Samantha McDermott

Samantha works across healthcare, technology, financial services, aerospace, professional services, hospitality and public infrastructure.

Before founding SaJo Advisors, Samantha served as Chief Marketing Officer and Advisor for Stradling, where she led the firm's communications, marketing, business development and brand strategy. During her tenure, she directed a firmwide rebrand and digital transformation, supported three new office openings and served as the central communications lead during several sensitive, high-visibility matters.

Through SaJo Advisors, Samantha counsels executives on corporate and executive communications, media relations, crisis and issues management, brand positioning, stakeholder engagement and thought leadership. Her work has included announcements and initiatives involving NASA, Microsoft, Google Cloud, the FDA, Lockheed Martin and Sikorsky, the American College of Radiology and the University of Toronto. She is known for translating complex technical and business priorities into clear narratives that build understanding and support informed decision making.

Samantha also serves as Commissioner and Chair of the Marketing Committee for Palm Springs International Airport, where she advises on brand strategy, passenger communications, customer experience and stakeholder engagement supporting regional tourism and economic development.

She holds an MBA from Brown University and IE Business School and a bachelor's degree from Colgate University. Her additional credentials include the National Association of Corporate Directors Director Professionalism program, Pepperdine University's Private Capital Markets program and an FAA Private Pilot Certificate.