Irene Gustaitis has dedicated her career to market research with a primary focus on entertainment marketing and programming content research for the television industry.  She’s currently the SVP of Media and Entertainment for NeuroFocus, a company that applies neuroscience research techniques to better understand neurological response to marketing, messaging, and branding at the subconscious level.   In addition, she has extensive experience in the traditional custom research field through her previous employment at Nielsen Entertainment and ASI Entertainment where she led high performance research teams and managed both quantitative and qualitative custom studies for broadcast and cable clients. Irene works directly with TV networks on all phases of market research studies from design through strategic application of results. She completed her undergraduate studies at UCLA and graduate work at Pepperdine University’s Graziadio School of Business. Professional memberships include MRA, AMA, CTAM, National Association of Women MBAs.

Welcome to the redesign of the SoCal MRA website. We’ll be working out some kinks and adding new features and news so look for periodic updates.

Wife, mother and Market Research professional Lorraine Sachs passed away October 28, 2008.  She was 78 years old.  She started her career in research in Chicago and continued when she moved to Los Angeles.  She worked at Southern California Interviewing Service and Wade West.  In 1978 with long time childhood friend Adrienne Goldbaum they opened LA Research, Inc.  Lorraine and her partner then opened an office in Orange County, California, Riverside, California and an office in Houston, Texas.  Lorraine helped on many committees for the annual Las Vegas conference and helped organize the Northern Southern California Conference in Santa Barbara. 

SoCal MRA had its Fall Social Mixer at the Edison in Downtown LA.  This exceptional space was once the city’s first private power plant and has since been renovated into as a world class bar while retaining many of its architectural and mechanical artifacts.  In November, SoCal MRA colleagues networked with one another within the walls of this swanky lounge that is reminiscent of a long lost era of Hollywood glamour and intrigue.   While the burlesque dancers performed in the main room, specialty cocktails and appetizers were served in our private room, which was the perfect setting for catching up with old friends and making new acquaintances.  

James Bettis 

Emily DellaMaggiora and Tobin Bailey

We would like to extend a warm welcome to our newest members who have joined our Chapter since November 2008.  We are looking forward to meeting you at our upcoming events and having you active in our Chapter.

Lisa Gulino                               California Marketing                           San Diego, CA

Sebio DelaPena                      California Marketing                           San Diego, CA

Joe Andere                              American Survey Company                Chula Vista, CA

Julie Peggar                            Ethnographic Research, Inc.               Kansas City, MO

Michael Howe-Fontes              Nielsen NRG                                         Los Angeles, CA

Jamie Quider                           Interviewing Service of America          Sherman Oaks, CA

Sarah Meyers                           Taylor Research/GroupNet                  San Diego, CA

Gustavo Mendoza                  Data Solution Group                           San Diego, CA