Directory - PRConsultants Group

This is a listing of PRConsultants Group members in top U.S. markets to date.
If you don’t see a member in your area, please let us know via the contact form
and we will be happy to refer you to a PR professional.

Alabama • Alaska • Arizona • Arkansas • California • Colorado •Connecticut • Delaware • Florida
Georgia • Hawaii • Idaho • Illinois • Indiana • Iowa • Kansas • Kentucky • Louisiana • Maine • Maryland Massachusetts • Michigan • Minnesota • Mississippi • Missouri • Montana • Nebraska • Nevada • New Hampshire • New Jersey • New Mexico • New York • North Carolina • North Dakota • Ohio • Oklahoma Oregon • Pennysylvania • Rhode Island • South Carolina • South Dakota • Tennessee • Texas • Utah Vermont • Virginia • Washington • Washington D.C. • West Virginia • Wisconsin • Wyoming

Alabama

Melanie McCraney
McCraney Communications
3803 Glencoe Drive, Birmingham, AL 35213
P: 205.870.8652
F: 205.870.7213
melanie@mccraneypr.com
www.mccraneypr.com
Twitter: @melaniemccraney

Melanie Berry McCraney is founder of McCraney Communications, a public relations and marketing firm that helps clients increase their visibility and build business through creative public relations , dynamic message development and targeted media strategies. With more than two decades of expertise in media management, brand development and corporate communications, Melanie blends proven PR strategies with social media marketing and a healthy dose of creativity and fresh ideas.

Melanie has a passion for helping clients tell their stories and develop focused messages that resonate with target audiences. She shares “inside- out” media knowledge with her clients ; she opened McCraney Communications in 2001 following a successful career in broadcast journalism. Broadcast credits include numerous Associated Press awards and reporting for NPR’s “Morning Edition” and “All Things Considered”.

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Alaska

Kathy Day, APR
KD/PR Virtual
2440 Maylen Circle, Anchorage, AK 99516
P: 907.868.4884
F: 907.868.2831
Kathy@kdprvirtual.com
www.kdprvirtual.com
Twitter: @kathyvirtual

Kathy Day Public Relations (KD/PR) Virtual is a virtual agency made up of sole practitioners who offer a complete suite of communications services. KD/PR Virtual team members include public relations and graphic design professionals as well as a media buyer, photographer, web/social marketing specialist and a videographer. Kathy Day, APR, opened her sole practitioner PR firm in 2000 and expanded the company to a virtual agency in 2007. Kathy has more than 18 years of public relations experience, specializing in Alaska media relations and media training, crisis communications, copywriting, collateral development and strategic planning. Current clients include the Anchorage Convention & Visitors Bureau, Rasmuson Foundation, The Foraker Group, Kenai River Sportfishing Association, World Wildlife Fund-Alaska Field Office, Spenard Builders Supply, BP-Alaska, St. Elias Specialty Hospital, Alaska Dinner Factory, Alaska Pacific University and Aurora Productions. Prior to opening her independent counseling firm, Kathy Day, APR, was Director of Public Relations at Bernholz & Graham Public Relations for nine years. She also has experience as a radio and television reporter in Alaska.

A journalism graduate of the University of Colorado Boulder, Kathy was named a "Top Forty Businessperson Under 40" by the Alaska Journal of Commerce and graduated from the Alaska Humanities Forum's "Leadership Anchorage" program in 2003. Kathy is a past president of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) Alaska Chapter. She is committed to mentoring and has volunteered as a PRSA mentor and on the Board of Directors and as a Big Sister with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Alaska. She also is secretary of the board of directors for Girl Scouts Susitna Council.

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Arizona

Barb Harris
teamworks communication management
1 W. Citation Lane, Tempe, AZ 85284
P: 480.491.5712
barb@teamworkspr.com
www.teamworkspr.com

teamworks communication management is led by Barb Harris and Sharon Kreher – PR pros who each have 20+ years of communications experience, both at major PR agencies and with our own firm. Our strengths lie in sound strategic planning and our ability to effectively develop and manage the execution of communication projects in markets throughout the United States using teams of local market experts.

With offices in Phoenix and St. Louis, teamworks has experience in the retail, food & beverage, non-profit, and consumer products industries. We develop and coordinate communication campaigns with elements that include communication strategy, message development, materials production, radio promotions, community engagement, media relations (traditional and social) and results reporting.

A founding member of PRConsultants Group, we have used members to provide solutions for national clients, including Make-A-Wish Foundation/Macy’s Believe Campaign, Cold Stone Creamery, Relax The Back, Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority and Barnes & Noble.com. With each of these clients, we brought together top-notch pros in the markets needed and managed the process from start to finish.

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Arkansas

Natalie Ghidotti, APR
Ghidotti Communications
509 President Clinton Avenue, Little Rock, AR 72201
P: 501.837.0206
natalie@ghidotticommunications.com
www.ghidotticommunications.com
Twitter: @ghidotti

Natalie Ghidotti, APR, is principal of Ghidotti Communications, a public relations consulting firm in Little Rock. She specializes in strategic planning, media relations, special events planning and community relations. Current clients include P. Allen Smith, ORLocate, Arkansas Children’s Hospital, Polk Stanley Wilcox Architects, First Security Bank, Mitchell Williams Law and more. Prior to opening her own firm, Natalie worked as a senior PR account executive with a local agency and as a consultant with Acxiom Corp. She is a former editor and reporter in Texas and Arkansas and is immediate past president of the Arkansas PRSA Chapter. She has garnered numerous statewide PRSA and national journalism awards. Natalie, a graduate of Texas Christian University, is an Arkansas Business “40 Under 40” honoree, Leadership Little Rock graduate and a board member for Centers for Youth and Families. She and her husband, Jason, live in Little Rock with their 2-year-old daughter and 5-year-old son.

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California

• Los Angeles and Riverside-San Bernadino

Lindsey Isham
CIM Incorporated
9107 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 450, Beverly Hills, CA 90210
P: 310.461.1949
F: 310.461.1901
lindsey@cimincorporated.com
www.cimincorporated.com

Lindsey Isham was introduced to the world of PR when she published her first book, No Sex in the City - One Virgin's Confessions of Love, Lust, Dating, and Waiting. Seeking national recognition without the support of a marketing budget from her publisher, she quickly learned the art of self promotion. After a month of issuing press releases and a few pitches, she launched a five-month tour across the U.S., including TV & Radio interviews in more than 20 cities, dozens of published articles, various speaking engagements, conferences, and book signings.

Lindsey has 13 years of public speaking experience and is a TV and Radio personality. In 2009, her book was nominated for Book of the Year by Foreword Magazine, and in 2011 she was honored at the University of San Diego’s 2011 Women’s History Month.

Lindsey is an Account Coordinator at CIM Incorporated and she brings extensive experience managing public relations, personally and professionally.

