Meet the Team

We’re a fun troupe of really clever thinkers.

Shala Abbasi

Designer

For the past decade, Shala has worked in the design industry specializing in packaging design and branding. She spent the first half of her career designing packaging solutions for fashion art, jewelry, and craft kits sold at major retailers. She then moved on to managing a design team and creating innovative packaging for housewares, tabletop, gift, home décor, and lifestyle products.

Before joining Howard Design Group, Shala traveled around Southeast Asia for several years while freelancing to expand on her skills and to challenge her comfort zone. During this time, she worked with small business and international clients while learning to become an entrepreneur herself. When she is not designing, Shala enjoys teaching ESL, Muay Thai, and a second helping of dessert.

Six-word Memoir

"Your only limit is your mind."

Email Shala

Julia Christ

Web & Graphic Designer

Joining our team in 2020, Julia brought over seven years of advertising agency experience to Howard Design Group. Since then, her skills have been recognized with multiple industry awards. Most recently, Julia was responsible for the design and development of three websites that earned silver Awards in the 2021 w3 Awards, including C-Change Conversations (Best Visual Appeal – User Experience) and SightLogix (Website Redesign), as well as an award for Outstanding Achievement in Web Development for SightLogix in the 2021 WebAward Competition, Technology Standard of Excellence.

After graduating from Providence College with a BA in fine arts, she turned to graphic design as a natural progression of her creative outlet. The impassioned and fast-paced environment of the creative agency world was the perfect fit.

Skillful in all things graphic, Julia specializes in the digital platform. On a daily basis, you can find her designing and building websites, coding and testing emails, and exploring the latest trends of digital marketing.

When she shuts down the computer, Julia enjoys heading to the beach with her family and swimming in the ocean with her big pup, Easton.

Six-word Memoir

"Do everything with pride and heart"

Email Julia

Mazie Contreras

Designer

Mazie has been with Howard Design Group since 2013. A talented young designer who enjoys multitasking, Mazie fills a dual role as designer and production assistant. In this capacity, she works on a diverse range of projects and deals with our printers and keeps us all in line. Mazie graduated from James Madison University in 2008 with a BFA in graphic design. It probably comes as no surprise, but Mazie has many other interests…from swimming, to enjoying art shows and movies to planning parties.

Six-word Memoir

"I'm doing the best I can."

Email Mazie / 609.924.1106 (ext. 14)

Peter Gialloreto

Vice President, Creative Director

A CASE award winner, Peter has been designing communication materials for schools, corporations, and nonprofit organizations for HDG since 1995. He has worked with large architectural firms in both New York City and New Jersey, and has had clients as diverse as the Battery Park City Authority and Walt Disney Company.

Several of Peter’s designs have been recognized in the American Corporate Design Annual. He won a number of APEX Awards for Publication Excellence and a Silver Medal Award for a fundraising publication for Monmouth University. He received a Silver Award in the 2017 HEMR Educational Advertising Awards for his work on the Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine Viewbook, as well as a Silver in 2016 for the Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine alumni magazine. In 2020, Peter was recognized with a Gold Medal for Poster Design in the NJCAMA ASTRA Awards. Most recently, he was the creative director for the SightLogix website redesign, which earned a silver in the 2021 w3 Awards as well as an award for Outstanding Achievement in Web Development in the 2021 WebAward Competition, Technology Standard of Excellence.

In his spare time, Peter has composed songs that have appeared on Showtime’s original children’s program, K.I.D.S-T.V., and he is the composer of "The Adventures of Peter Rabbit, The Musical” for TheatreworksUSA (Off-Broadway). He played piano for special events at the Russian Team Room, Marriott Marquis, and the Museum of The City of New York. This talented guy is also the proud father of twin boys.

Six-word Memoir

"Musicals make me happy. Enough said."

