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Alex McCandless
Senior Vice President, Marketing at Payroc
Professional Background
Alex McCandless currently serves as the Senior Vice President of Marketing at Payroc, a dynamic financial technology firm headquartered in Chicago, Illinois. With an impressive career spanning over a decade, Alex has cultivated extensive expertise in integrated payments and multi-national financial services, leading innovative marketing strategies that resonate globally. At Payroc, Alex is integral in shaping the company's brand identity and messaging, overseeing a talented team of graphic designers and digital marketers. Under his leadership, the marketing team effectively handles diverse aspects such as lead generation, brand strategy, public relations, field marketing, and partner channels, ensuring that Payroc continues to thrive in a competitive landscape.
Before joining Payroc, Alex demonstrated a deep commitment to the advertising field, working in agency environments where he developed campaigns for prominent clients such as Delta, Southern Company, and Cox Communications. His versatility and understanding of varying client needs garnered positive results and solidified his reputation as a leading marketing expert.
In addition to his role at Payroc, Alex is actively involved in academia, serving on the advisory board for the Digital Marketing Program at the University of South Florida (USF). This role allows him to bridge the gap between industry practice and academic theory, helping to shape the next generation of digital marketers.
Education and Achievements
Alex holds a degree in Communication and Media Studies from Florida State University, where he cultivated an understanding of effective communication strategies and the importance of media in shaping public perceptions. His educational background laid the foundation for his successful career in marketing, allowing him to apply theoretical knowledge to practical, real-world challenges.
Throughout his career, Alex has held various prestigious positions within the marketing sector. Before his current role at Payroc, he was the Vice President of Marketing at Payscape, where he was responsible for driving digital transformation initiatives that enhanced customer engagement and created meaningful interactions within the customer journey. Prior to that, he served as the Director of Marketing at Payscape, where he further developed and implemented marketing strategies that significantly contributed to the company's growth.
Alex began his career in communications and public relations, serving as the Senior Account Executive at BKV and as the Communications Manager at SapientRazorfish. These roles honed his communication skills and emphasized the importance of public relations in maintaining positive company reputations and communicating effectively with stakeholders.
Adding to his diverse skill set, he was the Vice President of Communications/PR at JCI Atlanta (Junior Chamber International) and a Junior Account Executive at Atlanta Cause Marketing & PR, Inc. These positions provided him with valuable experience and a profound understanding of the interplay between marketing, public relations, and community engagement.
Contributions to Culture and Leadership Style
Alex believes that contributing to company culture is an essential aspect of his role within Payroc. His vision for marketing extends beyond mere transaction-based strategies; he emphasizes a holistic approach that considers how each campaign influences various departments and stakeholders. By integrating operations, analytics, and creativity, Alex crafts marketing strategies that not only achieve business goals but also foster an inclusive and collaborative environment within his team.
With a unique marketing style, Alex remains committed to seeing the complete picture, ensuring that campaigns are designed with cross-departmental insights. His leadership approach encourages open communication and innovation among team members, allowing for a culture where creativity can thrive, and strategic ideas are brought to life.
Personal Interests
Outside of his professional endeavors, Alex is a proud Florida State Seminole, and his affiliation with the university reflects his ongoing commitment to education and personal development. He is also a devoted wife and dog-mom, demonstrating that his strong family values contribute to his professional ethos.
As an avid sponge for digital knowledge, Alex continually seeks to remain at the forefront of the latest digital marketing trends and technologies, ensuring that he and his team can leverage cutting-edge tools and strategies for optimal campaign performance. This dedication to continuous learning not only enhances his skills but also enriches his contributions to the marketing community, empowering those around him to achieve their best.
In summary, Alex McCandless is a multi-faceted marketing leader whose extensive experience spans various sectors and roles within the marketing and communications field. His commitment to driving innovative strategies, fostering team collaboration, and nurturing an inclusive company culture has made him a significant asset to Payroc and a respected professional in the marketing industry. His educational foundation and ongoing engagement with academic institutions signal his dedication to shaping the future of marketing. With a passion for digital trends and a comprehensive understanding of the financial technology landscape, Alex continues to make a positive impact both within his organization and the broader marketing community.
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