Samantha Merkin

Director of Influencer at BBDO Chicago

Chicago, Illinois, United States

About

Award-winning marketing leader with deep expertise in influencer strategy and campaign execution. Proven experience leading influencer programs across CPG, B2B, DTC, and Pharma, spanning strategy and sourcing through content development, compliance, and performance reporting. Recognized for building influencer capabilities from the ground up, staying ahead of emerging trends, and leading with a collaborative, people-first approach.

Experience

  • BBDO Chicago (Chicago, IL · Hybrid)
    • Director of Influencer
      Jun 2026 - Present · 1 mo

    • Associate Director, Influencer
      Jan 2026 - Jun 2026 · 6 mos

  • FCB Chicago (7 yrs 8 mos)
    • Associate Director, Influencer
      Jun 2023 - Jan 2026 · 2 yrs 8 mos

    • Senior Influencer Manager
      Jun 2021 - Jun 2023 · 2 yrs 1 mo

      Lead end-to-end influencer programs at scale. Our programming includes strategy, contracting, content creation, activation, and reporting — while complimenting the agency’s creative ideas that push our client’s business forward. Clients: Clorox, Glad, Pine-Sol, Cox Communications, Allergan, Kimberly Clark, Diners Club, and more. DE&I: Co-founder and lead of The Tribe, the agency’s employee resource group for Jewish employees and allies.

    • Social Media and Influencer Manager
      Mar 2020 - Jun 2021 · 1 yr 4 mos

      Briefed creative teams on organic and paid social best practices while providing in-depth knowledge on the platforms and creative inspiration Community Managed multiple brand social media pages Executed influencer programs at scale

  • Adweek Rising Mentee at Adweek
    May 2021 - Sep 2021 · 5 mos

    Selected as one of 350 mentees from around the globe to participate in the mentee/mentor program. The Adweek Rising Mentorship Program is an extension of the Adweek Executive Mentor Program, connecting new and rising marketers with successful senior-level marketers to help empower the next generation of diverse marketing talent.

  • President, VP of Public Relations, Campus Correspondent, Event Coordinator, Campus Liasion at Her Campus Media
    Jan 2014 - May 2018 · 4 yrs 5 mos

    Led and established a team of 75 women within the organization and maintained external connections Maintained relationships between Her Campus and other organizations on campus Created the first "Werq with Her Campus" event with 3x more attendance and 2x more money raised than previous events

  • Account Management Intern at FCB Chicago
    Jun 2017 - Aug 2017 · 3 mos

    Client: Allergan Assisted in research and review for healthcare professional and Unbranded campaigns. Researched competitor safety information guidelines, website organization, and industry trends Partnered with Account Supervisor to manage creative development and execution for print, digital and social advertisements for the consumer campaign Presented to the internal team on the healthcare industry needs for social influencers