San Antonio is home to several experienced fractional CMOs who bring top-tier marketing strategies to businesses across industries. These professionals help brands scale, enhance their marketing efforts, and navigate complex challenges. From revenue growth and digital marketing to building strong brand identities, the fractional CMOs in San Antonio play a crucial role in driving business success.
Whether you’re a startup looking for expert guidance or an established business in need of strategic leadership, fractional CMOs offer the flexibility and expertise to help you thrive. These experts bring a wealth of experience, enabling businesses to compete in an ever-evolving market.
What is a CMO?
A Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) is a senior executive responsible for overseeing and directing a company’s marketing strategy. They play a key role in driving brand growth, customer acquisition, and overall revenue generation through effective marketing campaigns and strategic initiatives. CMOs are in charge of developing a brand’s voice, creating marketing plans, managing marketing teams, and analyzing data to optimize performance.
In today’s fast-paced, digital-first world, CMOs are essential for ensuring businesses stay relevant and competitive. They must adapt to market trends, consumer behavior, and new technologies while aligning marketing strategies with the company’s overall goals. Whether full-time or fractional, a CMO brings a high level of expertise to help businesses make informed decisions and achieve long-term success.
NUOPTIMA C-Suite Connect: Elevating Your Business with Top CFO Talent
We at NUOPTIMA are dedicated to transforming financial leadership for San Antonio’s dynamic businesses. Through our C-Suite Connect program, we provide access to pre-vetted, fractional CFOs who specialize in driving profit via data-driven strategies. Our focus is on founder-led companies, and we ensure only the highest-caliber CFOs become part of our network by carefully selecting them through a thorough vetting process personally overseen by Alexej Pikovsky, our founder.
The selection process includes:
- Background check: Verifying a proven track record of financial success.
- Financial modeling exam: Testing expertise in strategic forecasting and analysis.
- Reference calls: Confirming credibility and impact.
- Culture fit interview: Ensuring alignment with your company’s vision and values.
- Paid trial sprint: Demonstrating real-world execution and results.
Our C-Suite Connect pool is made up of only the most exceptional CFOs, who are ready to provide transformative financial guidance to your business.
What makes NUOPTIMA C-Suite Connect stand out:
- Strategy + Execution: Our CFOs bring a blend of high-level financial planning and practical, hands-on implementation.
- San Antonio Expertise: We offer deep insights into the competitive markets of San Antonio, spanning industries from tech to eCommerce.
- Rapid Matching: We connect businesses with a tailored CFO within 7-10 days.
- Founder-Aligned Precision: Alexej personally reviews each placement to ensure the perfect cultural and strategic fit.
At NUOPTIMA, we empower businesses in San Antonio to optimize their cash flow, scale efficiently, and align their financial strategy with growth objectives. All the while, we leverage our data-driven marketing insights to drive success.
Top Fractional CMO Experts in San Antonio
1. Amy Watson, Fractional CMO | Marketing Executive
Amy Watson is a seasoned marketing executive with over 20 years of experience in driving revenue and growth for organizations. She specializes in B2B marketing, focusing on lead generation, market positioning, and multi-channel strategies. Amy has a strong background in digital marketing, customer-focused branding, and public relations, making her well-suited to help startup and founder-led businesses increase their brand visibility and achieve scalable growth.
Core Focus
Amy focuses on developing strategic marketing plans that drive ROI, enhance brand awareness, and accelerate lead generation for businesses. She works closely with organizations to align marketing efforts with their overarching goals, ensuring long-term success.
Operational Marketing Highlights
- Specializes in B2B marketing and multi-channel lead generation.
- Utilizes advanced segmentation techniques and AI strategies for content optimization and predictive insights.
- Develops tailored marketing strategies that align with the business’s vision and mission.
- Helps businesses scale through executive-level leadership and hands-on execution of campaigns.
CMO Achievements
- Successfully led marketing initiatives that increased brand visibility and revenue for numerous organizations.