• Sacramento

Ann Bouchard
Bouchard Communications Group, Inc
1430 Blue Oaks Blvd., Suite 290, Roseville, CA 95747
P: 916.783.6161
F: 916.783.5151
ann@bouchardcommunications.com
www.bouchardcommunications.com
Twitter: @bouchardcomm

In 1994, after a decade in corporate communications, Ann Bouchard founded Bouchard Communications Group – an award-winning marketing, advertising and public relations agency. Ann works with clients in the areas of marketing and public relations strategy, media relations, crisis communications, social media, product development, branding, target marketing and segmentation. Her reputation for leading-edge marketing expertise has resulted in frequent speaking engagements to a variety of groups including the American Marketing Association, the Marketing Association of Credit Unions, the California Academic and Research Librarians Association, Leadership Rocklin and the Financial Institutions Marketing Association as well as numerous local chamber and business groups.

Bouchard has a long and varied list of local, regional and national clients including UC Davis Health System, Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse, Electronic Systems & Software, River City Bank, California Department of Transportation, JTS Communities, Cold Stone Creamery, California Pharmacists Association, Home Team Pest Defense, Paul Martin’s American Bistro and many more. Ann currently serves on the UC Davis Children’s Hospital Executive Advisory Board, the Children’s Miracle Network Business Council and the Rocklin Educational Excellence Foundation board.

• San Diego

Marisa Vallbona, APR
CIM Incorporated
8677 Villa La Jolla Dr. PMB 1105, La Jolla CA 92037
P: 858.467.7990
F: 858.777.9009
marisa@cimincorporated.com
www.cimincorporated.com
Twitter: @mvallbona

Marisa Vallbona, APR, Fellow PRSA, knew she was made for PR when she was 12 and fried an egg on the sidewalk on a super hot Texas day. It was the perfect weather story so she called TV news crews to come out and cover it.

A seasoned strategist with an eye for her clients’ bottom line, Marisa has worked with top businesses, health care providers, retailers, individuals, major brands and authors on strategic communications, community relations, new product launches, special events, radio promotions, crisis communications and business strategy. She is co-founder of PRConsultants Group and is the Southern California regional member of the organization.

Marisa is fluent in Spanish and has a Hispanic division in her company to serve clients wishing to reach this growing population.

• San Francisco

Dawn Stranne
Dawn Stranne & Associates
20 Oliva Drive, Suite A, Novato, CA 94947
P: 415.893.1780
F: 415.209.6504
dawn@pr-dsa.com
www.pr-dsa.com
Twitter: @dawn_sf_pr

With more than 20 years of experience, Dawn Stranne is an award-winning public relations counselor and president of Dawn Stranne & Associates. Dawn and her team have developed successful results-oriented marketing and public relations campaigns for clients in a variety of industries--retail, entertainment, media, consumer products, travel and hospitality, meetings, fitness, restaurant, non-profits, food and beverage.

Clients include Pacific Coast Builders Conference, Blockbuster, Garden Conservancy, Buckelew Programs, Casa Allegra Community Services, KFOG-FM and 107.7 The Bone. In addition, Dawn Stranne & Associates works with national PR agencies to manage Bay Area media and community relations projects for their national brands. With numerous travel writer contacts, Dawn has garnered coverage for the Gardens of Alcatraz, Timber Cove Inn, Pacifica Hotels, the State of Washington and more. Dawn graduated with honors from Western Washington University in journalism, broadcasting and political science.

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Colorado

Linda Little
Linda Little Public Relations
808 South Gilpin Street, Denver, CO 80209
P: 303.733.9330
F: 303.733.5084
llittlepr@comcast.net

Linda Little, APR, founded her consulting business in 1985 and specializes in media relations, community relations, special events and promotions. Her current clients include Verizon Wireless, 7-Eleven and Walmart. Other clients have included Blockbuster, Sprint PCS, Pfizer and Coors Brewing Company along with projects for Cold Stone Creamery, T.G.I. Friday’s, Home Run Inn Pizza and Cabot Creamery.

Before starting her own business, Little worked in the travel and hospitality industry in Hawaii and Chicago. She has produced a wide range of special events including film festivals in Hawaii and Palm Springs, sporting events, grand openings and consumer shows.

Little is an accredited member of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) and is a past president of the Colorado PRSA Chapter. She also served for two years on the Communications Council for the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce. Little has a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Iowa State University.

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Connecticut

Lisa Rhodes
Rhodes Morell
138 Schoolhouse Road, Old Saybrook, CT 06475
P: 860.339.5666
F: 866.826.1432
lisa@rhodesmorellcomm.com
Twitter: @lrhodes

Lisa J. Rhodes has over 25 years of experience delivering results-oriented public relations and marketing communications programs for global, national and regional clients in consumer products and services, business-to-business, and not-for-profit sectors. In 1990, she founded Rhodes Morell Communications. Since that time, the firm has become known for its creative and strategic campaigns, repeatedly meeting clients’ business goals. Utilizing ‘new media’ as well as traditional communications tools, Rhodes Morell Communications has developed successful PR initiatives for clients across a wide range of industries, including food/beverage, healthcare, retail, and technology. A sampling of current and past clients include Stella Artois, Bass Ale, Radeberger Pilsner, Radio Shack, Red Mango USA, Breitling, and HP. Prior to establishing Rhodes Morell Communications, Lisa was a senior level practitioner with Shandwick (Dorf & Stanton Communications, Stamford, CT) and Ketchum PR (New York, NY) and managed public relations programs for companies such as Richardson-Vicks, Inc. (P&G), Guinness Import Company, Heublein, KitchenAid, and Frito-Lay.

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Delaware

Amy Smith
Write Ideas, Inc.
10320 Southard Drive, Beltsville, MD 20705
P: 301.294.2424
F: 815.642.8658
amy@writeideas.com
www.writeideas.com
Twitter: @writeideasPR

Maryland-based Write Ideas, Inc., has two decades of experience and service in public relations. The firm is the exclusive PR firm for all publicity, events, and radio promotions for Blockbuster and 7-Eleven in the D.C. and Baltimore metros. The firm has completed projects for the Girl Scouts of America, Glaceau/Vitamin Water, the Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute, BenefitMall.com, Autos.com, MCI, Pumpkin Masters, and more. Smith's expertise in retail marketing and PR has been demonstrated through successful projects for Ruth's Chris, Cold Stone Creamery, Marriott, Barnes&Noble.com, and more. The firm led a PRConsultantsGroup campaign for Lladro which generated significant PR for its multi-market tour.

Write Ideas uses a proprietary and well-developed database of media contacts in its markets. In addition, Smith leverages social marketing tactics after microbranding and launching two highly successful parenting websites. Recently featured on The Today Show and a frequent guest on FOX and CBS, Smith incorporates social marketing tactics to add a powerful viral marketing component to many of her clients' campaigns.

Company Founder and President Amy Smith is a member of the Public Relations Society of America.

