Our Team
Hi from Level! We're a performance marketing agency that prides ourselves on our team of smart, creative, and curious marketers. From data analysts to creative strategists, we have a range of experts who are constantly striving to learn more, push boundaries, and deliver the best possible outcomes for our clients.
Meet Our Executive Team
In his tenure as president & CEO of Level Agency, Patrick Patterson oversaw its transformation from a pioneering, fast-growing higher education shop into the performance-marketing powerhouse it is today. Under his leadership, the agency's revenue grew 30% or more annually; its profit margin increased 4X; its marketing spend now tops $50M annually, and its capabilities have broadened to offer more complementary services for more industries.
Great marketing starts with asking great questions. From the outset of his career, Patterson applied his background in computer science and math to the challenge of reaching and engaging audiences (and carefully measuring every result). In an industry increasingly driven by automation and machine learning, he excelled, ultimately managing a $30+ million budget for Education Management Corporation. Patrick then took his passion for creating value to product development, implementing lean methodology at a technology startup that focused on using data to drive efficient sales enablement.
His drive for efficiency, performance, and continuous improvement led him to join agency founder Thomas Donohoe in 2012 to oversee Level's operations and strategic direction - eventually purchasing the company in 2021 with his partner, Patrick Van Gorder.
Patterson's vision for Level Agency is to be the go-to performance marketing agency when clients want real, measurable results. Reaching this goal requires an uncompromising commitment to performance: platform excellence, compelling creative, client partnership, growth mindset, and constant innovation. By surrounding himself with talented, adaptable colleagues, he knows he's set the agency up for success.
Patrick X.W. Van Gorder has been part of the leadership team of Level Agency since the company’s founding in 2010. Starting as Lead Copywriter, Van Gorder has made measurable, significant contributions in each subsequent role he has held; as Director of Campaigns and Platforms, as AVP of Client Services, as VP of Operations, as Senior Vice President and Head of Accounts, EVP, and in his current role as President.
As President, Van Gorder is responsible for the strategic performance marketing success of the agency's clients. That encompasses fostering healthy, trust-rooted partner relationships, developing increasingly ROI-effective ways to digitally reach target audiences, and consistently delivering attention-grabbing and relevant advertising creative.
Van Gorder attended the University of Pittsburgh, where he graduated with a B.A. dual major in Journalism and Political Science. A son of missionary parents, Van Gorder grew up in five different countries across three continents, before coming to the University of Pittsburgh to study Journalism and Political Science. He lives in Pittsburgh’s East End with his wife Sophia, daughter Pearl, golden retriever Lily, and cat Basil.
Bill joined Becker Media in 2015 bringing over 25 years of direct response marketing experience. He began his career on the agency side of the business and then moved to the client side in 1995 managing new customer acquisition for a top 10 credit card issuer. Over the past 25 years, he has managed every major direct response channel from direct mail to TV to internet. His focus has always been on driving profitable growth by optimizing the marketing spend.
Bill is a proud father of 3 teenage girls, stating he has spent more time than he wishes to admit playing dress-up and getting his hair done. He is also an avid reader of trashy military thrillers. Bill and his wife enjoy getting away for long weekends of good food and wine.
Arsham Mirshah is the co-founding integrator behind WebMechanix (WMX). He will serve as President of WMX to ensure a smooth transition and continued growth of the WMX business unit.
As CEO of WebMechanix, Arsham has been on the cutting edge of marketing technology for over 15 years. He builds digital marketing teams & helps them translate their needs into technology solutions to add major efficiencies, leverage AI/ML, and ultimately drive big bottom-line results.
Under Arsham’s leadership, WebMechanix achieved a 23% average CAGR over 15 years, appeared on the Inc. 5000 list 9 times & won over 125 awards for culture, innovation, and marketing/creative excellence (including an Inc. 5000 “Best Place to Work” award in May, 2024).
Arsham graduated from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County with dual degrees in Bioinformatics and Computer Science. He’s a father of two, supported by his wife, Pearl, and is granted permission by his family to go skiing for one week per year.
