holds a double major in Advertising and Communications from Metropolitan State University of Denver. She’s passionate about connecting people, ideas, and outcomes—especially in the education space.

What fuels her? Strong teams, meaningful relationships, and a shared commitment to progress. Outside work, she enjoys family time, audiobooks, pop culture, and planning her wedding.

Ali Newcomb

Vice President of Marketing
Joined Agile in 2022

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Ali Newcomb

Vice President of Marketing | Joined Agile in 2022

Ali Newcomb leads Agile’s marketing strategy, overseeing brand management, digital presence, and content strategy to drive demand generation and growth. With more than 20 years of experience in the education sector, she brings deep expertise in brand positioning and sales enablement from prior leadership roles at Pearson, McGraw-Hill, InsideTrack, and the University of Mississippi.

Her career began in AmeriCorps, managing literacy programs in inner-city schools—an experience that cemented her belief in the transformative power of education. At Agile, she’s especially proud of building a dynamic marketing team dedicated to adaptability and continuous learning, enabling them to deliver timely, data-informed strategies that help clients stay ahead in an ever-evolving education landscape.

Ali holds an MBA from the University of Colorado. Outside of work, she loves travel, yoga, and spending time with her husband and fast-growing boys.

Alison
Cohen

Chief of Staff
Joined Agile in 2022

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Alison Cohen

Chief of Staff | Joined Agile in XXXX

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Kassidy Kinner

Digital Advertising Manager
Joined Agile in 2022

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Kassidy Kinner

Digital Advertising Manager | Joined Agile in 2022

Kassidy Kinner brings a unique blend of creativity, strategy, and purpose to her role as Digital Advertising Manager at Agile.

With a background in economics, international studies, and library science, Kassidy’s path to digital marketing was shaped by a deep commitment to education and community impact. She partners closely with clients to build, optimize, and analyze digital ad campaigns that connect educators with resources that truly make a difference.

Before joining Agile, Kassidy worked in PR and marketing within the nonprofit and public library sectors, where she developed a passion for bridging communication and access. Her favorite part of the job? Seeing how a small change in strategy can create a meaningful ripple in the education world.

Originally from Ohio and now based in Indiana, Kassidy is also a proud mom of four, a soccer coach, a reader, a crocheter, and a lover of all things family (including five furry pets).

Katie Stephens

Dir. Database Services + Integrations
Joined Agile in 2010

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Katie Stephens

Director of Database Services and Integrations | Joined Agile in 2010

Katie Stephens has been with Agile since 2010, growing her career from customer service to Director of Database Services and Integrations. In her current role, she leads two departments, ensuring high customer satisfaction across data integrations and custom data projects.

Born and raised in Broomfield, CO, Katie holds an associate’s degree in computer information systems and a Bachelor’s in Management Information Systems and Business Analytics from CSU Global. A proud career milestone was transitioning to database services after completing her degree—a move that reshaped her professional path.

Katie finds energy and purpose in working directly with clients and enjoys being part of a company that supports educational success. She also brings her passion for tech and education full circle as an instructor at Front Range Community College, where she teaches Computer Information Systems courses.

Sales

Meet the experts connecting education providers with solutions that power growth and opportunity.

Connie
Davis

Senior Strategic Sales Director
Joined Agile in 2010

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Connie Davis

Senior Strategic Sales Director | Joined Agile in 2010

As Senior Strategic Sales Director, Connie Davis has played a key role in shaping Agile into the industry leader it is today. Connie was recruited by Agile’s founders in 2010 to help launch the sales team. She continues to thrive on helping clients find smart, scalable solutions that drive real results.

Connie is passionate about supporting companies that make a difference in education, and she loves building strong relationships while delivering tailored strategies in data, digital, and social advertising. One of her proudest accomplishments is supporting a client from their early days as an 8-person startup to a team of over 150 employees.

Born and raised in Pueblo, Colorado, Connie earned her B.S. in Mass Communications with a focus in PR and Marketing from CSU Pueblo. Outside of work, she’s an avid skier, whitewater rafter, and talented home chef who loves entertaining family and friends.

Toni
Elsberry

Senior Strategic Sales Director
Joined Agile in 2010

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Toni Elsberry

Senior Strategic Sales Director | Joined Agile in 2010

Toni Elsberry is a Senior Strategic Sales Director at Agile and has been with the company since its earliest days. With decades of experience in education sales, she’s built a reputation for cultivating strong partnerships and helping clients grow their business in meaningful, lasting ways.
Originally from Manitowoc, Wisconsin, Toni launched her education sales career in 2000 at QED after moving to Denver. She holds a Business degree from the University of Wisconsin–La Crosse.

Toni is especially proud of the role she’s played in helping Agile grow into the company it is today. She thrives on the connections she’s built—both with clients and colleagues—and considers the Agile team her second family. Outside of work, she enjoys boating, the beach, cheering on her kids in sports, traveling, and spending time with friends and family.

