About The Staff
Joann Spinelli, Art Director/Designer
Spinelli’s sophisticated style likely comes from her early years in New York City cutting her designer teeth in some of Madison Avenue’s finest ad houses. Eyeing opportunity out west, she and her husband, Joe, packed-up and landed in Las Vegas in the early 90’s.
Having worked for some of the city’s most respected advertising firms, Spinelli has continued to hone her creative skills with a personal philosophy of giving 110%. Influenced by artist Peter Max, Spinelli’s stellar designs come from a creative spirit that takes Chayra Communications’ clients’ visions to fruition. She has been lauded by the industry for her talent and was first place winner in the IAEM’s Art of the Show international competition.
After a high school field trip to one of New York’s more prominent ad agencies, Spinelli decided at a relatively young age that the art world was the direction she would take. She began working at print shops in college and was hooked from thereafter.
The loquacious Spinelli believes this imaginative avenue allows her to be inventive with a purpose. It also allows her to provide beneficial information to the public. The firm is grateful to her.
She enjoys illustrating and hiking in her spare time along with cuddling with her cat, Ezra.
Phobias: Spiders and walls of water
Thought of the day: What goes around comes around
Favorite Pizza topping: Eggplant
Why this industry: “It chose me.”
Favorite vacation spot: The Virgin Islands
What would you do for a day if money were no object: =Fly around the world in a space shuttle.
Thing you would change about yourself: my smile
Most unusual job: Hand painting dozens of fashion sweatshirts
Jordan Elizabeth, Creative Director
For many years yet with little acknowledgement, Jordan has been the machine behind the scene making sure everything from client billings to video productions are executed with seamless efficiency. Jordan is best described as the ultimate dichotomy; she can simultaneously discuss the String Theory while sketching out storyboards for her next video project. With a unique sense of fashion (and humor), she couples well-worn sneakers with sparkling Tiffany jewelry; boy's undershorts with couture blouses. She is the perfect mix of Spock and Betsey Johnson!
Having grown up in the business, Jordan is adept at all aspects of operations but finds particular passion for video production. From her formative years winning awards for animated shorts, to her most recent accomplishment producing a Dove commercial, she captures the humanity of the mundane in a visual medium.
In a former life, Jordan was in intelligence in the U.S. Navy where she no doubt learned covert techniques for avoiding recognition. Well too bad Jordan, because now anyone can learn about you!
Nickname: Lizard, J, George.
Least known talent: Cutting hair.
Favorite place to visit: The grocery store at 2 A.M.
Perfect Day:One with many challenges.
Describe yourself in ten years:Fat with six cats.
Last Great Book: Relativity: The Special and General Theories
Favorite bands: Pinback, Coheed and Cambria.
Favorite quote:As far as fashion, I have my own style.
Lisa Chayra, Vice President Public Relations
"The best part of PR is meeting so many interesting and sometimes kooky people. When you break it all down, behind the Prada or the Levi's is a person who just wants to be heard."
Call her the quintessential "renaissance woman" but never underestimate the dynamic talents of Lisa Chayra. Whether she's rapping in an impromptu jam session with Eddie Murphy, speaking to Congress on domestic violence issues, or serving as creative director for her recently launched clothing line, Lisa has the connections and the brains to make sure every clients' public relations need is handled with both skill and success.
In a former life, Lisa was a bartender at the Hard Rock where she made countless martinis and countless connections. One moment she's dressed to the nine's schmoozing a senator and the next she's in a ball cap at a Dodger's game with hotel owners. There's just no telling where this member of the Chayra team (and yes, Chayra family) will take her.
Her duties as Vice President, however, require her to foster client relationships through media, community, and professional relations. But its Lisa's inventive integrity that has earned her the gratitude of clients and the respect of colleagues and co-workers. Plus, she's just darn fun to be around!
Little known fact: Even though I can be loud and boisterous, I'm actually quite shy in social situations.
Favorite TV Show: "That 70's Show" and anything on PBS.
Motto: "I'd rather make a stand on my feet, than to die on my knees."
Favorite Celebs: I have two! 1. Phil Keoughan from the Amazing Race. Very affable and smiles with his eyes 2. Gene Simmons from KISS. Cheeky and clever.
Talents: I can whistle like a truck driver. Unfortunately sometimes my words follow suit.
If money were no object: I would have an unlimited supply of Jimmy Choo's, fresh flowers in my house everyday, and a black corvette X06 (I wanted one since I was 10).
Vice: Cigarettes and the fact I spend too much time going out; likely brought on by feeling I might be missing out on something!
Sharon Chayra, President
"It doesn't matter if people don't know who we are, the question is, 'do they know who our clients are?' If they can answer that, we've done our job."
Whether by birth order, genetics, or a combination of the two, this once bossy big sister is now president and CEO of her own company. Who says you can't parley those skill sets into a successful enterprise, particularly when you hire great people!
Chayra remains a hands'-on chief, overseeing a small but highly specialized professional staff. When she's not reviewing business trends, or mapping out marketing directives, she is often found meeting with clients or brokering deals between clients to create invaluable and mutually symbiotic relationships. Which is not to say there is no time for fun because Chayra's sense of humor is well-known as she believes laughter is as essential as air and water.
Her vision is clearer today than it when she started the firm. Know your craft so that clients are happy. Period. If that requires a complete facility remodel or teaching them French, Chayra will, and its can-do attitude that has earned her firm the affectionate title as "concierge marketers" by more than one client.
Interesting fact: Chayra speaks a little of a lot of languages from Japanese to Russian.
Best part of job: Challenges. Synergy. Success.
Free time indulgence: Traveling with family, despite their objections!
What entrepreneur would you love to meet: Sir Richard Branson of the Virgin empire.
Favorite Word: prevaricate
Other occupational choices: Doctor. Architect. Statesman. Horse groomer.
Secret to Success: Be passionate about what you do and hire like-minded people more talented than yourself!
