MEET THE FACES OF BLKDOG
We Are Graphic Designers, Web Developers, Content Creators And Marketing Specialists.
Our experienced and close-knit team delivers cohesive design work and brand development that’s uniquely tailored to your needs. We bring diverse expertise and deep industry knowledge to every project, collaborating with trusted partners to bring your vision to life. We’re speedy, but our process is never brief. Our efficient, solution-driven approach ensures successful brands and campaigns, with clients involved every step of the way.
Jesse Tyree
STRATEGY + ART DIRECTION
Founded BLKDOG in 2007
A seasoned pro in both traditional and digital media, Jesse cut his teeth managing internal and external advertising campaigns for big names like Verizon and Lee Enterprise. In the mid-2000s, he founded BLKDOG to provide clear-cut, accessible branding designed to help organizations prosper. Under Jesse’s leadership, BLKDOG has flourished into one of the top web, branding, and ad agencies in the Northeast, known for launching our clients’ businesses to new heights. His customer-centric, push-all-limits energy has become a core part of our team’s approach, resulting in countless successful consumer and B2B campaigns across the globe.
When he’s not overseeing projects, hosting meetings, or connecting with other industry thought leaders, Jesse enjoys life in South Glens Falls, NY with his wife, daughters, dogs, and elusive gato “Sonny.”
Achievements & Notable Work +
Notable Clients & Campaigns:
Destination Marketing and Hospitality:
Discover Florida Tours; New York State Tourism Industry Association; Saratoga Arms; Six Flags Great Escape; California Hotel & Lodging Association; City of Long Beach (CA); City of Woonsocket (RI); Queensbury Hotel; Saratoga Arms;
Construction & Industrial Services:
Fort Miller Group; D.A. Collins Companies; TARCO;
Food & Consumer Goods:
Grassroots Ice Cream; KRU Coffee Collective; Thorn & Roots; West Chop Co.; Junbucha; Mil Usos; Mikado Japanese Restaurant;
Cannabis and Adult Beverages:
ADK Wine & Food Festival; Cannabis Association of New York; New York State Brewers Association; Northway Brewing Co.; Radicle Life; Walt and Whitman Brewing Company; Radicle Life;
Non-Profit and Education:
Norwich University; Ucross Foundation; Ocean Allies; Agricultural Stewardship Association; Gulf Beaches Historical Museum; Habitat for Humanity; National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame; Norwich University; Washington County Historical Society;
Economic & Industrial Development:
New York State Economic Development Council; Amherst IDA; Genesee County Chamber of Commerce; Lake George Regional Chamber of Commerce; Rochester Works; South Glens Falls Chamber of Commerce;
Workforce Development:
Fort Hudson Health System
Speaking Engagements:
- Presenter at 2023 NYSTIA Annual Conference on “Developing Short Term Rental Partnerships”
- Panel speaker for the NYS Economic Development Corporation
- BOCES
- Norwich
- Cannabis Business Hub
- Moderator, 2024 Partners for Workforce and Economic Development Conference (Oct. 22, 2024, in Rochester, NY for NYATEP)
- AMPLIFY Clearwater 2024 Marketing Bootcamp
- SUNY ADK
Awards & Mentions:
- Named one of the ‘20 Under 40 Business Leaders’ by Adirondack Chamber of Commerce in 2015
- Nominated for the Adirondack Chamber of Commerce Steve Sutton Business of the Year Award in 2015
Lyssa Howard
SENIOR WEB DEVELOPER
Joined BLKDOG in 2013
Since the beginning, Lyssa has led nearly every website development project we’ve tackled. Leaning on a fine-tuned eye for both fun and functionality, she’s helped brands come to life in a way that’s both engaging and deeply impactful. To tailor each branded site to our client’s unique needs, Lyssa taps into her extensive knowledge of programming to achieve the right results, whether it takes PHP, CSS, or HTML to get there.
In her free time, Lyssa nurtures her love of nature and technology by enjoying relaxing activities such as walks with her wife and dog, fishing, playing video games, and practicing photography.
