SpireMedia takes pride in creating an atmosphere that nurtures creativity and encourages innovation. The company attitude starts with our management team.
All the members of our management team are closely involved with the everyday operations of SpireMedia. More than just detached administrators, they bring a wealth of hands-on knowledge about the job gained from working in the trenches on numerous interactive projects since the beginning of the industry.
Michael Gellman, CEO
Michael Gellman is the founder and CEO of SpireMedia, where he is responsible for ensuring the success of every client and every employee.
He also directs Spire's management, vision, and strategy. Under his leadership, SpireMedia has grown to be a multi-million dollar company that has been profitable from day one without funding. Over the years, he has employed more than 100 people and prides himself on nurturing his staff and producing future leaders.
Prior to SpireMedia, Gellman founded his first company, GIG Media, in 1996. GIG was one of Colorado's first interactive agencies. Prior to GIG Media, Gellman served as a writer and producer for television and film with companies including Troma Pictures and The Teaching Learning Network. He also performed stand-up comedy and had small acting roles in productions throughout New York City.
Gellman earned a bachelor's degree in English from the University of Florida in 1994. He has held a variety of board posts with industry groups and non-profits. In addition, he has been active on behalf of numerous philanthropic and political causes. Gellman is a sought out speaker and has given lectures at The University of Denver: Daniels College of Business, The University of Colorado Leeds School of Business, and South by Southwest among others. He is also a published novelist and an avid photographer.
Thaddeus Batt, CTO
Utilizing his 13 years of technical experience, Batt provides SpireMedia and its clients with strategic analysis and planning as well as application and system architecture. His agnostic stance on technology offers an objective perspective to clients and allows him to effectively lead the R&D efforts of SpireMedia. You can find his blog here.
Prior to joining SpireMedia in 1999, Batt developed Internet applications for San Mateo-based Siebel Systems, Inc. (Nasdaq: SEBL) out of their Boston location, where he applied his experience to "web-enable" Siebel's flagship client/server product offering. He also worked on the development, installation, and launch of Siebel's Sales.com SFA portal. Batt joined Siebel via the acquisition of Web-based sales force automation startup InterActive WorkPlace, where he was a founding member of the initial development team.
Previously, he was the technical producer for Hearst New Media & Technology, where he was responsible for the implementation, maintenance, and re-launch of the Homearts Network at www.homearts.com.
Prior to that, Batt was production manager for Technologic Partners, publisher of ComputerLetter, VentureFinance, and VentureWire.
Batt earned a B.A. degree in Literature and Education from the University of Colorado at Boulder during the Orange Bowl Years. He enjoys spending time with his wife, Sarah, his children, Griffin and Genevieve, and his dogs, which are often at work.