Meet our team members
PRESIDENT
Mara Gecan, PMP
Mara Gecan is a senior communications and business operations manager with more than 27 years of experience in providing senior-level advisory services, building strategic partnerships across federal government agencies, executing strategic communications programs, and overseeing business operations and contract transition activities. She works with customers to achieve their communication and outreach goals in a creative and cutting-edge manner, to ensure quality products that exceed customer expectations are produced, and to build and grow strong teams that are focused on the organization’s mission and success.
Throughout her career, Mara has led strategic communications programs for Department of Defense organizations, including Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics and Technology (ASA(ALT)), U.S. Army Materiel Command, U.S. Army War College, U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command, U.S. Army Acquisition Support Center, Defense Acquisition University (DAU), and Office of Naval Research. She developed DAU’s strategic communications and outreach plan and oversaw the design, production, and distribution of the U.S. Army’s Weapon Systems Handbook. She also managed and planned high-profile, senior-level events, training forums, tradeshows, and awards ceremonies, including ASA(ALT)’s 5,000-square foot tradeshow booth at several Association of the United States Army Annual Meeting and Expositions.
In her previous role, Mara was vice president of BRTRC Federal Solutions’ Organizational Advisory Group where she was responsible for managing a portfolio of more than $8M in federal government contracts. Her team of more than 50 communication professionals were focused on delivering strategic communications, public affairs, integrated marketing solutions, and program management support for multiple government agencies.
In November of 2019, Mara launched Cardinal Consultants, LLC, to focus on the work she is passionate about – finding efficient, innovative solutions that make a measurable impact on organizations.
Mara, a certified Project Management Professional, earned her bachelor’s degree in International Language/Business from the University of Scranton in Pennsylvania.
SENIOR COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER
Hannah Pike
With nearly two decades of experience collaborating with military advocacy groups and the Department of Defense to serve the military, Hannah possesses an in-depth understanding of this community's unique needs and challenges. She is mission-driven and enjoys utilizing data to perform analyses of program strengths and weaknesses to inform strategy.
Hannah has an innate ability to design and execute effective communication plans, meticulously tracking the impact and effectiveness of campaigns. She has led multiple teams to fortify online visibility and bolster the customer base, driving business growth. Her expertise extends to revitalizing websites and crafting content for digital publications and social media platforms. Some of Hannah's career milestones include innovating initiatives during the COVID-19 pandemic to address crucial needs within the military community by providing childcare relief and virtual camps. In addition, Hannah and her team launched the "More Than a Spouse" program, a public relations campaign that earned an Honorable Mention at the Digital PR Awards.
Originally hailing from Pennsylvania, Hannah spent her formative years overseas where she gained an appreciation for other cultures and diversified her palate. Currently residing in Northern Virginia, she spends her free time as a personal Uber driver and car karaoke singer for her three teenage kids.
SENIOR WRITER & EDITOR
Matt Sablan
Matthew Sablan serves as an Editor for Cardinal Consultants, LLC. He has provided support for government agencies for more than 15 years, including writing articles and providing communications support for the Defense Contract Management Agency, the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics and Technology, Defense Acquisition University and the U.S. Army Combat Capability Development Center (CCDC) Ground Vehicle Systems Center (previously the U.S. Army Tank and Automotive Research and Engineering Center). He received a Bachelor's degree in History and English from Marymount University in Arlington, Virginia.
SENIOR COMMUNICATIONS ANALYST
Brandy Willetts
Brandy Willetts is a senior communications strategist and visual designer with more than a decade of experience supporting government agencies, nonprofits, and private-sector organizations. Her expertise includes strategic communications and digital content support for the Department of War. She specializes in developing clear, effective communication strategies and high-quality visual assets that strengthen mission understanding and stakeholder engagement.
Brandy leverages data-driven insights to refine outreach strategies, increasing engagement rates by 316%—from 4.39% in September 2024 to 19.36% in September 2025. She also leads branding and content development for a high-performing LinkedIn newsletter focused on trending topics, creating visual and written materials and collaborating with subject-matter experts for review. Under her direction, the newsletter maintains a 46% open rate and reaches more than 19,000 subscribers.
With a strong foundation in creative direction and organizational communication, Brandy is skilled at distilling complex information into accessible, mission-aligned messaging. She develops visual systems, brand materials, and digital media best practices that help teams communicate with clarity and consistency across platforms.
Brandy holds a Bachelor of Arts in Studio Art and Arts Management from Randolph-Macon College and a Master’s degree in Visual Communication Design from Liberty University. Her work blends design expertise with strategic insight to produce communications that advance the Department of War’s priorities of rapid capability delivery, clear accountability, and innovative, mission-focused outcomes.
COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST
Jackie Brence
Jackie is a gifted communicator and collaborative team member who enjoys working with others to bring creative ideas to fruition and achieve strategic goals. Throughout her career, she has coordinated marketing and publicity for military Morale, Welfare and Recreation programs, directed communications for non-profit organizations, managed sales and event planning for the visitor industry and written news and feature stories for various publications.
Jackie’s passion for writing and editing enables her to create engaging content that brings the organization’s mission to life across multiple platforms. With a strong commitment to innovation, she actively seeks out new ways to deliver messaging, strengthen brand awareness and connect customers with solutions.
Jackie earned a bachelor’s degree in Commerce with concentrations in Marketing and Management from the University of Virginia. She enjoys spending time with her family, reading, running and cheering on the Virginia Cavaliers and Washington Capitals.
PROGRAM ANALYST
Chris Torregrossa
Chris Torregrossa joins Cardinal Consultants after 20+ years supporting federal government customers across defense, civilian, and intelligence agencies. With a diverse skill set spanning research, writing, data analysis, training, program management, proposal work, and curriculum development, Chris brings a passion for learning and creative solutions to the team. She excels at listening to customers, teasing apart issues, and pursuing practical strategies for resolution. Chris has a knack for simplifying complex concepts and sharing them with her audience; her training as a lawyer and a librarian foster this process.
Throughout her career, Chris has demonstrated a relentless commitment to customer success. Whether collaborating with government agencies, corporations, contractors, or other stakeholders, she prioritizes the needs of her clients above all else. Her dedication, expertise, and unwavering focus on delivering results have earned her the trust and admiration of colleagues and clients alike.
Chris is a proud graduate of Smith College, Boston University School of Law, and Catholic University School of Library Science.
Our services
We’re dedicated to providing effective, efficient, creative, and strategic support services to meet the specific needs of your team.
