In 2022, Ben’s Chili Bowl, an iconic D.C. landmark, celebrated its 60th anniversary in a way that blended tradition with innovation. To honor its deep ties to the community, the restaurant launched a vibrant influencer marketing campaign that included a street festival, social media contests, and a heartfelt documentary. With local influencers at the forefront, Ben’s Chili Bowl engaged the community by allowing influencers to share personal stories, transforming this nostalgic milestone into a viral moment.
The campaign not only celebrated its rich history but also demonstrated the power of combining real, local connections with influencer marketing. It was a masterclass in community-driven digital engagement.
This is the kind of visionary thinking that sets D.C.’s top influencer marketing agencies apart. Behind successful campaigns like these are the fearless leaders—CEOs whose strategic foresight and innovative approach push the boundaries of digital marketing.
In this article, we’ll highlight the top CEOs of influencer marketing agencies in Washington, D.C., who are paving the way for the future of brand partnerships and digital storytelling. These are the leaders who turn ideas into viral sensations, and who know how to create campaigns that not only go viral but also leave a lasting impact.
Top CEOs of Influencer Marketing Companies in Washington DC
In Washington D.C., where influence is everything, the masterminds behind today’s most impactful campaigns aren’t just politicians—they’re marketing CEOs. These leaders run the city’s top influencer marketing agencies, crafting viral moments that shape public perception, brand success, and even political messaging.
1. Benjamin B. Kaplan
Strategic precision and viral marketing mastery define Benjamin B. Kaplan’s approach to influencer campaigns. The driving force behind TOP Agency, he has built one of the industry’s most innovative marketing firms by combining real-time data with compelling storytelling to create influencer partnerships that truly resonate.
His career began with PR Hacker, where he revolutionized public relations through analytics-driven strategies. This same philosophy now fuels TOP Agency—a global network of 12 specialized marketing firms that optimize influencer marketing with data-backed decision-making.
Kaplan’s expertise is most evident in his approach to mid-tier influencers. Instead of relying on celebrity endorsements, he uncovers hidden gems—content creators who deliver high engagement and stronger ROI. His methodology turns influencers into authentic brand advocates, fostering credibility and trust.
Beyond his agency work, Kaplan hosts the TOP CMO podcast, where he delves into the strategies of the world’s leading marketers. With a footprint in over 20 countries—including Washington, D.C., a key hub for influencer marketing—his influence spans industries and geographies.
A Harvard-trained economist, media veteran, and self-taught coder, Kaplan is not merely keeping pace with marketing evolution—he’s actively shaping it.
2. Jon Davids
Long before influencer marketing became mainstream, Jon Davids was already turning digital attention into business success. Since launching Influicity in 2015, he has built one of the most dynamic forces in marketing, helping brands leverage influencers, podcasts, and content-driven communities.
For Davids, marketing isn’t just about short-term brand deals—it’s about fostering deep, lasting customer connections. His agency goes beyond traditional influencer collaborations, integrating social media, email, and SEO to ensure sustained audience engagement. With a strong presence in Washington, D.C., Influicity serves industries ranging from healthcare to tech, proving that influencer marketing can work across any sector.
An influential content creator himself, Davids hosts Making It with Jon Davids, a top-10 marketing podcast worldwide. His insights on branding and digital growth extend beyond his agency—he also runs training programs designed to help businesses master AI, content creation, and strategic marketing.
A self-made entrepreneur, Davids first found success in college by monetizing an online magazine, later pioneering influencer-brand collaborations before most marketers even recognized their potential. Now, with his upcoming book Marketing Superpowers, he’s sharing the playbook he wishes he had when starting out.
3. Roxy Jahangeri & Cory Lawrence
In a digital world oversaturated with ads, Roxy Jahangeri and Cory Lawrence are proving that the best marketing still happens in real life. At IRL Agency, they combine influencer marketing, social media strategy, and experiential brand activations, ensuring that brands create lasting connections—both online and off.
Jahangeri, serving as Director of Experiences, infuses creativity into immersive marketing campaigns that go beyond digital impressions. She specializes in turning brand stories into tangible, unforgettable moments. Meanwhile, Lawrence, as Director of Marketing, shapes IRL Agency’s content production, blending strategy with visual storytelling across social platforms.
What makes their approach unique? Their belief in holistic brand storytelling. Rather than just executing influencer partnerships, they build communities through content, social engagement, and curated events. Clients consistently praise their ability to transform ideas into impactful experiences, elevating brand aesthetics and driving real engagement.
4. Megan Flynn
Megan Flynn is proving that big marketing results aren’t just for big brands. At Megan Flynn Marketing, she’s built a Washington, D.C.-based agency designed to help small businesses make an impact through data-driven marketing strategies.
Unlike agencies chasing high-budget corporate clients, Flynn prioritizes accessibility, ensuring that even local businesses can benefit from influencer marketing, digital ads, and strategic brand development. Certified as a Business Enterprise (CBE) in D.C., her agency is deeply embedded in the community, leading branding projects like the revitalization of Chevy Chase, D.C.
Beyond running a successful agency, Flynn is a hands-on entrepreneur. She co-owns Merry Pin, a craft store and café that doubles as a creative hub—giving her firsthand insight into the challenges small businesses face. This real-world experience informs her marketing approach, ensuring that her clients receive strategies tailored for practical growth and real engagement.
