On paper, Dana Thomas is Ogury’s Senior Publisher Success Manager, US. But, like every member of our team, there’s much more to her story than her title suggests. Through Ogury’s Spotlight Series, we’re diving into the personal journeys and passions that shape the people behind our mission.

Can you walk us through your career journey?

My first adtech role was at Undertone, where I worked in AdOps and campaign management, spending long hours QA’ing creatives, trafficking, and monitoring campaigns. I later moved into Account Management on the demand side—my first client-facing role—and eventually transitioned to the supply team under Jon Matthews.

After six years at Undertone, I joined iMedia Brands (formerly Synacor) as a Publisher Success Manager, where I deepened my understanding of the programmatic business. When a role opened at Ogury, I was fortunate to reconnect with Jon and rejoin the supply team.

What initially drew you to Ogury, and what do you think sets our approach to publisher success apart from others in the industry?

Honestly, it was the people. From my first conversations, I could tell that everyone genuinely enjoyed working here and believed in Ogury’s mission. Reconnecting with Jon was a huge plus, but it was clear from the start that the culture across the company was something special.

Ogury’s Personified Advertising really stood out to me—it’s an innovative, future-proof approach that respects evolving privacy regulations while continuing to deliver meaningful results. I was also drawn to Ogury’s global footprint, which allows me to collaborate with teams around the world and support publishers in a thoughtful, scalable way.

What advice would you give to someone just starting out in adtech who wants to build strong, long-term partnerships?

Say yes to new opportunities—even if they push you outside your comfort zone. Starting in AdOps and later moving into client-facing roles on both the demand and supply sides gave me a 360° view of the business. Each experience helped me discover my strengths, understand what I enjoy most, and build empathy for different perspectives.

And most importantly, surround yourself with smart, supportive people who challenge you to grow. The relationships you build early on will become the foundation for your long-term success.

As someone who played Division 1 field hockey, how has your athletic background shaped your professional mindset and approach to teamwork?

Playing at that level taught me the importance of structure, time management, and adaptability. Sports teach you how to handle wins and losses, but also how to respect everyone’s strengths and weaknesses—including your own.

That mindset translates directly into my work. I thrive in team-first environments where trust and accountability are core values. When everyone is aligned and putting in the effort, that’s when great results happen.

Tell us something unexpected about yourself:

What’s your go-to karaoke song?

I love going to karaoke, but I have no business holding the mic! I’m much happier requesting songs for other people and jumping in as a backup singer. If I had to sing, it would probably be “Always Be My Baby” by Mariah Carey, “Goodbye Earl” by The Chicks, or “Paradise by the Dashboard Light” by Meat Loaf.

And finally, what’s your persona?

The ones that fit me best are Team Sports Enthusiast, Cat Lover, Dog Lover, Beach Lover, Snacker, Beer Enthusiast, Coffee Lover, and Nightlife Enthusiast.

The roles we play at work are just one side of who we are. Dana’s story—driven by teamwork, curiosity, and a true love of connection—captures the energy and spirit that make Ogury’s culture so unique. Stay tuned for more stories as we continue spotlighting the incredible people who power Ogury every day.