- Built comprehensive marketing strategies for a range of industries, including SaaS, financial services, and technology.
- Led digital marketing transformations that resulted in significant improvements in lead generation and ROI.
Education and Work Experience
- Education: Amy earned a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Marketing from The University of Texas at San Antonio.
- Work Experience: Amy is the Founder and Fractional CMO at her own consultancy, specializing in strategic marketing solutions for startup and founder-led businesses. Previously, she served as the Chief Marketing Officer at Red Oak Compliance Solutions and held leadership positions at Ameriprise Financial Services and Investment Professionals, Inc.
Job History
- Founder & Fractional CMO at Self-employed (Jun 2024 – Present): Provides marketing leadership and tailored strategies for startup and founder-led businesses.
- Chief Marketing Officer at Red Oak Compliance Solutions (Aug 2022 – May 2024): Developed and executed marketing strategies to increase revenue and drive lead generation for a SaaS and cloud-based software firm.
- Sr. Director, Marketing Programs at Ameriprise Financial Services (Apr 2017 – May 2019): Led the marketing and communications strategies for a financial services firm, focusing on brand awareness and B2B marketing.
- SVP, Director of Marketing at Investment Professionals, Inc. (Nov 2010 – Apr 2017): Directed marketing, communications, and partner solutions strategies for a community bank-focused broker-dealer.
Other Experience
Amy has a wealth of experience in the financial services and technology sectors, offering expertise in lead generation, market positioning, and building innovative marketing solutions. She has also contributed significantly to the growth of various organizations through hands-on leadership and strategic oversight.
Contact Information
- LinkedIn Profile: www.linkedin.com/in/amylwatson13
- Location: San Antonio, Texas, USA
2. Kamilah Harrison, MBA | Founder & Fractional CMO
Kamilah Harrison is a fractional CMO and founder of ADO Digital, where she leverages her engineering background to design systematic, data-driven marketing strategies. With a strong foundation in network engineering, Kamilah specializes in simplifying complex marketing challenges into structured, scalable systems. Using her proprietary S.C.A.L.E. Framework, she focuses on optimizing funnels, improving customer journeys, and aligning marketing tech stacks for enhanced operational efficiency.
Core Focus
Kamilah focuses on engineering marketing systems that eliminate inefficiencies and optimize growth. By leveraging her technical background, she helps businesses build scalable processes that transform unpredictable growth into a repeatable, predictable model.
Operational Marketing Highlights
- Optimizes funnels and customer journeys to pinpoint hidden inefficiencies.
- Designs and implements marketing tech stacks that enhance data visibility and operational speed.
- Aligns marketing teams around data-driven decisions to minimize wasted spend.
- Applies systems thinking to improve overall marketing and operational efficiency.
CMO Achievements
- Created the S.C.A.L.E. Framework, which has successfully helped businesses streamline their operations and improve marketing outcomes.
- Reduced sales cycle lengths by 40% for consulting firms through multi-channel lead flow optimization.
- Delivered significant revenue growth for clients through systemized marketing and operational improvements.
Education and Work Experience
- Education: Kamilah holds an MBA from the University of Phoenix and a Bachelor’s in Information Technology with an emphasis on Visual Communications.
- Work Experience: Kamilah is the Founder & Fractional CMO at ADO Digital, where she helps professional service firms design and implement efficient marketing systems. She is also the founder of the wedding tech startup I Do For Two and serves as the VP of Digital Communications & Brand Strategy for WiCyS Kansas City Metroplex.
Job History
- Founder & Fractional CMO at ADO Digital (Jun 2012 – Present): Leads marketing systems engineering for professional service firms, implementing scalable solutions that drive predictable growth.
- Founder & Chief Innovator at I Do For Two (Feb 2024 – Present): Founded a wedding tech startup to help couples plan meaningful elopements through curated venues and concierge services.
- VP of Digital Communications & Brand Strategy at WiCyS Kansas City Metroplex (Jan 2024 – Present): Leads digital strategy and brand development for a non-profit organization supporting the cybersecurity community.