Email Peter / 609.924.1106 (ext. 17)

Jacqui Hance

Client Services Manager

Jacqui has forged a career out of two of her favorite activities: creating and connecting! Her career in marketing began in the nonprofit world, and she has since worked with a wide range of clients, from national consumer brands to small businesses based right here in Princeton, NJ.

With a passion for branding and storytelling, Jacqui's experience includes over a decade specializing in social media, including campaign strategy, content creation, and community engagement. Her goal is to help clients define their brand voice and develop a holistic and compelling marketing strategy.

Jacqui is a graduate of Rhode Island School of Design. When she's not behind a computer or iphone screen on behalf of her clients, she can be found sharing croissants with her toddler at Small World Coffee, or in her art studio, covered in paint.

Six-word Memoir

"Powered by art, coffee, and community."

Email Jacqui / 609.924.1106 (ext. 11)

Alec Kercsó

Software Consultant

Alec is a pioneering software developer, starting out his career creating one of Electronic Arts first games. That game, Starflight, was named Adventure Game of the Year by Computer Gaming World magazine. Following his days in the gaming industry, he’s worked in a variety of other fields from logistics to finance, biotech, and big pharma. Alec has been developing internet software for more than 20 years, and has founded or been an early stage employee in numerous Silicon Valley startups.

Alec earned a bachelor's degree in linguistics from the University of California at San Diego, and an MBA from Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business. He’s an avid backpacker, snowboarder, musician, and silversmith.

Six-word Memoir

"Every rule was made to be broken."

Email Alec

Eiran Lowrey

Vice President of Operations

Eiran joined HDG in 1999, right out of college, as a junior designer. He moved through the ranks, and was promoted in 2014 to director of design operations. Eiran is responsible for overseeing and scheduling all work being produced by the design team. As a senior designer, he has worked on undergraduate, graduate, and School of Law admissions materials for Quinnipiac University, and has provided lead art direction and design on major campaigns for all three groups. Eiran's work with Quinnipiac University was recognized as a 2013 HEMR Educational Advertising Awards winner.

Outside of his work with Quinnipiac University, he has worked on many different projects for nonprofits and corporate customers. He was the lead designer for the Philadelphia Zoo website. Eiran received a B.S. in Graphic Design from Philadelphia University.

Six-word Memoir

"Just six words, define me not."

Email Eiran / 609.924.1106 (ext. 13)

Emily McNally

Junior Designer

Being involved in the art world her entire life, Emily has always envisioned herself in a creative career. After graduating from The College of New Jersey in 2020 with her B.A. in Graphic Design, she began her post-grad career at Howard Design Group. She has gained several years of freelance experience in both graphic design and illustration, and works hard to ensure each piece is given as much love and thought as the last. When her work computer shuts off for the day, she can still be found behind a screen. Whether she is watching a movie, singing along to show tunes, or trying to win at a video game, she is always enjoying interactive media any way she can.

Six-word Memoir

"Maybe we should just get pizza."

Email Emily

Jon Miller

Writer

Jon came away from Yale University with two graduate degrees in English Literature and a determination to work outside of academics. His first career was in magazine publishing. At The Taunton Press, a well-respected special-interest publisher, he worked his way up from copywriter to magazine group publisher.

Today, Jon uses his research, analytical and writing skills to craft newsletters, websites, white papers, books, and brochures for a range of clients. Jon has written for: Quinnipiac University, Cambridge Security Services, Professional Boundaries, Inc., and Ross University School of Medicine.

Six-word Memoir

"Learning is more fun than teaching."

Email Jon

Diane Savoy

COO

Diane has worked in the communications field since graduating from college with a BA in English. She started as a copywriter in the public relations and advertising industry in Manhattan. She moved to Princeton, joined Peterson’s Guides, Inc., and was an account executive, production manager, vice president, and COO. At Peterson’s, Diane’s major responsibilities consisted of setting corporate policies, establishing the company’s short-and long-term goals and strategies, and managing five divisions: creative services, customer service, data editing, editorial, and production.

