John Gordon

Deputy Executive Officer of Marketing @ Los Angeles Metro

About

As a visionary leader in digital marketing and strategic communication, I bring over two decades of experience driving transformational change for organizations, campaigns, and causes. My career has been a dynamic journey of pioneering digital-first strategies to amplify voices, build communities, and solve complex problems. From empowering global brands to tackle pressing social issues to designing innovative public sector campaigns, I thrive at the intersection of creativity, data, and impact. I've led initiatives that secured landmark LGBTQ rights, funded billion-dollar transportation projects, protected endangered species, and galvanized millions of voters. My leadership is defined by a results-driven approach, a commitment to fostering diverse, high-performing teams, and an ability to create meaningful connections between organizations and their audiences. My work has been celebrated on platforms like Adweek and The Today Show and has earned recognition for its ability to seamlessly merge creativity with measurable outcomes. Whether I'm speaking at Social Media Week NYC, leading a viral campaign, or transforming a brand's digital footprint, my passion remains the same: to tell stories that matter and deliver impact that lasts.

Country

United States

City

Los Angeles Metropolitan Area

Industry

Marketing & Advertising

Skill

Digital Marketing, Business Development, Digital Strategy, Social Media, Content Strategy, Strategic Communications, Public Relations, Integrated Marketing, Online Advertising, Leadership, Team Management, Behavior Change, Facebook Marketing, Twitter, Creative Direction

Experience

Deputy Executive Officer of Marketing

Los Angeles Metro

2023-8 - Present · 3 yrs 1 mo

Los Angeles County, California, United States

Spearheading a 23-person team across advertising, web/mobile, social media, and digital content to drive Metro's marketing priorities. Leading initiatives such as LA28 technology integration, app consolidation, and CRM to future-proof Metro's digital landscape. Strategizing agency-wide marketing efforts to promote sustainable transit solutions and enhance the customer journey.

Senior Director of Digital and Advertising

Los Angeles Metro

2019-3 - 2023-7 · 4 yrs 5 mos

Greater Los Angeles Area

Directed digital strategy, advertising, and marketing research, reshaping organizational culture and workflows for seamless cross-collaboration. Launched Metro’s "Join the Movement" brand campaign, reinforcing Metro’s commitment to innovation and sustainability. Managed strategic planning for departmental reorganization, budget alignment, and KPI development.

Director of Social Media

Los Angeles Metro

2015-3 - 2019-2 · 4 yrs

Los Angeles Metropolitan Area

Authored Metro’s inaugural social media strategy and policies, positioning the agency as a digital trailblazer. Created award-winning campaigns like “Safetyville” and “Super Kind,” generating billions of earned media impressions. Innovated digital advocacy strategies for Measure M, leveraging geo-targeted ads and A/B testing to mobilize millions of voters.

President/Chief Marketing Officer

Echo Park Group

2013-1 - 2015-3 · 2 yrs 3 mos

Greater Los Angeles Area

Led digital strategy for Chime for Change, a Beyoncé and Gucci initiative, raising $4.3M through a globally televised concert. Directed digital marketing for Howard G. Buffett’s book launch, achieving a debut on The New York Times bestseller list. Developed and executed engagement strategies for NGOs, celebrities, and Fortune 500 brands.

Senior Vice President

Fenton

2010-4 - 2013-1 · 2 yrs 10 mos

Greater New York City Area

Built Fenton's digital practice into a powerhouse specializing in movement-building and digital advocacy. Led high-profile campaigns for DC Entertainment, General Mills, and ASPCA, creating tangible social impact through innovative marketing.

Vice President, Digital

Fenton

2009-3 - 2010-4 · 1 yr 2 mos

Director of Digital Strategy

Spitfire

2007-11 - 2008-11 · 1 yr 1 mo

New York, New York, United States

Built Spitfire’s digital consulting division, helping clients integrate traditional and digital strategies during a critical shift in the marketing industry. Created new revenue streams and expanded services to include social media, content marketing, and digital advocacy. Directed the development of The Just Enough Planning Guide, a go-to manual for effective campaigns. Led naming and branding efforts for ClimateWorks Foundation, a landmark philanthropic climate organization. Delivered digital training for major foundations like Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and Hewlett Foundation. Elevated staff expertise by introducing digital tools and processes that transformed agency offerings.