Achievements & Notable Work +
Notable Web Dev Projects, Clients & Campaigns:
Destination Marketing and Hospitality:
Washington County Tourism (NY); Discover Saratoga (NY); Saratoga Arms;
Workforce Development:
Fort Hudson Health System; WSWHE BOCES;
Construction & Industrial Services:
D.A. Collins Companies; Fort Miller Group
Consumer Goods:
West Chop Co
Cannabis and Adult Beverages:
Alta Dispensary
Economic & Industrial Development:
Drum Country (Jefferson, St. Lawrence and Lewis Counties, NY); Newburgh IDA (NY); Warren-Washington IDA (NY)
Notable Photography Projects, Clients & Campaigns:
Great Escape Lodge photoshoots
Speaking Engagements:
Suny ADK (2013, Women in STEM)
Awards:
- 6th Place in the Nation for Graphic Design – Issued by Skills USA [Associated with Southern Adirondack Education Center]
- 1st Place Award In State for Graphic Design – Issued by Skills USA [Associated with Southern Adirondack Education Center]
- 3rd Place Award In State for Photography – Issued by Skills USA [Associated with Southern Adirondack Education Center]
- Career and Technical Education Staff Award – Issued by Southern Adirondack Education Center
- Certificate of Achievement – Issued by Southern Adirondack Education Center
Certifications:
- Adobe Certified
- Google Analytics certified
Chris Coughlan
STRATEGY + ACCOUNTS
Joined BLKDOG as an intern in 2015
As Senior Project Manager, Chris oversees many of BLKDOG’s branding and marketing projects, from economic and workforce development to tourism and consumer goods. Whether working with startups or mature organizations, Chris takes pride in helping our clients showcase their authentic identity while connecting with their audiences through strategic storytelling. Beyond project management, he’s also a master networker with a passion for results, new ideas, and client success, ensuring a smooth process from initial onboarding through project completion.
When out of office, Chris can usually be found on the lake, on the golf course, or hanging out with his wife and dogs at home.
Achievements & Notable Work +
Notable Clients & Campaigns:
Destination Marketing and Hospitality:
Washington County Tourism (NY); Lake County (CA); Cayuga County Office of Tourism (NY); California Hotel and Lodging Association;
Non-Profit:
Lake George Land Conservancy; Steep Rock Association;
Workforce Development:
Fort Hudson Health System; WSWHE BOCES; County of Saratoga; Rochester Works;
Economic & Industrial Development:
Fairport OCED (NY); Drum Country (NY – Jefferson-Lewis-St. Lawrence counties); New York Small Business Development Center; Warren Washington Industrial Development (NY); Amherst IDA (NY); City of Long Beach (CA);
Municipal & Governmental:
Vermont Housing & Conservation Board; City of Woonsocket (NY);
Speaking Engagements:
- Presenter at 2022 NYSTIA Annual Conference on “Tying Tourism Initiatives to Workforce Development”
- Presenter at 2023 NYSTIA Annual Conference on “Developing Short Term Rental Partnerships”
- Panel speaker for CANY’s Webinar Series on “Marketing and Brand Development”
- Panel speaker at 2024 NYSEDC Conference on “Economic Development Marketing and Strategic Communications”
- AMPLIFY Clearwater 2024 Marketing Bootcamp
Awards:
- NYSTIA 2024 Awards: Saratoga Arms (Excellence in Overall Tourism Marketing: Private Sector Entity) and Washington County Tourism (Excellence in Tourism Marketing Campaigns, Projects & Programs: Trails & Itineraries)
- NYSEDC 2024 Award: Washington County Tourism (Marketing Best in Class Award)
Lauren Occhiogrosso
SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER
Joined BLKDOG in 2017
Lauren’s focus on eye-catching, innovative design enables her to develop unique and impactful brand aesthetics that are always content-centered and concept-driven. Her design work encompasses everything from visual identity and branding to packaging, print, and web design, while her concept development and pre-press production skills help guide projects from research to completion.
Before joining our team, Lauren earned a BFA at the College of Saint Rose and designed for musical artists during her internship at Equal Vision Records.