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Florida

Susan Hamburg
Susan Hamburg Public Relations
3633 Parkland Drive, Orlando, FL 32814
P: 407.696.7825
F: 407.645.1742
Shamburgpr@aol.com

Susan Hamburg has more than 17 years of experience in the fields of public relations and marketing, she began Susan Hamburg Marketing and Public Relations Consultants in 1995. Current clients include Blockbuster, 7-Eleven and Bailey Banks & Biddle Fine Jewelers, for whom she provides all public relations and promotional efforts throughout the state of Florida. Susan has also performed public relations and promotional work for Barnes & Noble.com, Pantene, Pepsi and the Kennedy Space Center.

Susan has served on the Board of Directors for the Florida Public Relations Association, the Public Relations Committee for the Central Florida Health Care Center for the Homeless and serves on the Panel of Experts in Capacity Building for the U.S. Department of Labor to serve as a consultant in the areas of public relations and marketing for the U.S. Employment and Training Administration. Susan Hamburg Marketing and Public Relations Consultants have offices in Orlando, FL and Nashville, TN. to manage public relations and marketing efforts in the states of Florida, Tennessee and Kentucky.

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Georgia

Melissa Libby
Melissa Libby & Associates
1425 Ellsworth Industrial Dr., Suite 10, Atlanta GA 30318
P: 404.816.3068
F: 404.816.5011
melissa@melissalibbypr.com
www.melissalibbypr.com
Twitter: @MelissaL

Prior to founding Melissa Libby & Associates (MLA) in 1992, Melissa Libby enjoyed a successful career in hotel public relations, promoting upscale and casual restaurants, beverage outlets and room nights. Since starting MLA, Melissa has opened more than 150 restaurants and served hospitality and retail clients through publicity, event planning and implementation, marketing, strategic planning and crisis communications.

Melissa is also active in the community. She is on the Executive Boards of Les Dames d'Escoffier and Adopt A Golden Atlanta, is an Advisory Board member of the University of Georgia's Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication, and is a member of the American Institute of Wine and Food, Georgia Organics, James Beard Foundation, National Restaurant Association, Public Relations Society of America, and Greystone Garden Club. Melissa has produced two cookbooks featuring local Atlanta chefs, Atlanta Cooks (2001 Longstreet Press) and Atlanta Cooks at Home (2006 CityBooks Publishing).

Melissa graduated from the prestigious Buckhead Business Association leadership program and has been recognized as one of Atlanta's rising stars. She received the Crohn's & Colitis "Citizen of the Year" award in November 2007. Melissa is an original member of PRConsultants Group, a nationwide group of PR consultants providing public relations and marketing communications services to a wide range of clients.

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Hawaii

Ruth Ann Becker
Becker Communications
119 Merchant Street, Suite 300, Honolulu, HI 96813
P: 808.533.4165
ruthann@beckercommunications.com
www.beckercommunications.com
Twitter: @MelissaL

Ruth Ann’s career experience covers 37 years in public relations and marketing; and in magazine editorial and publishing. She founded Becker Communications, Inc. in January 1986. Today, the award-winning firm is ranked by Pacific Business News as among the top five in Hawai‘i, and was also named by PBN as one of the “Fastest Fifty” growing companies in Hawaii for 2008.

Ruth Ann is recognized as one of Hawaii’s leading public relations consultants on issues management, crisis communications, promotions and strategic communications. She has led successful national promotion launches for Hawai‘i tourism products from major visitor attractions to hotels statewide. She has also developed and led highly successful statewide ballot-issue voter campaigns, both of which won industry awards.

Ruth Ann has been awarded the Public Relations Society of America/Hawaii chapter’s President’s Leadership Award; has been named one of “Hawai‘i’s Enterprising Women” by the U.S. Business Administration, and “Small Business Member Of The Year” by the Chamber Of Commerce Of Hawai‘i. She is also on Pacific Business News’ annual “Women Who Mean Business” list.

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Idaho

Stacia Kirby
Kirby Communications, Inc.
16757 32nd Avenue, NE Seattle, WA 98155
P: 206.363.1492
F: 206.363.6281
stacia@speakeasy.net
Twitter: @kcmu

Stacia Kirby has a background that combines media and public relations experience. She has developed a professional, aggressive and successful approach to PR in a rapidly expanding marketplace. Her capabilities include a full range public relations and marketing communications services ranging from traditional PR to the social media landscape and everything in between.

Prior to starting her own company in 1992, Stacia was Director of Media Relations for Publicis in Seattle. At the agency, Stacia was primarily responsible for launching Starbucks onto the national scene. Earlier, she was a publicist promoting best-selling authors and successful books. In media, she worked for Paramount Pictures, ABC-TV and Turner Broadcasting System-TBS as well as the Mutual Broadcasting System and Bon Appetit magazine.

Stacia has a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Washington in Broadcast Journalism.

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Illinois

Toni Antonetti
PR Chicago
510 N. Prarie, Mundelein, IL 60060
P: 847.949.0097
toni@prchicago.com
www.prchicago.com
Twitter: @prchicago

Toni Antonetti started PR Chicago back in 1987 after stints at some major Midwest PR and ad agencies and a trade magazine. Her work in consumer and B2B PR includes projects and campaigns for hundreds of top U.S. corporations. Among other things, she’s done case history interviews at construction sites, the behind-the-scenes media relations work for a now-historic product crisis and PR for the Chicago Marathon.

When she’s not thinking of clever ways to get her clients noticed, she’s admiring the latest techno-development and figuring out how it can help to streamline operations.

Toni is a director of PRConsultants Group and member of the Public Relations Society of America and the Word-of-Mouth Marketing Association.

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Indiana

When she’s not thinking of clever ways to get her clients noticed, she’s admiring the latest techno-development and figuring out how it can help to streamline operations.

Toni is a director of PRConsultants Group and member of the Public Relations Society of America and the Word-of-Mouth Marketing Association.

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Iowa

Deborah Trivitt, APR
Trivitt Public Relations, Inc.
7428 Girard Street, Omaha, NE 68122
P: 402.573.7143
F: 402.573.8460
trivittpr@cox.net
Twitter: @debtrivitt

Deborah Trivitt, APR, specializes in media and community relations, and marketing communications in Nebraska, Iowa, South Dakota, and North Dakota.

In business since 1997, Deborah, has worked in public relations for corporate, educational, medical and non-profit organizations. Current clients include: Countryside Village, Investors Realty Inc., Broadmoor Market, Nebraska Children and Families Foundation, Heisman Trophy winner Johnny Rodgers, Dr. Jim Logan, distinguished speaker and advocate for ingenuity, Bishop Business, Rebuilding Together-Omaha, BODIES…The Exhibition, Omaha

Through membership in the PRConsultants Group, Trivitt Public Relations has been involved with the Cabot Cheese Great American Voter Trek, Cold Stone Creamery, Best Buy Reward Zone events, the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA), the March of Dimes, and Barnes & Noble.com.

Deborah is an accredited member of PRSA, the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce, UNL’s Cather Circle, the Radio Talking Books Board of Directors, OMMRS’ Public Relations Committee, and is the Clerk of SID 373.

