WELCOME TO

Gerry McGillvray

Gerry has been a highly respected business leader in Ottawa’s advertising, marketing, and media industries for over 30 years.

Gerry prides himself on creating high-level partnerships and unique business opportunities among his network of Ottawa – Gatineau business leaders and reputable institutions.

Gerry’s natural business sense, contagious enthusiasm, and unique ability to create effective partnerships and collaborations grant the highest yield to clients.

Karen Moores

Karen has more than 21 years of experience working in Ottawa’s advertising and marketing industry, excelling in a wide range of roles including Graphic Designer, Account Manager, Media Buyer, Marketing Director, Director of Client Services, and now General Manager. 

Karen plays a key role in Blackiron’s success. She touches virtually every area of the agency, including corporate partnerships, branding/rebranding campaigns, events, video and photography shoots, and all aspects of print, broadcast, digital, and social media campaigns.

Karen’s extensive experience enables her to guide high-level projects, ensuring that ideas translate into increased success for clients.

Kevan Kalyan

Kevan has led teams that created award-winning work for national and international brands in Dubai, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador, and now Ottawa. 

Kevan works closely with Blackiron’s creative team to produce new ideas and integrated campaigns that span across experiential, digital, television, radio, print, out-of-home, and everything in between.

He believes in working collaboratively with his clients to help their brands stand out in their respective categories and win industry awards. 

Adam Hurda

Adam is an experienced Controller with a demonstrated history of working in Ottawa’s marketing and advertising industry. For 10 years, Adam has guided Blackiron’s financial and operational activities.

Adam is responsible for overseeing all of Blackiron’s financial and accounting functions as well as all office management and HR duties.

Adam ensures that all internal operations run smoothly, allowing the Blackiron team to provide industry-leading service for clients.

Jake Rupert

Jake is Blackiron’s Senior Account Manager. Through his experience, he has established himself as a trusted manager working alongside major national, regional, and local household brands, as well as service providers.

Jake excels at communicating, identifying growth avenues for his clients and evaluating their needs, recommending solutions and new opportunities, and identifying product improvement by analyzing industry trends and competitors.

Having an aptitude for technology, sport, and connection with people, Jake offers significant experience within sport partnerships, SEO/SEM marketing, and all forms of traditional media.

Cassandra DiChiara

As an Account Manager with Blackiron, Cassandra excels at developing client relationships by listening to their needs, having an open line for communication, and sharing her passion with her team.

With over 7 years in the industry, Cassandra’s expertise touches many layers of the agency’s services, including account management, media buying, production coordination, and a deep understanding of graphic design. Her educational roots in fine arts and design also allow her to consider all projects through a creative lens.

Proficient in media buying and social media content strategies, Cassandra is also known to push the boundaries in creating unique strategies and messaging for clients.

Frazer Berry

Frazer has more than 23 years of experience working in the marketing, digital, hospitality, arts, and design industries, with positions including Director of Outlets, Director of Corporate Accounts, Marketing Manager, Director of Sales and Marketing, General Manager, and Digital Director. 

As Blackiron’s Digital Strategist, Frazer leads the strategy for advanced digital campaigns across multiple platforms. He executes, manages, and optimizes campaign and budget performance, while also delivering detailed reporting that includes structured analytics to document the overall success of a campaign.

Maddi McGillvray

Maddi has been a key member of the Blackiron team for over 10 years, with positions including Account Coordinator, Digital Specialist, and now Copywriter/Content Management Specialist. Her versatile professional and academic background, which includes working towards a PhD in Cinema and Media Arts, has allowed her to develop diverse writing styles. 

Maddi’s writing and editing abilities add up to thoughtful copy for clients. Her extensive copywriting expertise encompasses radio scripts, websites, blogs, social media posts, email newsletters, and various B2B and B2C communications. 

Maddi crafts the right messages for clients to communicate in a way that feels true and authentic to their brand. 

Jacob Matte

Working professionally for over 5 years, Jacob has spent his career perfecting a wide skill set in design and marketing, working as both a freelancer and an in-house Graphic Designer. 

Jacob’s experience extends across brand development, corporate identities, multi-page print publications, digital interactive publications, signage, vehicle wraps, and illustrations. He also excels in social media and email campaigns, product photography, and video editing.

Jacob’s collaborative spirit partners well with clients, bringing their design requirements to a sustainable and spectacular reality.

Darcy Cudmore

Darcy is a Journalism graduate who harnesses his acquired knowledge and exceptional writing and media relations skills to help craft successful, innovative, and meaningful public relations campaigns for clients.

With over 6 years of agency and public relations experience, Darcy continues to excel in building, maintaining, and promoting positive brand identities and messaging. Darcy has worked with notable clients across various industries.

Darcy enjoys navigating the ever-expanding online landscape and is always looking to find new opportunities for clients. When he lands a client win, he is just as excited as they are!

Anna Grace Learie

Motivated by her natural ability for making connections and being attentive to the needs of others, Grace provides exceptional client services by getting to know each client in depth, giving her the knowledge and expertise to help them get coverage in the right places to reach the right audiences. Grace brings creativity and original thinking to her work and is able to take on any project that comes her way.

Grace continually goes the extra mile for clients to ensure they are happy and satisfied with the services they have received.