Gwen Hammes
Gwen is deeply passionate about building meaningful connections, immersing herself in diverse cultures and communities, and bringing innovative ideas to life. This dedication has propelled her career, where she has worked with iconic global advertising agencies such as Ogilvy, FCB, and DDB. A key driver of her success has been her ability to assemble world-class teams that leverage the combined power of data, insights, and creativity to achieve exceptional results for clients. Whether developing new categories, driving consumer behavior shifts, or overcoming unseen barriers, Gwen’s focus remains on fostering profitable growth and creating lasting brand love for both clients and agencies. Throughout her career, Gwen has had the privilege of partnering with leading organizations such as Mars, Kimberly-Clark, Stellantis, Clorox, Levi Strauss, Sargento, and SC Johnson. She has earned a reputation as a trusted advisor and indispensable partner to CMOs navigating complex challenges in today’s marketplace.
In 2025, Gwen joined Cro Metrics, where she collaborates with brilliant teams to expand the impact of experimentation across marketing organizations, delivering exceptional value and driving significant change. She currently resides in Chicago with her husband and two sons, and prides herself on being a global citizen. Gwen studied at the University of Illinois where she studied Economics and Latin American Studies, began her career with an internship in Buenos Aires, spent five years in Mexico City, and has worked with clients across various global markets.
Outside of her professional life, Gwen enjoys performing stand-up comedy, renovating her family’s 100-year-old farmhouse, and following Formula 1.
Taylor Miller
Taylor leads HR strategy at Cro Metrics, focusing on aligning cultural values and driving initiatives that support organizational growth. With a background in supporting scaling remote tech companies, she brings expertise in employee engagement, fostering inclusive workplace cultures, and creating people-first strategies that enable teams to thrive.
Originally from Virginia, Taylor now lives in Charlotte, N.C., with her husband, son, and two golden retrievers. She enjoys cheering on Virginia Tech football, group fitness, and exploring local breweries. Taylor also loves traveling to the beach and spending quality time with her family and friends.
Joya Kicia
Joya brings a strong background in project management, web strategy, and process optimization to Cro Metrics. She excels in building strong client relationships, ensuring seamless team coordination, and guiding projects to successful, measurable outcomes. Before joining Cro Metrics, Joya was Director of Web Operations, where she led a team in implementing strategic web solutions, aligning projects with business goals, and overseeing end-to-end web development.
A proud Rhode Island native, Joya enjoys practicing yoga, experimenting with new recipes, and exploring the outdoors with her spouse and their dog, Dunkin.
Briana Parnell
Briana brings a wealth of project management experience to Cro Metrics. With a background that blends strategic marketing and project management, Briana launched her career by overseeing nationwide trade shows for a prominent manufacturing company in South Florida. Her enthusiasm for innovative marketing strategies led her to join Cro Metrics as a Program Manager, where she excels in cultivating strong client relationships and optimizing operational processes.
Outside of work, Briana enjoys delving into various artistic crafts including sewing, painting, and pottery. She also enjoys spending time outdoors, often hiking with her dog Leela—who's usually busy chasing squirrels along the trail.
Mandy Heady
Mandy Heady is a accomplished marketing strategist with extensive expertise in conversion rate optimization (CRO), analytics, and A/B testing. She joins Cro Metrics following senior roles where she led optimization programs for global clients, driving significant increases in conversion rates and revenue. Amanda has a proven track record of achieving substantial growth and client success through data-driven strategies and experimentation.
Mandy lives in Atlanta, GA with her husband, their two dogs and two cats. Outside of work, she enjoys rowing, hiking, climbing, cycling, and relaxing at home.
Brian Bailey
Brian has been interested in technology from a young age. He’s been developing websites since center tags were in fashion! Brian earned a master’s degree in information technology and management at Illinois Tech where he now serves as an adjunct professor. Prior to Cro Metrics, Brian spent 12 years in higher education as the director of web development, building and managing the university’s web infrastructure.
Aside from tinkering with technology, Brian likes to spend his time cooking and playing video games. Outside of the house, he enjoys scuba diving, sailing, snow skiing and taking walks with his wife and vizsla.
Luke Driscoll
Originally from Sydney, Australia, Luke is now based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, where he first came to study at Harvard University. His love for problem-solving and all things puzzles led to him pursuing a career in software. His work has taken him from film production companies, to ed-tech firms, to e-commerce sites, and now to Cro-Metrics!
When he isn't at his desk, Luke can be found logging movies on Letterboxd, snowboarding, or stress-watching the Patriots, Red Sox, Celtics, or Bruins.
Amanda Klitsch
Amanda Klitsch is a seasoned senior digital marketer with over 11 years of experience in digital marketing, integrated strategy, and demand generation. She joins Cro Metrics, following agency roles leading strategy development for Enterprise and Startup organizations across diverse industries such as technology, healthcare, higher education, and e-commerce.Amanda, her fiance Jordan, and their 2 cats live in Frederick, MD.
When she’s not working she’s most likely roller skating, reading, translating Shakespeare for fun, or hanging out with her niece, Nora.
Amanda Zinke
Amanda comes to Cro Metrics with 17 years of advertising experience. This includes an extensive background in account and project management, website design and development, along with managing both nationally recognized and local brands. She has a solutions-oriented mindset with a knack for enhancing processes. Amanda approaches both her life and career with confidence, adaptability, realism, and always with a sense of humor.
Amanda lives in Michigan with a blended family of her husband and four kids between them. On any given day they juggle the controlled chaos of sports, music and co-parenting with a lot of love and laughter. In their free time they can be found hiking, discovering new cocktails, or hosting parties at their basement bar.
Travis Jones
12+ years of experience in the always-changing Digital industry has forged Travis' current role as Director of Performance Marketing; working alongside CEOs and Marketing Directors to ensure their companies reach their full potential by fueling sale and lead funnels with holistic, analytically-driven marketing strategies.
Travis proudly resides in Atlanta, Georgia. Outside of work he enjoys spending time with his wife and two daughters, basketball, and music. He has a decade of live performance experience, including standup, improv, and sketch comedy.