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Kansas

Alex Greenwood
Alexander G PR.
400 East 71 Terrace, Kansas City, MO 64131
P: 913.907.4426
alex@alexgpr.com
www.alexgpr.com
Twitter: @a_greenwood

Alex has earned a reputation for success and ingenuity from his more than twenty years experience in public relations, journalism, marketing and broadcasting. As consultant to CEOs, college presidents, broadcasting executives and political leaders, Alex has shaped media relations, strategic message development, marketing, speeches and opinion/editorial columns.

His work in the news media includes positions as an editor, journalist and radio talk show host. After a successful tenure as vice president of Kansas City Public Television, Alex created a communications division for a leading special events firm. He founded AlexanderG Public Relations, LLC in January 2010.

He has extensive media relations experience and success, including crisis communications. His first and most demanding crisis communications experience was at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center during the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building Disaster in 1995.

Alex is a speaker and trainer on the subject of media relations and a noted master of ceremonies, spokesman and voice over artist. An award-winning writer, his articles, blogs and press releases have been quoted in numerous national, regional and local publications.

Alex provides pro bono PR services to several charities and serves as an on-air fundraising volunteer for KCPT TV and KCUR radio.

• Wichita, Western Kansas
Jim Gregory
James Gregory Consultancy llc
1440 N. Gatewood #46, Wichita, KS 67206
P: 316.558.8578
jim@jimgregoryworks.com

“The secret of my success is so simple that I’m happy to share it: I work hard. I work long. And I work with such total dedication that every client feels as though they are my only client.” – Jim Gregory

Practice Specialties

Jim is expert in public relations, marketing, public affairs, economic development, crisis communications, and communications counsel. He has executed professional programs for large and small companies in addition to non-profits. He has guided corporations at the highest levels and delivered superior results. He can help you with Web development, newsletters, press releases, strategic planning, advertising, social media and precise communications counsel.

Jim knows you can tell much about his work from the clients he has been proud to serve. Clients like American Medical Response, Kansas Chamber of Commerce, Michigan Chamber of Commerce, MultiState Associates, North Carolina Chamber of Commerce, Salina Chamber of Commerce, and the Lawrence Chamber of Commerce. In aviation and aerospace he has helped the Berlin Air Show, CAV Aerospace, Cessna Aircraft, International Aerospace Consultants, Oriental Publishing, Piper Aircraft, Professional Pilot Magazine, Salina Airport Authority, Groom Aviation, Raytheon Aircraft, URS Corporation, Wall Street Journal and others.

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Kentucky

Nicole Candler
Nic Creative Public Relations
5207 Mount Marcy, Louisville, KY 40216
P: 502.550.0252
F: 502.448.9371
nic@niccreative.com
www.niccreative.com
Twitter: @NicCandler

Armed with an MBA from the University of Louisville and a multitude of media relations experience, Nicole Candler launched Nic Creative in 2006. Based in Louisville, Kentucky, Nic Creative perfectly employs Nicole’s wide-range of communications expertise in strategic campaign development, media relations, fundraising, and public affairs.

Nicole received a certificate of accreditation in public relations from the Universal Accreditation Board in 2008.

As Marketing & Communications Manager for the American Cancer Society's Kentucky ACTION and Smoke Free Louisville initiatives, she led communication and media relations for special interest campaigns, helping to create smoke-free workplaces and increase the tobacco excise tax. In a fundraising and marketing role with The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, she developed and coordinated special events and promotions—while also adding nearly $200,000 to the organization’s annual revenue.

Nicole earned her B.A. in public relations from Eastern Kentucky University in 2001.

Nicole also advances the public relations profession as the 2008 President of the Public Relations Society of America, Bluegrass Chapter and as an Executive Committee member of the national PRSA Independent Practitioners Alliance. She also is a member of the Kentucky Chapter of International Association of Business Communicators, Advertising Federation of Louisville, Leadership Louisville Center and Young Professionals of Louisville. She was a finalist in the Advertising Federation of Louisville’s Hot 10 Under 30 competition.

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Louisiana

John Deveney
Deveney Communication
2406 Chartres Street, New Orleans, LA 70117
P: 504.949.3999
jdeveney@deveney.com
www.deveney.com
Twitter: @deveneynola

Deveney Communication is a full-service public relations firm with expertise in a comprehensive suite of communication and marketing tactics, including strategic planning, media relations, crisis communication, media training, community relations and internet marketing. The firm, named one of the top five boutique public relations firms in the United States by PRWeek, garners an average $15 million to $400 million of coverage annually for clients such as Starbucks, Ruth's Chris Steak House, the Louisiana Office of Tourism, the March of Dimes and the New Orleans Museum of Art.

John Deveney, founder of Deveney Communication, has some 20 years of professional public relations experience. He topped PRWeek's list of the profession's "brightest stars" and "ambassadors that are heroes," and was selected as PR News as "Agency Executive of the Year" less than a decade after making its first list of "15 to Watch." He has earned the highest national and international honors and awards in the communication profession, including the Jake Wittmer Research Award, numerous Bronze, Silver and Gold Quill Awards and Silver Anvils.

John is accredited by the International Association of Business Communicators and the Public Relations Society of America. He honed his media relations experience through senior positions with The Mayor's Office/City of New Orleans, Loyola University New Orleans and United Press International before founding the firm in 1996. John is heavily involved with the Public Relations Society of America and the International Association of Business Communicators. Additionally he has served as a board member on numerous boards for organizations such as Loyola University New Orleans, Young Leadership Council and New Orleans Public Library to name a few.

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Maine

Felicia Knight
Knight Vision International
11 Sylvan Road, Scarborough, ME 04074
P: 207.831.5676
F: 207.510.8014
felicia@knightvisioninternational.com
www.knightvisioninternational.com
Twitter: @kvitoday

An experienced hand at media strategy, politics, public relations, and public policy, Felicia is exactly who you want guiding your company, organization, agency, or issue.

Felicia followed her award-winning broadcast journalism career with a decade in Washington, DC, first as Director of Communications for US Senator Susan Collins of Maine. After five years with Senator Collins, Felicia was appointed Director of Communications for the National Endowment for the Arts under Chairman Dana Gioia. There, she oversaw national earned media campaigns for multi-million dollar programs including Operation Homecoming: Writing the Wartime Experience, NEA Jazz Masters, Shakespeare in American Communities, and The Big Read.

An excellent writer and communicator, Felicia has worked with local, state, national, and international public officials, artists, musicians, actors, and authors as well as major corporations and foundations.

Well traveled, well read, and well rounded, Felicia Knight is a seasoned professional who inspires confidence in all her endeavors.

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Maryland

Amy Smith
Write Ideas, Inc.
10320 Southard Drive, Beltsville, MD 20705
P: 301.294.2424
F: 815.642.8658
amy@writeideas.com
www.writeideas.com
Twitter: @writeideasPR

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Massachusetts

Julie K. Dennehy, APR
Dennehy Public Relations
45 Village Street, Medway, MA 02053
P: 508.533.8311
julie@dennehypr.com
www.dennehypr.com
Twitter: @dennehypr

Julie K. Dennehy, APR, is an accredited, award-winning public relations counselor with over 20 years of experience "creating a buzz" in New England. From beer to BTB, Dennehy PR has provided PR support to large and small organizations, primarily retailers/shopping centers, hotels/restaurants, nonprofits, and special event planners.

