Fractional CMOs in Phoenix Making Things Happen in 2025

Phoenix Interim Chief Marketing Officers to Know

Phoenix has long been known for its blazing sun and rapid real estate growth, but today it’s also one of the most dynamic and evolving business markets in the U.S. With tech companies expanding westward, wellness brands multiplying, and a robust startup culture gaining traction, Phoenix has quietly become a hotbed for entrepreneurial activity. And driving that momentum from the marketing front are fractional CMOs—seasoned leaders who guide strategy, messaging, and growth without the full-time overhead.

At Digital Reference, we’re reimagining how professional credibility is built and shared. Our goal is to make the talent ecosystem more authentic, transparent, and efficient, and fractional professionals are key to that evolution. In this spirit, we’re proud to spotlight some of the top fractional CMOs in the Phoenix metro area—independent leaders who are helping companies build brands, launch campaigns, and scale smart.

Our Methodology

We selected this group of fractional marketing leaders through a multi-pronged process:

• Location-Based: Must be based in Phoenix or nearby cities like Scottsdale, Tempe, Chandler, or Mesa
• Active Practice: Currently offering fractional, part-time, or interim CMO services
• Reputation & Results: A history of executive marketing leadership, strategic growth roles, or entrepreneurial impact
• Professional Presence: Accessible via a business site or verified LinkedIn profile with clear positioning
• Digital Reference Alignment: Their career paths reflect our core values of radical transparency and radical authenticity

These professionals don’t just give advice—they build strategy, mentor teams, and help founders create meaningful momentum.

Meet the Fractional CMOs in Phoenix Making Things Happen

1. Duke Merhavy

http://www.Fractional-CMO.com

Founder and President of Fractional CMO & Marketing Services, Duke Merhavy has built a nationally respected brand as one of the original thought leaders in the fractional marketing space. With over 25 years of experience, Duke provides strategic marketing leadership to companies across industries.

Why He Stands Out:

• One of the earliest adopters and advocates of the fractional CMO model
• Has worked with companies in manufacturing, logistics, SaaS, healthcare, and professional services
• Focused on marketing infrastructure, planning, execution, and ROI tracking

Duke is ideal for CEOs who want strategic clarity, proven leadership, and a marketing partner who knows how to scale.

2. Carey Ballard

https://www.linkedin.com/in/careyballard1/

A marketing strategist with a background in enterprise brand-building and small business consulting, Carey Ballard helps businesses simplify their message and amplify their results. Her fractional CMO work focuses on aligning brand vision with day-to-day execution.

Why She Stands Out:

• Former Global Director of Marketing for GoDaddy
• Specializes in customer experience, strategic communications, and scalable marketing systems
• Known for being both a visionary thinker and tactical executor

Carey is the go-to fractional CMO for companies ready to translate big ideas into lasting customer connections.

3. Aaron Pierson

https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaronpierson333/

Part brand strategist, part creative director, and part digital growth architect, Aaron Pierson delivers high-performance marketing leadership with an edge. With roots in design and branding, he brings a unique ability to blend emotion, utility, and revenue.

Why He Stands Out:

• Founder of multiple ventures and trusted brand consultant for growth-stage startups and SMBs
• Combines visual identity, brand voice, digital funnels, and growth marketing
• Known for pushing creative boundaries while staying grounded in ROI

Aaron is a strong fit for bold, mission-led brands that want to stand out in crowded markets without losing their voice.

4. Michael Jon Lazar

https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-jon-lazar/

A self-described "marketing tactician and revenue-focused storyteller," Michael Jon Lazar serves as a fractional CMO to companies looking to align brand messaging with real pipeline outcomes. He offers a no-fluff, deeply analytical approach to marketing leadership.

Why He Stands Out:

• Experience across ecommerce, IT, telecom, cybersecurity, and legal tech
• Deep knowledge of inbound marketing, thought leadership, lead generation, and conversion rate optimization
• Combines sharp messaging with analytical tools and performance tracking

Michael is best for businesses that need a CMO who understands the mechanics of message and the math behind results.

Why Phoenix is Fertile Ground for Fractional CMOs

Phoenix is uniquely positioned at the crossroads of rapid economic growth and shifting workforce dynamics. With more companies opting for flexible, scalable business models, fractional executives offer the ideal solution to meet those demands.

Here’s why Phoenix is primed for fractional CMO leadership:

• The startup scene is growing, but many founders can't yet justify full-time executive hires
• There’s a booming SMB market that wants to professionalize its marketing
• Remote-first trends mean CMOs in Phoenix can now serve clients across the U.S., without relocation
• There’s a strong base of creative agencies and technical talent, making it easier for CMOs to plug into ready-made teams

Fractional CMOs bring strategic thinking to a market that values action—and they do it in a way that’s cost-efficient and results-oriented.

What Digital Reference Brings to the Table

At Digital Reference, we’re not just telling stories. We’re building a new infrastructure for how fractional professionals show their work and build trust. For too long, independent experts have had to rely on word-of-mouth or outdated resumes. We’re changing that by:

• Helping professionals document real-world outcomes with verified references
• Creating structured portfolios that highlight skills, projects, and client impact
• Offering a place where authenticity and performance live side by side

Fractional CMOs thrive in ecosystems built on clarity, trust, and speed—and that’s exactly what Digital Reference delivers.

Final Thoughts: Phoenix CMOs Are Building What’s Next

This new generation of Phoenix-based fractional CMOs brings more than marketing knowledge. They bring agility, credibility, and strategic horsepower at exactly the right time.

Whether you’re:

• A startup looking to define your brand
• A scaling business ready to build demand
• Or a founder in need of a trusted marketing partner

...this list is where you start.

Featured Professionals:

• Duke Merhavy – Fractional CMO & Marketing Services
• Carey Ballard – Brand and Strategy Executive
• Aaron Pierson – Brand Strategist and Creative Growth Leader
• Michael Jon Lazar – B2B Content and Revenue Strategist

At Digital Reference, we’re proud to highlight the professionals who are making the work world more transparent, more accountable, and more human.

– The Digital Reference Team

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