Diane joined Howard Design Group, Inc., as a principal and vice president, and is now COO. Her primary roles are to interface with clients, help to set and achieve corporate goals, and to work with clients, staff, and partners to maintain budgets and oversee project work.

Six-word Memoir

"Life is good, eat dessert first."

Email Diane / 609.924.1106 (ext. 16)

Jo Singer

Vice President of Marketing

Jo joined HDG in February 2009 to support our marketing initiatives and work on business development and strategy for the company. Today, as a member of the executive team, she heads up our marketing services group, guides our clients with branding and communications strategy, and is the project lead for most of our website design projects.

Jo has a degree in Economics from Macquarie University in Australia and is a member of Chartered Accountants Australia, New Zealand. She began her career with Ernst & Young in the audit division, providing her with a very broad perspective on business and the opportunity to work with clients from every industry. With a growing interest in communications, she joined one of the largest insurance companies in Australia as a member of a small team responsible for communicating to the company’s financial audiences and transferred from there into an executive role in marketing.

Since living in Princeton and working at HDG, Jo's focus has been helping clients to find their voice and leverage the power of the web to better engage and connect with all their audiences. We have won multiple awards for website redesign projects that she has led, including silver awards in the 2021 w3 Awards for C-Change Conversations (Best Visual Appeal – User Experience), SightLogix (Website Redesign), and Sustainable Princeton (Environmental Awareness Website); Outstanding Achievement in Web Development for SightLogix in the 2021 WebAward Competition, Technology Standard of Excellence; a gold award for Eden Autism Services (2019) and a silver award for Sustainable Princeton (2020) in the Higher Education Marketing Awards.

In addition to our clients, she has assisted a number of cause-related, nonprofit organizations in the Princeton area helping with strategic planning, communications strategy, publicity, and major events

Six-word Memoir

"Do what you love to do."

Email Jo / 609.924.1106 (ext. 20)

Carl Stoltenberg

CEO

Carl founded Howard Design Group, Inc., in 1982 after a course of time as an art director and in sales and marketing. His vision for the company included it becoming a full-service marketing group, and in 1988 he added staff and formed strategic partnerships with professionals in marketing, copywriting, programming, and development to see that vision become a reality. He has been the primary force that has taken HDG into the Web 2.0 marketplace while keeping an eye on the Web 3.0 transition. Carl created an education service division in 1993 with Doodie Meyer, former Director of Admissions at Trinity University in San Antonio.

Outside of work, Carl is a volunteer coach for girl's softball and serves as a referee for 5th and 6th Grade Recreational Basketball. He also coaches basketball and soccer for the Special Olympics program. Carl is an avid golfer; the lead singer in a band; and played pick-up basketball until his Achilles tendon started to complain.

Six-word Memoir

"I've never purchased a paper clip."

Email Carl / 609.924.1106 (ext. 10)

Dori Urquhart

Vice President, Creative Director

During her 23 years (dang, that's a long time) with HDG, Dori has worked on a range of projects from photographic books to packaging, ad campaigns, and web design.

Dori’s work has been recognized with a number of accolades, including a Sappi Ideas that Matter grant to produce the ABC Literacy Transit Posters. She has been the recipient of several prestigious design awards, including Case Circle of Excellence Awards, Sappi Awards, and Best in Show, Gold, Silver, and Bronze HEMR Educational Advertising Awards. Most recently, Dori was the creative director for the C-Change Conversations website, which earned a silver for “Best Visual Appeal – User Experience” in the 2021 w3 Awards.

Before joining Howard Design Group, Inc., Dori worked at Sesame Workshop in NYC and the Princeton office of Michael Graves Architect. She received a BFA in photography from New York University. When she has some free time, Dori loves to trail run so she can keep up with her out-door-loving son.

Six-word Memoir

"Never let your life become boring."