Dennehy founded her boutique agency in 1996 providing results-oriented publicity, broadcast promotions, word of mouth marketing, and event planning consulting services after years in radio, advertising and PR. Recent clients include Blockbuster, 7-Eleven, T.G.I. Friday’s, Red Mango, the Bay Colony Dog Show, Quebec City Summer Festival, and the Ellie Fund’s Oscar Night America.

Julie serves as a co-director of PRConsultants Group and held regional leadership positions with the Publicity Club, PRSA, and local nonprofit boards and is a member of WOMMA and Boston’s Social Media Club. After years of entering and winning awards, she now enjoys judging award programs and consulting.

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Michigan

Brendy Barr
Brendy Barr Communications, LLC
144 Knorrwood Ct., Rochester, MI 48306
P: 248.651.4858
F: 248.413.2117
brendy@barrcommunications.com
www.barrcommunications.com
Twitter: @BBCDetroit

Brendy Barr is a specialist in news media relations and event publicity, with more than 25 years of experience.

As president of BBC, Brendy counsels clients in a variety of business areas including retail, hospitality, entertainment, non-profit and automotive.

Brendy has created and directed promotional programs for 7-Eleven, Blockbuster, Marriott, The Fisher Theatre, Audi of America, Wal-Mart, Chevrolet, Detroit Institute of Arts, Walter P. Chrysler Museum, Cold Stone Creamery, California Pizza Kitchen, Hospice of Michigan, North American International Auto Show, Cirque du Soleil, Ford Motor Company, Best Buy, Hudsonville Ice Cream, HUMMER and Hiram Walker.

Before forming her agency in 1999, Barr was a VP at the Detroit office of Webber Shandwick. She also served as Director of Media Relations at Franco Public Relations for six years, and as the Director of PR for Olympia Entertainment.

Barr is a University of Michigan graduate and a member of PRSA.

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Minnesota

Gary Young
Gary Young Ink
7499 Kimberly Lane, Eden Prairie, MN 55346
P: 952.937.9859
F: 952.937.9859
gary@garyyoungink.com
www.garyyoungink.com
Twitter: @gdyoung

Gary Young founded Gary Young Ink in 2004 after building a public relations portfolio spanning more than 25 years. In addition to heading up PR operations at marketing communications agencies Kerker, Riley Hayes and Fat Frog, Gary has served in PR management capacities at United HealthCare, Colle + McVoy and Minnesota AAA.

Gary's specialty areas include strategic communications counsel, branding, trade and consumer media relations, copywriting, newsletters, special events, internal communications, speechwriting, and beyond.

A past board member of the Minnesota chapter of IABC and committee chair for PRSA, Gary has lent his PR expertise in support of various causes including the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Twin Cities, the March of Dimes Information Council, Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, American Red Cross, Minnesota Film & Television Board, among others.

GYI's industry experience includes: food/restaurant; home products; entertainment; energy; consumer packaged goods; home products; financial services; technology; health care; travel/tourism; and cause-related.

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Mississippi

John Deveney
Deveney Communication
2406 Chartres Street, New Orleans, LA 70117
P: 504.949.3999
F: 504.949.3974
jdeveney@deveney.com
www.deveney.com
Twitter: @deveneynola

Deveney Communication is a full-service public relations firm with expertise in a comprehensive suite of communication and marketing tactics, including strategic planning, media relations, crisis communication, media training, community relations and internet marketing. The firm, named one of the top five boutique public relations firms in the United States by PRWeek, garners an average $15 million to $400 million of coverage annually for clients such as Starbucks, Ruth's Chris Steak House, the Louisiana Office of Tourism, the March of Dimes and the New Orleans Museum of Art.

John Deveney, founder of Deveney Communication, has some 20 years of professional public relations experience. He topped PRWeek's list of the profession's "brightest stars" and "ambassadors that are heroes," and was selected as PR News as "Agency Executive of the Year" less than a decade after making its first list of "15 to Watch." He has earned the highest national and international honors and awards in the communication profession, including the Jake Wittmer Research Award, numerous Bronze, Silver and Gold Quill Awards and Silver Anvils.

John is accredited by the International Association of Business Communicators and the Public Relations Society of America. He honed his media relations experience through senior positions with The Mayor's Office/City of New Orleans, Loyola University New Orleans and United Press International before founding the firm in 1996. John is heavily involved with the Public Relations Society of America and the International Association of Business Communicators. Additionally he has served as a board member on numerous boards for organizations such as Loyola University New Orleans, Young Leadership Council and New Orleans Public Library to name a few.

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Missouri

• Kansas City

Alex provides pro bono PR services to several charities and serves as an on-air fundraising volunteer for KCPT TV and KCUR radio.

• St. Louis

Sharon Kreher
teamworks communication management
16040 Autumn Oaks Circle, Ellisville, MO 63021
P: 636.207.9888
sharon@teamworkspr.com
www.teamworkspr.com

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Montana

Margaret Nathan
Strategic Communication, Inc.
1554 Aerie Drive, Park City, UT 84060
P: 435.658.2875
F: 415.873.1660
margaret.nathan@strategiccommunication.com
www.strategiccommunication.com
Twitter: @tightlines

Margaret Nathan has 25 years of experience in a wide variety of communications disciplines, including political affairs, corporate communications, marketing, investor relations, merger and acquisition, crisis communications, and retail and consumer products. Ms. Nathan's unique expertise and accomplishments enabled her to build one of the premier public relations/public affairs firms in Dallas, Texas. She is now a principal in Strategic Communication, Inc., based in Utah, with her husband and business partner Kevin Kruke. They also maintain a Washington, D.C. based lobbying practice.

Ms. Nathan has served as public relations counsel to Exxon Corporation, DF&R Restaurants, Inc., Chaparral Steel Company, Thai Airways International, Texas Monthly magazine, SuperShuttle, NationsBank and Price Waterhouse, LLP. She has represented leading Texas law firms and several investment houses including Haas, Wheat & Partners and Cardinal Investments. Ms. Nathan was also a member of the public relations team for Dow Chemical Company on the breast implant issue.

Strategic Communication, Inc. maintains a stable of senior level counselors across the U.S., with subject matter expertise including broadcast journalists, transportation specialists, and federal lobbying. Strategic Communication is best known for building expert public relations teams for clients and along with membership in the PRCG, also is the Utah affiliate for Manning, Selvage and Lee.

