Signifi

Joseph Bedford, Ph.D.

Joseph Bedford, Ph.D., is an experienced corporate leader in research, strategy, branding, and marketing. Joe began his career as a history consultant for Fortune 500 companies and non-profit organizations before co-founding History Productions with Ilana Drucker in 1994. The firm specialized in historical research and consulting, anniversary planning and execution, historical exhibits and videos, and other services for Fortune 500 companies and global trade associations.

Joe then transitioned his career to marketing, branding and strategy consulting for well-known brands including the Yankees Entertainment and Sports Network (YES), JP Morgan Chase, and Johnson & Johnson. After a short stint working at agencies, Joe spent the next 20+ years serving in leadership roles for global life sciences companies.

In 2002, he joined Covance as Associate Director of Global Market Research before being promoted to Director of Strategy and Marketing in 2004. As a member of the Senior Management Team, Joe partnered with the executive management and business units on brand strategy, customer experience, investor relations, M+A, and marketing/sales initiatives.

Joe later took on commercial leadership roles for the Almac Group, Taconic Biosciences, and Envigo. At Taconic and Envigo, he served as VP of Marketing and a member of the executive teams, leading major rebranding and repositioning efforts for both companies. In 2018, Joe formed Signifi to provide custom commercial services to large companies and organizations.

Joe graduated from Rutgers University with BAs in Psychology and Labor Relations. He later earned his Ph.D. in history with a focus on international relations and economic development. Joe is an avid musician and enjoys outdoor activities, the arts and travel.

Scorpio

Ilana Drucker, M.A.

Ilana has presided over Scorpio Research, a market research and strategy firm, since 2003. Scorpio specializes in large-scale, qualitative research studies to inform branding, positioning, advertising, user experience, and consumer satisfaction. While versed in range of consumer-based products and services, Scorpio conducts extensive work with B2B and C-level professionals. Sectors of focus are healthcare, education, and social cause.

Scorpio Research Training Center teaches best practices in qualitative research and moderating. Key clients include Netflix, Viacom, MTV, Twitter, MarketCast, Business for Social Responsibility, Envigo, Consumer Reports, Cars.com, Rutgers University, Florida International University, and University of Miami.

Prior to Scorpio, Ilana served as Research Director at Insight Strategy Group. She led and staffed global research projects from concept development through product and service launch on behalf of Fortune 500 corporations. She co-founded History Productions with Joe in 1994, coordinating historical publications, exhibits, videos, and other promotional materials. Ilana also served as a consultant in the production of history-based projects for Sara Lee Corporation, McCormick, Lennox, Fireman’s Fund, and Mallinckrodt.

She graduated from the University of Michigan (Summa Cum Laude and Phi Beta Kappa) with a B.A. in History. Ilana received a full scholarship to attend New York University, where she earned two M.A. degrees in American and Public History. Ilana is a professionally certified moderator. She has taught American History and lectured on research at the University of Miami, Miami-Dade College, and Barry University. Outside of work, Ilana writes spoken-word poetry, plays the piano, mentors emerging adults, and advocates for Lyme Disease awareness.

Mission

James Killoran

James is Co-Founder and Creative Director of The Mission, an international marketing and branding company. He has devised and spearheaded large-scale projects for U.S. and European clients spanning government, telecoms and FMCG. Today, The Mission operates as a dedicated Life Science and Healthcare Brand Communications consultancy.

The Mission (and its predecessor firm, Mission Control,) delivers award-winning campaigns and services launches, including multiple Gold Chartered Institute of Marketing Awards in the Chemicals and Pharmaceutical category. In 2022, The Mission was ranked Creativepool’s No.1 Brand Communications agency, as well as the Ad World Masters Agency of the Year.

Other highlights include The Mission’s appointment ahead of the 2015 UK General Election by The Conservative Party to run strategic campaigns targeting opponent influence in controversial areas. James has worked with global agencies on brands including the BBC, AT&T, BT, and Honda. In 2002, James was honored as the youngest Creative Director in Northern Ireland, leading a multi-award studio and winning accounts including Galen and the Kingspan Group.

James attended Confederation College, Ontario, Pace University, New York and Thames Valley University, London, graduating in Advertising, Design and Media Management.