KANSAS CITY, Mo. / WICHITA, Kan. (March 31, 2026) – Signal Theory, the behavioral science-driven advertising agency, today announced the expansion of its Executive Committee (EC), the leadership body that runs the agency. Three new members have been added, and two existing members have been promoted to vice president, bringing the EC to nine. The moves come as longtime VP of Account Management Diane Young prepares to retire at the end of April after 13 years with the agency.
New to the Executive Committee:
● Evan Fast, VP, Account Management: Fast, a trusted partner to many of the agency’s key clients, succeeds Young, who mentored him during his seven years at Signal Theory. ● Joe Wilper, VP, Executive Creative Director: A 16-year veteran of Signal Theory, Wilper has led award-winning creative work across the agency’s portfolio and joins the EC as the agency sharpens its focus on creative excellence.
● Elijah Kleinsmith, Director, Innovation and Technology: Now in his 10th year at Signal Theory, Kleinsmith has been instrumental in integrating AI and emerging technology into the agency’s operations and client solutions.
Promoted to Vice President:
● Samantha Scantlebury, VP, Strategy: Scantlebury has served on the EC and now assumes the VP title in recognition of her expanded role leading behavioral
science-driven strategy across the agency’s client roster.
● Seth Gunderson, VP, Marketing and Growth: Gunderson, also an existing EC member, has been promoted to VP for his leadership in driving agency growth and marketing initiatives.
“Signal Theory has always been built on the belief that great work comes from great people,” said John January, co-CEO. “Expanding our Executive Committee to invest in leaders across creative, innovation, strategy and growth positions us for what’s ahead.”
The expansion reflects a shared priority among the agency’s co-CEOs to build leadership depth across disciplines.
“This move is about making sure the right voices are shaping where this agency goes next,” said Ali Mahaffy, co-CEO of Signal Theory. “Evan, Joe and Elijah each bring a perspective that makes us sharper, and Sam and Seth have earned these roles through the work they’ve done building this agency alongside us.”
A Leadership Priority on Innovation and AI
Kleinsmith’s appointment to the EC signals the agency’s commitment to treating technology and AI as a core leadership function. “Adding our director of innovation and technology to our Executive Committee is strategic,” said January. “At Signal Theory, behavioral science drives how we think, lead and create – and technology and AI make that work even stronger.”
Honoring a Legacy
Young’s retirement marks the end of a 13-year career at Signal Theory, where she grew and led the agency’s account management discipline and built lasting relationships with many of the agency’s longest-standing clients.
“Diane Young has been a cornerstone of this agency,” said Mahaffy. “While she grew and led our account management discipline, her influence extended well beyond it – she helped guide the direction of this agency for years, bringing a holistic perspective to everything from client partnerships to how we grow and operate as a firm. We’re going to miss her a lot. But the path she paved for emerging leaders like Evan Fast, whom she helped develop, will carry that standard forward.”
Young reflected on her time with the agency.
“My time at Signal Theory is a real highlight of my career. I got to bring my passion for building big brands, great teams and meaningful partnerships. I’m leaving them in the best possible hands,” said Young. “This next generation of leaders is exactly why Signal Theory’s best work is still to come.”
The Full Executive Committee
Signal Theory’s nine-member Executive Committee now includes the five newly elevated leaders alongside its existing members: Co-CEOs Ali Mahaffy and John January, CFO Tony Robinson, COO Jim Vranicar and VP of PR and Managing Director of Wichita Lathi de Silva.
