Professional Marketing Team - CKS Marketing

Christa K. Santos, MPA

Founder & President

Christa Santos is an accomplished marketing and media strategist who founded CKS Marketing Communications in 2004. With more than 20 years of experience, she specializes in helping emerging companies, nonprofit agencies, and organizations develop cost-effective, results-driven strategies that boost brand visibility and business growth. CKS Marketing serves small to mid-sized businesses with a full suite of services including digital marketing, public relations, advertising, and event management—empowering clients to become award-winning, media-visible market leaders. Santos has worked closely with the University of Central Florida (UCF) for over a decade, leading communications for initiatives in business incubation, entrepreneurship, economic development, and venture capital. She has also partnered with clients in high tech, healthcare, and professional services, earning a reputation for strategic creativity and community connection.

A dedicated civic leader, Santos currently serves as an advisor to the Small Business Development Center Advisory Board (SBDC Orlando) and Fairways for Warriors and is the immediate past president of NAWBO Orlando. She is also an alumnae advisor to the Rollins College chapter of Alpha Delta Pi Sorority, a mentor with UCF’s Knight Network, and an active member of the Orlando Tech Community and Women on the Rise. A Leadership Orlando Class 48 graduate, she is a former chapter president of the American Marketing Association – Central Florida Chapter and a two-time past president of the Greater Orlando Alumnae Association of Alpha Delta Pi. She is a frequent speaker on marketing and public relations topics and holds a Certificate in Women’s Entrepreneurship from Cornell University, a Master of Public Administration (MPA) from UCF, and a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism with a specialization in Advertising and Public Relations. Santos was recognized with the 2024–25 Women Who Win – Established Business of the Year Award by NAWBO Orlando and honored with the ImpactHER Award in 2023, along with additional honors from the AMA and Alpha Delta Pi communities.

Gina R. Smith

Senior Marketing Strategist

Gina R. Smith specializes in helping small businesses and agencies become more profitable through strategic planning, marketing, media relations and resource development. Smith graduated from the University of Central Florida in 1995 with a B.A. in Motion Picture Technology, a B.A. in Journalism (specializing in Advertising and Public Relations) and a minor in sociology. She currently consults with clients across the Southeast United States, partnering with a network of practitioners to offer the same level of services as a large agency without the sizable overhead costs.Smith spent several years writing, directing and producing local commercials and PSA’s. She spent over four years managing large-scale events for the Mid-Florida Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Within one year, Smith turned the events she managed, including the chapter’s “failing” events, into record breaking successes. Smith ultimately implemented promotional & marketing programs which increased overall participation and revenue by over 61%.Smith also developed local and statewide marketing strategies for the Florida Manufacturing Technology Center (FMTC). She fostered relationships with Orlando area media to increase corporate exposure by 75% which positioned FMTC as a high profile resource for public information. Currently, Smith focuses on helping emerging small business enterprises and non-profit agencies. Smith develops strategic plans and implements marketing/public relations strategies to develop leveraged exposure for businesses.

Matthew Bross

Branding and Creative Design Specialist

Matthew Bross, Design/UI Consultant. has 17 years of design experience. He started his design career at Spiral Up Interactive in Orlando, Florida in 1999. Notable clients included Walt Disney World, Universal Studios and some of the first “.com’s” such as Weddings.com, Puertabella,com and HGTV.com.In 2000, Bross was hired by GMP Companies as art director, where he directed all print and web projects for the firms’ 13 subsidiary companies. Then in 2005, he decided to start his own design firm where he has developed more than 150 Web sites, web applications, mobile applications, CDs, DVDs and interactive marketing campaigns for businesses and organizations across the United States.Some of Bross’ previous and current clients have included AT&T, P&G, University of Miami and the University of Central Florida. His focus is brand consulting and creative design. His passions are family, sports and music (check out his band RisingSky).

Lauren Rykwalder

Creative Design Specialist

Lauren Rykwalder is a highly dedicated and creative graphic designer and marketing professional known for her exceptional communication and efficiency. With a strong commitment to client satisfaction and trust, she understands the immeasurable value of effective client communication. Lauren excels at helping clients achieve their objectives while crafting content that perfectly aligns with their unique identity. Her areas of expertise include digital media and brand awareness. Lauren’s extensive experience spans marketing, graphic design, and account management.

Rich Essaf

Creative Director

Rich Essaf is a seasoned Art Director, Designer, and Illustrator based in West Chester, Pennsylvania, boasting an impressive 22-year journey in the design industry. Specializing in UX/UI design, branding, website design, and illustration, Rich has left his creative mark on a diverse clientele, including renowned names like DiD Agency, Campbells, and Glaxo-SmithKline.Rich’s passion lies in crafting captivating and effective digital and interactive solutions tailored to meet the unique needs and aspirations of his clients and their target audiences. His extensive portfolio showcases his proficiency in conceptualizing, designing, and prototyping responsive websites, mobile apps, banner ads, and animation design, as well as creating concept art, logos, and advertising campaigns. Equipped with a skill set that includes tools like XD, Sketch, Invision, Photoshop, Illustrator, Figma, and Procreate, Rich also possesses a solid grasp of HTML/CSS and JavaScript. His approach is marked by passion, creativity, and collaboration, always dedicated to delivering exceptional outcomes that leave a lasting impact.

Katie Hart

Marketing Events Intern

Team