Achievements & Notable Work +
Notable Clients & Campaigns:
Destination Marketing and Hospitality:
Washington County Tourism (NY); City of Long Beach (CA); Lake County (CA); Cayuga County Office of Tourism (NY); City of Woonsocket (NY); California Hotel and Lodging Association;
Non-Profit:
Lake George Land Conservancy; Steep Rock Association;
Food & Consumer Goods:
Junbucha; Kru Coffee Collective; Alta Dispensary (NY);
Workforce Development:
Fort Hudson Health System; WSWHE BOCES; County of Saratoga (NY); Rochester Works (NY); Capital Region Workforce Development (NY);
Economic & Industrial Development:
Fairport Office of Community & Economic Development (NY); Drum Country (NY – Jefferson-Lewis-St. Lawrence counties); Amherst IDA (NY); Warren Washington Industrial Development (NY); New York Small Business Development Center (NYSBDC);
Municipal & Governmental:
Vermont Housing & Conservation Board;
Awards:
Over the past 5 years, Lauren has been the leading designer on:
- 5 ADDY Award-winning branding and design projects
- 2 New York State Economic Development Corporation Excellence in Marketing Awards
Alexis Shippee
CONTENT STRATEGY
Joined BLKDOG in 2019
Alexis takes point when it comes to big-picture marketing strategy, from brand identity to messaging and positioning. Her background in copywriting and digital media for newsrooms, niche magazines, and mid-size corporations alike gives her a unique insight into what it takes for brands to stand out from the crowd – in any environment.
While off the clock, Alexis embraces other avenues of creativity, from sewing and gardening to home renovation, helping with her husband’s family farm, or planning her next get-together.
Achievements & Notable Work +
Notable Projects, Clients & Campaigns:
Destination Marketing and Hospitality:
Washington County Tourism (NY); Discover Saratoga (NY); Saratoga Arms Hotel; City of Long Beach (CA); Warren County Tourism Department/Festival Commons
Workforce Development:
Fort Hudson Health System; WSWHE BOCES; County of Saratoga (NY); Drum Country (Jefferson, St. Lawrence, and Lewis Counties, NY);
Construction & Industrial Services:
D.A. Collins Companies; Fort Miller Group;
Consumer Goods:
The Flour Bender Bakery; Just Because Clothing and Apparel; Grassroots Ice Cream and Street Food (CT); Walt Cafe and Whitman Brewing Company
Cannabis and Adult Beverages:
The Flower Garden Dispensary (NJ); Florist Farms (NY); Mass Yield (MA); Alta Dispensary (NY); Dancing Grain Brewery (NY); Underberg (National)
Economic & Industrial Development:
Fairport Office of Community & Economic Development (NY)/Village of Fairport Industrial Development Agency; Amherst IDA (NY); Development Authority of the North Country;
Non-Profits & Education:
Agricultural Stewardship Association;
Speaking Engagements:
- WSWHE BOCES Women in STEM Panel
- AMPLIFY Clearwater 2024 Marketing Bootcamp
Awards:
- NYSTIA 2024 Awards: Saratoga Arms (Excellence in Overall Tourism Marketing: Private Sector Entity) and Washington County Tourism (Excellence in Tourism Marketing Campaigns, Projects & Programs: Trails & Itineraries)
- NYSEDC 2024 Award: Washington County Tourism (Marketing Best in Class Award)
Kerry Mason
ACCOUNTING + BILLING
Joined BLKDOG in 2008
Kerry is our go-to organizational + financial expert. An essential piece of the BLKDOG team from the beginning, her responsibilities as head of Accounting & Billing include managing internal processing, onboarding clients into the system, providing financial updates (estimates, account history & invoices), and ensuring team members are paid, supported, and making full use of their vacation time.
When she’s not helping our team avoid scope creep, Kerry spends most of her free time with her family in the beautiful Lake George region of New York.
Julia Howard
GRAPHIC DESIGNER
Joined BLKDOG in 2021
Julia’s passion for visual storytelling permeates everything she creates, whether she’s working on a simple logo project or a multi-medium campaign. From her studies at SUNY New Paltz to her work at BLKDOG, Julia’s bold designs have been displayed throughout the entire Eastern seaboard, both online and off.
This thoughtful mindset extends to her day-to-day, in which she’s embraced the sustainable, DIY, and zero-waste lifestyle in the Hudson Valley with her partner and their dog, Milo.