Maria Fumagalli

Director of Executive Accounts
Joined Agile in 2019

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Maria Fumagalli

Director of Executive Accounts | Joined Agile in 2019

As Director of Executive Accounts at Agile, Maria Fumagalli draws on her deep experience in data, sales operations, and campaign strategy to deliver tailored outreach solutions that drive measurable results. She successfully partners with mission-driven organizations to connect them with the right educators and decision-makers through strategic, targeted engagement.

Originally from Denver, Maria studied psychology, business, and marketing at CU Boulder and the University of Denver. Since joining Agile, she has grown from the data compilation team into a trusted client advisor, helping organizations navigate the education space with confidence. One of her proudest accomplishments is guiding a first-time client in launching a multi-channel campaign that exceeded lead goals and helped them break into the market.

Maria thrives on collaboration, creative problem-solving, and the chance to make an impact through education. Outside of work, she enjoys beach days, hikes, ice skating, and spending time with her dog—Mariah Carey.

Courtney Pederson

Director of Strategic Accounts
Joined Agile in 2016

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Courtney Pederson

Director of Strategic Accounts | Joined Agile in 2016

Courtney Pederson brings nearly two decades of experience in education sales to her role as Director of Strategic Accounts at Agile. Since joining in 2016, she’s focused on helping education businesses leverage data and technology to grow their business. A natural problem solver, Courtney thrives on tackling complex challenges and building lasting partnerships that lead to client success.

Before Agile, she worked directly with schools and later transitioned to working with education companies. She’s especially passionate about innovation in learning and how it can shape the future of education.

Originally from Seattle, Washington, Courtney studied at Washington State University. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling with her family, exploring local parks with her dog, cheering on her kids at their games, and curling up with a good book.

Tim
Ridgway

Director, Strategic Accounts
Joined Agile in 2020

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Tim Ridgway

Director, Strategic Accounts | Joined Agile in 2020

As Director of Strategic Accounts at Agile, Tim Ridgway helps mission-driven organizations connect meaningfully with educators and administrators across the country. With a background in economics from the University of California, Irvine—and a career that includes senior marketing leadership in the education space—Tim brings a client-first mindset to every conversation.

Having once been an Agile customer himself, Tim understands the importance of partnership and thoughtful strategy. He’s especially proud of the trust he’s earned, as shown by frequent referrals from valued clients. What drives him most is the opportunity to support organizations that, in turn, support student learning.
Born in New Jersey and raised in Toronto, Tim now spends his free time cooking, practicing yoga, and exploring the outdoors through hiking, backpacking, camping, and overlanding.

John W. Robinson

Director, Executive Accounts
Joined Agile in 2020

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John W Robinson

Director, Executive Accounts | Joined Agile in 2020

Since 2020, John Robinson has led relationships across the East Coast, Southeast, and Midwest, helping clients successfully bring their offerings to the education market. A native of Concord, Massachusetts, John studied English and French at the University of Kansas and the University of Grenoble. He draws on his extensive sales experience to lead strategic collaborations that deliver meaningful outcomes.

John is energized by Agile’s mission to build a better world through education and thrives in the company’s collaborative culture. Outside of work, he enjoys fly fishing, golf, travel, sailing, cooking, and exploring his family’s genealogy.

Esther
Spence

Director of Executive Accounts
Joined Agile in 2019

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Esther Spence

Director of Executive Accounts | Joined Agile in 2019

Esther Spence is the Director of Executive Accounts at Agile, where she works closely with clients to tailor solutions that meet their unique business, marketing, and sales needs. Since joining the team in 2019, she’s grown from account management into a key role on the sales team—a promotion she’s especially proud of.

Originally from South Africa, Esther studied Psychology and minored in Business at the University of Colorado Boulder—an ideal foundation for the problem-solving, people-focused work she does today. She finds purpose in knowing that the solutions she delivers ultimately support students and schools, making a real difference in the world of education.

Esther loves when she can offer a client the perfect solution and see the stress lift from their shoulders. Outside of work, you’ll find her hiking, cooking, baking, traveling, reading, or experimenting with her newest hobby: flower arranging.

Client Success

Meet the leaders guiding Agile Education Marketing’s strategy, client success, and business development.

Cassie
Bruce

Client Integration Success Manager
Joined Agile in 2021

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Cassie Bruce

Client Integration Success Manager | Joined Agile in 20xx

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Morgan Carson

Senior Account Manager
Joined Agile in 2021

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Morgan Carson

Senior Account Manager | Joined Agile in 2021

As a Senior Account Manager at Agile, Morgan Carson plays a key role in managing client relationships, executing contracts, and driving successful campaign outcomes. Supporting the Mid-Atlantic Strategic territory, she leads account management, project coordination, and client retention efforts with a focus on long-term growth and strong partnerships.

Morgan brings a background in promotions and marketing from her previous role overseeing nine locally owned radio stations. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design and Print Technologies with a minor in Marketing from Lewis-Clark State College.

A proud mom of two, Morgan is passionate about supporting companies that improve education. One of her favorite successes was helping a client refine their targeting strategy—nearly doubling engagement in the process.

Outside of work, Morgan enjoys reading, board games and puzzles, and spending time with her family, pets, and church community, where she leads the youth group.

