Leadership Team

Ethan Cohen – CEO

Ethan joined Easy2 in 2010 with a strong background in strategy, technology and international operations. Ethan previously served as the President of SPi Healthcare, a provider of medical transcription services with operations in the US, the Philippines and India, and as the Chief Technology Officer of MedQuist, the world’s largest medical transcription service, where he envisioned developed and implemented a Web-based platform to support 10,000 remote employees. Ethan was also a Senior Engagement Manager at McKinsey & Company, an international management consulting firm, where he applied manufacturing disciplines to service sector companies.

Ethan serves on the Board of the Northern Ohio Region of the American Red Cross Blood Services and is a Board member and Treasurer for the Jewish Family Services Association of Cleveland. Ethan has an MBA from the Harvard Business School where he graduated with Distinction. He also has an AB in Applied Mathematics from Harvard where he graduated Summa Cum Laude.

Ethan spends his free time releasing endorphins during bike rides and tennis matches. Ethan has one of the most challenging jobs at Easy2: he’s responsible for managing all of our “interesting” personalities while accomplishing our business goals. It’s sort of like herding cats that drink too much coffee.

Georgene Goddard – Director of Finance & Operations

A native Chicagoan, Georgene brings her extensive accounting and finance experience to Easy2. Georgene spent many years as a project accountant in the Engineering and Construction industry, working for large firms in Illinois and Oregon. Georgene apparently missed the brutal Midwest winters and returned to Cleveland, where she worked as a corporate accountant for Key Bank. Georgene earned her Master’s in Management from National-Louis University and holds a Bachelor’s in Finance from the University of Illinois at Chicago.

Georgene is an avid gardener and can frequently be found working in her gardens, visiting gardens, and planning her next garden. She also likes garden salads, garden centers, beer gardens, Madison Square Garden, Soundgarden, and her favorite book is “The Secret Garden.” (She really likes gardening!).

George Koenig – VP, Sales & Business Development

George brings extensive entrepreneurial experience to Easy2. For eight years, he was instrumental in several start-up companies that include a fitness center, a golf retailer and an Internet firm. After capitalizing on previous entrepreneurial ventures, George joined Easy2 to lead the company’s domestic and international sales and business developments efforts. George earned his Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Cleveland State University.

George is also the biggest Jimmy Buffett fan we’ve ever known. With an office decorated like Margaritaville, it’s hard to walk by and not hear Jimmy blaring from his speakers. We think he may even have a margarita machine in there somewhere.

Carl Persson – VP, Channel Management

Carl started at Easy2 in 2000 after working as a chemical analyst in Boston, Massachusetts. After completing his MBA, he became a marketing and accounts receivable manager with McMaster-Carr Supply Company. Carl is responsible for developing and maintaining good relationships with our retailer partners and providing them with interactive content provided by our manufacturer partners. Carl holds an MBA from the Smeal College of Business at Penn State University as well as a Bachelor’s degree in Biology from Juniata College in Huntingdon, Pennsylvania.

Carl is an avid cyclist and engages his passion for riding as often as possible and frequently rides his bike to work. We keep telling Carl the biker bar down the street is full of guys wearing bright yellow lycra shirts and spandex bike shorts, but so far he hasn’t fallen for it.

Jerry Spelic – Director of Marketing

Jerry brings a background well-suited to his position. He has experience as an online merchandiser at two Top 100 eCommerce sites (OfficeMax.com & JCWhitney.com) and was most recently responsible for leading the marketing and product development efforts at a highly-regarded consumer product company. Jerry’s responsibilities at Easy2 include developing and implementing a comprehensive strategic marketing strategy to ensure that Easy2 is well-regarded as a preferred provider of interactive merchandising content, and to increase sales opportunities. Jerry earned his MBA in Strategic Marketing from The University of Akron and a Bachelor’s degree in Communication from Bowling Green State University.

To say that Jerry is a fan of The Simpsons is like saying water is wet - it’s an understatement. He can relate ANY experience to a quote from The Simpsons. On writing this bio: “Oh, they have the internet on computers now!” (Seriously, he’s a big fan.)

Matt Walsh – VP, Product Development

Matt brings a blend of graphic design and communications experience that fits well with Easy2. He began his career in graphic design with the New York financial firm, Fischer, Francis, Trees & Watts. He then transitioned to interactive design with Internet development firm, Windmill Software, also in New York City. In 2003, Matt joined Easy2 as Senior Interactive Developer. The following year, he was appointed to Director of Product Development. Matt is responsible for guiding our application development and research and development functions. Matt earned his Bachelor’s degree in Communications from Ohio University and studied design and interactive development at The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, and at The New School in New York City.

Matt is a pop culture encyclopedia. He knows the names of the two old guys who constantly heckle The Muppets, the title of Don Johnson's debut album, how to do peanut butter jelly time, and he always knows when to ask for a little more cowbell.

Russ Tigue – Director of Client Services

Russ joined Easy2 in 2008 with a background in operations, sales, and account management. He started his career with SIRVA Relocation handling their household goods operations, later transitioning to various sales roles. Russ found his professional calling when he started at Easy2 as an Account Manager and was then chosen to lead retail syndication operations. He is currently Director of Client Services and is responsible for providing industry-leading service to our clients. Russ earned his Bachelor’s degree in Economics and Psychology from Ohio University.

Russ is a sports fanatic – he plays football and baseball, coaches youth basketball and participates in numerous fantasy leagues. To describe Russ using sports clichés: he is our client services go-to guy, a real team player who always gives 110%, because at the end of the day, there’s no “I” in team.