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Nebraska

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Nevada

Solveig Thorsrud-Allen
The Firm Public Relations & Marketing
6157 S. Rainbow Blvd. Las Vegas, NV 89118
P: 702.739.9933
F: 702.739.9779
thefirm@thefirmpr.com
www.thefirmpr.com
Twitter: @thefirmpr

Since its inception in 1993, The Firm Public Relations & Marketing has established itself as a strategic business partner to its clients, providing consultative services focused on results. Founded by native Las Vegan Solveig Thorsrud, The Firm has played a role in many successful public relations and marketing campaigns, including work with clients such as Boyd Gaming Corporation, the Palms Casino Resort, Trump International Hotel & Tower Las Vegas, Global Gaming Expo, Comprehensive Cancer Centers of Nevada, Nevada Public Radio and Canyon Ranch SpaClub at The Venetian and at The Palazzo.

Other high-profile nationally recognized clients who have entrusted their reputation and image to The Firm include: Bally Technologies, Blockbuster Video, 7-Eleven, KB Home and Whole Foods Market, just to name a few.

The Firm is a founding member of PR Consultants Group.

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New Hampshire

Julie K. Dennehy, APR
Dennehy Public Relations
45 Village Street, Medway, MA 02053
P: 508.533.8311
julie@dennehypr.com
www.dennehypr.com
Twitter: @dennehypr

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New Jersey

Bob Schiers
RAS Associates
1706 Cottage St., Hainesport, NJ 08036
P: 609.267.4861
F: 609.265.9142
bob.schiers@raspr.com
www.raspr.com
Twitter: @bobschiers

Based in Southern New Jersey, RAS Associates, LLC serves a wide range of retail, industrial, medical and technical clients throughout the greater Philadelphia region (NJ,PA,DE). Founded in 1987, RAS Associates, LLC is a full-service Public Relations, Marketing and Communications firm that specializes in event planning, product publicity crisis communications, media relations and targeted customer relations programs. Our client list includes industry leading Blockbuster, H.J. Heinz Foods International, Salomon Smith Barney, El Paso Energy, Tremix USA/Sweden, Ingersoll-Rand, 7-Eleven, Frito-Lay, Hussmann International, Pepsi, The American Red Cross, International Laser and a host of regional and local clients.

RAS Associates, LLC founder and owner Bob Schiers has more than 20 years experience in the communications industry and has received dozens of PR and communications awards ranging from investigative news reporting to feature writing for local and regional publications and national advertising campaigns. RAS Associates, LLC is a charter member of the PRConsultants Group, a nationwide affiliation of public relations professionals. Working with various members of the PRConsultants Group network, Bob was an active part of two different teams that won a prestigious Silver Anvil Award each from the Public Relations Society of America (for 7-Eleven in1997 and for Blockbuster in 1999). To date, RAS Associates, LLC has developed, placed and/or executed more than $19 million in advertising, special events and value added promotions for its clients.

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New Mexico

Tom Garrity
The Garrity Group
4110 Wolcott Avenue NE Suite B, Albuquerque, NM 87109
P: 505.898.8689
F: 505.294.5919
tom@garritypr.com
www.garritypr.com
Twitter: @tom_garrity

Tom Garrity is the President of The Garrity Group Public Relations. The Garrity Group Public Relations is the firm that leading organizations turn to for critical opportunities and issues that impact their operations in New Mexico. Tom specializes in public relations, issue management and public affairs for businesses and organizations in the public and private sectors. Since opening in 1997, The Garrity Group’s work has been recognized with some of the public relation and communication industries top honors. Tom’s personal efforts have been recognized for helping clients communicate complex and sometimes controversial messages in a clear and concise format, effectively achieving organizational goals. Those efforts have resulted in the Albuquerque Public Schools, United Way of Central New Mexico and the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta receiving the 2004, 2001 and 2000 Cumbre Awards, the highest honors in the New Mexico public relations industry.

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New York

Manhattan

Nancy Tamosaitis Thompson
Vorticom
207 East 57th Street, Suite 12a, New York, NY 10022
P: 212.532.2208
F: 212.937.3815
nancyt@vorticom.com
www.vorticom.com
Twitter: @vorticom

Nancy Tamosaitis Thompson, president of Vorticom Inc., is a best-selling author, former columnist and award-winning public relations professional. She has extensive experience securing national and international media visibility for dozens of public and privately held companies in the United States, Canada, Israel, South Korea, Sweden, England and many other regions of the world. Nancy has established outstanding brand value for dozens of companies including 7-Eleven, Inc., Condé Nast Publications, AlliedBarton Security Services, Lavalife Inc., and Pitney Bowes.

Prior to starting her own award-winning firm, she developed and managed over $3M in client billings at both Ogilvy Public Relations' Corporate practice and GCI Group's (a division of Grey Advertising) Corporate Technology practice. Nancy's career includes business-to-business, technology and consumer marketing for a wide range of clients from mainstream book authors and consumer services and products such as Columbia House and Mr. Wakeup to Fortune 500 and financial services clients including Pitney Bowes, Forest Labs, ADP, NCR, H.D. Vest, Hoover's Online, Plural and MetaMarkets.

Buffalo, Rochester, Albany

Claude Gruener
PR Albany
184 Elm Street, Albany, NY 12202
P: 518.894.7819
gruener@nycap.rr.com

With over 35 years of experience in public relations, media relations, product promotions, crisis communications and events staging, PRAlbany's Claude M. Gruener has worked with major PR/PA firms in Austin, Houston and New York City. A former Vice President at Donley Communications in New York, Gruener also served as an account executive at Don Martin Public Affairs, Harshe-Rotman & Druck and Hill & Knowlton. At the firms he has handled local, national and international media relations; booked /toured spokespersons to media interviews across the country; developed advertising and promotional programs; staged groundbreakings for billion dollar projects; wrote brochures; and ghostwrote and placed articles in major publications.

Gruener has PR/PA and promotional experience in areas including food, retail/residential development, environment, entertainment, telecommunications, solid waste management, computers, consumer products and services, transportation, tax and accounting, publishing, retail, financial services, legal services, health care, management consulting and executive recruitment. As an avid and concerned writer, he has published “letters to the editor” on social and other issues in virtually every major U.S. publication. An accomplished artist, his paintings are in offices and homes across the country.

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North Carolina

Kim McKeeman, APR
McKeeman Communications Group, Inc
12305 Canolder Street, Raleigh, NC 27614
P: 800.806.0977
F: 800.806.0977
kim@mckeemanpr.com
www.mckeemanpr.com
Twitter: @mckeemanpr

With more than 17 years of experience practicing public relations, Kim has learned the subtleties of communications that produce results. Counseling clients in both good times and times of crisis, her expertise as a big-picture strategist who rolls up her sleeves and gets the job done has earned her the reputation of a solid communications counselor among clients like McDonald's Corporation, Blockbuster Video, Sprint PCS, XM Satellite Radio and Starbucks Coffee Company. Before establishing McKeeman in 1994, Kim counseled clients as a group manager at Price/McNabb, Inc., in Raleigh. Prior to coming south, she planned and developed communications materials and public awareness campaigns as assistant director of marketing and communications at the Greater Toledo Area Chapter of the American Red Cross. Kim graduated Phi Beta Kappa with a B.A. in journalism from Indiana University in Bloomington, IN.