Achievements & Notable Work +
Notable Projects, Clients & Campaigns:
Destination Marketing and Hospitality:
Washington County Tourism (NY); ADK Boat Tours; Creative Jam; Discover Florida Tours; Discover Saratoga
Workforce Development:
Rochester Works
Construction & Industrial Services:
The Fort Miller Group; Metro Environmental Services
Food & Consumer Goods:
Grassroots Ice Cream; Abbina Craft Soda; Bonticou Brewing; Cauldron Creations; DILLIGAF; Jacko’s Corner; Just Because; Mil Usos; MOSU Asian BBQ & Hot Pot
Cannabis and Adult Beverages:
ADK Wine & Food Festival; Mass Yield; The Flower Garden Dispensary (NJ)
Economic & Industrial Development:
Development Authority of the North Country; Greater Greenwich Chamber of Commerce; Naturally Lewis / Discover Tug Hill
Workforce Development:
County of Saratoga (NY); Fort Drum Regional Liaison Organization; Holding the Light
Non-Profit and Education:
Adirondack Rail Trail Association; Agricultural Stewardship Association; Gulf Beaches Historical Museum; Saratoga Lake Association
Speaking Engagements:
- Spoke to BOCES 2023 New Media Senior Class on designing the BOCES CTE STEAM Bus Wrap
- Graphics 1 Instructor for SUNY Adirondack’s New Media 2024 Class
Anthony Nicolosi
PROJECT MANAGER
Joined BLKDOG in 2023
After nearly a decade as a promoter for private, performing arts, and government events, Anthony is bringing his signature high-energy and highly organized approach to BLKDOG as a project manager. His passion for making meaningful connections with clients, his community, and team members is matched only by his dedication to delivering top-notch solutions that result in success for our clients.
Outside of work, Ant stays plugged into both the Florida and New York music scenes, actively supporting local artists, venues, and creators alike.
Achievements & Notable Work +
Notable Projects, Clients & Campaigns
Destination Marketing and Hospitality:
Campground Owners of New York
Construction & Industrial Services:
Fort Miller Precast; Overhead Door of Glens Falls (& Hudson River Valley)
Consumer Goods:
The Flour Bender; MOSU Asian BBQ
Cannabis and Adult Beverages:
Aeterna Cannabis; Bonticou Brewing Company; Ruben Brown Grow
Non-Profit:
Saratoga Lake Association (NY)
Economic & Industrial Development:
Newburgh IDA (NY)
Hannah Noack
COPYWRITER + STRATEGY
Joined BLKDOG in 2023
Blending her passion for studying consumer behavior with a deep love of storytelling, Hannah writes compelling copy for clients ranging from construction and consumer goods to tourism and economic development. As a marketer of many talents, she also helps our clients by implementing new marketing strategies, fulfilling ad buys through various platforms, and optimizing online content to reach their goals.
When she’s not in her home office, you’ll find Hannah exploring the outdoors, painting, or immersing herself in a good book.
Achievements & Notable Work +
Notable Projects, Clients & Campaigns:
Destination Marketing and Hospitality:
Washington County Tourism (NY)
Workforce Development:
WSWHE BOCES
Construction & Industrial Services:
Metro Environmental Services
Consumer Goods:
Abbina Craft Sipping Soda
Cannabis and Adult Beverages:
Aeterna Cannabis
Economic & Industrial Development:
Drum Country (Jefferson, St. Lawrence and Lewis Counties, NY); Newburgh IDA (NY)
Laura Mancini
WEB DEVELOPER
Joined BLKDOG in 2023
Whether crafting code or composing melodies, Laura always brings creativity and innovation to the table. A versatile full-stack web developer with proficiency in HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and more, Laura takes a holistic approach to software development, adhering to the best practices in coding to create engaging and dynamic end-user experiences.
In addition to her technical skills, Laura is also a seasoned musician. Not only has she shared the stage with Grammy Award-winners Ashanti and Ja Rule, but she’s also assisted in scoring and recording for several Netflix shows including “The Haunting of Bly Manor” and “Midnight Mass.”
Achievements & Notable Work +
Notable Projects, Clients & Campaigns:
Construction & Industrial Services:
Tarco, Fort Miller Services
Healthcare:
New York American College of Emergency Physicians
Non-profits:
Saratoga Lake Association, Holding the Light
Apryl Murray
GRAPHIC DESIGNER
Joined BLKDOG in 2024
Whether designing for screens or print, Apryl combines creativity and strategy to produce impactful visuals that bring ideas to life. She is a graphic designer with a degree from SUNY New Paltz, specializing in digital, web, and motion design. With a strong eye for visual storytelling and problem-solving, she creates engaging and dynamic designs that resonate across digital platforms. In addition to her expertise in digital media, she has experience in print design, allowing her to tackle any design task that comes her way.
When she isn’t behind her computer screen, you can probably find her cheering on the New York Yankees or New Jersey Devils from home or at the stadium.
Wherever you are in the process, we’ll meet you there. New kid on the block? Let’s talk logo design and web development. Time for a refresh? We’ll break down your brand perceptions and develop a plan that takes your business to the next level. Always custom solutions to get you from where you are to where you want to be.