Experienced Team Members | Southport Marketing

As Culture Code, we are unreasonably picky about our peers. This sentiment applies to our executives as well. The Southport Marketing team is comprised of savvy entrepreneurs and marketing industry experts, bringing years of experience to the company. They cultivate our strong culture, and work tirelessly to help our team scale, grow, and succeed for our clients.

Tim Young

Partner & President
Tim Young

Partner & President

Biography

Tim is a 20-year marketing veteran including stops tied to golf, hot dogs, magazines, professional baseball, cars and event marketing. Tim leverages his expertise and experience in the Sports, Entertainment and Lifestyle space helping clients build and execute marketing strategies. Consistently exceeded aggressive revenue goals and set industry standards at General Motors for lead generation and sales increases of more than 20%. Today, Tim’s focus as founder and President of Southport Marketing is on account management, business development, product marketing, strategic planning, client relations, event management, contract negotiations, and budget management. Southport’s name comes from a tiny Island in Maine where Tim’s family has vacationed for five generations. It also happens to be the place where he was married in 2000 at the lighthouse on Southport Island. Prior to Southport, Tim spent nine years with General Motors R*Works. Tim was the first Director to join the Western Region helping build R*Works from the ground up. Some of the highlights included: professional and college sports, concerts, festivals, fairs, air shows – more than 200 events annually. As SVP, Regional Managing Director for R*Works, Tim supervised a staff of 25 who produced events and sponsorships for GM and its local dealer groups. Tim took a national assignment in 2006 working with all divisions at GM on Sports and Entertainment properties. From MLB to the Grammy Awards to the Transformers first movie, Tim focused on leveraging media properties to include promotional opportunities beyond the traditional 30-second TV commercial. One of Tim’s highlights working for the San Diego Padres was creating a game-changer in 1998 when Trevor Hoffman, MLBs #2 in all-time saves, entered the game to Hells Bells – otherwise known as Trevor Time. That year, Hoffman saved 53 games helping the Padres to the World Series. The best job ever for Tim was years ago when he had his own personal “hot dog on wheels.” As a driver and public relations personality, Tim drove the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile to events in the western United States. Some of the highlights included the Rose Bowl, Super Bowl, All-Star Game, and teaching Jay Leno how to drive the Wienermobile on the Tonight Show. Tim is a graduate of San Diego State University and currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Century Club of San Diego, the charity that runs the Farmers Insurance Open (PGA Tour). Tim is married and lives in San Diego.
Tom Johnson

PARTNER, COO & CFO
Tom Johnson

PARTNER, COO & CFO

Biography

For the past 20 years, Tom has been running companies in numerous and various capacities. His leadership, versatility and experience in manufacturing, marketing, finance and operations have played a vital role in his ability to build strong and successful companies. As COO/CFO, Tom is responsible for running and managing Southport’s day-to-day finances and operations. In 2012, Tom’s finance and operational skills guided Southport Marketing to winning the prestigious B2B CFO Awards in the small business category. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce awarded Southport as one of only twenty five companies in the entire U.S. to be recognized for all areas of financial and operational expertise including; keeping Southport debt free , profitable and well positioned to consistently perform for its clients. Under his leadership, Southport has grown from 3 partners to 13 full-time staff. Prior to Southport Marketing, Tom served nine years at General Motors R*Works as the Regional Business Manager, overseeing the budgets and operations of nine auto brands. Adding to his responsibilities, Tom also headed up the sweepstakes division in which he managed all of the large scale sweepstakes promotions in the western region. One of Tom’s biggest promotional achievements was spearheading the largest sweepstakes giveaways in GM history. Under his guidance, GM partnered with three Major League Baseball teams to give away 39 GM vehicles in one season. That’s a lot of 1099s!! Before GM R*Works, Tom began his career in the manufacturing business. He was responsible for managing three manufacturing plants in the U.S. while spending a year opening a maquiladora in Juarez, Mexico. Tom was then promoted to General Manager with 50 employees below him in the U.S. and another 60 in Mexico. In 1997, Tom was recruited to open and operate two new facilities in California. He moved to Ventura California and took over as a Vice President of a competing firm in 1998 overseeing and managing two large facilities with over 100 employees. Tom received his Business Administration degree from Arizona State University in 1992. He’s married with three grown children. Tom resides in Oxnard and enjoys traveling the world one place at a time.
Kurtis Katz

PARTNER & CMO
Kurtis Katz

PARTNER & CMO

Biography

For the past 20 years, Kurtis has spent his professional career developing strategic partnerships and providing integrated sales and marketing solutions for top brands, numerous professional and collegiate sports teams, entertainment properties and various lifestyle events. Kurtis has spent the majority of his career dedicated to creating partnerships and marketing campaigns that increase revenue, retention and results.