Deb
Delaney

Senior Account Manager
Joined Agile in 2015

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Deb Delaney

Senior Account Manager | Joined Agile in 2015

With over 38 years of experience in the education industry, Deb Delaney brings deep knowledge and a passion for client success to her role as Senior Account Manager at Agile. Since joining the team in 2015, she has been a trusted partner to clients—managing deliverables, mentoring junior teammates, and helping develop tools that drive smarter territory planning.

Deb is especially energized by connecting with clients, reminding them of the power of Agile’s data, and ensuring they get the most from their investment. She has contributed to many of the company’s successes—supporting major projects and initiatives—and especially values the team’s shared commitment to empowering educators.

Outside of work, Deb enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling, capturing nature’s beauty through photography, and watercolor painting

Madison Amundson

Account Manager
Joined Agile in 2023

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Madison Amundson

Account Manager | Joined Agile in 2023

As an Account Manager at Agile Education Marketing, Madison partners with clients to build strong relationships, manage projects, and identify growth opportunities. Serving as a primary point of contact, she ensures client needs are met while aligning strategies that connect organizations with educators and deliver measurable results.

Before joining Agile, Madison built her career in marketing and operations. As Director of Operations at a Chick-fil-A restaurant, she oversaw a $7M location with more than 80 employees and led local marketing initiatives that expanded brand awareness and fostered community connections. This combination of leadership and marketing experience prepared her to thrive in a client-facing role where she now supports education-focused organizations.

A Colorado native and graduate of Metropolitan State University of Denver, Madison enjoys traveling, shopping, and spending time with her family, friends, and her dog.

Terry
Payson

Senior Account Manager
Joined Agile in 2010

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Terry Payson

Senior Account Manager | Joined Agile in 2010

Terry Payson has been a trusted partner to clients at Agile since 2010, bringing deep experience in educational marketing and account management. As a Senior Account Manager, she supports clients with fulfillment, project coordination, and strategic insights while also collaborating closely with sales partners on renewals and campaign planning.

Terry began her career in educational publishing and later sales and account roles before joining Agile in its early days. She believes deeply in the power of education to benefit individuals and society, and she takes pride in helping clients make an impact in schools and classrooms.

With roots from New York and Maine, Terry now lives in Illinois. Outside of work, she enjoys gardening, exploring natural spaces, reading, and bicycling along the scenic Fox River Trail.

Bryce Leonard

Account Manager
Joined Agile in 2024

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Bryce Leonard

Account Manager

As an Account Manager at Agile, Bryce Leonard focuses on building long-term client relationships and ensuring their needs are met with care and creativity. He thrives on solving tough challenges and takes pride in collaborating with clients to develop solutions that drive real success.

Before joining Agile, Bryce completed a year of AmeriCorps service with College Possible in St. Paul, followed by roles in customer service, training, and project management at StickerGiant. He earned his degree in Business Management with an emphasis in Marketing from Central College, where he also minored in Communication and Non-Profit Management—and even spent a semester abroad at Bangor University in Wales.

Bryce believes education is a powerful tool for improving lives and is energized by work that supports that mission. Outside the office, he stays active playing soccer and rugby and enjoys exploring Colorado’s outdoors—preferably ending the day at a local brewery.

Brisa
Garcia

Account Coordinator
Joined Agile in 2022

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Brisa Garcia

Account Coordinator | Joined Agile in 2022

Brisa Garcia joined Agile Education Marketing in 2022 as an Account Coordinator, serving as a key connection between clients, Account Managers, and internal teams. She supports daily operations across email campaigns, data updates, audience consulting, database list pulls, and territory management, ensuring smooth collaboration and client success.

A Colorado native, Brisa studied International Business for Spanish and Ethnic Studies at the University of Colorado Boulder. Before joining Agile, she built experience in higher education, nonprofits, and customer service, which prepared her to thrive in the education marketing space.

As a first-generation college graduate, Brisa is passionate about expanding access to education and is motivated by Agile’s mission to build a better world through learning. Outside of work, she enjoys dance classes along with concerts, art shows, reading, and sharing her poetry at local open mics.

Debbie Howser

Digital Media Specialist
Joined Agile in 2023

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Debbie Howser

Digital Media Specialist | Joined Agile in 2023

Debbie Howser brings decades of creative and technical expertise to her role as Digital Media Specialist at Agile. She creates, edits, and deploys HTML emails, digital assets, and manages the Educator Marketplace website and social presence

With a background spanning graphic and web design, IT, and education, Debbie blends artistic vision with technical precision. She finds joy in cracking complex HTML coding challenges and was honored to be recognized as an Agile Champion

Originally from Scarsdale, NY, Debbie studied pre-law and psychology at Syracuse, Binghamton, and UConn. Now based in Connecticut, she spends her free time boating, golfing, kayaking, riding her motorcycle, photography and enjoying life with her children and granddaughter.

Meet the Agile Team

Leadership

Bob O'Dell

Alison Cohen

Sales

Client Success

Cassie Bruce

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