Direct Development
strategy + communication + design


Direct Development Design + Communications, LLC is an agency dedicated to developing ideas into masterfully executed campaigns complemented by high impact graphic, web and multimedia design. Based in Lawrenceville, New Jersey, Direct Developments works with businesses, local government agencies, and nonprofit organizations to assist them in achieving their objectives.

Providing Creative Public Relations, Graphic and Website Design, Marketing, and Branding Solutions

Our team of talented designers, copywriters, and marketing professionals conceptualize, promote, and carry out your messaging in all communication efforts. We help create clearly defined objectives to grow your business or organization and engage your intended audience on every platform. Direct Development’s capability to provide a diverse service offering under one roof means you have an entire team of professionals involved and invested in making your vision a success. We are prepared to help you put your best out there.

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Adaptability. Creativity. Excellence.

We tailor our marketing, public relations, design, and branding efforts to the industries you serve - ensuring our strategies align with the goals of your company or organization.
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Meet the Direct Development Team

Michael Alessi
Michael AlessiGraphic Designer
Michael brings over 15 years of creative experience to the Direct Development team with extensive knowledge in brand identity, logo creation, web design, digital art, manufacturing, and production.  With a degree in advertising design and an eclectic collection of creative outlets, he approaches every challenge with an innovative mindset to ensure each client’s needs are met.
Dave Barry
Dave BarryGraphic Designer
Dave is a multi-faceted Art Director/Designer bringing over two decades of experience with plenty of both in-house and agency tales to tell. Having worked for industry leaders including Marvel Comics and World Wrestling Entertainment,
he’s been extremely fortunate to have had the opportunity to create fearless, awesome and useful design in most mediums.
Joe Brown
Joe BrownDirector of Operations
Joe integrates three decades of experience in consulting, nonprofit, human resources, municipal government, communications, and the arts, all of which he applies to his role as Director of Operations to support efficient and effective delivery of services to Direct Development’s clients.
Robert Charkowsky
Robert CharkowskyChief Technology Officer
With over a decade of experience in both the private and public sectors, Robert joined Direct Development in 2022 to provide IT support to client projects. His knowledge of coding, deployment, WordPress, problem solving and strategic planning allows him to help address a broad range of client needs.
Chris Grube
Chris GrubeCommunications Associate
Chris joined Direct Development as a Communications Associate in September of 2022 after graduating from the University of Alabama. Chris is excited and passionate about starting his career in marketing and is always looking for new projects to take on. He enjoys thinking of creative solutions by collaborating with team members and melding the client’s vision with his ideas.
Kristen King
Kristen KingAccount Manager
Kristen joined the Direct Development team in 2022. Driven by building relationships, she takes pride in delivering knowledgeable and relevant information to her clients. With experience in social media, marketing, and sales, Kristen brings creativity and precise attention to detail to her accounts.
Dina Lapetina
Dina LapetinaCommunications Strategist
With a background in project and account management, Dina possesses strong organizational and communication skills needed in this role. Dina also has experience in marketing and advertising sales and works well independently and as part of a team to ensure all client expectations are met and exceeded.
Heidi Loder-Rosal
Heidi Loder-RosalAccount Manager
Heidi joined Direct Development in 2022. Hailing from a background in management, the arts, and entrepreneurship, she is hyper-focused on building and maintaining relationships. Utilizing her experience in marketing, project management, and problem-solving, she brings well rounded expertise
to all of her clients.
Olivia Mazanec
Olivia MazanecArt Director
Olivia joined Direct Development in 2015 and works with clients to cohesively carry out their visions across all aspects of their brands. Her attention to detail results in solid compositions and imaginative layouts. She understands that great design is not only visually intriguing, but also functional and informative.
Jillian McCarthy
Jillian McCarthyDigital Media Specialist
Jillian joined the Direct Development team in November 2022 bringing experience from previous roles in broadcast television and marketing. She has a passion for storytelling, writing, social media and content creation. Jillian is eager to apply her knowledge to each project she works on in an efficient, creative and compelling format for clients.
Tiffany Mortellito
Tiffany MortellitoAccount Manager
Tiffany joined Direct Development in 2023 with almost two decades of account management experience.  Through her prior work as human resources consultant and account executive, Tiffany has built a strong foundation in strategic planning, client relationship management, communications, and sales. Tiffany has a passion for producing results and utilizes her strong interpersonal and communication skills to serve her clients.
Sara Rossi
Sara Rossi Account Manager
Sara joined the Direct Development team in the Fall of 2022.  She has a background in fashion, having  worked in product development and marketing for major brands. She is eager to partner with clients to brainstorm ideas and solutions to grow their business and to execute their visions.
Cherron Rountree
Cherron RountreePresident
Cherron brings 20 years of leadership experience in government affairs, community and economic development, and public relations. Cherron specializes in strategic planning and project implementation for both public and private organizations and brings a collaborative style, strong business acumen, and a novel approach to our clients and partners.
Blair Wagner
Blair WagnerAccount Manager
Blair joined the Direct Development team in the Spring of 2022. Eager to learn the business, she is a multi-functional employee. Primarily focused as an account manager and administrative specialist – Blair handles a range of tasks. She has a passion for social media, PR, and marketing strategies. Her adaptability continues to prove useful to an array of clients.