In 2009, Katz joined Southport Marketing heading up their Los Angeles office as a Partner and Chief Marketing Officer. His primary responsibilities have included business development, creating, evaluating, and activating event sponsorship opportunities, building cross-promotional partnerships, and creating integrated experiential and promotional marketing campaigns for respective clients.

Prior to Southport Marketing, Katz served eight years with General Motors R*Works, a division of the Interpublic Group. Beginning in 2000, Katz managed GM’s sponsorships, promotions, and events working with all divisions in the GM family. First, as a senior manager for Pontiac/GMC, to GM Goodwrench Service & Parts and then GM’s cross-divisional Auto Show In Motion program. During those first 5 years with R*Works, Katz created and developed a variety of unique sales driven promotional programs highlighted by the first-ever GM Goodwrench consumer loyalty program to running the world’s largest consumer Ride & Drive program in the auto industry. Katz’s final assignment came in 2005 as the director of marketing and promotions for the Chevrolet division in which he spearheaded and oversaw some of GM’s largest and highest profile sponsorships and events in the western region including NASCAR, Los Angeles Dodgers and Angels, Oakland Raiders, USA Men’s Olympic Basketball, Grammy Awards, Sacramento Kings, USC, UCLA, and the California State Fair.

Prior to R*Works, Katz worked five years with a sports and marketing firm in San Diego -Seaver Marketing Group (SMG). He joined the agency as their first director of marketing – selling sponsorship, developing traffic driving sales promotions, creating consumer frequent shopper programs and managing and negotiating sponsorships for sports teams, grocery store chains, and restaurants. Katz also served as the conference marketing director of the National Sports Forum – the largest cross-team sports marketing conference dedicated to sales and marketing.
Andrea Iranpour

VICE PRESIDENT, CLIENT SERVICES
Andrea Iranpour

VICE PRESIDENT, CLIENT SERVICES

Biography

For more than 10-years, Andrea has spent her career in the marketing, promotion and events industry developing effective strategies, integrated programs and partnerships to increase visibility of brands, generate revenue-producing campaigns for consumer products and major corporations in the sports, automotive, entertainment, lifestyle, fitness, and fashion arenas. As Southport’s Vice President of Client Services, Andrea’s primary responsibilities include creation of strategic programs and brand experiences, new business and partnership development, sponsorship evaluation, event activation and account management. Prior to Southport Marketing, Andrea was Director of Sponsorships and Client Services for Pac-10 Properties, a division of Fox Sports. As such, she developed and oversaw the sponsorship programs and client integration for the Pac-10 Conference’s blue chip sponsors such as Dr. Pepper/Sunkist, Pacific Life, Bank of the West, and 76 Gasoline. In addition, she created and executed the marketing campaigns for the Pac-10 Conference Basketball Tournament held annually at Staples Center in Los Angeles, along with implementation of on-court, on-air and in-arena sponsor integration throughout the Tournament. Andrea’s marketing and events career includes time spent as Supervisor at General Motor’s R*Works, a division of Interpublic Group, overseeing sponsorships, promotions and events for its key partners such as the Fiesta Bowl, Pac-10 Conference, Denver Broncos, USC, Monday Night Football, and the Rock and Roll Marathon series. At Magic International, the largest annual trade show in the fashion industry, she developed and managed its marketing campaigns, as well as coordinated and executed show events. Finally, during her time at Weider Publications, Andrea created and implemented marketing strategies and promotions for more than 21 consumer magazines in the fitness and entertainment industries including Shape, Men’s Fitness, Fit Pregnancy, Muscle & Fitness and Star. Andrea is a graduate of Pepperdine University with a BA in Public Relations and is currently a member of the Los Angeles chapter of Women in Sports and Entertainment (WISE). Andrea enjoys spending time with her family, working out and running (she has completed two marathons), and watching college sports!
Jordan Cohen

