Brendan Doherty ’15 didn’t take a straight line to his current role as Associate Director of Marketing at The Brand Amp. But if you trace his path from Merrimack’s OnStagers theatre productions to influencer campaigns for national brands, you’ll find one common thread: storytelling.
At Merrimack, Doherty majored in Communication Studies with a concentration in Mass Communication and a minor in Theatre Arts. “I’ve always been fascinated by how media, storytelling, and strategy shape the way people connect,” he says. “The mass communication track gave me a broad foundation while also allowing me to focus on the real-world application of media. I viewed Communication as a broad degree that allowed for flexibility in whatever field I would ultimately get into with skills that were transferable to different career paths.”
While on campus, he immersed himself in both academics and the arts. He worked in the Athletics department, attended campus events, and stayed active in the Visual and Performing Arts, performing in productions such as Little Shop of Horrors and Tartuffe. His favorite class? Directing. Doherty shares, “It challenged me creatively and helped me build leadership skill, something that’s helped me in my career.”
After graduation, Doherty launched himself into the entertainment industry, starting in film production. His early credits include work on major feature films such as Manchester by the Sea, Central Intelligence, and Stronger. He eventually moved to Los Angeles, where he joined Jim Parsons’ production company at Warner Bros. and later worked in talent representation at APA and William Morris Endeavor. During this time, he helped build G-Unit Film and TV at Lionsgate/Starz alongside 50 Cent and managed a roster of writers, directors, and talent.
However, it was in the digital space where he really found his stride. In his current role at The Brand Amp, he leads influencer marketing programs and growth strategy for brands like TCL, IHOP, Arlo, Duke Cannon, and Mitsubishi. Prior to that, he held senior roles at 3BLACKDOT, working with clients like GM, Nintendo, and Red Bull, and managing campaigns that blended entertainment, gaming, and lifestyle content.
“Merrimack helped prepare me by teaching me to think critically, present ideas confidently, and combine creative and analytical skills—things I use every day,” Doherty says.
When asked what advice he’d give to current students, his answer is simple: say yes. “Don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone—whether that’s joining a performance, taking an internship, or building relationships with professors. The more experiences you can gather, the better prepared you’ll be after graduation. Always say yes, take the meeting or interview, network with people and explore. This is the perfect time to quickly build your skillset before you hit the job market.”
Now based in California and working with top YouTubers, Twitch streamers, athletes, and celebrities, Doherty still draws on the lessons he learned on stage, in class, and everywhere in between. “That mix of creative storytelling and business strategy is something I love bringing to everything I do,” he says.
From North Andover to Los Angeles, Brendan Doherty is proof that sometimes the best stories are the ones still being written. To learn more about him and connect with him, visit his LinkedIn profile.
