About the Authors

Founders

Danielle Cyr (by HD)
Danielle is an Account Manager at Co-Communications and PR Breakfast Club’s resident Pastry Chef.  While insuring the raccoon (http://twitter.com/PRCog/statuses/3456033535) stays on the treadmill so Connecticut has power, Danielle bakes up award-winning PR campaigns.  This sweetheart is a recipe for success proven by nearly a dozen PR and Advertising accolades.  Danielle graduated Magna Cum Laude with a B.A. in Communications from the University of Hartford and a minor in retail therapy.  Future blog posts may define the power of persuasion with chocolate and cupcakes.
TJ Dietderich (by CK)
Monday through Friday we can find TJ at the humble abode called Planned Television Arts pounding away at her keyboard and tossing her think ball (a neon yellow softball), as she comes up with some amazing pitch.  TJ is the Social Media Coordinator at PTA and maintains so many clients that any day now her head should start to spin like that little girl from The Exorcist.  When TJ isn’t submitting the interactive world to her ninja pitching (yes ninja, at least that’s what we try to call it), you can find her on Tuesdays at the Village Pour House singing her heart out or jamming on a plastic guitar, sipping a G&T during their Rock Band Nights. This Emerson grad enjoys a nice glass of wine after a hard day at work and and writing in her fairly new blog TJ Dietderich and Her Many Exploits. Don’t believe her sweet demeanor and cute facade; this woman will take everything you’ve got and leave you with just a shirt in a poker game. Oh and we’d think twice about picking her for a wiffleball team…just a warning.
Heather Dueitt by DC
Don’t be fooled by this Wildcats’ southern charm.  Heather Dueitt is a pr and social media powerhouse at Aspen Marketing, where she has been found doing everything from living on a plane for 30 days to running events at Super Bowl.  A University of Kentucky alumni, this super social city girl can be found surviving boot camp in Central Park or hiding-out at Sunday brunch when time allows.
Jess Greco (by MV-B and KO)
A lover of all things pink, this girly-girl will inspire you with her quick wit and insight to the Social Media/Public Relations world. A huge foodie and wine connoisseur, Jess can lend her creative thoughts to many different topics. After graduating from NYU, Jess has spent the last year demonstrating her social media prowess at a NJ public relations firm and is now looking to jump start her post grad career with the right company. In her spare time you can find Jess running the unofficial Dunkin’ Donuts fan club, rockin’ out to Lady Gaga, struggling with Adam Lambert’s American Idol loss, and dressing her dog in Juicy Couture clothing.
Sherri Haymond  (by CT)
After surviving Duke University, Penn Law School and way too long as a corporate finance lawyer [editor’s note: we like her anyway], investment banker and hedge fund analyst, Sherri bid farewell to her past life and said hello (via Walkie-Talkie) to a new life as president and PR gal of @WY20. Mom to Mack and Wife to Jason (The Red Power Ranger), Sherri has a full dinner plate, but yet still finds the time to grace the #prbc with her presence and insightful thought.  She loves fashion and has a great sense of style.  Fantasy Football and reality TV are the guilty pleasures in her life, but when she gets a free day, she can be found hanging by the pool with her son Mack.  Don’t be shy boys (and girls), if you see her at a bar, say Hi and order her Patron on the rocks with lime juice!
Christina Khoury (by SH)
Christina Khoury is a conference coordinator/associate publicist at Planned Television Arts (a division of Ruder Finn).  Not your typical “Strong Island” girl, Christina’s childhood dream was to be a choreographer.  Or a detective.  (We all agree that she’s a better detective than choreographer now….)  Since she realized she wasn’t going to be the next Paula Abdul (or Olivia Benson, for that matter), Christina majored in Public Relations at Quinnipiac University, where she was an active member (and an officer!) of PRSSA.  A die hard Mets fan (even if they stink) of Dominican/Italian/Lebanese decent, Christina’s feisty personality and excellent PR and organizational skills make her an excellent client representative and uber-awesome producer of Morning Drive Radio Tours.  Don’t be surprised when she randomly starts spurting Spanish – we may not understand what she’s saying, but rest assured it’s always intelligent and thought-provoking.  (At least that’s what we’ve been told!)  Oh, and Christina’s already had her 15 minutes – she kissed Ricky Martin on TRL – and has the video to prove it!
CT Michaels
CT Michaels – better known as the “guy with the white pants” at almost any PR meetup he attends –works at PR firm in Midtown Manhattan. That’s the “elevator pitch” side of him. The other side is a self-described hot guy who likes to have fun, knows what he’s doing and is a reality TV junkie. Simply put, he’s got style, class and enough moxie and smarts to get any one of his numerous clients into a top-tier publication or blog. CT graduated from SUNY Oswego, and makes a hellacious two-hour commute into Manhattan each day for work. Dedicated? You bet.
Kate Ottavio (By TJ…TD…TJD — it’ll be spelled out).
Kate Ottavio is an Account Coordinator at Co-Communications in the wilds of Connecticut. She is a former pageant queen and can teach you how to walk in a swimsuit and wave like the Queen of England. When she is upset, she reverts to her alter ego, Baby Katie. Taking away her coffee is one of those things that makes her upset. Kate majored in Pretty Much Everything Useful and Amazing…or Public Relations with a minor in Sociology at Quinnipiac University in the wilds of Pennsylvania or maybe Vermont (ok, Connecticut). Unbeknownst to everyone else in the PR Breakfast Club, Kate can kill a man with her legs; this is because she is a ballerina or some other sort of dancer, I guess.
She’s good times.
PRCog
Chief Bottle Washer, Editor, Admin and general troublemaker.
Keith Trivitt
(Jess?)
Marie V-B (by JG)
After being a slave (in other words, publicist) to the music industry for a number of years, Marie decided she didn’t love any band enough to stay out until 4:30 in the morning partying with them.  Well except for The Smashing Pumpkins of course- infatuation doesn’t even begin to describe what she feels for them.  Marie is now living the agency life at a PR boutique in New York City, where she works with a variety of parenting-oriented products and services. Besides public relations, Marie loves fantasy football, Austin, TX, obscure indie rock, horror movies, James Spader, and she’ll never say no to seeing one of her favorite bands live.

