Kristin Luck serves as an advisor and growth strategist to a number of cutting-edge marketing and analytics technology and services firms through her consultancy, ScaleHouse. She is the founder of two marketing analytics companies that she led to successful exits. Kristin co-founded OTX, an online research business that was named the fastest growing research firm in the world in 2002 and 2003 and was subsequently acquired by Pilot Group and again by Ipsos in 2007. She then founded Forefront Consulting Group, a research technology firm that was acquired by Decipher. Decipher was acquired by FocusVision in 2014 after seven consecutive years of double- and triple-digit growth. FocusVision merged with Confirmit in 2021 to become Forsta, where she sat on the the Board of Directors until its recent acquisition by Press Ganey.
Kristin is a licensed investment banker with Oberon Securities and a founder focused on helping fellow founders and executive teams scale and monetize their businesses. Her deal expertise on both sides of transactions comes from participating in both acquisitions and exits from $30 million to $225 million. She is also passionate about supporting founders in international markets execute their entry into the U.S.Kristin regularly contributes to both the commercial (Fast Company, Forbes) and academic press (Research World, Journal of Brand Strategy) where she explores emerging marketing and research methods. She is consistently ranked as one of the top 100 sales and branding experts to follow on social media.
In addition to Founding, Women in Research, Kristin has also served on the board of ESOMAR, the global insights and analytics association, for eight years; including a two year term as Vice-President and a two year term as President.
Michelle Andre has held executive and management level positions in a variety of industries, from corporate to agency to nonprofit. As Managing Director of WIRe, Michelle is responsible for organizational development and oversight, fundraising, marketing, and assisting with strategic long-term planning. She holds an MS in integrated marketing communications from Golden Gate University and BAs in communications and in studio art from Santa Clara University. She also has an advanced certification in graphic design from U.C. Berkeley and is DMA certified in a variety of fields. Michelle is a recent recipient of the International Stevie Award for Women in Business and is a past recipient of the Women in Business and the Professions World Award and the Best in Biz Marketing Executive Award, and serves as a Judge for the annual Reggie Awards. A devoted proponent of the arts, Andre volunteers with a variety of community cultural activities and organizations.
Jessica is the creative force behind WIRe's events, communications, and programming, delivering innovative content tailored to our ever-expanding global community of 16,000+ members. With a Master's in Critical Theory from the Pacific Northwest College of Art, Jessica has a passion for empowering individuals through her work. Beyond her professional endeavors, she is a dedicated advocate for sustainable and locally-sourced food systems and volunteers with local organizations such as the YWCA in the service of eliminating racism and empowering women. In her free time, Jessica is a consummate crafter, lifelong learner, and full-time caretaker of a very spoiled dog.
Mandy Burkholder is excited to join Women in Research as the Marketing and Events Manager. With a BA in English from Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colorado, her career began in the Outdoor Industry as a freelance adventure and sports writer. She continued her work in the industry by joining a global ski management conglomerate, providing communications and event support across a large network of ski resorts. She transitioned to the nonprofit sector in 2020 as Program Director for Siskiyou Outdoor Recreation Alliance's Nordic Ski Center, where her focus was on providing free and equitable access to the outdoors for school children in one of California's most disadvantaged counties. Mandy is passionate about creating opportunities that bridge access gaps and empower individuals through education and experience. Outside of work, you'll find her exploring the mountains with her big dog Pepper, sampling new restaurants, and traveling the world.