Eddie Aja is a seasoned Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and growth strategist with a proven track record in scaling and exiting companies across various industries, including retail, SaaS, and B2B.
With extensive experience in financial strategy, business expansion, and profit maximization, Eddie has successfully led companies to significant revenue growth and lucrative sales. At Tiger Direct, Eddie directed financial reporting for a $2B P&L, spearheading complex integrations and developing their coop vendor billing systems.
As CFO of Pet Supermarket, a pet supply retailer with over 200 stores nationwide, he facilitated the company's sale to a private equity firm achieving 13X EBITDA. His leadership at KIPU Systems resulted in a 300% revenue increase in 5 years as well as a successful sale transaction with a 20X multiple.
At Level Agency, Eddie will take on the duties of financial leadership with a focus on improving financial reporting, optimizing billings protocols, building and professionalizing the finance function, and preparing the company for additional acquisitions. Eddie is a licensed CPA and holds an MBA from the University of Miami and a BS in Accounting from Florida International University.
Meet Some of Our Leaders
Myles received is BA in Corporate Communications from Lycoming College and is a graduate of the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Emerging Leaders Program. He has nearly a decade of experience on the client-side of marketing, working as Marketing Director and General Manager for companies in a variety of verticals including construction, transportation, aviation, and craft beer. Prior to joining Level, Myles was the Director of Digital Marketing for an agency specializing in Ecommerce and B2B Lead Generation.
Here at Level, Myles’ diverse marketing background and general business operations experience have enabled him to act as a value injector for clients and champion special projects, first as the Director of Strategic Projects, and now as AVP, Resource Management.
Outside of the office, Myles enjoys podcasting, livestreaming, and marathon running. He is also a TEDx Speaker and award-winning author.
Karlie Bliss comes to Level as a growth strategist with a strong record of rapidly scaling businesses. She has driven revenue growth from $1M to $5M in under a year and boosted Logixboard’s ARR from $2M to $10M in just 1.5 years. Karlie specializes in optimizing lead-to-revenue processes and has a keen focus on scaling companies from $1M to $10M with 50-200 employees. Her expertise includes managing high-value sales cycles, growing teams from the ground up, and significantly improving win rates through targeted market focus.
Based in Philadelphia, Karlie is a mom of five, candle enthusiast, and passionate home chef.
Brent’s role as VP of Client Services is part of a journey that results from over 15 years of experience navigating the EDU space and various agency operations. He is an analytical thinker with a knack for listening to and understanding clients’ needs, and adapting solutions to their complex problems. Brent takes pride in building and leading teams of skilled marketers to exceed clients’ goals and expectations.
Ernie, VP of Digital Marketing at Becker since 2017, brings over 20 years of diverse performance digital advertising experience across multiple verticals. Ernie applies a strong background in analytics and emphasis in creativity and problem solving to help clients achieve their online marketing objectives. As a leader, Ernie’s focus is on developing his team to become experts in the field while working with them to drive innovation and constantly strive to improve results.
Tim Fitzgerald graduated from Carnegie Mellon University with degrees in both Economics and Music. He specializes in Social and Display advertising while maintaining a passion for large analytics projects. For Tim, effective marketing lies at the confluence of art and science.
His major analytics projects include customer lifetime value analyses and Level Agency's cross-channel attribution tool, which allows Level to get more for our client media dollars. Passionate and resourceful, Tim believes in the words of the founder of his alma mater “My Heart is in the Work”.
In his spare time Tim continues to explore his love of music as a multi-instrumentalist and producer.
As WebMechanix's Head of Client Services, Luke unifies the marketing, accounts, creative, and development department to maximize client retention and growth. He strives to position the company as industry leaders with innovative approaches and a readiness to seize the next opportunity. Luke is a hands-on, proficient leader, who is adept at prioritizing efforts and maximizing the potential of team members, while also knowing when to pull the team forward by leading with action.
Jenna is a finance and accounting professional with a Bachelor of Science degree from the Smeal College of Business at Penn State University. She has over 10 years’ experience in the finance and accounting industry and a strong understanding of financial reporting, analysis and accounting principles.
