Meet our team members
PRESIDENT
Mara Gecan, PMP
Mara Gecan is a senior communications and business operations manager with more than 27 years of experience in providing senior-level advisory services, building strategic partnerships across federal government agencies, executing strategic communications programs, and overseeing business operations and contract transition activities. She works with customers to achieve their communication and outreach goals in a creative and cutting-edge manner, to ensure quality products that exceed customer expectations are produced, and to build and grow strong teams that are focused on the organization’s mission and success.
Throughout her career, Mara has led strategic communications programs for Department of Defense organizations, including Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics and Technology (ASA(ALT)), U.S. Army Materiel Command, U.S. Army War College, U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command, U.S. Army Acquisition Support Center, Defense Acquisition University (DAU), and Office of Naval Research. She developed DAU’s strategic communications and outreach plan and oversaw the design, production, and distribution of the U.S. Army’s Weapon Systems Handbook. She also managed and planned high-profile, senior-level events, training forums, tradeshows, and awards ceremonies, including ASA(ALT)’s 5,000-square foot tradeshow booth at several Association of the United States Army Annual Meeting and Expositions.
In her previous role, Mara was vice president of BRTRC Federal Solutions’ Organizational Advisory Group where she was responsible for managing a portfolio of more than $8M in federal government contracts. Her team of more than 50 communication professionals were focused on delivering strategic communications, public affairs, integrated marketing solutions, and program management support for multiple government agencies.
In November of 2019, Mara launched Cardinal Consultants, LLC, to focus on the work she is passionate about – finding efficient, innovative solutions that make a measurable impact on organizations.
Mara, a certified Project Management Professional, earned her bachelor’s degree in International Language/Business from the University of Scranton in Pennsylvania.
SENIOR COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER
Hannah Pike
With nearly two decades of experience collaborating with military advocacy groups and the Department of Defense to serve the military, Hannah possesses an in-depth understanding of this community's unique needs and challenges. She is mission-driven and enjoys utilizing data to perform analyses of program strengths and weaknesses to inform strategy.
Hannah has an innate ability to design and execute effective communication plans, meticulously tracking the impact and effectiveness of campaigns. She has led multiple teams to fortify online visibility and bolster the customer base, driving business growth. Her expertise extends to revitalizing websites and crafting content for digital publications and social media platforms. Some of Hannah's career milestones include innovating initiatives during the COVID-19 pandemic to address crucial needs within the military community by providing childcare relief and virtual camps. In addition, Hannah and her team launched the "More Than a Spouse" program, a public relations campaign that earned an Honorable Mention at the Digital PR Awards.
Originally hailing from Pennsylvania, Hannah spent her formative years overseas where she gained an appreciation for other cultures and diversified her palate. Currently residing in Northern Virginia, she spends her free time as a personal Uber driver and car karaoke singer for her three teenage kids.
SENIOR WRITER & EDITOR
Matt Sablan
Matthew Sablan serves as an Editor for Cardinal Consultants, LLC. He has provided support for government agencies for more than 15 years, including writing articles and providing communications support for the Defense Contract Management Agency, the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics and Technology, Defense Acquisition University and the U.S. Army Combat Capability Development Center (CCDC) Ground Vehicle Systems Center (previously the U.S. Army Tank and Automotive Research and Engineering Center). He received a Bachelor's degree in History and English from Marymount University in Arlington, Virginia.
SENIOR COMMUNICATIONS ANALYST
Brandy Willetts
Brandy is a highly skilled graphic and web designer with extensive experience working with nonprofit, for-profit, and government agencies and organizations. With a passion for creativity and an eye for detail, Brandy has built a reputation for producing stunning designs that effectively communicate brand messages and capture the essence of the organization's mission. From designing websites, logos, brochures, flyers, and marketing materials to creating social media graphics, Brandy has proven to be an asset in bringing creativity to any project.
Having obtained a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree focused in Studio Art and Arts Management from Randolph-Macon College, Brandy combines her artistic talent with strategic insights to create visually captivating designs that effectively convey brand messages and reflect the mission of organizations.
Brandy also holds a Master's degree in Visual Communication Design from Liberty University, which has allowed her to gain a critical and reflective approach to design that enables her to create work that is not only aesthetically pleasing but also socially and ethically responsible. She possesses a deep understanding of the social, cultural, and ethical implications of design and can create designs that resonate with diverse audiences and industries.
She is proficient in all of the industry-standard software and has a passion for keeping up with the latest trends and technologies. This knowledge ensures that the work produced is of the highest quality and is optimized for various platforms and devices.
With a strong commitment to excellence, creativity, and collaboration, Brandy is a true asset to any team looking for a designer who can bring their vision to life and can create visually compelling designs that effectively communicate brand messages and meet the unique needs of nonprofit, for-profit, and government agencies and organizations.
Outside of her professional pursuits, Brandy is committed to homesteading with her family on their small fiber farm. This passion for sustainability and self-sufficiency reflects her dedication to living a balanced and fulfilling life.
COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST
Jackie Brence
Jackie is a gifted communicator and collaborative team member who enjoys working with others to bring creative ideas to fruition and achieve strategic goals. Throughout her career, she has coordinated marketing and publicity for military Morale, Welfare and Recreation programs, directed communications for non-profit organizations, managed sales and event planning for the visitor industry and written news and feature stories for various publications.
Jackie’s passion for writing and editing enables her to create engaging content that brings the organization’s mission to life across multiple platforms. With a strong commitment to innovation, she actively seeks out new ways to deliver messaging, strengthen brand awareness and connect customers with solutions.
Jackie earned a bachelor’s degree in Commerce with concentrations in Marketing and Management from the University of Virginia. She enjoys spending time with her family, reading, running and cheering on the Virginia Cavaliers and Washington Capitals.
Chris Torregrossa
Chris Torregrossa joins Cardinal Consultants after 20+ years supporting federal government customers across defense, civilian, and intelligence agencies. With a diverse skill set spanning research, writing, data analysis, training, program management, proposal work, and curriculum development, Chris brings a passion for learning and creative solutions to the team. She excels at listening to customers, teasing apart issues, and pursuing practical strategies for resolution. Chris has a knack for simplifying complex concepts and sharing them with her audience; her training as a lawyer and a librarian foster this process.
Throughout her career, Chris has demonstrated a relentless commitment to customer success. Whether collaborating with government agencies, corporations, contractors, or other stakeholders, she prioritizes the needs of her clients above all else. Her dedication, expertise, and unwavering focus on delivering results have earned her the trust and admiration of colleagues and clients alike.
Chris is a proud graduate of Smith College, Boston University School of Law, and Catholic University School of Library Science.
Our services
We’re dedicated to providing effective, efficient, creative, and strategic support services to meet the specific needs of your team.