VP, Marketing Operations & Sales
Jordan Cohen

VP, Marketing Operations & Sales

Biography

Jordan has more than 11 years of experience in college sports, sponsorships, event/venue management, and digital media (both project management and design). He has always been an entrepreneur at heart and takes that mindset when working on new projects and with new clients. By believing there are better or more innovative ways to complete a project, he is able to provide both excellent value and drive results for his clients. As Director of Marketing & New Media at Southport Marketing, Jordan manages many existing clients in Southport’s portfolio as well as prospects those clients he feels will best be served by Southport’s services and expertise. His background brings new capabilities to Southport such as social media integration into traditional campaigns as well as large scale event production from his time managing multi-million dollar events at USC’s Galen Center. For 10 years prior to joining Southport, he worked in USC’s Athletic Department in various roles. Most recently, Jordan managed all new media projects within the department; spearheading a mobile application for fan interaction that was the first of its kind. Jordan’s out of the box thinking helped USC jump to the forefront of new media in college athletics generating not only fan engagement, but also additional revenue opportunities. Working with brands and their agencies such as AT&T, Coca-Cola, Chevron, Gatorade, Microsoft, Muscle Milk, and State Farm he is no stranger to integrating the goals of his clients with the sponsorship opportunities available to them. In 2012, Jordan received his Master’s in Business Administration from the Marshall School of Business at the University of Southern California. He earned a certificate in the Business of Entertainment through a joint program between the School of Cinematic Arts and Marshall while learning from executives at CAA, FX Networks, Sony Studios, and Hulu. Jordan graduated from the University of Southern California in 2006 with an undergraduate degree in Marketing and Entrepreneurship where he developed marketing plans as an intern for the USC Athletic Department and wrote business plans for two childhood friends who now run their own businesses. As you can probably tell, Jordan is a big fan of the USC Trojans and all of their sports teams. He also enjoys playing golf and basketball during his free time. Jordan tries to cook like all of those TV shows, but for some reason the dishes never come out the same. On a cold, rainy day, you can probably find him on XBOX Live getting beat by obnoxious 13-year-olds at some video game.
Jeremy Reed

MARKETING SUPERVISOR
Jeremy Reed

MARKETING SUPERVISOR

Biography

With more than seven years of experience in marketing and event management, Jeremy joined the Southport team in 2016 to manage client accounts, create interactive promotions and provide on-site management of various programs – The Jack Of All Trades and Master of Many.

Prior to joining Southport, Jeremy gained experience in digital media, communications, branding and event operations in the sports & entertainment industry including college football bowl games, NCAA championships, golf tournaments, endurance races, stadium concerts, and private events.

Jeremy received his Master’s in Sports Management from California State University, Long Beach in 2013. In 2011, he graduated from Northern Arizona University with a Bachelor’s in Business Management and a Certificate in Entrepreneurship.

When he is not working or watching sports, you can find him on the golf course yelling “fore” as he slices tee shot after tee shot.
Kristin Justiniano

Marketing Manager
Kristin Justiniano

Marketing Manager

Biography

Kristin Justiniano is a Marketing Manager who works with Southport Marketing to organize events and manage direct marketing strategies. With over 10 years of experience, Kristin has expertise in conceptualizing nationwide marketing strategies. She has coordinated hundreds of large scale projects with clients such as State Farm, Nissan, Coca Cola, Nintendo, and Lionsgate. Prior to joining the Southport team, Kristin worked at The Marketing Arm, overseeing their Nissan and State Farm accounts. During her time at The Marketing Arm, Kristin received 5 awards recognizing her leadership skills. Kristin’s teams consistently held the title for generating the most amount of quality leads at her events that later produced policies for State Farm as a whole. At Southport, Kristin mainly works with Alaska Airlines and 24 Hour Fitness to construct quality experiences at events throughout the nation. She also works on event production and management for the Los Angeles Rams, University of Southern California, and Taco Festivals. When Kristin isn’t planning events, you can find her salsa dancing or binging on her favorite Netflix shows.
Kayla Case

Marketing Manager
Kayla Case

Marketing Manager

Biography

Kayla has been with Southport Marketing since 2016. She started out as a Brand Ambassador and worked her way up to a Marketing Manager. Kayla takes pride in marketing for Heartland Chevrolet, a group of dealers across Nebraska and Western Iowa. She plans and executes activations at a wide variety of events such as local festivals, concerts, and sporting events.