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North Dakota

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Ohio

• Cincinnati / Columbus / Dayton

Melinda Kruyer
Kruyer & Associates
6509 Oregon Pass, West Chester, OH 45069
P: 513.755.1818
F: 513.777.1567
melinda@kruyerpr.com
Twitter: @mkruyer

Kruyer & Associates specializes in public relations, integrated marketing, special events, and consumer promotions. Melinda Kruyer started the Cincinnati-based business in 1991. Clients include: The Procter and Gamble Company, the Do Downtown Restaurant Group, go Vibrant and Blockbuster Inc.

Melinda is in the current class of Leadership Cincinnati, serves on the Board of Trustees of the Greater Cincinnati Sports Corporation, the areas sports marketing and management organization that represents the Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky Convention and Visitors Bureaus. She is an officer of the Cincinnatus Association, an association that provides civic leadership to shape public policy and improve the long-term vitality of the region.

Prior to creating Kruyer & Associates, Melinda worked for WKRC-TV and WRRM-FM, Cincinnati, and CBS Sports, New York City. She is a member of Public Relations Society of America.

• Cleveland

Heidi Langer
Langer Marketing & Communications
321 Bay Village, OH 44140
P: 440.892.7084
Heidi@langermarketing.com

Heidi Langer launched Langer Marketing & Communications after having devoted 15 years to the corporate marketing and communications field. When her employer relocated offices, it was the perfect time to leave the corporate world and become an Independent Practitioner.

Fifteen years later, Langer Marketing has become a thriving, profitable business with a varied client base of companies, associations and non-profit organizations. Langer Marketing provides a diverse array of services including: media relations, community relations, special event management, internal communications, public relations, media research, association management, market research, advertising sales, and copywriting.

Heidi Langer is a cum laude graduate of Baldwin Wallace College in Berea, Ohio with a major in marketing and minor in communications. She has received numerous awards for community involvement and volunteerism and resides in Bay Village, Ohio.

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Oklahoma

Brenda Jones
Jones Public Relations
228 Robert S. Kerr Avenue, Suite 500, Oklahoma City, OK 73102
P: 405.516.9686
F: 405.516.9685
brenda@jonesprinc.com
www.jonesPRinc.com

Jones Public Relations is a national firm located in America’s heartland. Our highly seasoned professionals are results-oriented. We aim to be our clients’ full-scale communications partner so they can be heard anywhere to reach their target audiences – local, regional or national. The team comprises of two former White House officials, a national journalist, professional sports media expert and a social media innovator who is widely recognized by the business community as the local trend setter on emerging technologies.

Founded in 2001, the firm has expertise in aerospace, architecture, automotive, banks and investment firms, entertainment, food and restaurants, healthcare and hospitals, energy and renewable energy, professional sports, and technology sectors.

The firm was the official public relations agency for the Oklahoma Centennial celebration and has worked with over 100 celebrities from “All Century” catcher Johnny Bench to Olympic Gold gymnast star Nadia Comaneci, from Garth Brooks to Carrie Underwood, five Miss Americas, Broadway and Opera stars, four Heisman Trophy winners, and several television and movie stars.

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Oregon

Stacia has a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Washington in Broadcast Journalism.

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Pennsylvania

Bob Schiers
RAS Associates
1706 Cottage St., Hainesport, NJ 08036
P: 609.267.4861
F: 609.265.9142
bob.schiers@raspr.com
www.raspr.com
Twitter: @bobschiers

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Rhode Island

Julie K. Dennehy, APR
Dennehy Public Relations
45 Village Street, Medway, MA 02053
P: 508.533.8311
julie@dennehypr.com
www.dennehypr.com
Twitter: @dennehypr

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South Carolina

Kelly Davis
Davis Public Relations & Marketing
PO Box 50076, Columbia, SC 29250
P: 803.771.6822
F: 888.370.5356
Kelly@davispublicrelations.com
www.davispublicrelations.com
Twitter: @davispr

Kelly J. Davis, APR is the President of Davis Public Relations and Marketing, LLC, a full-service independent communications firm based in Columbia, South Carolina. DPR’s results-driven campaigns have led to the passage of a $306 million bond referendum for a local school district; an increase in South Carolina’s lowest-in-the-nation cigarette tax for the first time in 33 years; and the re-branding of a 40 year-old nonprofit substance abuse treatment center. With a public relations career spanning the non-profit, corporate and government sectors, Davis is skilled in many areas of public relations practice. Her specialty areas are strategic public relations planning, branding, community relations, media relations and public policy.

Davis is a past president of the South Carolina Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America (SCPRSA), which recognized her in 1997 with its “Rookie of the Year Award” and in 2007 with its “W. Thomas Duke Distinguished Public Relations Practitioner of the Year Award.” Davis has been recognized with nearly two dozen industry awards, including SCPRSA’s prestigious Best in Show Awards for both 2006 and 2009.

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South Dakota

Deborah Trivitt, APR
Trivitt Public Relations, Inc.
7428 Girard Street, Omaha, NE 68122
P: 402.573.7143
trivittpr@cox.net
Twitter: @debtrivitt

Deborah Trivitt, APR, specializes in media and community relations, and marketing communications in Nebraska, Iowa, South Dakota, and North Dakota.

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Tennessee

Susan Hart, APR
Hart Public Relations and Communications
8125 Poplarwood Lane, Nashville, TN 37221
P: 615.642.0800
F: 615.646.5998
shart@hartpr.com
www.hartpr.com
Twitter: @susanhartPR

Beginning her career as a journalist, Susan Hart, APR, has more than 25 years of public relations experience. In 2001, she founded Hart Public Relations & Communications, where she represents clients in health care, banking, real estate and technology. Susan brings a fresh, objective and “big picture” perspective to clients. By combining the fundamentals of strategic planning, proven tactics and measurement benchmarks to each project, Susan helps clients develop their distinguishable messages, as well as ways to better tell their story to those who can positively impact the client's business goals. Susan has extensive experience in branding development, from longtime businesses to new product launches; strategic planning, from statewide health care campaigns to employee change programs; media relations, from media training to 60 Minutes, and writing, from CEO speeches to industry blogs.

Prior to founding her own firm, Susan worked in agency, nonprofit and corporate communications, including a NYSE-traded company. She graduated with honors from Auburn University with a bachelor’s degree in Communications. Susan is the recipient of numerous awards for her leadership and work, including recognition by Associated Press, the International Association of Business Communicators, the Public Relations Society of America, the Health Care Marketing Awards and others. She is accredited (APR) by PRSA International.

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Texas

• San Antonio

Kay F. Floyd, APR
Kay F. Floyd & Associates PR
4047 Broadway, San Antonio, TX 78209
P: 210.824.7837
F: 210.824.7987
kffloyd@sbcglobal.net
www.kayfloydpr.com

Kay F. Floyd, APR, has more than 25 years experience of providing public relations consultation in the areas of strategic planning, corporate communications, communications audits, research, media relations, special events, promotions, merchandising and special programs targeting the Hispanic market.

