From No CRM to 1st in Class: Johnston Community College’s Story

Daniella Nordin is a marketing and communications leader with over 15 years of experience specializing in higher education marketing and engagement. In her role as Director of Customer Success and Engagement at Element451, she leads a team dedicated to ensuring exceptional customer experiences. With a focus on collaboration and communication, Daniella builds bridges between customers and internal teams, ensuring alignment and driving outcomes that exceed expectations. Her leadership has been instrumental in implementing marketing strategies that drive growth and increase visibility and influence. Daniella holds a Bachelor's degree in Communications from The Ohio State University and a Master’s, also in Communications, from the University at Albany, SUNY. She is committed to staying at the forefront of industry trends and best practices in higher education marketing and engagement. She thrives on the opportunity to make a meaningful impact and is driven by her passion for helping colleges and universities achieve their goals.

Brendan Henkel is a dynamic force in the tech and education sectors, leading as the Manager of Solutions Engineering at Element451 with a unique flair for merging technology with learning. Not only is he a seasoned expert with 13 years in higher education, but Brendan is also the undisputed Disney nerd in his circles, bringing joy and insights with a touch of magic. In his illustrious career, particularly his 10 years on the institution side, Brendan has mastered the nuances of enrollment management and financial aid, shaping futures with his strategic acumen. His philosophy is simple yet profound: create welcoming spaces and prioritize understanding others. This approach has been the bedrock of his ability to foster lasting, fruitful partnerships. Brendan's superpower lies in his dedication to building personal connections, believing them to be the key to success in any endeavor. Adding another layer to his multifaceted persona is his enthusiasm for AI, positioning him as both an enthusiast and an evangelist in this rapidly evolving field. With a master's degree in New Media Journalism, Brendan seamlessly blends his educational background with his passion for tech, Disney, and AI, offering a captivating narrative that's both informative and entertaining.

Carrie Pitts-Densmore has 25 years of communications experience. She began her career as a television news journalist, where she won a national award for a documentary on domestic violence and covered major news stories in Myrtle Beach, Buffalo, and Raleigh. She spent her post-news days consulting organizations on video production, media relations, and integrated marketing. She also spent a few years as an award-winning real estate agent, where she honed her customer relations and technology skills. She's found herself in higher education at the most exciting time - during the intersection of tech and storytelling. Carrie has an Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) and a Master of Science in Communications degree from Purdue University. She is mom to Archer and wife to Shawn. In her free time, she likes to do yoga and watch documentaries.