Elysium Marketing Group Announces Inaugural Board of Advisors

Full-service marketing agency convenes accomplished panel of leaders to support next phase of strategic growth

AMBLER, Pa.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Elysium Marketing Group, a full-service marketing agency offering digital marketing, public relations, and creative services, today announces the formation of its inaugural Board of Advisors. Founded in 2015 by Elyse Lupin, the agency is poised for its next phase of pivotal growth and has assembled a distinguished group of leaders to provide strategic guidance and relevant industry expertise.

The Elysium Marketing Group 2026 Board of Advisors brings together accomplished professionals from the financial, franchising, legal, human resources, and hospitality industries, each aligned with the agency's long-term vision:

• Veronica A. Cram, MBA, MAcc, Founder; Chief Consultant, InSight Strategic Solutions
• Maureen DiStefano, CFE, Director, Potbelly Sandwich Works
• Steve Lupin, Esq., Partner, Hamburg, Rubin, Mullin, Maxwell & Lupin
• Marcia O’Connor, CEO and Founder, The O’Connor Group
• Shawn Utke, CEO, The Friendly Toast

“While Elysium has evolved significantly from our early days, developing particular niches in the franchise and restaurant industries, I recognize the value of collaborating with professionals esteemed in their industries who can provide smart guidance and critical insights based on their own varied experiences,” said Elyse Lupin, President and Founder, Elysium Marketing Group. “I am so honored and grateful that these extraordinary individuals are lending their time and counsel to Elysium as we prepare for pivotal growth and continued long-term success.”

The members of the Advisory Board will each serve a term of two years, effective January 1, 2026.

About the Board of Advisors

Veronica A. Cram is the Founder and Chief Consultant of InSight Strategic Solutions, a financial strategy and profitability advisory firm that partners with growth-minded business owners across the United States. With more than 20 years of experience spanning for-profit, nonprofit, and multi-entity organizations, Veronica specializes in helping leaders gain clarity in their numbers so they can make confident, forward-looking decisions. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Accountancy from New Mexico State University, a Master of Accountancy from The University of Alabama in Huntsville, and an Executive MBA from Auburn University. She is active in the business community, serving on several nonprofit and professional boards, and a frequent speaker on financial strategy, leadership, and sustainable growth.

Maureen DiStefano is a seasoned franchise development leader who currently serves as Director of Franchise Development at Potbelly Sandwich Works. She brings over a decade of experience expanding nationally recognized brands, including Dunkin’, Popeyes, GNC, Delaware North, and ARAMARK. Based in Philadelphia, Maureen specializes in strategic market expansion, franchisee recruitment, and building sustainable growth platforms.

Steve Lupin is a Partner and the former Managing Partner of Hamburg, Rubin, Mullin, Maxwell, and Lupin, and a seasoned trial lawyer with decades of experience preparing and trying complex, high-stakes personal injury, business, and commercial litigation matters. Steve’s accomplishments have earned him consistent recognition, including: being named the James P. Fox “Trial Lawyer of the Year” by the Montgomery County Trial Lawyers; annual selection to the Pennsylvania Super Lawyers list from 2005 through 2025; placement among the Nation’s Top One Percent by the National Association of Distinguished Counsel from 2016 through 2024; and selection as a Senior Fellow of the Litigation Counsel of America. He is a graduate of Pennsylvania State University and Temple University School of Law.

Marcia Zaruba O’Connor is the CEO and Founder of The O’Connor Group, a premier firm specializing in outsourced human resources and recruitment-as-a-service for small and mid-sized companies. Since founding the firm in 2007, she has grown it into a nationwide network of more than 55 professionals. Marcia also leads 57th Street Partners Executive Search, a division of The O’Connor Group dedicated to helping organizations secure exceptional executive talent.

Marcia and The O’Connor Group have earned numerous accolades, including the Inc. 5000 Fastest Growing Businesses, Philadelphia Business Journal’s Best Places to Work, and The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Top Workplaces. A committed community leader, Marcia serves on multiple boards and is the Founder of Shadow Her, a nonprofit supporting women entrepreneurs.

Shawn Utke brings an extensive track record of accelerating company growth, transforming business models and scaling nationally recognized consumer brands, to his role as CEO of The Friendly Toast. Prior to this position, he served as CEO and Senior Advisor of Tatte Bakery & Café and as Senior Vice President of on-premises channel and digital commerce for Panera Bread. Shawn holds a Master of Business Administration from Babson College and a Bachelor of Science in Finance from the University of Connecticut. He also served in the United States Air Force with the 103rd Air Control Squadron in Orange, Connecticut.

About Elysium Marketing Group

Founded by Elyse Lupin in 2015, Elysium Marketing Group is a full-service marketing agency, offering a comprehensive suite of digital marketing, public relations, and creative services., Elysium has developed unmatched expertise collaborating with franchise brands to support tailored franchise development, local store marketing, and national marketing efforts. The agency’s integrated approach drives impactful, cost-effective solutions that elevate brands, boost sales, and foster customer loyalty for clients including Ace Handyman Services, Bonchon, MY SALON Suite, and Ziggi's Coffee. Elysium has been recognized for the past two years among Entrepreneur’s Top Franchise Suppliers, a ranking based solely on client evaluations.