Ant Q&A: Christy Wills

AcrobatAnt Account Director
Christy Wills

Meet Christy Wills, a veteran account director with more than twenty years’ experience in digital marketing, process implementation, brand management, and project management, plus seven years’ experience in extremely-active-little-boy management.

How has previous career and/or academic experience prepared you for your work here?

From managing casino marketing campaigns in Vegas to leading new car launches in California, my career has been a hands-on journey through every challenge marketing has to offer. I’ve found that in this field, you can only truly learn through experience—the kind you gain when deadlines are tight, stakes are high, and creative problem-solving is a must. These experiences taught me not only how to strategize and execute but also how to adapt on the fly, and I’m thrilled to bring that depth of knowledge and energy to this team.

Why did you get into this wacky business?

Pure accident! Back in college, I tagged along with a friend to the newsroom while he updated his ads, and it looked like so much fun that I changed my major the very next day. I’ve always had a talent for creativity and problem-solving, so marketing just felt like the perfect fit.

Give us three to five fun facts about you:

  • Three days after graduating college, I moved to Vegas with $1,000 in my pocket, no place to live, and a U-Haul full of hopes and dreams!
  • My best friend and I drove to the Grand Canyon on a whim, paid the fee, and started our hike to the bottom of the canyon at noon. We reached the campsite in the pitch black, stayed the night, and hiked out the next day. With no preparation, just eight bottles of water, a few PB&Js, and pure determination, we survived!
  • As part of the marketing team, I was one of the first to jump off the Stratosphere in Vegas to capture footage for our marketing campaign (it was terrifying and exciting).
  • I know not one but two American Idol winners! Carrie Underwood was my sorority sister (our picture even made it onto Oprah and the cover of People magazine!). The other was David Cook—back when I worked for Urban Tulsa Weekly (anyone remember that magazine?), he was our friend and happy hour bartender.
  • At 30, I finally fulfilled my dream of living on the ocean, moving first to San Diego and then to Newport Beach, where I met my husband.

What inspires you?

Outside of work, I’m inspired by architecture, design, and decor—especially mid-century modern style. I love how architecture tells a story, weaving together history and culture through design. There’s something captivating about the clean lines and functional beauty of mid-century modern that always sparks my creativity.

What activities do you pursue outside of the agency?

Right now, we’re in the era of youth sports—my seven-year-old son, Mickey, keeps us busy with football, soccer, and basketball practices and games. Most of my activities revolve around him these days! When we’re not on the field or court, I love exploring the city, vintage shopping, or spending time with family at Grand Lake.

What would you be doing if you weren’t in the advertising world?

If I weren’t in advertising, I’d likely be working in a NICU or labor and delivery unit. Since my son was born almost three months early, that experience left a deep impression on me and gave me a strong desire to support other families going through similar journeys.

What do you like about working at AcrobatAnt? How is it the same as/different than other agencies where you’ve worked?

I love so many things about working here. The culture is anchored in fun, and the people are not only kind and honest but also genuine and trusting. The Ant team is incredibly creative and always has the clients’ best interests in mind. Best of all, they are understanding and flexible when it comes to balancing family and work. It’s a truly special place.

You are new to Tulsa, what are you enjoying most about it?

I’m enjoying refamiliarizing myself with the area. The history, charming architecture, and welcoming community are just as captivating as I remembered, and the slower pace, lack of traffic, and easy access to nature make it an even better place to call home. The kindness of the people has made settling in a truly enjoyable experience.