Courtney Shea, Media Director, recently celebrated 15 years at Harmelin Media. To mark the occasion, we caught up with her to hear her thoughts on the ever-evolving media industry and to get to know her a little better.
What are some of the notable changes you have seen in the industry since you started at Harmelin?
The media landscape has evolved dramatically since I started in 2010. Technological innovation has reshaped nearly every aspect of our work, from how we access information to how we execute campaigns. We would manually enter rates and circulations, print everything, and relied on stacks of reference books and paperwork just to get through the day. Today, automation and digital tools have streamlined these processes, making information instantly accessible and freeing us to focus more on strategy and creativity.
Another major shift has been the accessibility of client data. In the past, metrics like sales figures, appointment bookings, or student admissions were either unavailable or difficult to share. Now, we’re able to receive and interpret this data in real time, allowing us to deliver more informed and insight-driven recommendations. It’s not just about running campaigns anymore – it’s about truly understanding our clients’ businesses and helping them grow.
What has been your greatest success at Harmelin?
One of my greatest successes was taking on the role of Chair of our Employee Social Committee within my first five years at Harmelin. During that time, I had the opportunity to plan hundreds of events that brought our agency together in meaningful and memorable ways. One of the highlights was organizing the celebration for Harmelin’s 35th anniversary, where we planned a unique event or activity for each of the 35 days leading up to the company party. It was a fun, engaging initiative that really energized the team and built excitement around the milestone. When the pandemic hit and we transitioned to remote work, our committee pivoted to virtual events to help maintain connection and boost morale during a difficult time.
I consider this time on the committee as one of my greatest successes not only because of the positive feedback we received regarding the events, but because it was personally rewarding to contribute to our culture in a lasting way while making lifelong connections with coworkers. It was a formative experience that helped shape my growth within the company.
Where do you see the industry in the next 1 year / 5 years / 10 years?
Looking into my crystal ball, I see the next year being shaped by the continued integration of AI into our daily workflows. It’s already transforming how we approach everything from planning to optimization, and I expect that momentum to accelerate.
In the next five years, I anticipate a rise in strategic partnerships between agencies, platforms, and clients as a way to stay agile and competitive in an increasingly complex media landscape. Collaboration will be key to navigating rapid change.
Looking ahead ten years, I believe the creator economy and user-generated content will represent a significant share of ad revenue. As audiences continue to gravitate toward authentic, community-driven content, brands will need to evolve how they engage and invest in these spaces.
Where is your favorite place to be?
You’ll find me at my happiest in the crowd at a live music concert, whether it’s at the Mann Center, Freedom Mortgage Pavilion, Theatre of Living Arts, or Ardmore Music Hall, just to name a few. I’m open to all genres; for me, it’s all about energy and connection. There’s something electric about watching a band or artist truly vibe with the audience and it’s immersive, uplifting, and always memorable.
What is a fun tidbit about you / something no one could guess about you?
I’m a 6th degree black belt in Taekwondo and have been training with Mark Cashatt’s Taekwondo since I was five years old! While my training has slowed down a bit since having three wonderful kids, the discipline and spirit of the art are still very much a part of me. It’s something I carry with pride, and I’m excited to eventually pass it on to my children.
What is your favorite song, movie, or TV show, and why?
It’s hard to choose just one favorite. I love music, movies, and TV shows across the board! But if I had to pick, I’d say Emily in Paris is at the top of my list right now (and yes, I’m counting down to the new season!). I connect with it from an advertising lens, along with the team brainstorms, brand storytelling, and client management scenes feeling familiar and creatively inspiring, even if they are a bit dramatized. I’ve actually had a few ideas sparked just from watching the show. Plus, I genuinely love every character, as it’s fun, stylish, and surprisingly relatable.
Gina Yeakel, Vice President, shares: “It is a pleasure to celebrate Courtney’s Harmelin anniversary. From the beginning she has stood out as an amazing coworker and friend. Her ability to cut through chaos and deliver an organized solution is unmatched. This helped her rise from new employee to trusted leader quickly. Her positive attitude is contagious. She is a thoughtful friend who never misses a birthday and finds time to celebrate her colleagues. We are so lucky to have you with us, Courtney! Congratulations!”
Kathy Coyne, Senior Vice President, adds: “Working with Courtney is truly a joy. Her incredible organization and attention to detail keep our team running smoothly, and her warm, friendly presence brightens every day. She brings both excellence and positivity to everything she does, and we’re so lucky to have her as a colleague. Thank you for all that you do, and congratulations, Courtney!”
Congratulations, Courtney! Thank you for your 15 years of commitment to Harmelin and our clients.
For more information, visit harmelin.com, or connect with us on LinkedIn or Facebook.