Outside of Level, Jenna enjoys raising two wonderful daughters and shopping for treasures. She is also an avid baker, with long term goals of opening a bakery with her husband.
Russ joined Becker Media in 2017. Prior to that, he spent a little more than a year at the Automobile Club of Southern California (AAA) managing the membership marketing team. Before that, he worked as a senior marketing director for one of the largest education companies in the US for a little more than 13 years. Becker Media has allowed Russ to get back to his roots, the education industry. His experience on the client side in the EDU space has allowed him to provide insight and marketing strategy that he has learned throughout his career in both direct response marketing and branding.
Keefer Kopco graduated from Gannon University’s Theatre and Communication Arts department. He specializes in social media and display marketing, working with clients and Level’s creative team on targeting, testing, and ad design strategy.
During his time in undergrad, he served as Editor-In-Chief of the student-run blog Gannon Edge. Has served as social media production and strategy roles for NYC indie comic publisher Drumfish Productions, and Erie-based digital marketing agency Epic Web Studios. During his time at Epic he helped get the Socialism: The Game Kickstarter-funded through securing spots on Fox’s After the Bell and Vice. He promoted undefeated boxer Gennady “GGG” Golovkin on behalf of Golden Boy Productions for his Monroe, Lemieux, and Wade fights and managed paid media for several notable stand-up comedians including Eddie Griffin and Tom Green.
In his spare time, Keefer’s a huge comic book collector and board game enthusiast.
With skills sets in overall strategy, client partnership, media management, and creative, Jess has experience in ecommerce, higher-ed, and non-profit marketing among other industries. She received her Master of Science in Digital Journalism from Syracuse University and joins Level after living in Erie, Pa for undergrad and beyond. As a client services team member, Jess has a passion for problem-solving through data-driven marketing and finding the most efficient way to accomplish client goals.
Outside of work, you can find Jess at a Pittsburgh Penguins game, boating on the Three Rivers with her husband and dog, or finding the next best brunch spot.
Tina has been with Becker since 2017, bringing with her nearly two decades of advertising experience; She has managed campaigns for companies like Nissan North America, The Irvine Company and AAA. Her most treasured experience is the 10+ years spent in education marketing, having worked as a direct response marketing director at one of the largest school groups in the country. Tina's experience in that role helps her understand the intricacies of both day-to-day and long-term needs of our clients.
Matt Miller joins us as SVP of Enterprise Data & Analytics, bringing over 15 years of experience driving growth through data-driven strategies. Most recently, Matt served as Director of Business Product Strategy at Meta, where he developed long-term product & partnership strategies to improve advertising performance.
Matt leads our data science capabilities, developing products and practices to uncover actionable insights that inform strategic recommendations and improve client performance.
Prior to Meta, Matt held senior leadership roles at Performics and Publicis Media, developing data driven practices in the US and globally.
Matt brings expertise in performance marketing, strategic partnerships, and analytics consulting. With his analytical and collaborative approach, he consistently builds high-performing teams that deliver measurable impact for clients. Matt holds a BS in Industrial and Labor Relations from Cornell University.
As the Vice President of Sales & Marketing at WebMechanix, Josh brings over a decade of expertise in guiding C-Suite executives on comprehensive digital marketing strategies, messaging nuances, media diversification, and market insights. With a proven track record of executing these strategies effectively, Josh spearheads initiatives to penetrate the mass market. His responsibilities include steering marketing efforts, orchestrating inbound and outbound sales, and cultivating relationships that have resulted in a remarkable 200% year-over-year growth in net new revenue for four consecutive quarters. Continuously innovating, Josh remains committed to widening the competitive advantage that sets WebMechanix apart in the industry landscape.
Geoff leads a team of performance marketing professionals charged with the successful generation and retention of students for higher education clients. He brings a decade of omni-channel performance marketing success for Level Agency’s Education, B2B, and high-value B2C clients and ensures data is driving every student growth and marketing decision we’re making.
Before Level, Geoff studied psychology at the University of Maryland and spent five years of academic research experience developing statistical analyses, efficient processes, marketing surveys, and using data to solve puzzles in human experiences.