- Network Engineer at Aviat Networks (Nov 2010 – Nov 2013): Managed cross-functional teams and oversaw the integration of customer networks into operational support systems.
- Network Augmentation Engineer at TEKsystems (Mar 2009 – Oct 2010): Supported broadband network deployments and upgrades for CenturyLink, ensuring improved service reliability and performance.
Other Experience
Kamilah’s unique engineering background enables her to think systematically, offering creative solutions to complex marketing challenges. She thrives at the intersection of technology and marketing, providing clarity and actionable insights that fuel business growth.
Contact Information
- LinkedIn Profile: www.linkedin.com/in/kamilahharrison
- Location: San Antonio, Texas, USA
3. Michelle Chiles, Chief Marketing Officer
Michelle Chiles is a seasoned fractional CMO with extensive experience in driving marketing strategies that help businesses connect emotionally with their customers. She specializes in brand storytelling, customer experience optimization, and digital marketing. Michelle leverages over a decade of experience working with global corporations and luxury brands to craft high-impact, data-driven marketing strategies that foster growth and operational efficiency. Her focus is on creating a seamless brand experience across all touchpoints, ensuring lasting customer loyalty.
Core Focus
Michelle helps businesses develop and execute omni-channel marketing strategies that drive demand and revenue. She emphasizes creating personalized customer experiences and building marketing teams that align with business goals.
Operational Marketing Highlights
- Designs and implements omni-channel marketing strategies.
- Specializes in content strategy, creative direction, and brand positioning.
- Focuses on eCommerce and digital growth to optimize conversions.
- Uses data-driven insights to streamline marketing operations and improve team performance.
CMO Achievements
- Successfully developed and executed marketing strategies that drove measurable growth for luxury and global brands.
- Optimized website performance and digital marketing efforts, improving client relationships and increasing conversions.
- Built and led high-performing marketing teams, fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation.
Education and Work Experience
- Education: Michelle holds an MBA from the Texas McCombs School of Business and a Bachelor’s in Recreation, Park and Tourism Sciences from Texas A&M University.
- Work Experience: Michelle is the Founder & Chief Marketing Officer at Chiles MKTG, specializing in omni-channel strategies and eCommerce growth. She has also worked with top brands such as Rosewood Baha Mar and Qiigo, leading their digital marketing efforts.
Job History
- Founder & Chief Marketing Officer at Chiles MKTG (Jan 2025 – Present): Leads marketing initiatives for businesses, focusing on demand generation, brand consistency, and data-driven marketing strategies.
- Director of Strategic Marketing at Village Pet Care (Apr 2024 – Feb 2025): Managed multi-million-dollar marketing budgets, optimized content deployment, and drove customer engagement for a growing pet care company.
- Marketing Manager at Rosewood Baha Mar (Jul 2022 – May 2024): Directed marketing campaigns and content strategy for the luxury hotel brand, ensuring alignment with business goals and enhancing brand presence.
- Sr. Brand Director at Qiigo (Jul 2021 – Jul 2022): Developed omni-channel marketing strategies and improved site functionality to drive customer acquisition and data quality improvements.
Other Experience
Michelle has a proven track record of creating and executing marketing strategies for a wide range of businesses, from luxury brands to startups. She is passionate about aligning teams with business goals and fostering an environment where innovation and collaboration thrive.
Contact Information
- LinkedIn Profile: www.linkedin.com/in/michellechiles
- Location: San Antonio, Texas, USA
4. Sharon Gutierrez, Fractional CMO and Marketing Strategist
Sharon Gutierrez is an experienced Fractional CMO, tech founder, and program management expert, specializing in organizational growth and marketing strategy. With over a decade of experience working with a diverse range of businesses, including nonprofits, service franchises, and tech startups, Sharon helps organizations enhance brand visibility and streamline operations by leveraging technical expertise and efficient processes. She is also a passionate leader and advocate for inclusivity, particularly for underrepresented groups in the tech industry.
