MERGE is a purpose-driven, full-service marketing and technology solutions company designed to promote health, wellness, and happiness. MERGE fuses its complementary health and consumer vertical expertise to create a deep, unique understanding of how consumers make decisions about their health and wellness journeys. MERGE’s success is best illustrated in its enduring client partnerships with marquee brands such as Abbott, GE Healthcare, Supernus, American Express, T-Mobile, Coach, and Meta. With a team of 750+ employees across offices in Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Denver, Kansas City, Los Angeles, and New York City, MERGE’s culture embraces ability, agility, and humility to consistently deliver exceptional client results.
For Stacey, the intersection of technology and health is personal, and it’s a space where her leadership philosophy thrives. “Our purpose is simple,” she explains. “We want to help our clients build smarter, data-driven ecosystems that engage with consumers on a deeper level, and it all comes back to understanding how people make decisions about their health and wellness. That’s where the power of our integrated solutions comes in.”
Stacey is not just leading growth for MERGE—she’s reshaping the way businesses approach consumer health and wellness.
A Journey Fueled by Curiosity and Innovation
Stacey’s career began with a passion for problem-solving. While earning her MBA, she was accepted into the Leadership Development Program at Louisville Gas & Electric (LG&E), where she rotated through various roles over five years. It was during her time in the gas business that Stacey discovered her love for marketing. “The year I spent launching marketing programs in the gas business is where I found my passion for all things marketing and growth,” she recalls. Yet, as much as she loved marketing, she quickly realized the limitations that came with working in regulated industries. The entrepreneurial spark within her yearned for more creativity and flexibility.
After leaving LG&E, Stacey set her sights on more innovative, non-regulated industries. That search led her to DoubleClick, where she joined right after the company acquired a data business called Abacus. It was here that Stacey’s deep understanding of data-driven marketing and customer acquisition began to take shape. “I was scouring the internet trying to figure out if I were in my client shoes, how should I spend my marketing budget? How would I navigate this new world of customer acquisition?” Stacey says, reflecting on her early days at Abacus. “It was my curiosity that drove me to recommend marketing solutions well beyond what we sold.” That curiosity, she notes, led her to build long-lasting relationships and cement Abacus’s position as the number one data company in the industry.
Her career was on an upward trajectory, ultimately leading to her role as President of the Data Division at Epsilon, where she led the company through significant development and profitability. But it was her passion for growth that led her to MERGE, where she now leverages her data-driven, go-to-market experience to lead several initiatives across the company.
Leading With EQ, Passion, and a Desire to Win
What makes Stacey an exceptional leader is not just her technical expertise but her unwavering commitment to her people, too. As a firm believer in servant leadership, Stacey leads with emotional intelligence (EQ) as much as she does with intellect. “I truly believe that EQ is equally as important as IQ,” she says. “I bring my whole self to work, meaning I am genuine, authentic, and mindful of others.” This approach allows Stacey to build deep, meaningful relationships with her team and clients alike. She recalls a poignant moment early in her career when a leader came to her in tears. The employee was struggling with a medical condition that threatened his career, but Stacey took immediate action, connecting him with a family member who was a doctor. “He never forgot that gesture, and in return, he became one of the most loyal leaders I had in my organization,” she explains. “I always hated the expression ‘it’s just business’ because we are people first. I have to take care of my people, not just at work, however I can support them.”
Her commitment to her team is evident in the unique leadership style she brings to MERGE. With over 750 employees across multiple locations, MERGE’s culture is defined by three core values: ability, agility, and humility. “Be good at your craft, fail fast, and pivot quickly, but above all, do it with grace and humility,” she says. That agility has proven critical in an industry where change is constant, and staying ahead of the curve requires flexibility and foresight. It’s essential to have the right people on the team. “I put culture fit among the top criteria when I am interviewing candidates and when I am seeking new opportunities. Earlier in my career, I had a sales guy that worked for me who was absolutely amazing at his job. However, internally he was a tyrant. Ultimately, I decided to terminate his employment. Part of my leadership philosophy is NO JERKS! If you’re the best at your craft but show up like a bull in a china shop, you can’t work for me,” she says.