Email Dori / 609.924.1106 (ext. 15)

Shala Abbasi

Designer

For the past decade, Shala has worked in the design industry specializing in packaging design and branding. She spent the first half of her career designing packaging solutions for fashion art, jewelry, and craft kits sold at major retailers. She then moved on to managing a design team and creating innovative packaging for housewares, tabletop, gift, home décor, and lifestyle products.

Before joining Howard Design Group, Shala traveled around Southeast Asia for several years while freelancing to expand on her skills and to challenge her comfort zone. During this time, she worked with small business and international clients while learning to become an entrepreneur herself. When she is not designing, Shala enjoys teaching ESL, Muay Thai, and a second helping of dessert.

Six-word Memoir

"Your only limit is your mind."

Email Shala

Julia Christ

Joining our team in 2020, Julia brought over seven years of advertising agency experience to Howard Design Group. Since then, her skills have been recognized with multiple industry awards. Most recently, Julia was responsible for the design and development of three websites that earned silver Awards in the 2021 w3 Awards, including C-Change Conversations (Best Visual Appeal – User Experience) and SightLogix (Website Redesign), as well as an award for Outstanding Achievement in Web Development for SightLogix in the 2021 WebAward Competition, Technology Standard of Excellence.

After graduating from Providence College with a BA in fine arts, she turned to graphic design as a natural progression of her creative outlet. The impassioned and fast-paced environment of the creative agency world was the perfect fit.

Skillful in all things graphic, Julia specializes in the digital platform. On a daily basis, you can find her designing and building websites, coding and testing emails, and exploring the latest trends of digital marketing.

When she shuts down the computer, Julia enjoys heading to the beach with her family and swimming in the ocean with her big pup, Easton.

Six-word Memoir

"Do everything with pride and heart"

Email Julia

Mazie Contreras

Designer

Mazie has been with Howard Design Group since 2013. A talented young designer who enjoys multitasking, Mazie fills a dual role as designer and production assistant. In this capacity, she works on a diverse range of projects and deals with our printers and keeps us all in line. Mazie graduated from James Madison University in 2008 with a BFA in graphic design. It probably comes as no surprise, but Mazie has many other interests…from swimming, to enjoying art shows and movies to planning parties.

Six-word Memoir

"I'm doing the best I can."

Email Mazie / 609.924.1106 (ext. 14)

Peter Gialloreto

Vice President, Creative Director

A CASE award winner, Peter has been designing communication materials for schools, corporations, and nonprofit organizations for HDG since 1995. He has worked with large architectural firms in both New York City and New Jersey, and has had clients as diverse as the Battery Park City Authority and Walt Disney Company.

Several of Peter’s designs have been recognized in the American Corporate Design Annual. He won a number of APEX Awards for Publication Excellence and a Silver Medal Award for a fundraising publication for Monmouth University. He received a Silver Award in the 2017 HEMR Educational Advertising Awards for his work on the Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine Viewbook, as well as a Silver in 2016 for the Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine alumni magazine. In 2020, Peter was recognized with a Gold Medal for Poster Design in the NJCAMA ASTRA Awards. Most recently, he was the creative director for the SightLogix website redesign, which earned a silver in the 2021 w3 Awards as well as an award for Outstanding Achievement in Web Development in the 2021 WebAward Competition, Technology Standard of Excellence.

In his spare time, Peter has composed songs that have appeared on Showtime’s original children’s program, K.I.D.S-T.V., and he is the composer of "The Adventures of Peter Rabbit, The Musical” for TheatreworksUSA (Off-Broadway). He played piano for special events at the Russian Team Room, Marriott Marquis, and the Museum of The City of New York. This talented guy is also the proud father of twin boys.

Six-word Memoir

"Musicals make me happy. Enough said."