CT Michaels (by Keith Trivitt)
CT Michaels – better known as the “guy with the white pants” and/or vest at almost any event he attends – is an Account Executive at one of the leading PR firms in the country, 5WPR. That’s the “elevator pitch” side of him. The other side is a self-described hot guy who likes to have fun, knows what he’s doing 97% of the time and is a reality TV junkie. Simply put, he’s got style, class and enough moxie and smarts to get any one of his numerous clients an 11 page feature in a top-tier publication or monthly national television segments. Sometimes his mouth gets him trouble, but hey, he’s got character. CT graduated from SUNY Oswego in 2004 and currently lives in New York City.

PRCog
Chief Bottle Washer, Editor [Editor’s Note: Yes, I’m the one writing these witty (yes, damnit, they are witty) comments], Admin and general troublemaker.  Maintains another blog for things not quite high-end enough for PRBreakfastClub.com.

Keith Trivitt
Now that Keith lives and works in New York City, you might never know he grew up and attended school in Missouri. But as soon as you meet him (or talk to him on Twitter) you’ll know he isn’t from around here. Keith is the undisputed gentleman of the group; he’s always ready to lend support and encouraging words to his fellow members. After seven years in the PR business, including a stint overseeing the advocacy program for the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA), Keith is now head of marketing and communications at digital media agency MediaWhiz. When not working or spending time with his lovely wife, Laura, you will find Keith running! In fact, he has run not one, not two, but 15 marathons, including the 2008, 2010 and 2011 Boston Marathons, which he describes as the “coolest experience of his life.”

Marie V-B (by Jess Greco)
After being a slave (in other words, publicist) to the music industry for a number of years, Marie decided she didn’t love any band enough to stay out until 4:30 in the morning partying with them.  Well except for The Smashing Pumpkins of course- infatuation doesn’t even begin to describe what she feels for them.  Marie is now living the agency life at a PR boutique in New York City, where she works with a variety of parenting-oriented products and services. Besides public relations, Marie loves fantasy football, Austin, TX, obscure indie rock, horror movies, James Spader, and she’ll never say no to seeing one of her favorite bands live.

Bloggers

Eric Berto
Eric is a PR and corporate communications specialist in the Seattle area. Eric’s background as an award-winning journalist and sociology brings a people-powered approach to community engagement for companies ranging from global software companies to growing enterprise software companies. Eric blogs semi-regularly at http://thegeekgiant.com and http://www.babyberto.com.

Danny Brown
Danny Brown is the social sensei at Bonsai Interactive, a small and mighty team of technology, media and marketing nerds rocking the social web.His blogis featured in the AdAge Power 150 list as well as Canada’s Top 50 Marketing Blogs, and won the Hive Award for Best Social Media Blog at the 2010 South by South West festival. You can find Danny on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.

Colleen Campbell
Colleen is an Account Director at Ogilvy Public Relations, Washington, D.C. Always curious, an insatiable desire to learn more about communications lead Colleen to a career in PR. Her background is in B2B, B2G (Business-to-Government), social marketing and government communications. She holds a B.A. in Political Communications from George Washington University and a M.A. in Communication, Culture and Technology from Georgetown University. You can connect with Colleen on her blog www.prsoapbox.com or on Twitter where she shares her personal views and opinions that do not necessarily reflect the views of Ogilvy Public Relations or its clients. When she’s not working hard for clients, Colleen enjoys hanging out with her awesome husband, Ed, doing Pilates, and cooking.