One of the most profound lessons Stacey imparts to her team is the importance of earning the right to win. “I wake up every day with a competitive mindset,” she admits, “but it’s not just about winning; it’s about setting yourself up for success through preparation, consistency, and hard work.” This philosophy mirrors that of NFL coach Tom Coughlin, whose book Earn the Right to Win Stacey had her team read. To Hawes, this means fostering an environment where hard work, consistency, and a focus on the bigger picture led to sustained success. It’s a mindset that not only drives results but also fosters a culture of mutual respect, humility, and accountability. Stacey finds a lot of inspiration in reading. “I dive into everything Daniel Goleman writes about emotional intelligence. Brené Brown is another favorite of mine—her books like Atlas of the Heart, Dare to Lead, and The Gifts of Imperfection are so impactful. I also love Marie Forleo’s podcasts; they’re really motivating. And of course, Oprah’s Super Soul podcasts are always amazing and uplifting.”
Blending Innovation With Data-Driven Insights
Innovation is at the heart of MERGE’s mission. The company specializes in fusing data-driven insights with creative storytelling to help brands in the health and wellness sector connect with consumers in authentic ways. But for Stacey, innovation is about more than just adopting new technology—it’s about listening to the needs of clients and anticipating the trends that will shape the future.
“Some of the most innovative solutions we’ve brought to the market have come directly from client feedback,” she shares. “I always ask clients, ‘What is keeping you up at night?’ That open-ended question allows them to reveal their most pressing challenges, which in turn helps us craft solutions that truly address their needs.”
Stacey keeps a close eye on industry trends, and one that she believes will reshape the future of marketing is the role of artificial intelligence (AI). “AI is going to touch every aspect of business, and we need to be thinking about how to leverage it to deliver better, faster, and cost-effective solutions for our clients,” she says. As AI continues to revolutionize the way brands engage with consumers, Stacey is already brainstorming ways to integrate it into MERGE’s offerings to stay ahead of the competition.
Additionally, the growing consumer demand for health and wellness products is driving new opportunities for MERGE. With the rise of telemedicine and digital health services, particularly following the pandemic, Stacey envisions the company playing a pivotal role in helping health brands deliver personalized, data-driven marketing solutions to consumers. “We plan to leverage our expertise in retail and consumer marketing to deliver results in healthcare verticals,” she says, “especially for pharma companies, health providers, and health plans.”
Women in Business: Dream Big and Lead With Confidence
As a female leader in a predominantly male-dominated industry, Stacey is passionate about mentoring and empowering the next generation of women in business. “I want to write a book one day about the lessons I’ve learned and the opportunities I see for women in business,” she shares. One area that Stacey believes holds immense promise for women is in tech and data-driven roles, particularly as AI reshapes entire industries. “There is a growing need for women in tech, STEM, and data analytics roles,” she says, “and that’s an area where we can truly make an impact.”
Her advice to women aspiring to leadership roles is simple yet powerful: dream big. “Embrace your uniqueness, believe in yourself, and be curious. Surround yourself with people who support you and will cheer you on.” She believes that women have a unique opportunity to lead with empathy, bringing their full selves to work while making data-driven, innovative decisions that will shape the future.
For Stacey, the path to success is paved by curiosity, hard work, and a deep understanding of what motivates both clients and employees. “I’m a data-driven marketer at heart,” she says, “but I also know that at the end of the day, we’re all human. The way we connect with others—whether it’s through storytelling, empathy, or shared values—makes all the difference.”
Creating a Healthier World
Looking ahead, Stacey sees immense potential in the health and wellness industry. MERGE’s deep expertise in both health and consumer verticals positions the company perfectly to capitalize on the growing consumerization of health. As more consumers take control of their own health decisions, businesses must create tailored, omnichannel experiences that resonate on a personal level. “We are constantly thinking about how to integrate storytelling into every touchpoint of a consumer’s journey,” she says. “The consumer wants information that’s relevant, delivered in a way that feels personalized, and that’s where technology allows us to make those connections in real time.”
As MERGE continues to expand and evolve, Stacey’s vision for the company is clear: embrace the intersection of creativity, technology, and data to drive real transformation in health and wellness marketing. It’s clear that her ability to merge storytelling and technology has set the stage for an exciting future—one where growth, human connection, and innovation are at the forefront.
Stacey’s journey is only beginning, and with her executive leadership helping steer the ship, MERGE is poised to achieve great heights.