She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in public relations and journalism from Kent State University in Kent, Ohio. Kay has been associated with large agencies in Dallas, Houston and San Antonio.

A member of the Public Relations Society of America, she was accredited by the national organization in 1986 having successfully completed an extensive written and oral examination. The APR following her name reflects this official designation.

Kay established her own firm in 1984, and has enjoyed rewarding relationships with a wide variety of clients representing travel and tourism, finance, packaged goods, service, medical and sports.

• Austin

Brenda Thompson
Brenda Thompson Communications
P.O. Box 300908, Austin, TX 78703
P: 512.461.5644
brenda@brendathompson.com
www.brendathompson.com
Twitter: @brendathompson

Brenda Thompson Communications provides strategic public relations counsel and services to a broad range of organizations in the corporate, retail, higher education, and nonprofit sectors. The company focuses on coming up with fresh approaches to tough PR challenges, developing smart solutions, and seeing them through.

Brenda Thompson began her public relations business in 2003 after leading account service teams at one of the top 25 public relations firms in Texas, with clients including Austin’s largest hospital system, the transportation authority, and institutions of higher education. Prior to her agency career, Thompson was vice president of one of the nation’s most successful United Ways, and served as public relations director for the state’s fifth-largest private university where her responsibilities included leading the institution’s overall marketing and communications programs.

Thompson graduated from the University of Texas at Austin and was a newspaper and magazine journalist before changing her focus to public relations. An enthusiastic and energetic advocate for her clients and causes, Thompson is an active community leader. She is a co-founder of the national Social Media Club, a founding member of the board of the Ann Richards School for Young Women Leaders, and a member of the board of directors for Leadership Austin.

• Dallas/Ft. Worth

Lisa Faulkner-Dunne
Faulkner-Dunne & Associates
6314 Duffield Drive, Dallas, TX 75248
P: 972.407.1969
lisa@lisafd-pr.com
www.lisafdpr.com
Twitter: @Lisafd

Lisa Faulkner-Dunne has more than 20 years of experience in public relations, the past 15 heading her own firm. A stint in the Dallas Mayor’s office led to several years as Director of Public Relations for the Volunteer Center of Dallas County, before she decided to focus on her own clients.

Her agency specializes in community relations and consumer products. From action adventure movies to healthy frozen yogurt, and conservation programs to educational initiative programs, she knows how to tell a client’s story and get results

When not rescuing dogs from the side of the freeway or spreading her client’s messages, Lisa keeps busy with volunteer activities. A Leadership Dallas graduate, Lisa is a board member of the Pearce Community Women’s League, and Vice President, Public Relations for the Richardson Independent School District Foundation. She cooks once a month at Ronald McDonald House, and at least that often for her husband and two college age sons. A director of PRConsultantsGroup, she earned a Matrix Award from Women in Communications, two Silver Anvils from PRSA. and a PTA Lifetime Membership Award. Lisa has a B.A. from The University of Kentucky and an M.P.A from Southern Methodist University.

• Houston/Galveston

Jennifer Evans
JL Evans Communications
21431 Wild Jasmine Lane, Katy, TX 77450
P: 832.692.7615
jlevanscomms@gmail.com
Twitter: @jlevans

Jennifer Evans, Principal of JL Evans Communications, is an inherently curious, “neurotically productive” community advocate who has invested more than 16 years in business and community to better understand why people and businesses make the investments they do and how to guide them to fruitful relationships. Her practitioner and academic background in public relations, media, marketing and CSR/philanthropy demonstrate how she has been tested in a variety of settings. She also believes in social media as a business tool. JL Evans Communications represents clients across many industries including professional services, non-profit, energy, health, retail and consumer products. Strengths include general/strategic PR, corporate communications, events and philanthropic/community initiatives.

Jennifer received her M.A. in Communications/PR Studies at University of Houston, where she has also served as an adjunct professor. A Public Relations Society America (PRSA) member for more than 10 years, she recently served as the Vice President of PRSA’s Houston Chapter Board. Her professional leadership with winning teams includes a PRSA Bronze Anvil, as well as a Crystal Award from AMA.

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Utah

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Vermont

Julie K. Dennehy, APR
Dennehy Public Relations
45 Village Street, Medway, MA 02053
P: 508.533.8311
julie@dennehypr.com
www.dennehypr.com
Twitter: @dennehypr

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Virginia

Brian Chandler
Commonwealth Public Relations
5757 Longbow Lane, New Kent, VA 23124
P: 804.221.9177
F: 804.557.3654
bchandler@commonwealth-pr.com
www.commonwealth-pr.com

A native of Virginia, Brian is an independent public relations counselor and brings to his clients more than a decade of experience. He is adept at providing public relations and strategic communications counsel for clients ranging from nonprofits to small businesses and major corporations.

Brian’s professional expertise includes all aspects of communications planning, from research to execution, with a specific focus on ROI/evaluation of his company’s efforts on behalf of their clients. He is also an expert in research, community relations, media relations, crisis communications management and planning, public affairs, social media, corporate and employee relations, nonprofit communications, and media training. Specialty areas include healthcare, human resources, medical practices and organizations, telecommunications, real estate, builders, professional services, architecture, law, restaurants and nonprofits. Brian graduated from Emory & Henry College, Bachelor of Arts: Mass Communication and received a 2004 PRSA Mercury Award for Public Affairs.

He is a board member, Richmond Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA), Richmond International Association of Business Communicators (IABC), and a speaker for Rotary, Industry Trade Associations, and University Mass Communications Courses.

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Washington

Stacia has a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Washington in Broadcast Journalism.

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Washington D.C.

Amy Smith
Write Ideas, Inc.
10320 Southard Drive, Beltsville, MD 20705
P: 301.294.2424
amy@writeideas.com
www.writeideas.com
Twitter: @writeideasPR

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West Virginia

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Wisconsin

Brian Knox
Zeppos and Associates
400 East Mason St., Suite 200, Milwaukee, WI 53202
P: 414.276.6237
F: 414.276.2322
bknox@zeppos.com
www.zeppos.com
Twitter: @brianknox

Brian Knox, is a vice president at Zeppos & Associates with more than 10 years of public relations experience and previously spent 11 years as an award winning television reporter/anchor. Knox worked at network news affiliates in Nashville, Tennessee, Rockford, Illinois, Green Bay and Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Mr. Knox has used his experience to media train numerous community and business leaders, coordinate crisis communications, write and edit communications documents, create and implement publicity and marketing efforts, develop successful radio and television promotions, and more. Knox's work with Zeppos & Associates team members has resulted in numerous PRSA Paragon awards, including one for planning a community relations event that celebrated the completion of the Miller Park stadium, home to the Milwaukee Brewers. The event drew more than 5,000 people from around the state and resulted in the collection of two tons of food for a local hunger agency.

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Wyoming

Margaret Nathan
Strategic Communication, Inc.
1554 Aerie Drive, Park City, UT 84060
P: 801.262.6340
F: 801.340.0133
margaret.nathan@strategiccommunication.com
www.strategiccommunication.com
Twitter: @tightlines