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Authentic Announces Mark Coronna as its Chief Development Officer

By Authentic®On
Authentic Announces Mark Coronna as its Chief Development Officer

Authentic – a pioneer and leader in the fractional CMO industry – accelerates its national expansion through decisive move into private equity partnerships and innovative CMO offerings for the entrepreneurial SMB market.

February 12, 2024 / Minneapolis, MN – Authentic is pleased to announce Mark Coronna as its Chief Development Officer: a role that will propel the fast-growing Fractional CMO firm into further national expansion through private equity partnerships and ongoing services innovation.

Coronna brings a wealth of industry insight and growth leadership to Authentic’s leadership team. Most recently, Coronna has consulted under his own brand, “The Practical CMO,” following a seven year tenure as a Fractional CMO and Partner with Chief Outsiders.

Prior to launching his own consulting practice, Coronna held a number of executive and advisory roles for national and global enterprise organizations. As a past CIO, COO, COO, CMO, and VP of Sales, Coronna has a track record of transformational leadership for brands including Deluxe Corporation, US Bank, and Wolters Kluwer Financial Services, among others.

In recent years, Coronna has channeled his corporate expertise to help earlier-stage businesses grow through experienced leadership, strategic planning, practical tools, and disciplined execution.

“I have always respected Mark as a trusted colleague in the Fractional CMO ecosystem,” explains Jennifer Zick, Founder and CEO of Authentic, “As we discovered how closely our professional visions and personal values align, it became evident that we were meant to work together to create exponential impact for our clients and community.”

In his role as Authentic’s Chief Development Officer, Coronna will expand Authentic’s national network of private equity relationships: providing right-fit CMO expertise to help portfolio companies bridge leadership gaps, navigate transition, assess marketing performance, and implement Authentic’s proven, proprietary methodology (Authentic GrowthTM) to increase marketing maturity and transferrable value.

Coronna will also spearhead the growth of Authentic’s national community of Authentic CMOs by introducing a new line of business that will diversify the firm’s CMO staffing model and further establish Authentic as the category leader amidst a growing ecosystem of “fractional CMO” competitors – many who leverage the title but lack true executive credentials.

“I admire the business model and success of Authentic,” explains Coronna, “which I attribute to strong values, deep relationships with staff and clients, and delivery of high-value marketing solutions. Authentic has built a strong brand and reputation through its services, backed by its unique intellectual property and proven methodology. I’m excited to join in and contribute to the next stage of corporate growth and development.”

For Zick, who founded Authentic in 2017, and who has led the firm in year-over-year growth (as recently recognized by Authentic’s #16 position on the Business Journal’s Fast 50 list), culture-fit and values are the most essential contributor to the decision to bring Coronna onto her leadership team: “Mark’s expertise is well established, but it is his character that amplifies that experience into wisdom that will propel our team, our clients, and our partners in all the right ways. I could not be more honored and excited to welcome Mark to Authentic.”

About Authentic 

Authentic is a community of Fractional CMOs who help growing businesses Overcome Random Acts of Marketing® and confidently take the next right step to build revenue. 

Our unique approach combines Marketers + Methodology + Mindshare to build strong, strategic, sales-aligned marketing teams and programs. Learn more at www.AuthenticBrand.com.

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