Kayla is a life-long Nebraskan. She graduated from Bellevue University in 2012. When Kayla is not working she enjoys spending time at the lake, farm life, and enjoying time with family and friends.
Amy Smith

CREATIVE SERVICES
MANAGER
Amy Smith

CREATIVE SERVICES
MANAGER

Biography

Amy has more than 15+ years in the marketing and graphic design industry serving clients with creative design that is efficient and focused on a strategic goal. She has spent time in the field at events and has a great pulse on what grabs the attention of the consumer. Amy’s ability to design and produce all the creative elements that separate Southport’s clients from the sea of vendors on a traditional expo row. When Amy isn’t creating, she oversees the logistical necessities required for major events across the nation. From travel to booking staff to shipping to multiple locations with ease, Amy is a true get-it-done gal. Amy has developed award winning display properties and numerous print campaigns for clients including General Motors, Ford, Toyota, and 3M. In her continuing education, Amy is a member of the Graphic Artist Guild and AIGA. Amy is a Graduate of Florida State University with a BA in both Art History and Fine Art. Amy enjoys spending time with her family, relaxing at the beach, and running.
Liona Barrett

Marketing Coordinator
Liona Barrett

Marketing Coordinator

Biography

Liona started out as a Brand Ambassador with Southport Marketing right out of college, and has worked her way into a full-time Marketing Coordinator position. Liona spent time working at national sporting events, marathons, and festivals, so she ensures successful execution of Southport events while providing leadership to the Brand Ambassadors. Liona works with a variety of Southport clients to organize and create enjoyable experiential events for 24 Hour Fitness, Alaska Airlines, Toyota, and the LA Rams. Liona graduated from California Lutheran University in 2016 with a Bachelor’s in Exercise Science. Outside of work, she enjoys going out with friends, hiking, and finding scenic spots around town.
Zac Hodges

Marketing Coordinator
Zac Hodges

Marketing Coordinator

Biography

Zac Hodges joined Southport Marketing in May 2017 and was promoted to Marketing Coordinator in July 2019. Zac’s focus is managing the experiential marketing for the Mid America Chevrolet Dealers, a group of dealers across Missouri and Western Illinois. He plans and executes activations at a wide variety of events such as local festivals, concerts, sporting events, and the St. Louis Zoo.

Zac is also in charge of the College Internship Program which Southport has managed for the past eight years for the Mid America Chevrolet Dealers. This program allows Southport Marketing to recruit the best brand ambassadors for Chevrolet. Student groups from marketing classes at several area colleges compete. They develop marketing plans to promote Chevrolet brand and increase awareness to vehicles for a target market. In addition to their marketing plan the teams plan and organize events to compete against one another.

Prior to joining Southport Marketing, Zac gained experience with companies such as Make-A-Wish, iHeart Radio, and Abstrakt Marketing Group. He showcased and enhanced his skills in digital media branding, event planning, and communications to grow the client’s business and community engagement. Zac brings a creative approach and desire to increase awareness for his clients.

Zac graduated from Lindenwood University, St. Charles, Missouri in 2017 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree from The School of Business in Nonprofit Administration and Bachelor of Arts Degree in Studio Art.

When Zac is not working, he enjoys spending time at concerts, going to sporting events, and spending time with family, friends and his dog Jake.
Monique Wright

National Staffing Manager
Monique Wright

National Staffing Manager

Biography

Monique Wright is the National Staffing Manager at Southport. Monique has spent seven years in the experiential marketing business, staffing events nationwide for a multitude of prominent clients. She has worked on staffing events for Alaska Airlines, Budweiser, the LA Rams, Toyota, and many other household names. Monique’s focus is to custom match our clients with the right staff to ensure successful campaigns. The relationship-oriented approach she takes to staffing has proven to be beneficial for all parties involved in our events. Monique has a Bachelor’s degree in Communications and Journalism from the University of Washington, and a Master’s degree in Education from Pepperdine University. These communication and organization skills come in very handy in the fast-paced world of staffing and experiential marketing. Based in Seattle, Monique loves traveling to escape the rain and enjoying the outdoors when it is sunny. Monique enjoys spending time with her husband and young daughter.
Jill Matson

ASSISTANT CONTROLLER
Jill Matson

ASSISTANT CONTROLLER
Veronica Morales

Staff Accountant
Veronica Morales

Staff Accountant