Linzy Roussel Cotaya
Linzy is a New Orleans based public relations professional with a social media hobby. Her resume includes a mix of ad agency and nonprofit experience.  Follow Linzy on twitter, @zzcrawfish, or on www.crawfishtales.com.

Danielle Cyr (by Heather Duiett)
Danielle is an Account Manager at Co-Communications and PR Breakfast Club’s resident Pastry Chef.  While insuring theraccoon stays on the treadmill so Connecticut has power, Danielle bakes up award-winning PR campaigns.  This sweetheart is a recipe for success proven by nearly a dozen PR and Advertising accolades.  Danielle graduated Magna Cum Laude with a B.A. in Communications from the University of Hartford and a minor in retail therapy.  Future blog posts may define the power of persuasion with chocolate and cupcakes.

Rebecca Denison
Rebecca is a proud UNC graduate working as a senior social media analyst at Digitas in Chicago. As a biochemist-turned-communications-professional, Rebecca has a passion for measurement and social media which she brings to PRBreakfastClub. Rebecca also blogs about PR measurement on her own blog and bleeds Carolina blue, especially during the college basketball season. 

TJ Dietderich
TJ is an online coordinator with the HarperCollins Children’s Books online marketing team. She manages the social media outreach for all their teen, tween, and children’s titles and promotions. That’s because books are awesome. TJ has a master’s degree in Writing & Publishing from Emerson College in Boston, which means she was about an inch away from becoming an assistant editor. Luckily, she realized she was a terrible editor and took to e-publishing and publicity as a concentration instead. Before that, she earned a B.A. in creative writing at Florida State University. She digs cupcakes and likes to tweet in an overly excited manner, ending almost every sentence with a (!) but she isn’t faking it; she really does get overly excited about books.

Heather Dueitt (by Danielle Cyr)
Don’t be fooled by this Wildcats’ southern charm.  Heather Dueitt is a pr and social media powerhouse and has done everything from living on a plane for 30 days to running events at the Super Bowl.  A University of Kentucky alumni, this super social city girl can be found surviving boot camp in Central Park or hiding-out at Sunday brunch when time allows.

Jeff Esposito
Jeff is a PR carpetbagger who has worked for a variety of professional sports teams along the east coast. He’s the PR manager at Vistaprint and also blogs at www.jeffesposito.com.

Jess Greco (by Marie V-B and Kate Ottavio)
A lover of all things pink, this girly-girl will inspire you with her quick wit and insight to the Social Media/Public Relations world. A huge foodie and wine connoisseur, Jess can lend her creative thoughts to many different topics. After graduating from NYU, Jess has spent the last year demonstrating her social media prowess at a NJ public relations firm and is now starting her post-grad career as an account coordinator at a Manhattan PR agency. In her spare time you can find Jess running the unofficial Dunkin’ Donuts fan club, rockin’ out to Lady Gaga, struggling with Adam Lambert’s American Idol loss, and dressing her dog in Juicy Couture clothing.

Arik Hanson
As the principal of ACH Communications, a digital communications firm, Arik helps organizations across the country create tight-knit communities, build strong brand awareness and drive thought leadership through integrated PR, communications and digital programs. Arik is the chief blogger at Communications Conversations and co-founded the B2B Voices blog in 2009.

Sherri Haymond (by CT Michaels)
After surviving Duke University, Penn Law School and way too long as a corporate finance lawyer
[Editor’s Note: we like her anyway], investment banker and hedge fund analyst, Sherri bid farewell to her past life and said hello (via Walkie-Talkie) to a new life as president and PR gal of @WY20. Mom to Mack and Wife to Jason (The Red Power Ranger), Sherri has a full dinner plate, but yet still finds the time to grace the #prbc with her presence and insightful thought.  She loves fashion and has a great sense of style. Fantasy Football and reality TV are the guilty pleasures in her life, but when she gets a free day, she can be found hanging by the pool with her son Mack.  Don’t be shy boys (and girls), if you see her at a bar, say Hi and order her Patron on the rocks with lime juice!

