5 Questions with Evergreen's New Account Executive, Natalie Och

Evergreen Strategic Communications is pleased to welcome Natalie Och as our new account executive! Many of our clients already recognize Natalie as she served as a contractor for us for many years and even took a lead role for the agency while ESC president, Emily Heck, was away on maternity leave the fall of 2023.

We are thrilled to bring on Natalie to our team for her unique storytelling, dedication to client success, and strategic marketing know-how. As an official warm welcome to ESC, we asked Natalie a few questions about her background and marketing philosophies, along with a few fun questions mixed in. 

Welcome Natalie! 

1. Tell us a little bit about yourself and background.

Growing up in Central Illinois, storytelling has been a passion of mine. From crafting stories for Illinois Young Authors competitions to portraying a range of characters in community plays, I have always been drawn to the unifying power of stories.

After high school, I pursued a degree in Interpersonal Communications and Sociology at Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana. In addition to hitting the books, I immersed myself in campus activities, serving as an orientation leader, a resident assistant, and president of the Ball State Speech Team.

My marketing journey began in 2020 with freelance roles at Rodgers Marketing Communications and Pickett & Associates. In 2021, I found my niche in serving nonprofit organizations and purpose-driven small businesses at Evergreen Strategic Communications and Kristi Howard-Shultz Consulting. These experiences allowed me to develop marketing strategies, manage digital platforms, and craft compelling narratives to elevate brand presence. 

After graduating from Ball State in 2022, I settled in Indianapolis with my husband, Andy, and our lab/pitbull mix, Lady. Joining the Lawrence Township School Foundation as a Marketing & Development Specialist, I spearheaded the organization's marketing initiatives, event planning endeavors, and fundraising campaigns, playing a key role in shaping its strategic direction.

As I step into my role as a full-time account executive with Evergreen Strategic Communications, I'm excited to carry forward the art of storytelling, continuing to share our agency's and our clients' stories of impact and innovation.

2. Evergreen provides marketing support primarily to nonprofit organizations. What do you enjoy most about working with nonprofits? 

What I enjoy most about working with nonprofits is the opportunity to capture and share their stories, helping to further their mission and amplify their influence. It’s gratifying to contribute to causes that truly impact the communities around us. Collaborating with organizations that are driven by a commitment to positive change allows me to align my skills with my values, making each project not just a job, but a meaningful endeavor. 

3. What are you looking forward to the most when it comes to working with Evergreen clients?

As a small agency, working closely with our clients is a privilege I cherish. I’m looking forward to strengthening these relationships and further enhancing our clients’ marketing efforts. As an account executive, I’m excited to play a more strategic role in assisting all of our clients in overcoming their specific challenges and realizing their success.

4. You are also a writer. What has been one of your favorite stories to write? 

One of my favorite stories to write was a congregational feature for the Center for Congregations: Bethel Community Church and the Traveling Shelter. It showcases how a small church of 25 congregants in Seymour, Indiana, made a significant impact in their community by establishing a traveling homeless shelter. It’s been exciting to watch this story evolve overtime—Bethel Community has now taken their traveling shelter efforts nationwide, offering aid to those affected by the Kentucky tornado crisis and the Lahaina, Maui fire.

5. What's your favorite famous or inspirational quote?

My favorite inspirational quote is, "She believed she could, so she did." While its true origins are unknown, its message has always deeply resonated with me. Raised with a strong work ethic by my parents, I learned that with unwavering determination, I can achieve anything I set my mind to. I believe this idea also extends to the field of marketing, where the possibilities are truly endless. With dedication and a touch of creativity, there are no limits to what can be accomplished in the dynamic world of marketing.

Bonus: What are you currently binge watching, reading, or listening to?

So much! Here’s the highlights: As fans of both history and the supernatural, my husband and I have been binge watching Apple TV’s shows “Masters of the Air” and “Monarch: Legacy of Monsters.” I highly recommend both! As for reading, I’ve set out on a mission to read all of Elena Ferrante’s books. She’s an incredible fiction writer, best known for her “My Brilliant Friend” series, which is also a TV show! I’m currently reading her book, “The Lost Daughter.”