Twenty-First Digital (TFD)

Melissa Chowning

Founder & CEO

Hello, I’m Melissa, a California native, audience development pro and CEO of Twenty-First Digital operating in Texas. I’ve been described as ambitious, infectiously passionate, characteristically curious, a smidge— OK, super— nerdy. The reality is that I'm just passionate about journalism, local news, and the valuable role that it plays in our lives and democracy.

I studied communications at the University of North Texas, and have since made my mark as an audience development leader for prominent brands, including Portland Monthly, Seattle Met, D Magazine.

I’ll love to take a deep dive into digital strategies and audience development efforts to help publishers find no-nonsense ways to drive traffic and supercharge interactions with their audiences. I’m always on the lookout to build relationships with talented industry professionals. If you want to chat, please reach out. I’d love to hear from you.

Favorite Newsletters to Read: Digiday Daily | Popular Information | Letters from an American | A Media Operator | Perpetual | The Rebooting

Favorite Podcasts: Pivot | The Ezra Klein Show | The Daily | The Bulwark | You're Wrong About

Read Melissa's Posts on the TFD Blog.

Lauren Frappier

Chief Operating Officer

Hi there! I'm Lauren. After graduating from the University of Oklahoma in 2013, I started working at D Magazine. I coordinated the publication’s in-house professional service lists like, Best Doctors, Lawyers, Dentists, Realtors—and nearly 20 more.

Additionally, I worked under D CEO, D Magazine’s award-winning business publication, as an associate editor. I launched the inaugural Dallas 500, an annual ancillary pub that features personal interviews from 500 of the most powerful executives in Dallas/Fort Worth. The concept proved to be a success among publishers, advertisers, and readers alike.

After leaving D Magazine in 2016, I moved back to Oklahoma (my husband started law school at the University of Oklahoma College of Law) and joined the public affairs team at OU. There, I helped guide the university’s strategic communication tactics, writing news releases, statements, and speeches for OU’s president and executive officers.

We’re now back in Texas, and you’ll find me working remotely from my suburban town outside of Dallas. I have a 2- year-old and 4-year-old daughters. This means you may see my Slack icon on late at night so I can be there for afternoon school pick-up. We’re all about work-life balance here at TFD.

I'm big on communication, organization, and processes, love a good brainstorming session, and couldn't live without my to do list. No, really.

Favorite Newsletters to Read: The Morning Brew | A Media Operator | Cook’s Illustrated

Favorite Podcasts: Raising Good Humans

Favorite Social Engagers to Follow: Wishbone Kitchen

Read Lauren's Posts on the TFD Blog.

Natalie Paschall

Director of Agency Growth & Marketing

Hi! I'm Natalie. In my past lives, I’ve worked for advertising agencies both big and small, allowing me to dive deep into digital marketing campaign strategy and execution. Small companies require employees to wear many hats, so I have managed everything from paid media campaigns, content marketing and management, social media, and technical/content SEO strategies. I’ve also pioneered reporting solutions for clients at multiple agencies; providing people with actionable insights into their business data is one of my passions.

Favorite Newsletters to Read: Culture Study, Anne Helen’s Substack | This Week in Security | User Mag

Favorite Social Engagers to Follow: SchizophrenicReads | The Onion | Sarah Longwell | Taylor Lorenz

Favorite Podcasts: Normal Gossip | Texas Take | QAA Podcast | Democracy Now |Power User | Tech Won't Save Us

Read Natalie's Posts on the TFD Blog.

Dallas Holland

Senior Strategist

Hi! I'm Dallas, a Senior Strategist at Twenty First Digital with a passion for language, culture, and understanding how people tick. I graduated from Radford University in Virginia with degrees in Foreign Language and Communications, and I've been hooked on the power of words ever since.

My journey has taken me from the non-profit world, where I helped cultural organizations build their online presence, to in-house roles at PR agencies and luxury publishing houses. I've always been drawn to digital marketing, and I've honed my skills in social media management, website content creation, and SEO.

At Twenty First Digital, I help businesses like yours understand the steps needed to boost their organic traffic through content and technical SEO strategies.

When I'm not reading Google documentation, you can find me in the kitchen, researching upcoming fashion trends, at a show, or hitting the gym.

Read Dallas's Posts on the TFD Blog.

Tonya Cauduro

Executive Assistant & Office Manager

Hi, I’m Tonya! I’m another TFD representative based in Texas (for now). I have a Bachelor's degree in Business Computer Information Systems from the University of North Texas and have spent most of my career learning new things. I feel like my background has been helpful in navigating the current technology skills necessary to stay relevant.

After a previous career as an IT professional, I branched into social media at the start of things in 2007. I’ve since worked at a number of digital marketing agencies before starting my own where I specialized in content writing, social media management, and HubSpot marketing. I love helping clients tell their stories!

I also love planning travel as a fun side business that allows me to explore new places as well!

I have three children that live in Austin, two furry co-workers (a dog and a cat), and wonderful friends that enjoy food, travel, music and outdoor activities with me.

I’m happy to be a part of TFD and support the team in growing the business and keeping our clients happy. Reach out if you want to chat about travel or new technology!

Favorite Newsletters to Read: Marketing Examples | Notes from a Hired Pen | Copyblogger | Emotional Agility

Favorite Social Engagers to Follow: Hank Green | Rachel Maddow | Lynae Vanee | Mammoth Club

Read Tonya's Posts on the TFD Blog.

Frankie Palmisano

Paid Media Specialist

Hi there! I’m Frankie. I graduated from Arizona State University in 2020 with a degree in Digital Audiences, which is just a polished way of saying I studied digital audience acquisition and behavior analysis. Paid media has been my passion and expertise since the start of my career! Over the years, I’ve gained valuable experience running ad campaigns across industries like insurance, healthcare, restaurants, and real estate.

Originally from Hoboken, New Jersey, I decided to shake things up and moved to sunny Phoenix seven years ago - and I’ve been loving it here ever since. My home is full of personality with three cats (Colby, Gus, and Poppy), a spirited three-legged dog named Murphy, and Bruce, my easygoing bearded dragon.

When I’m not working, you can probably find me at a concert as I rarely say no to live music, or spending quality time with friends and family. I also love to travel and explore new places, and I’m a huge hometown foodie at heart (you can take the girl out of New Jersey, but you can’t take New Jersey out of the girl!).