MRA Leadership

Larry Brownell, Executive Director:
Larry joined MRA in August of 2003. He brought with him a wealth of experience in business management, government affairs and member relations. During his 11 years of management experience, Larry served as Director of Member Relations for the Certified Public Accountants in California, as the Administrative Officer for the Building Industry Association of Southern California and as the Executive Director for the California-Nevada section of the American Water Works Association.

In 2005, Larry was honored with the Executive of the Year Award, from the RFL Communications’ Research Business Report. Brownell holds an MBA in Finance and Marketing from UCLA.

Colleen Moore-Mezler, MRA President, Moore Research Services:
Colleen Moore-Mezler is a second generation researcher and seasoned professional with over 20 years experience in the marketing research industry. Colleen has significant experience in both quantitative and qualitative research which has made Moore Research a reputable data collection company. Prior to her position as MRA President-Elect, Moore also served as MRA Treasurer on the Board of Directors, as well as the Great Lakes chapter Board of Directors as President, Past President and Treasurer. Mezler obtained her Professional Research Certification in the data collection segment of marketing research.

Merrill Shugoll, MRA Immediate Past President, Shugoll Research, Inc:
Merrill Shugoll began her term as MRA President in June 2006. As President, Shugoll leads MRA’s Executive Committee and Board of Directors and guides the Association’s initiatives. Before becoming President, Merrill served as Secretary on the Board of Directors and lead other workgroups. On the chapter level, Shugoll has served as the Director of MRA’s Mid-Atlantic Chapter.

She is a respected marketing researcher with 30 years of experience conducting qualitative and quantitative research for corporations, non-profit organizations, trade and professional associations and government agencies. Shugoll has contributed to a number of industry and community groups. She is a Past President of the Washington Metropolitan Chapter of the American Marketing Association. Shugoll is in demand as a lecturer at universities and professional meetings and is frequently as a resource for business publications including The Washington Post. Shugoll received a Bachelor of Arts degree from American University and holds MRA’s Professional Researcher Certification.

Jon Last, MRA President-Elect, Golf Digest Publications:
In addition to Jon’s role as MRA Treasuer, he also serves as Director at Large on the Board of Directors and serves as the Chair of the Compensation Study Committee. On the chapter level, Jon has been a frequent speaker at numerous chapter conferences and events. Jon Last is a recipient of numerous MRA awards. He is also involved in other marketing research industry organizations, and serves on the Board of Directors of the Marketing Research Institute International since 2004. Last received his MBA from the University of Pennsylvania, and bachelor’s degree from Tufts University.

Steve Schlesinger, MRA Secretary, Schlesinger Associates, Inc.:
Steve Schlesinger is a second generation researcher with over 20 years of experience in marketing research. Schlesinger Associates is an international marketing research company that provides services for. Schlesinger is also a member of the Revenue Generating Task Force, the Public Relations Task Force.

Steve spent six years on the Board of Directors of the New York/Northeast Chapter, and served as the Chapter President from 2001-2002. Schlesinger received a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry from the University of Vermont and completed graduate work in physiology from Georgetown University.