With a background spanning advocacy, grassroots marketing, and brand storytelling, Flynn is more than a marketer—she’s a champion for small businesses.
5. Thomas Sanchez
A three-time Tech Titan and one of Technical.ly’s RealLIST Connectors of 2024, Thomas has earned recognition for his innovation in digital marketing and his unwavering advocacy for diversity, equity, and inclusion. But his influence extends beyond business—his role as the CEO of Social Driver underscores his dedication to social good.
Thomas has also positioned Social Driver as a leader in influencer marketing, spearheading initiatives like educating a State Department delegation on creator-driven campaigns and working with AIDS United to combat vaccine hesitancy via Instagram and TikTok influencers. He understands that influencers aren’t just content creators—they’re changemakers who can drive conversations that matter.
His forward-thinking leadership has earned Social Driver accolades like the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce’s Supplier of the Year award and a spot on the Minority Business 100 list. And with executive education from Harvard Business School and Dartmouth’s Tuck School of Business, Thomas blends expertise with a relentless drive for innovation.
Whether it’s launching philanthropic initiatives like The Driver Foundation or advising Washington, D.C. on tech inclusion, Thomas isn’t just shaping the future of digital marketing—he’s ensuring it’s one where everyone has a seat at the table.
6. Zach Goodwin
Zach Goodwin doesn’t just create ad campaigns—he builds cultural moments that make brands unforgettable. At This January, he leads a team known for crafting next-gen marketing campaigns for Fortune 500 companies, startups, and viral brands.
Before launching his agency, Goodwin spent over a decade at ISL (iStrategyLabs), where he played a key role in scaling the firm from a three-person startup to an 87-employee WPP acquisition. His creative genius fueled award-winning campaigns like NBC Universal’s Mr. Robot launch (Cannes Lion winner) and Lockheed Martin’s “Field Trip to Mars” (Cannes’ most-awarded campaign in 2016).
With a client list including Nike, Facebook, Volkswagen, and Capital One, Goodwin’s leadership has propelled This January’s rapid expansion—from three employees to 18 in two years. The agency’s 12 ADDYs and Awwwards Site of the Day recognitions speak to their creative excellence.
7. Benjamin B. Kaplan
Few understand the science of virality like Benjamin B. Kaplan. At PR Hacker, he has revolutionized influencer marketing by blending data-driven PR with high-impact digital campaigns, turning brand stories into shareable moments that spread like wildfire.
His career is a masterclass in media strategy. Over the past 15 years, he’s been featured on Oprah, Good Morning America, and over 2,000 other TV and radio shows. He’s worked as a media spokesperson for Dr. Pepper and Discover Card, contributed as a columnist for The New York Times and TIME, and built an agency responsible for landing clients in over 5,000 media outlets.
At PR Hacker, influencer marketing isn’t about simply pairing brands with creators—it’s about finding voices that truly connect. Kaplan’s team prioritizes authenticity and engagement, ensuring influencer collaborations generate measurable business impact. Whether it’s driving awareness, launching a product, or igniting industry conversations, PR Hacker crafts influencer strategies designed for maximum reach and ROI.
Beyond running an agency, Kaplan is the founder of National Today, a media platform that transforms niche holidays—like National Pizza Day or International Yoga Day—into viral cultural moments. A Harvard-trained economist, startup founder, and digital strategist, he specializes in leveraging timing, trends, and storytelling to build unstoppable brand momentum.
8. Chris Lewis
Chris Lewis has spent nearly three decades shaping how brands connect, influence, and engage in the digital-first world. His leadership has fueled bold, forward-thinking initiatives, including eliminating traditional resumes to foster a more dynamic and inclusive hiring process. This progressive mindset has helped TEAM LEWIS attract top-tier talent—including emerging influencer stars—and execute campaigns that go beyond engagement to drive real-world change.
Beyond his role at TEAM LEWIS, Chris is a renowned thought leader in leadership and communication. He co-authored The Leadership Lab – Understanding Leadership in the 21st Century, which won Business and Leadership Book of the Year in 2019. His insights into modern influence, media, and branding have positioned him as an essential voice in today’s fast-evolving marketing landscape.
From developing global media strategies to pioneering new influencer marketing frameworks, Lewis isn’t just reacting to industry trends—he’s shaping them.
Washington D.C.’s Marketing Powerhouses: The CEOs Redefining Influence
In the fast-paced world of digital influence, Washington D.C.’s top CEOs are not just following trends—they’re setting them. From high-stakes political campaigns to viral brand moments, these leaders have mastered the art of influencer marketing, turning strategy into impact. Whether through full-service agencies, boutique creative firms, or data-driven consultancies, they are reshaping how brands, governments, and businesses connect with audiences. In a city where influence is currency, these visionaries prove that the right blend of strategy, authenticity, and innovation isn’t just good marketing—it’s what defines success in the modern digital landscape.
About the Author
Writer
Koba Molenaar brings nearly a decade of rich experience in content writing, specializing in digital marketing, branding, SaaS, and eCommerce. Her passion for helping brands, from solopreneurs to established companies, connect with their audiences shines through her work. As a member of the Golden Key International Honor Society, Koba’s commitment to excellence is evident in her work, showcasing her as a relatable and knowledgeable voice in the industry.
