CMN Enlists Avila As Co-CD

Mario Avila studied fine art at the Parsons School of Design in New York before switching over to graphic design. Nonetheless, Avila, who has joined independent Corey McPherson Nash in Watertown, Mass., as co-creative director, said he thinks he has remained true to his original calling.

“The work that I do now, I consider that a fine art,” said Avila, 45, an art director by trade.

CMN hired Avila following a six-month search to replace Phyllis Kido, who had been a partner as well as creative director. She left the firm after an 18-year run to spend more time with her family but continues to freelance for the agency. Avila reports to Michael McPherson, founding partner and also a creative director at the agency. He oversees two staffers (a creative team) and works on all agency accounts. CMN’s clients include Eastman Kodak, Clear Channel Communications and Forrester Research.

Before joining CMN, Avila, a native of Colombia, was a creative consultant at Ambrosi in Miami, an independent retail and catalog marketing agency. Prior to that, he ran his own eponymous design company, which worked on a variety of accounts, including Wet Seal and Esprit.

“We were very, very impressed with the beauty of his portfolio and felt it would inject some new blood into our already strong [team],” said CMN partner Andrea Naddaff.

“I’ve worked with both established and startup design organizations,” said Avila. “CMN is one firm that brings the discipline and process of a larger firm, yet encourages the creativity and energy of a startup. I look forward to bringing fresh ideas to the table with this experienced team of designers.”

In his spare time, Avila, who is married with two children, likes to explore museums and bookstores. He also enjoys spending time outdoors.