Nationally recognized leader in communications and strategy execution who has claimed the “white space between corporate silos” as her ultimate functional expertise

Maril pioneered a discipline that initiates collaboration with corporate leaders to optimize business performance by engaging and mobilizing stakeholders behind a company’s strategic goals, its culture and its brand. She is CEO and founder of Gagen MacDonald and the firm’s clients include some of the most recognized brands in the world.

Maril is the immediate past president of the Arthur W. Page Society, a membership organization for chief communications officers (CCOs) of major corporations that is dedicated to advancing the management policy role of the CCO. She continues to serve on the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors. Maril serves as a Trustee for the Institute of Public Relations, a non-profit organization that conducts PR research and sponsors public relations education. She is also a member on the Georgetown University Master of Professional Studies Strategic PR Communications Advisory Council.

Previously, Maril served as vice president, corporate communications, and was a member of the executive management committee for Navistar. Prior to joining Navistar, Maril was vice president of communications for Pitman-Moore Inc., then the leading international animal health company. There she led a global initiative across 120 countries to leverage the strengths of several key acquisitions under one brand, corporate identity and ethical packaging system. She also held leadership positions with Bayer USA Inc., The Standard Oil Company/British Petroleum and a Cleveland-based public relations firm.

Maril was recognized by PR Week as one of the top 25 leaders in the industry, and has been named by them as one of “The 50 Most Powerful Women in PR.” She was also recognized as a “PR All-Star” by Inside PR and is frequently invited to speak at major conferences and universities. She holds a B.S. in communications from Purdue University.

Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.
- Margaret Mead

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