Core Focus
Sharon helps businesses optimize marketing strategies, improve team management, and drive measurable growth. Her work focuses on developing systems that enhance efficiency and market reach while fostering inclusive spaces for diverse communities.
Operational Marketing Highlights
- Develops go-to-market strategies and multi-channel marketing plans.
- Specializes in SEO, SEM, and CRM management to increase engagement and visibility.
- Coaches and manages teams to enhance performance and drive strategic outcomes.
- Spearheads initiatives that connect businesses with target markets while improving operational efficiencies.
CMO Achievements
- Co-founded Geeks & Drinks, San Antonio’s largest developer meetup, fostering a supportive and inclusive tech community.
- Launched Pretty Simple, an app that simplifies lead tracking for entrepreneurs, from concept to launch.
- Delivered marketing strategies that helped clients streamline operations, enhance brand visibility, and achieve growth goals.
Education and Work Experience
- Education: Sharon holds a BA in Marketing from the University of Alaska Fairbanks and an AAS in Business Management from Tanana Valley Campus.
- Work Experience: Sharon is the co-founder of Geeks & Drinks and Pretty Simple LLC, where she drives tech development and community engagement. She also founded Compliments of Sharon, a consulting business helping entrepreneurs with digital courses and business operations.
Job History
- Co-Founder at Geeks & Drinks: San Antonio Developer Meetup (Jan 2021 – Present): Organizes and leads community-building events for developers, fostering inclusivity and collaboration.
- Co-Founder at Pretty Simple LLC (Oct 2020 – Present): Oversees the development and management of a lead tracking app for entrepreneurs.
- Owner at Compliments Of Sharon (Jun 2017 – Present): Provides coaching and digital marketing strategies to entrepreneurs, helping them streamline their business operations.
- Owner Marketing Consultant at SharEnterprise (Oct 2011 – May 2020): Consulted for small to medium-sized businesses to optimize marketing strategies and business operations.
Other Experience
Sharon’s work extends to public speaking, where she has spoken on over 100 stages about topics ranging from SEO to multiculturalism in entrepreneurship. She is a strong advocate for creating inclusive spaces, especially for underrepresented communities.
Contact Information
- LinkedIn Profile: www.linkedin.com/in/sharonegutierrez
- Location: San Antonio, Texas, USA
5. Liz Papagni, Fractional CMO and Marketing Strategist
Liz Papagni is a seasoned Fractional CMO, brand strategist, and digital marketing expert with over 25 years of experience in building profitable brands and driving business growth. As the CEO of Marketing Initiative Worx, Inc., Liz specializes in developing comprehensive marketing strategies for businesses ranging from startups to Fortune 500 companies. She leverages her expertise to help organizations optimize their marketing efforts, increase revenue, and build lasting brand loyalty.
Core Focus
Liz helps businesses achieve profitability by providing strategic marketing solutions that align with their goals. She is focused on driving revenue growth, enhancing brand visibility, and implementing data-driven marketing strategies that deliver measurable results.
Operational Marketing Highlights
- Expertise in developing and executing marketing strategies that drive revenue and brand growth.
- Proficient in digital marketing, social media strategy, SEO, SEM, and content marketing.
- Skilled in data analytics, KPI setting, and reporting to optimize marketing efforts and ensure accountability.
- Leads marketing teams and works with clients to streamline operations and enhance marketing processes.
CMO Achievements
- Successfully repositioned and launched brands, increasing social presence and digital conversions by over 100%.
- Drove a 400% increase in social community engagement within six months and achieved over 700,000 campaign impressions in less than three months.
- Generated 300% growth in lead generation within four months for various clients.
- Secured multi-million-dollar clients and expanded agency influence through strategic marketing and brand development.
Education and Work Experience
- Education: Liz holds a Bachelor of Science in Marketing from Rider University.
