Large Corporate Finalists

Recently promoted to President of Eyemart Express after serving as interim co-president and CMO, Katy Hanson previously drove the national optical retailer's marketing innovation strategy as Chief Marketing and Merchandising Officer. Drawing upon three decades of strategic retail leadership at brands like Michaels and Blockbuster, she expertly navigates evolving landscapes to transform consumer journeys. Outside the office, this "Most Influential Women in Optical" honoree actively champions industry advancement alongside the esteemed Optical Women's Association and Vision Council.

Katy led Eyemart Express through an enterprise-wide rebrand that transformed how customers experience eye care. Empowering her team to modernize every touchpoint, they overhauled the website and backend technology and launched e-commerce—extending 2,000+ frames beyond its 42-state footprint and uniting physical and digital into one seamless, eye-health-centered journey. To amplify the "Glasses in a Blink" promise, Katy forged a partnership with Olympic gymnast Stephen Nedoroscik—who chose Eyemart Express for its shared values—starring in a four-episode digital series. Most rewarding: her team proved a 36-year legacy brand can innovate boldly and enter the digital era united by shared purpose.

Shannah Hayley, CPM, is director of Communications and Community Outreach for the City of Plano, Texas, where she leads strategic communications and public engagement for a community of more than 300,000. A public-sector executive and national speaker, she is president of the Texas Association of Municipal Information Officers. Hayley has led award-winning communications initiatives focused on organizational transformation, resident trust and operational alignment. She holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in communication from Missouri State University.

The City of Plano’s Communications and Community Outreach team transformed communications from a tactical support function into a strategic driver of transparency, operational effectiveness and public trust. The team modernized digital communications systems, strengthened internal communications, expanded multimedia storytelling capabilities and led major public education initiatives tied to critical city priorities. Their work includes website modernization, emergency communications, resident engagement campaigns and innovative service tools improving access to information and city services. Recognized with multiple local, state and national awards, the team continues to help one of Texas’ most dynamic communities communicate with clarity, consistency, accessibility and trust at scale.

Heath Montgomery is Vice President of Communications and Marketing at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport. He leads integrated communications, brand, digital channels, social media, customer marketing and revenue-supporting campaigns for one of the world’s busiest airports. With two decades of experience, his work focuses on transforming marketing into a strategic business driver by using data, personalization and digital innovation to improve the customer experience, strengthen brand loyalty and support enterprise growth.

In a unique industry like airports, where the bottom line is not always driven by dollars as much as supporting the overall customer experience, I show how marketing can improve the customer journey, strengthen brand loyalty and support sustainable growth. At DFW, that has meant advancing digital transformation through more personalized communications, smarter use of customer data and a more connected digital ecosystem. That work is helping shift marketing from a promotional function to an enterprise strategy that drives revenue, anticipates traveler needs and builds stronger relationships with customers before, during and after their journey.

Howard Terry serves as CMO for the southwest QSR chicken brand Golden Chick, based in Richardson TX since 2015. Terry served in senior marketing leadership positions prior with Raising Canes, Lone Star Steakhouse, Boston Pizza, Denny’s, Mooyah and TGI Fridays. Terry leads the marketing and branding initiatives for Golden Chick and has contributed to the brand’s rapid growth and growth from the 257th largest restaurant brand to the 149th (NRN and Technomic ranking).

Guiding Golden Chick from roughly 100 restaurants to a recent 250-location milestone, strengthening franchisee confidence, building brand visibility and reinforcing Golden Chick’s strong position in one of the industry’s most competitive categories. In 11 years with the brand, we have grown from the 257th largest restaurant brand to the 149th (Technomic ranking), delivering best in category food and marketing. During the 2020-2021 Covid crisis, when other brands were failing and pulling back from marketing, we significantly grew our brand awareness with innovative partnerships and launching multiple Limited Time promotions that grew our sales more than 20% during that period.

Jay Warren is Director of Communication and Legislative Affairs for the City of Arlington, Texas, where he leads a department of 45 employees overseeing communications, legislative affairs, constituent services, and executive support functions. A nationally recognized communicator, he has led Arlington’s branding, digital transformation, and public engagement efforts. Warren serves as Treasurer of 3CMA, Past President of TAMIO, and is a board member and faculty member for TCU’s Certified Public Communicator Program.

Since joining the City of Arlington, I have led a team that transformed how the City communicates, engages, and builds trust with residents. We launched three major website initiatives, created Arlington’s “American Dream City” brand, built and modernized a television studio, and significantly expanded our digital and social media presence. These efforts increased transparency, accessibility, and community engagement while reaching millions of residents and visitors. Through a commitment to innovation and excellence, our team has earned hundreds of state, regional, and national awards and helped position Arlington as a forward-thinking, world-class city.