Email Peter / 609.924.1106 (ext. 17)

Jacqui Hance

Client Services Manager

Jacqui has forged a career out of two of her favorite activities: creating and connecting! Her career in marketing began in the nonprofit world, and she has since worked with a wide range of clients, from national consumer brands to small businesses based right here in Princeton, NJ.

With a passion for branding and storytelling, Jacqui's experience includes over a decade specializing in social media, including campaign strategy, content creation, and community engagement. Her goal is to help clients define their brand voice and develop a holistic and compelling marketing strategy.

Jacqui is a graduate of Rhode Island School of Design. When she's not behind a computer or iphone screen on behalf of her clients, she can be found sharing croissants with her toddler at Small World Coffee, or in her art studio, covered in paint.

Six-word Memoir

"Powered by art, coffee, and community."

Email Jacqui / 609.924.1106 (ext. 11)

Alec Kercsó

Software Consultant

Alec is a pioneering software developer, starting out his career creating one of Electronic Arts first games. That game, Starflight, was named Adventure Game of the Year by Computer Gaming World magazine. Following his days in the gaming industry, he's worked in a variety of other fields from logistics to finance, biotech, and big pharma. Alec has been developing internet software for more than 20 years, and has founded or been an early stage employee in numerous Silicon Valley startups.

Alec earned a bachelor's degree in linguistics from the University of California at San Diego, and an MBA from Duke University's Fuqua School of Business. He's an avid backpacker, snowboarder, musician, and silversmith.

Six-word Memoir

"Every rule was made to be broken."

Email Alec

Eiran Lowrey

Vice President of Operations

Eiran joined HDG in 1999, right out of college, as a junior designer. He moved through the ranks, and was promoted in 2014 to director of design operations. Eiran is responsible for overseeing and scheduling all work being produced by the design team. As a senior designer, he has worked on undergraduate, graduate, and School of Law admissions materials for Quinnipiac University, and has provided lead art direction and design on major campaigns for all three groups. Eiran's work with Quinnipiac University was recognized as a 2013 HEMR Educational Advertising Awards winner.

Outside of his work with Quinnipiac University, he has worked on many different projects for nonprofits and corporate customers. He was the lead designer for the Philadelphia Zoo website. Eiran received a B.S. in Graphic Design from Philadelphia University.

Six-word Memoir

"Just six words, define me not."

Email Eiran / 609.924.1106 (ext. 13)

Emily McNally

Junior Designer

Being involved in the art world her entire life, Emily has always envisioned herself in a creative career. After graduating from The College of New Jersey in 2020 with her B.A. in Graphic Design in, she began her post-grad career at Howard Design Group. She has gained several years of freelance experience in both graphic design and illustration, and works hard to ensure each piece is given as much love and thought as the last. When her work computer shuts off for the day, she can still be found behind a screen. Whether she is watching a movie, singing along to show tunes, or trying to win at a video game, she is always enjoying interactive media any way she can.

Six-word Memoir

"Maybe we should just get pizza."

Email Emily

Jon Miller

Writer

Jon came away from Yale University with two graduate degrees in English Literature and a determination to work outside of academics. His first career was in magazine publishing. At The Taunton Press, a well-respected special-interest publisher, he worked his way up from copywriter to magazine group publisher.

Today, Jon uses his research, analytical and writing skills to craft newsletters, websites, white papers, books, and brochures for a range of clients. Jon has written for: Quinnipiac University, Cambridge Security Services, Professional Boundaries, Inc., and Ross University School of Medicine.

Six-word Memoir

"Learning is more fun than teaching."

Email Jon

Diane Savoy

COO

Diane has worked in the communications field since graduating from college with a BA in English. She started as a copywriter in the public relations and advertising industry in Manhattan. She moved to Princeton, joined Peterson's Guides, Inc., and was an account executive, production manager, vice president, and COO. At Peterson's, Diane’s major responsibilities consisted of setting corporate policies, establishing the company’s short-and long-term goals and strategies, and managing five divisions: creative services, customer service, data editing, editorial, and production.