- Work Experience: Liz is the founder and CEO of Marketing Initiative Worx, Inc., where she leads brand and marketing strategy. She has also served as the Founder/CMO at MyCMOnow, providing fractional CMO services to businesses across multiple sectors.
Job History
- Founder/CMO at MyCMOnow – Fractional CMO Services (Jun 2020 – Present): Develops and executes marketing strategies, providing businesses with fractional CMO services at a fraction of the cost of a full-time CMO.
- CEO, Marketing and Branding Strategist at Marketing Initiative Worx, Inc. (Oct 2013 – Present): Leads the agency’s marketing efforts, helping businesses scale through strategic branding and digital marketing.
- Vice President of Marketing Strategy at Specialized Marketing Services Inc. (2002 – 2013): Led marketing strategies and developed multi-channel marketing programs for various high-profile clients, doubling agency revenue in four years.
- Account Director at Shafer Advertising / NeoBrands (1998 – 2001): Managed branding, advertising, and marketing programs for large corporate clients.
- Corporate Marketing Communications Manager at Microsemi (1997 – 1998): Developed and implemented marketing programs for product promotions and communications.
Other Experience
Liz is an invited speaker at various marketing and business events and has been recognized as a “Women Business Rising Star” by the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO). She also serves as the VP of Marketing for NAWBO and is an active member of multiple professional organizations.
Contact Information
- LinkedIn Profile: www.linkedin.com/in/lizpapagni
- Location: San Antonio, Texas, USA
6. Michelle Seay Baker, APR | Fractional CMO and Growth Architect
Michelle Seay Baker is a seasoned growth architect, AI-powered market researcher, and fractional CMO with a focus on driving revenue growth for mid-market and founder-led companies. With a robust background in public relations and strategic marketing, she has developed innovative marketing strategies that have doubled revenue and optimized business growth. As the founder of Creators Edge Strategy, Michelle blends human insights with AI-driven research to provide actionable, data-backed solutions that accelerate business success.
Core Focus
Michelle helps businesses achieve predictable, scalable growth by optimizing their go-to-market strategies and refining their marketing efforts. She specializes in integrating AI market research with strategic marketing consulting to ensure measurable and sustainable outcomes.
Operational Marketing Highlights
- Expertise in AI-powered market research to uncover key customer insights.
- Strong leadership in creating and executing go-to-market strategies.
- Proven ability to drive substantial revenue growth for diverse industries.
- Skilled in rebranding, market research, and sales enablement strategies.
- Focused on using data-driven strategies to optimize marketing budgets and maximize ROI.
CMO Achievements
- Increased revenue for a SaaS company by 33% year-over-year by building its first marketing department.
- Launched a SaaS app that led to a 57% increase in leads month-over-month.
- Grew a restaurant’s revenue by 35% YOY through integrated marketing campaigns.
- Founded an integrated PR and marketing agency, more than doubling revenue year-over-year.
- Led marketing and PR strategies for a diverse range of sectors, including SaaS, life sciences, and healthcare.
Education and Work Experience
- Education: Michelle holds a Bachelor of Science in Public Relations/Journalism, with a minor in business, from the University of North Texas.
- Work Experience: She is the founder of Creators Edge Strategy, where she leads hybrid human-AI market research and strategic consulting. Michelle is also a certified Growth Architect at Octain, helping companies scale through innovative growth strategies.
Job History
- Founder at Creators Edge Strategy (Jun 2024 – Present): Provides hybrid human-AI research and consulting services to help businesses achieve faster, smarter growth.
- Certified Growth Architect at Octain (Oct 2024 – Present): Helps companies develop scalable growth systems across customer acquisition, brand strategy, and product innovation.
- CEO | Fractional CMO at BakerCo Enterprises, LLC (Dec 2023 – Present): Oversees marketing, communications, and business development operations.
- Director of Marketing at RealTime eClinical Solutions (Sept 2023 – Nov 2023): Led market research, KPI reporting, and partner relationships for a growing B2B SaaS company.
