Kate Spates steps away; Nicole Middleton named new director business development at Graphtek Interactive

June 20, 2014

Kate Spates has resigned her position as president of Graphtek effective June 20, 2014 to focus on family and philanthropic activities, announced CEO Mike Cheley.  Spates’ role in the company since Image Marketing Concepts merged with Graphtek in November 2011 focused on business development. She will remain a trusted advisor and continue to be an active supporter of the firm’s efforts. Nicole Middleton, account manager, has been named director of new business.

“One of the motivating factors for the merger was ultimately to allow Kate to gradually phase out of the day-to-day activities of the business." said Cheley.  "With the school year ending and Kate’s increased involvement in Children’s Discovery Museum, College of the Desert Foundation and the Warburton Golf Tournament, now just seemed like the right time.”

Spates noted, “I found a great partnership with Mike Cheley and his team at Graphtek Interactive. We merged the companies because it was such a natural fit. IMC’s strength in customer service and business development and Graphtek’s powerhouse technology and creative teams combined to create one of the region’s leading and largest web development companies. My three-year commitment has come to an end and I am pleased to have been part of merging these two companies together.  I'll always care about Graphtek and will continue to root for the success of the company and its clients."

When asked about her future plans Spates replied, “I plan to spend time with my girls. They’re at an age where 'mom time' is important and I want to be there for them. I’ll continue to work with the charities I have grown close to and may do a little consulting, but I am at a point where family is going to be my top priority.”

Middleton joined Graphtek in 2013 after working with Lamar Advertising for six years. A University of Tennessee-Knoxville graduate, she holds a degree in business administration. Middleton is known for nurturing long-term relationships with clients and using emerging technologies to market businesses to varied audiences. She is a board member of the Indio Chamber of Commerce and is active in Leadership Coachella Valley, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Junior League and the American Advertising Federation – Palm Springs, Desert Cities chapter.

“It’s an exciting time at Graphtek,” Middleton said. “We’re in an expansion mode, hiring more account managers and production coordinators. I look forward to working with Mike to help grow the business.”

Established in 1998, Graphtek Interactive is a Palm Desert based web development and digital marketing firm providing local, regional and national clients with design, development and marketing services.