Jodi M. Swartz, Founder and CMO
Hi, I’m Jodi.
With over 20 years of experience leading both in-house and agency teams, I am proud to serve as the founder and Chief Marketing Officer of Breakthrough Velocity. Before starting this venture, I had the privilege of leading marketing and communications for a variety of organizations, including an international public company, a global PE-backed scale-up, a mid-market enterprise, and a start-up. My time at two prominent global marketing and communications agencies allowed me to spearhead practice areas and serve as a client lead, giving me a unique perspective on the multifaceted challenges marketing leaders face today.
I have extensive B2B experience working with companies and clients in SMB, mid-market, and enterprise segments in diverse sectors such as SaaS, manufacturing, energy, financial services, insurance, technology, and professional services. I thrive on building and leading high-performing teams, aligning marketing initiatives with revenue and retention objectives to deliver measurable impact. My experience navigating M&As, market disruptions, and organizational transformations fuels my passion for fostering innovation and sustainable growth through data-driven, customer-centric approaches.
As the Chief Marketing Officer at National General Holdings Corp. (NASDAQ: NGHC), I managed marketing and communications for a $5.5B+ insurance carrier and SaaS company, overseeing over 30 brands during the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and a pivotal $4B acquisition by Allstate (NYSE: ALL). At Payscale, as SVP of Marketing and Communications, I developed global go-to-market strategies for the industry’s leading HR data and SaaS firm, restructuring a 30+ member team to drive growth. My tenure as VP of Growth Marketing and Market Insights at WestRock (NYSE: WRK) involved leading a 25+ member team for a $22B global packaging leader, driving demand and engagement across the Americas, EMEA, and APAC. At Weber Shandwick (NYSE: IPG), I launched a global B2B revenue marketing practice that enhanced agency competitiveness and led major international campaigns.
My diverse experience across various industries and company sizes equips me with a unique perspective to drive innovative marketing strategies that deliver tangible business results.
Professional Philosophy
I love what I do and find joy in the challenges that come my way. I believe that with a deep breath, a clear head, and a great sense of humor, most obstacles can be overcome. As a strategic thinker with hands-on skills, I balance vision with execution, seeing the big picture while also paying attention to the details. I’m not afraid to shake things up; I embrace change and innovation to create meaningful impact. Resilience is key for me, and I strive to maintain composure even in tough situations. I encourage people to speak freely and express their ideas, fostering a culture of continuous learning and a drive to always improve. I value collaboration and enjoy bringing teams together, building bridges across departments, and creating an environment where we can all succeed.
Focus Areas
- Strategic Growth and Go-to-Market Leadership: Expertise in developing and executing comprehensive GTM strategies aligned with business objectives.
- Digital Marketing and Transformation: Expert in leveraging digital strategies and marketing technologies to enhance engagement, drive conversions, and achieve business objectives.
- Brand Strategy and Management: Skilled in building, revitalizing, and managing brands to enhance market presence and customer loyalty.
- Demand Generation and Lead Management: Designing processes that boost pipeline opportunities and drive closed-won revenue.
- Crisis and Corporate Communications: Navigating complex communication challenges with strategic insight and poise.
- Team Leadership and Organizational Design: Building high-performing teams and fostering a collaborative, inclusive culture.
Recognition
This sampling of the recognition I’ve received is a reflection of the strong in-house and agency teams I’ve had the privilege to lead, showcasing the power of collaboration and collective effort:
- J.D. Power, Highest Randing Digital Experience
- Star CMO Award – DCA Live
- CHIEF, Founding Member DC Chapter
- American Advertising Federation Award
- MarCom International Award (10x)
- Higher Education Marketing Award (8x)
- AVA Digital Award (6x)
- International Hermes Award (5x)
- American Marketing Association Award (4x)
- Adjunct faculty and program advisor, Maryland Institute College of Art, School of Professional Studies
- VP Communications, American Marketing Association, Baltimore Chapter
- Judge, Lantern Awards, Houston Business Marketing Association
Education
- BA, University of Pittsburgh
Triple Major: Philosophy, English Writing, English Literature - Certificate of Leadership, Towson University
Inaugural class member, selected by classmates as graduation speaker