- Marketing Manager at RealTime eClinical Solutions (July 2021 – May 2023): Built the company’s first marketing department and launched multiple successful campaigns to drive lead generation.
Other Experience
Michelle is an advocate for using AI-powered market research tools and has spoken at industry events about the intersection of AI and marketing strategy. She also serves on the PRSA San Antonio board and has led various community initiatives.
Contact Information
- LinkedIn Profile: www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-seay-baker-apr
- Location: San Antonio, Texas, USA
How to Choose a CMO for San Antonio
When selecting a CMO for a company in San Antonio, it’s essential to consider several key factors to ensure the candidate is a strong fit for both your business needs and the local market:
- Knowledge of the Local Market: A CMO with experience in San Antonio will have a better understanding of local trends, consumer behavior, and the regional business landscape. Their connections with local agencies, media outlets, and influencers will also be valuable for building strong, localized marketing strategies.
- Understanding of Industry Trends: San Antonio is home to growing sectors such as technology, healthcare, startups, and e-commerce. It’s crucial to find a CMO who has a solid understanding of the specific industry your business operates in and can leverage this knowledge to navigate challenges and seize growth opportunities.
- Strategic Thinking and Data Skills: A successful CMO should be able to analyze market data, measure the effectiveness of campaigns, and make data-driven decisions to optimize strategies. Their ability to think strategically and use data to fine-tune marketing efforts is critical for sustained growth.
- Experience in Scaling Businesses: As businesses grow, their marketing strategies must evolve. The ideal CMO should have experience in adapting marketing approaches for different stages of growth, from startups to more mature businesses, and be able to scale efforts effectively in line with company goals.
- Leadership Qualities: A CMO must be an effective leader, capable of managing teams, fostering collaboration between departments, and handling both internal and external communications. Strong leadership skills are necessary for maintaining a cohesive marketing strategy that aligns with the overall business vision.
By evaluating candidates based on these factors, you can select a CMO who not only has the right professional expertise but also understands how to adapt marketing strategies to San Antonio’s unique business environment and fast-changing market dynamics.
The Importance of a CMO in San Antonio
San Antonio, as one of Texas’ largest economic and cultural hubs, continues to grow and attract attention from startups and major companies alike. In such a dynamic business environment, the role of the Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) cannot be overstated. This professional supports companies at every stage of development, from strategic market positioning to maximizing profits through precise and effective marketing initiatives.
Given the growing competition in San Antonio, a CMO plays a key role in building a unique brand and ensuring business visibility. The regional market is actively expanding in industries like technology, healthcare, education, and e-commerce, increasing the demand for skilled marketing leaders who can navigate local trends and establish long-term customer relationships. Well-crafted marketing strategies allow businesses to stand out from competitors and effectively scale in the city’s growth.
Conclusion
Choosing the right fractional CMO in San Antonio is crucial for businesses looking to scale, enhance brand presence, and navigate competitive markets. With an understanding of local trends and industry needs, experienced fractional CMOs can provide cost-effective marketing leadership, drive revenue growth, and implement data-driven strategies. By focusing on key factors like industry experience, strategic thinking, and leadership skills, businesses can select the right CMO to help them achieve sustainable success in San Antonio’s growing market.
FAQ
A fractional CMO is an experienced marketing executive who works part-time or on a contract basis, providing strategic marketing leadership without the cost of a full-time CMO.
A fractional CMO brings local market expertise, industry knowledge, and cost-effective leadership to help businesses in San Antonio scale, optimize marketing efforts, and achieve business growth.
Look for a fractional CMO with experience in your industry, knowledge of local market trends, and a proven track record of executing data-driven strategies that align with your business goals.
Benefits include access to high-level marketing expertise at a lower cost, flexibility in scaling marketing efforts, and the ability to adjust strategies based on business needs without long-term commitments.
Costs can vary depending on the scope of work, experience, and contract terms, but generally, fractional CMOs offer flexible pricing based on your business needs and budget.
