Our Consultants
AlterSpark Consulting is organized around 3 groups: our leadership, partners, and associates. For each project, we build teams that draw on the best combination of talent across these three groups.
1. Leadership
AlterSpark Consulting was launched in 2006 by a brother and sister partnership.
Brian Cugelman, PhD
Brian Cugelman, PhD
“As our lead consultant, I help organizations design online campaigns, use social media, build websites, and measure their impact through a diversity of research methods and measurement tools.
Since 1997, I have worked as an event coordinator, digital campaigner, technical consultant, project manager, and researcher. As a practitioner, my online campaigning for the Year of Volunteers was recognized by the United Nations General Assembly.
I have conducted evaluations and research for global institutions such as the United Nations Millennium Campaign, United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, United Nations Volunteers, CIVICUS, and Oxfam GB.
As a researcher, my publications deal with online social marketing, communication theory, website design, and the psychology of online engagement. I obtained my Masters in Business and Computer Studies, and my PhD in Online Social Marketing.”
Visit me online: Resume | LinkedIn | Top Journal Paper
Rena Cugelman
Rena Cugelman
“With AlterSpark, I help clients realize their design concepts, then deliver promotional materials in a variety of media, including website designs, print products, and a variety of digital formats.
I have worked in the print and web industry for over 15 years, working for commercial and social sector clients. My expertise is in online and interactive design, print, and illustration.
My design portfolio includes hundreds of websites, microsites, and print campaigns for Fortune 500 companies, TV stations, and brands. These include promotional websites for 20th Century Fox, Time Warner, Pepsi, Smirnoff, Fuji, Miller, Kellogg Canada, Glow by J-Lo, and Sarah McLachlan, to name a few. In addition, my work has been showcased on MuchMusic, CityTV, CityLine, Bravo, Star!, Space, and ChumLimited.
Not only do I develop creative concepts and deliver graphics, but also, I hand code standard compliant XHTML and CSS, and I work in a variety of social media, server and web system environments.”
Visit me online: Portfolio | LinkedIn
2. Partners
Statistical Cybermetrics Research Group (SCRG)
Based in the UK, the SCRG is a “world leading” Internet research group, according to UK independent research assessment. The research group specialises in downloading and analysing large-scale web data. They produce and distribute numerous online research tools, and offer specialism in analysing websites, blogs, and social networking sites.
As partners, SCRG and AlterSpark provide expert consulting that blends Internet research with social campaigning expertise. This partnership began with Dr. Cugelman working on behalf of SCRG with Leitmotiv, to evaluate the United Nations Millennium Campaign. Recently, the partners have produced several research products, and have developed an education curriculum for evaluators wishing to better integrate online research methods into program evaluations.
Leitmotiv
For evaluation projects, we partner with Leitmotiv, a Spanish-based firm specialising in developmental and social issues. Together, Leitmotiv and AlterSpark present a diverse evaluation team drawing on significant international development experience, research methods, and a range of evaluation and campaign expertise. Our partnership is founded on several successful projects that we have designed and delivered together.
Our evaluation of Oxfam GB’s Climate Change Campaign received a strong endorsement by Oxfam’s senior management. On behalf of the SCRG, Dr. Cugelman partnered with Leitmotiv on an evaluation of the United Nations Millennium Campaign. Recently, they have co-authored a white paper on the BER analysis, and are speaking at several events on evaluation design. In addition, Leitmotiv has provided substantive input into our education curriculum about Internet research methods for campaign evaluations.
3. Associates
We maintain a roster of trusted collaborators, experts, and sub-contractors working across a range of fields. Our associates offer expertise in research, marketing, creative services, and technical support. If you’re interested in collaboration with AlterSpark, please contact us.