Diane joined Howard Design Group, Inc., as a principal and vice president, and is now COO. Her primary roles are to interface with clients, help to set and achieve corporate goals, and to work with clients, staff, and partners to maintain budgets and oversee project work.

Six-word Memoir

"Life is good, eat dessert first."

Email Diane / 609.924.1106 (ext. 16)

Jo Singer

Vice President of Marketing

Jo joined HDG in February 2009 to support our marketing initiatives and work on business development and strategy for the company. Today, as a member of the executive team, she heads up our marketing services group, guides our clients with branding and communications strategy, and is the project lead for most of our website design projects.

Jo has a degree in Economics from Macquarie University in Australia and is a member of Chartered Accountants Australia, New Zealand. She began her career with Ernst & Young in the audit division, providing her with a very broad perspective on business and the opportunity to work with clients from every industry. With a growing interest in communications, she joined one of the largest insurance companies in Australia as a member of a small team responsible for communicating to the company’s financial audiences and transferred from there into an executive role in marketing.

Since living in Princeton and working at HDG, Jo's focus has been helping clients to find their voice and leverage the power of the web to better engage and connect with all their audiences. We have won multiple awards for website redesign projects that she has led, including silver awards in the 2021 w3 Awards for C-Change Conversations (Best Visual Appeal – User Experience), SightLogix (Website Redesign), and Sustainable Princeton (Environmental Awareness Website); Outstanding Achievement in Web Development for SightLogix in the 2021 WebAward Competition, Technology Standard of Excellence; a gold award for Eden Autism Services (2019) and a silver award for Sustainable Princeton (2020) in the Higher Education Marketing Awards.

In addition to our clients, she has assisted a number of cause-related, nonprofit organizations in the Princeton area helping with strategic planning, communications strategy, publicity, and major events

Six-word Memoir

"Do what you love to do."

Email Jo / 609.924.1106 (ext. 20)

Carl Stoltenberg

CEO

Carl founded Howard Design Group, Inc., in 1982 after a course of time as an art director and in sales and marketing. His vision for the company included it becoming a full-service marketing group, and in 1988 he added staff and formed strategic partnerships with professionals in marketing, copywriting, programming, and development to see that vision become a reality. He has been the primary force that has taken HDG into the Web 2.0 marketplace while keeping an eye on the Web 3.0 transition. Carl created an education service division in 1993 with Doodie Meyer, former Director of Admissions at Trinity University in San Antonio.

Outside of work, Carl is a volunteer coach for girl's softball and serves as a referee for 5th and 6th Grade Recreational Basketball. He also coaches basketball and soccer for the Special Olympics program. Carl is an avid golfer; the lead singer in a band; and played pick-up basketball until his Achilles tendon started to complain.

Six-word Memoir

"I've never purchased a paper clip."

Email Carl / 609.924.1106 (ext. 10)

Dori Urquhart

Vice President, Creative Director

During her 23 years (dang, that's a long time) with HDG, Dori has worked on a range of projects from photographic books to packaging, ad campaigns, and web design.

Dori’s work has been recognized with a number of accolades, including a Sappi Ideas that Matter grant to produce the ABC Literacy Transit Posters. She has been the recipient of several prestigious design awards, including Case Circle of Excellence Awards, Sappi Awards, and Best in Show, Gold, Silver, and Bronze HEMR Educational Advertising Awards. Most recently, Dori was the creative director for the C-Change Conversations website, which earned a silver for “Best Visual Appeal – User Experience” in the 2021 w3 Awards.

Before joining Howard Design Group, Inc., Dori worked at Sesame Workshop in NYC and the Princeton office of Michael Graves Architect. She received a BFA in photography from New York University. When she has some free time, Dori loves to trail run so she can keep up with her out-door-loving son.

Six-word Memoir

"Never let your life become boring."

Email Dori / 609.924.1106 (ext. 15)