About Watauga

The Marketing Agency for Outdoor Brands and Travel Destinations

A women owned marketing agency, Watauga Group’s 30 outdoor brand, and destination specialists leverage two decades of advertising expertise and their love for the outdoors and travel to help clients maximize sales and elevate marketing ROI.

Our Senior, Dedicated Specialists

The Watauga team delivers highly effective marketing solutions for Outdoor Brands and Travel Destinations by leveraging 20+ years of industry experience and marketing expertise.

Leslie Osborne

Chief Executive Officer

This is where the vision began. Leslie founded Watauga Group 20 years ago to pursue her passion for all things media and her love of travel, recreation, and the outdoors. Her experience over those years has led her to become an industry expert in the field while leading Watauga’s partnerships and work with a wide spectrum of clients including Dollywood Theme Park, Camper’s Inn, American Outdoor Brands, and The Arnold Palmer Invitational among many others.

Doug Breuer

President

With more than 25 years of agency and marketing know-how under his belt, Doug has worked with everyone from scrappy startups to Fortune 100 powerhouses. Doug taps his extensive knowledge and experience to lead Watauga Group and steer it towards even greater success. In his spare time, Doug likes to let loose and enjoy the great outdoors – whether it’s mountain biking, skiing, scuba diving, or hitting the hiking trails, he’s always down for an adventure.

Ryan Powers

VP Digital Media and Data Services

Ryan is an avid golfer but loves to fish, snow board, and go off-roading whenever he can. With 15 years of digital media experience, Ryan brings this same energy in leading our digital media team and directing all programmatic, search, social, and display platforms. Since joining the agency he has developed a cadre of in-house certified specialists in Google, Facebook, Amazon and leading DSPs to support clients such as Visit Lake Tahoe, Camper’s Inn, Dollywood, and Visit Panama City Beach.

Melonie Sturm

SVP Managing Director

A true outdoor enthusiast, Melonie loves to camp, canoe, kayak, and snow ski. Fortunately, the strong currents of the Watauga pulled her to our agency, allowing Melonie to bring unique insights gleaned from 17 years directing media and account service initiatives including at Luckie & Company where she led the Alabama Tourism team among others. Melonie directs our Client & Campaign Services team while providing senior counsel to Camper’s Inn and Visit Panama City Beach, among other clients.

Kim Burgett

Broadcast Account Director

Kim and her family enjoy Alabama boating, camping, and hiking in their free time. She provides our clients 25 years’ experience in national, regional, and local television and radio, securing premium placement at the most efficient cost. Skillfully navigating the constantly changing broadcast media landscape, Kim has developed and implemented integrated media strategies for clients that include Visit Panama City Beach, Dollywood, and Visit Monterey.

Sarah Rabin

Media Account Director

Sarah doesn’t just map out savvy media plans—she’s an avid explorer who loves hiking, sightseeing, and showing her two young sons the great outdoors. With 18 years of experience, she’s a marketing pro with a sharp focus on DMOs. Before joining the agency world, she spent seven years at The Travel Channel bringing custom DMO partnerships to life. Her strategic expertise has powered campaigns for Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg CVB, Visit Panama City Beach, and Emerald Coast CVB.

Trent DeHate

Associate Director of Digital Media

With 9 years of digital marketing experience, Trent DeHate brings a strong background in programmatic media, paid search, and social media. His expertise spans the travel and destination industries, outdoor industries, education sector, and various e-commerce businesses. Passionate about delivering data-driven results, Trent thrives on creating impactful digital strategies. When he’s not optimizing campaigns, you can find him cheering on his beloved Indiana Hoosiers.

Megan Dillon

Associate Director, Media Strategy

Megan has 15+ years of agency experience, using data-driven insights to craft impactful marketing strategies. She’s worked with clients like Visit Williamsburg VA, Huffy Bicycles, Golf Pride, and the Columbus Zoo, turning research into results. Outside of work, Megan embraces competition and adventure. Whether running marathons or conquering roller coasters at Hershey Park, she thrives on a challenge. Megan brings that same drive to her work, pushing herself and her clients to think bigger and achieve more.

What is Watauga

Pronounced ‘wa-taw-guh’

Named for the “small but mighty” Watauga River that runs from North Carolina to Tennessee, the river draws outdoor and recreation lovers to boat, camp, fish, kayak, and experience all the wonders of nature.

Our name fits us perfectly.

Watauga Group specializes in serving the companies and brands who serve outdoor and travel enthusiasts. Our name keeps us rooted with the adventurous spirit of our clients and our singular focus to help them navigate the fast-moving, ever-changing currents found in today’s modern marketing landscape.