In his downtime, he enjoys spending time with his young family, woodworking, and if he can find time, snowboarding.
Mike Rubino studied graphic design and creative writing (BFA) at Seton Hill University, and has over a decade of experience in design, illustration, filmmaking and marketing. He believes in drawing every day and using visual storytelling to communicate and inspire action. Most recently, he served as a visual design manager and a certified human-centered design instructor at LUMA Institute. Mike uses empathy-driven design thinking methods alongside skills in digital illustration and storytelling to help clients make meaningful connections with customers. Mike serves as a Director of Programming at Arcade Comedy Theater, a Pittsburgh-based non-profit theater, and can be often seen on stage as an improviser and actor. He loves living in Pittsburgh’s Northside with his wife and son, playing board games, and cooking breakfast.
As a results-oriented executive, Rachel brings a wealth of experience to the Level team. With a track record of steering high-performance agencies through dynamic landscapes and managing revenues spanning from $150 million to $700 million, she has consistently thrived in challenging contexts and high-pressure environments.
Over the past two decades, Rachel has taken the helm in mentoring diverse international teams ranging from 50 to 150 individuals. Her enthusiasm lies in fostering meaningful client relationships, crafting and refining processes, and strategically positioning firms for continuous revenue expansion.
Core professional competencies include change management, strategic planning, performance management and KPIs, P&L oversight, market and target research, customer satisfaction and retention, contract negotiations, data analysis and reporting, process design and SOP, M&A identification and integration, business development, and leadership and management.
Outside of work, Rachel is an advocate for racial equality, and a community leader at Barnert Temple, contributing to community growth and engagement initiatives. She has balanced diverse commitments, including raising and nurturing children, board leadership within the Parent Teacher Organization, and community involvement, all while maintaining a growth-focused career.
Mike is a born and raised Western Pennsylvanian, growing up in the south hills of Pittsburgh. He attended Duquesne University where he graduated with a degree in Business Administration (Information Technology). After learning that he wasn't cut out to be a developer (ask him about his struggles with object-oriented programming and highly inefficient code), Mike fell into a nearly 20-year career as a technology consultant. Most recently, Mike was a Managing Director at Protiviti, a global business and technology consulting firm, as a leader in their Technology Strategy and Architecture practice, responsible for engagement oversight, client relationship management, new business development, people growth and practice operations.
At Level, Mike leads the technology organization, working closely with our teams to set and execute the technology strategy for the next stage of its growth. He ensures our people, and our clients, have access to the right tools and technologies to match the pace and demand they expect. Mike also is responsible for consistent and efficient delivery of IT support and services, tech risk management and information security, and resilience of systems and data.
Mike lives with his very understanding wife, Kim, and three cats out in the country north of Evans City, PA. He's spent 10 years chasing his childhood by amassing a small retro videogame museum in his basement and home office. He also likes driving fast cars, spending time winter or summer near any tall mountain or lake and being the "cool uncle" to 8 incredible nieces and nephews.
Brad Stephenson is a digital marketing leader with a unique blend of creative and analytical skills. With a data-focused Master's degree from Carnegie Mellon University and a background in acting, stand-up comedy, and journalism, he brings a strong storytelling foundation to his work. With more than 20 years of digital marketing experience, including leading a global team for Philips Home Healthcare Solutions and increasing annual attendance at Carnegie Museum of Art by more than 25 percent, Brad has a proven track record of success.
At Level Agency, he combines his creative and data-driven strategic background to help clients understand audiences and deliver compelling digital ads that produce results.
In his free time, Brad spends time skiing and playing board games with his daughter, Sadie. He also produces and performs in the award-winning monthly comedy show "Knights of the Arcade" in Pittsburgh.
Dennis solves design challenges with data and creativity, culminating in engaging and impactful work. Looking for a file? He likely knows where it is!
Sarah joined Becker Media in 2013 and has over two decades of direct response marketing and advertising experience. Throughout her journey, she has not only delved into the multifaceted realm of marketing in higher education but also discovered immense joy in working on creative initiatives. Building innovative strategies and consistently delivering positive outcomes for clients has been a driving force.