Our Team
When Patricia left her career as a director of corporate communications for a major Chicago-based company and founded Sterling Kilgore, she had a vision of a company that set itself apart from the competition through unprecedented attention to service. Her goal was to change the typical “agency mindset” and truly become part of her clients’ staff, working to achieve their particular business goals.
A hands-on leader, Patricia is in daily contact with Sterling’s clients, working actively on their accounts along side her team of talented and accomplished staff. She holds an MBA from St. Ambrose University, a bachelor’s degree with an emphasis in English from Marycrest College, and is a Corporate Etiquette and International Protocol Consultant, certified through the Protocol School of Washington, D.C. A frequent contributor to a variety of publications focusing on business solutions, Patricia’s expertise in marketing and public relations make her an excellent resource for helping clients achieve their business objectives.
Patricia is an avid reader, loves music, her family, and all things French.
Mark Smith
Vice President, Business Services
msmith@sterlingkilgore.com
Mark joined Sterling Kilgore as vice president for business services in 2009, bringing with him a wealth of experience from a broad career background that has included banking, the non-profit sector, and law. An attorney, Mark’s law practice focused on business-related civil litigation and intellectual property law.
Mark helps keep Sterling Kilgore on the cutting edge, working closely with our president in the areas of firm management, client services, and business development. Mark holds Juris Doctor and MBA degrees from The College of William and Mary, as well as a Master’s degree from Duke University. His bachelor’s degree is from the University of Iowa.
Mark is an avid Duke Blue Devil fan and loves fly fishing.
Laura Fortini
Director, Client Services
lfortini@sterlingkilgore.com
As a vital part of the management team, Laura Fortini oversees workflow within our agency and is responsible for human resources and financial administration. Laura keeps a keen eye on ensuring that everything runs smoothly within Sterling Kilgore so that we deliver the peerless work product and attentive service our clients have come to expect.
As an undergraduate at Florida Southern College, Laura double majored in psychology and sociology. She holds a graduate degree in clinical psychology from Benedictine University and practiced as a licensed Clinical therapist prior to joining our team. In her free time, she volunteers in the community as a mental health therapist.
Joe Scolaro
Account Manager
jscolaro@sterlingkilgore.com
Joe Scolaro started his career as a daily newspaper reporter covering city government and politics. He spent 16 years in the newspaper industry, including serving as the business editor of a large Chicago suburban newspaper. This background comes in handy when writing an engaging byline or crafting a pitch that will make an editor bite. Prior to joining our team, Joe also gained valuable experience at a PR firm specializing in the franchise industry where he worked on local and national publicity campaigns.
Joe and his family enjoy helping area charitable groups by donating clothing and other items on a regular basis. In addition, he has helped nonprofit organizations with fund-raising letters. Joe is also a member of a suburban astronomy club.
Matt Janz
Senior Graphic Designer
mjanz@sterlingkilgore.com
With over 16 years of graphic design experience, Matt has created award-winning designs ranging from advertisements and collateral materials to branding campaigns and trade show exhibits. A recent graduate of The Illinois Institute of Art’s Web Design–Diploma program, Matt has the knowledge and talent to further position Sterling clients as industry leaders in print and on the web.
When he’s not in front of his iMac, Matt enjoys any sort of home improvement project, being beaten to a pulp by his 5-year-old nephew in Wii Boxing, NFL Sundays, and Fantasy Football—Go Wookiees!