About

Michael E. Ozan co-founded TWIST Creative with his wife Connie, uniting their skills in storytelling and design to challenge mediocrity. Fascinated since childhood by advertising’s power to shape perception, Michael has dedicated his career to empowering education and nonprofit leaders with strategic branding and compelling messaging that drives measurable results. Recognizing how often organizations waste precious marketing dollars on scattered tactics, Michael helped develop TWIST’s innovative model—transparent, performance-driven branding and marketing packages built specifically to deliver clarity, accountability, and meaningful outcomes.

Under Michael’s leadership, TWIST has helped private and faith-based schools grow enrollment, inspired donors through powerful storytelling, and tackled complex community challenges through impactful initiatives. Guided by TWIST’s mantra, “Amplify Good,” Michael ensures every project harnesses the persuasive power of branding for meaningful, lasting change. He leads with enthusiasm and strategic clarity, enabling clients to achieve ambitious goals, deepen community connections, and elevate their impact.

Connie combines timeless design principles with innovative thinking to deliver brands that stand the test of time. As Co-Founder and CCO of TWIST, she has led the creative vision behind more than 200 award-winning brand campaigns, spanning a wide array of education, nonprofit, and corporate clients. Her work has garnered recognition from local, regional, and national organizations and has been featured in prestigious international design annuals like AIGA 365. Mentoring a talented team of designers, Connie champions both creative exploration and meticulous execution, resulting in work that’s not just visually striking but strategically on point. Whether collaborating with clients or inspiring future designers as an adjunct professor at Cleveland State University, she approaches each project with empathy, insight, and uncompromising quality. Connie’s passion for design—and seeing clients succeed—continues to shape the agency’s creative heartbeat.

Charlene is a strategic powerhouse and relationship builder who has steered countless brands toward transformative growth. As Partner and President at TWIST, she pairs over two decades of agency and client experience with a gift for insight-driven planning. Charlene’s leadership is marked by deep collaboration—whether she’s launching a new product, leading organizational growth, or shaping a brand’s strategic direction. Recognized as a trailblazer in the industry, she’s been honored by Adweek, inducted into Chief, and served in leadership roles with AAF Cleveland. Charlene remains deeply committed to her community through her active involvement on the boards of Lutheran High School West, Greater Cleveland Food Bank, and YWCA Greater Cleveland. With unwavering dedication, Charlene ensures every client engagement is grounded in trust, clarity, and results.

Stefanie ensures TWIST runs smoothly and strategically behind the scenes. As Vice President of Operations, she manages critical operational areas such as finance, legal oversight, vendor relationships, and facilities management. Known internally as a trusted problem-solver and cross-departmental resource, she continuously optimizes processes, anticipates challenges, and provides clarity and confidence across the agency. Stefanie’s foundational role reinforces TWIST’s commitment to strategic excellence and operational efficiency, ultimately empowering the agency to consistently deliver high-quality, impactful results to education and nonprofit clients.

Andrea is a driven account leader who loves building genuine, lasting client relationships. With a background in education, she brings a fresh perspective to messaging that resonates with students, parents, and faculty alike. At TWIST, Andrea ensures every project moves smoothly by coordinating teams, clarifying feedback, and keeping communication transparent. Her proactive approach—whether scheduling presentations or tackling challenges head-on—instills confidence in clients and colleagues. Above all, Andrea believes in meeting people where they are and guiding them to next-level solutions, reinforcing her commitment to putting heart and soul into every collaboration.

Thiago injects pure creative energy into everything he does—drawing on influences from his native Brazil, a New York state of mind, and a deep appreciation for pop culture. A Parsons School of Design and School of Visual Arts alum, he merges global inspiration with a fearless approach to problem-solving. At TWIST, Thiago thrives on collaboration, seeking out fresh perspectives and daring solutions that set brands apart. Always looking ahead, he balances cutting-edge style with practical strategies. Above all, Thiago’s passion for design, people, and purpose makes every project more vibrant, engaging, and impactful.

Rachel is the ultimate design orchestrator—equally at home strategizing a brand’s visual identity or refining the smallest detail on a deadline. Armed with a B.A. in Graphic Design from Columbia College Chicago, she seamlessly blends creativity with organization, ensuring her teams stay on track and on brand. From her time at the Lyric Opera of Chicago to her studies in London, Rachel has honed a keen eye for balancing aesthetics and functionality. At TWIST, she’s both a planner and a doer, championing designs that resonate emotionally while fulfilling real-world objectives.