Michele Fabrizi knows what it takes to successfully market and grow a business. Since joining MARC USA, one of he nation’s largest independent advertising and marketing communications firms in 1982, she moved rapidly up the ranks. In 2003, Michele was named President & CEO of the nationwide advertising division. Prior to this, as President and CEO of MARC’s USA’a Pittsburgh headquarters, she oversaw unprecedented growth culminating in a 200% increase in billings in her first two years at the helm. She is respected as a leading professional in her field. Adweek magazine cited her as one of the outstanding women in advertising.

Michele is widely known as a premier brand champion for her clients as well as the agency itself. Her skill and experience have helped clients such as Rite Aid Corporation, Moen Inc., Mohawk Flooring, True Value Hardware, and Bryant Heating & Cooling, develop new strategies that have grown their businesses and their brands. With her talent as a manager and leader, she also fostered the growth of MARC USA’S employee-centered culture, which was cited as one of the top in the nation by the Principal Financial Group.

On the national level, Michele is a member of the Board of Directors of the March of Dimes. Closer to home, she serves on the Board of Directors and Executive Committee of the Allegheny Conference on Community Development and leads the regional marketing efforts, including the celebration of Pittsburgh’s 250th anniversary.

Michele co-chairs the Board of Directors of the Pittsburgh Opera and is a member of the Board of Directors of the Andy Warhol Museum and the Duquesne Club. She is also a member of the Board of Directors of United Way Allegheny County and was Chair of the 2005 Campaign, the first woman to hold this post. In addition, she is a member of the International Women’s Forum and Pennsylvania Society. She serves on the Host Committee of the 2008 Pennsylvania Governor’s Conference for Women and recently served on the Pennsylvania Governor’s Commission on Training America’s Teachers.

Michele’s contributions to her profession and the community have been recognized with numerous awards. Recent honors include: Pennsylvania Department of Commerce Fifty Best Women in Business, Carlow College Women of Spirit, Pittsburgh Chamber of Commerce Athena Award, Ernst & Young Western PA Entrepreneur of the Year Finalist, YWCA of Greater Pittsburgh Tribute to Women - Communications, and the Girl Scouts of SW Pennsylvania Woman of Distinction - Professional.