Christina Khoury (by Sherri Haymond)
Christina Khoury is a travel publicist.  Not your typical “Strong Island” girl, Christina’s childhood dream was to be a choreographer. Or a detective.  (We all agree that she’s a better detective than choreographer now….)  Since she realized she wasn’t going to be the next Paula Abdul (or Olivia Benson, for that matter), Christina majored in Public Relations at Quinnipiac University, where she was an active member (and an officer!) of PRSSA.  A die hard Mets fan (even if they stink) of Dominican/Italian/Lebanese descent, Christina’s feisty personality and excellent PR and organizational skills make her an excellent client representative.  Don’t be surprised when she randomly starts spurting Spanish – we may not understand what she’s saying, but rest assured it’s always intelligent and thought-provoking.  (At least that’s what we’ve been told!)  Oh, and Christina’s already had her 15 minutes – she kissed Ricky Martin on TRL – and has the video to prove it!

Kristen Massaro
Kristen was born and raised and is STILL living in NYC. She accidentally tripped into a career in public relations almost seven years ago and somehow the industry just can’t shake her. She has a mild obsession with social media, the New York Yankees and her shih-tzu puppy, Alfie.

Mike Schaffer
Mike is the Social Media and Online Marketing Manager for Iostudio.  His clients have included sports, military, government entertainment, restaurant and museum programs and campaigns. A former DJ and sportscaster, he has worked with MLB, MLS, NBA, NFL, NHL, NCAA, PGA and ATP teams, athletes and events, not to mention a few professional wrestling projects! He is the founder of the weekly #SportsPRChat on Twitter and runs http://thebuzzbymikeschaffer.com. He lives in Washington, DC, with his beautiful wife, Marisa, and their ridiculously awesome dog, Balki.

Amanda Sena
Amanda is a reformed television news reporter who now works for Xenophon Strategies, a Washington, DC, based public relations company. Despite being voted one of the “60 PR Experts to Follow on Twitter” in October 2009, don’t let her pleasant demeanor throw you off guard. At the young age of 17, Amanda enlisted in the U.S. Army and served for four years before going to journalism school at the University of Missouri for her Bachelors and Masters degrees. When Amanda isn’t working hard for her clients you can probably find her at the gym training for another marathon or triathlon. She is doing her first Half Ironman in May 2010 so take a minute to wish her luck! The postings on this site are her own and do not represent the viewpoints of Xenophon Strategies, its clients or the other writers for this site.

Elizabeth Sosnow
Elizabeth Sosnow is a Managing Director with BlissPR, a B2B based public relations firm in New York and Chicago. Elizabeth leads BlissPR’s social media strategy development, helping clients and colleagues assess and maximize customer engagement via evolving communications tools. You can also find her blogging at http://blog.blisspr.com/

Josh Sternberg
Josh is the owner/founder of Sternberg Strategic Communications, a communications firm helping clients get their messages to the right audiences. Prior to entering the field, Josh was an adjunct professor at two New Jersey universities. He also writes for The Huffington Post, Mashable and Mediate.

Alex Tan
Alex is a digital account supervisor in GolinHarris’ Dallas office. He also writes about his experiences in PR, social media and the world of technology over at The Human Application. Although he has said at least one smart thing in his life, the postings on this site are his own and do not necessarily represent the viewpoints of GolinHarris or those of GH clients.

John Trader
John is a Public Relations and Social Media Specialist with M2SYS Technology, a recognized industry leader in biometric identity management technology.  John has over 10 years of experience in PR and marketing working in the financial, publishing, non-profit, entertainment, sales training and technology sectors.  He also is an independent PR and social media consultant and an avid NHL fan, news junkie and lacrosse coach for Emory University.

Joseph Vasquez
After 12 years successfully managing PR programs in New York City, Joe decided to move to Austin to start his own shop, VASQ PR. Through the years, he has seen the best and worst practices in the industry, inspiring him to defend the integrity of the PR profession. According to his Twitter profile, he’s just a dude adding diversity to the industry.  You can learn more about his approach to PR at hissite or by following him on Twitter.

Heather Whaling
Heather is an award-winning, seasoned communicator, fusing strategic thinking, strong writing skills and creativity to deliver public relations, social media and marketing results. She recently launched Geben Communication to work more closely with nonprofit organizations and small businesses. Additionally, Heather co-moderates #pr20chat, a weekly exploration of social media’s influence on public relations. She loves social good, sports (especially the Yankees!), her iPhone and a good glass of wine. Connect with her on her blogTwitter or via email at heather [at] gebencommunication.com.

Correspondents

Tracy Bagatelle Black (W. Coast Correspondent)
Tracy is principal at Bagatelle Black Public Relations. A seasoned PR executive based in Los Angeles, she has been working in Internet public relations for as long as the Internet has been commercially viable. As a freelance writer she has been published in The Net, Websight, America Online, California Computer News, and most recently, the Gannett News Service. Her lame attempt at a social media blog is just getting up and running. You can find her on twitter or LinkedIn.

…..a chance to start the day off right.