Top Tech PR Pros (Individual Honors)

Jodi Amendola, Amendola Communications
Joe Austin, Ventana PR
Laura Borgstede, Calysto Communications
Doug Broad, Davies Murphy Group
Tami Casey, Kulesa Faul
Bruce Doneff, Strategic Communications Consulting
Lisa Eskey, Sterling Communications
David Fretwell, PAN Communications
Julia Graham, Text 100
Melody Haller, Antenna Group
Kristie Heins Fox, Ruder Finn
Angela Jenkins, Amendola Communications
Tony Keller, SS|PR
Leslie Kesselring, Kesselring Communications
Alex Kirschner, SHIFT Communications
Andrew Law, Schwartz Communications
Candace Locklear, SparkPR
Don McDonnell, McDonnell Group
Matt McLernon, Bite Communications
Brian Parrish, Dodge Communications
Matthew Podboy, Voce Communications
Shev Rush, Shev Rush Public Relations
Kimberly Stoddard, Eastwick Communications
Karen Thomas, Thomas PR
Ted Weismann, Lois Paul & Partners

Click to Download the Full Study

Jodi Amendola, CEO, Amendola Communications

Jodi Amendola is Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Amendola Communications, a full-service marketing and communications firm serving healthcare/healthcare IT. With two decades of experience in implementing strategic public relations programs, she is a three-time PRSourceCode “Top Tech PR Pro” award winner as well as a Phoenix Business Journal elite FortyUnder40 honoree. Amendola serves on the Board of X2 Health Network (X2HN), a not-for-profit executive women's health network to improve healthcare leadership, policy, and delivery. Amendola is a member of Health2.0, Pharmaceutical Marketing, Health Informatics Technology, HIMSS, and HIStalk Fan Club.

“At Amendola Communications we are passionate about PR and pride ourselves on our editorial relationships. We work diligently to provide targeted pitches and relevant story sources to reporters, bloggers, and analysts who are critical to the success of our clients. A big thank you to the editors, freelancers, and reporters who voted for me as a ‘Top Tech PR Pro’ and Amendola Communications as a ‘Best of the Best’ Small Tech PR firm. Winning this award three years in a row is a huge honor.”

Joe Austin, Vice President, Client Services, Ventana PR

Joe Austin joined Ventana Public Relations in 2006 and has more than 15 years experience in high-tech strategic communications. His media relations experience spans broadcast, radio, print, and new media, maintaining longstanding relationships with editors, bloggers, and reporters at business, IT, channel, and vertical publications. Austin’s relationship with the media includes marquee outlets including CNBC, Fox Business, CNN, BusinessWeek, USA Today, Bloomberg, and the Associated Press for clients ranging from startups to billion-dollar enterprises. With more than a decade of strategic planning, media tours, press conferences, and media/analyst relations for companies in the data storage, security, server virtualization, cloud computing and networking arenas, Austin’s domain expertise assists in positioning clients for leadership.

Laura Borgstede, CEO, Calysto Communications

Laura Borgstede has more than 16 years executive management and public relations experience in the broadcasting, telecommunications, wireless, and information technology fields. She founded the Atlanta-based public relations firm Calysto Communications in February 1999. Borgstede has served on the boards for SUPERCOMM, CTIA, VON, Billing World, Internet Telephony Expo, PulverMedia, IEC, and many more. She founded a conference trade newsletter, PR Vibes™, in 2000 to help executives keep up with the tradeshows, forums, expos, and conferences in the communications technologies fields. Borgstede serves as the editor-in-chief of this trade publication.

Doug Broad, Managing Director, Davies Murphy Group

A specialist in the cable, IPTV, mobile, telecom, and network-based application, and service provider markets, Doug Broad has more than 16 years of high tech communications and marketing experience with public and start-up networking and software vendors as well as multiple high tech PR agencies. As a Managing Director at Davies Murphy Group, Broad supports a variety of networking and software accounts and plays an active role in the agency’s internal training and business development efforts.

Tami Casey, Social Media Strategist, Kulesa Faul

With 12 years of corporate communications experience at Intel and a passion for all things social media, Tami Casey blends her mainstream media savvy with innovative and social media skills to help clients build communities, develop thought-leadership platforms, and promote companies and company-wide brands. Her media expertise comes from deep-rooted relationships with editors, bloggers, and journalists at a wide range of trade and business outlets. An avid consumer of information and big-picture thinker, Casey works with companies to help them develop compelling stories that garner media attention.

“Social media has shaken up traditional PR by introducing a new ways to communicate and influence one another. It is an exciting era, and I am delighted and honored that the editorial community has given me their support as a ‘Top Tech Communicator,’ especially during these times when PR bashing is running rampant. I truly enjoy being a PR practitioner and have met many influential people throughout the years that make it a blessing to practice PR. I look forward to building more relationships.”

Bruce J. Doneff, Principal, Strategic Communications Consulting

Bruce Doneff has been in the communications business his entire career. After nine years in Asia, concluding as the director of corporate practice for Burson-Marsteller in Tokyo, he re-settled in the U.S. and started his own PR consultancy. Over a decade, Doneff has developed a specialty in the physical security industry, serving clients who deliver products and services over Internet protocol (IP) networks. His clients have included NICE Systems, Axis Communications, DVTel, IQinVision, and Brivo, among others. Doneff has a B.A. in Economics from Miami University and an MBA from the Tuck School at Dartmouth.

“Generally, a successful public relations practitioner does all the work for the benefit and recognition of others. To be recognized by my peers for doing a good job is a real honor.”

Lisa Eskey, Account Supervisor, Sterling Communications

Lisa Eskey joined Sterling in 2005 as an Account Executive (AE) and represents companies in the wireless, telecommunications, security, enterprise networking, and semiconductor industries. Now an Account Supervisor (AS), her role is as the main point of support for the day-to-day execution of client program activities. Eskey earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Arizona State University and an MBA from Santa Clara University. Eskey also volunteers for a variety of organizations, supporting adult literacy and youth athletics.

“Working with innovative tech clients to build market awareness is both challenging and extremely gratifying. Connecting with media influencers and providing them the information they need is what I strive to accomplish on a daily basis. To receive recognition from those writers and editors is flattering and very much appreciated.”

David Fretwell, Associate, PAN Communications

David Fretwell is an Associate at PAN Communications with more than three years of experience. He supports clients across the tech, consumer-tech, and professional services industries. In this role Fretwell drives media relations, social media strategy, content development, and event management for his clients. His portfolio focuses primarily on enterprise and supply chain and logistics software and consumer technologies. Fretwell comes from a marketing background with a B.S. in Business Administration from Merrimack College, where he graduated magna cum laude. Fretwell is a mentor for students of the Girard School of Business at Merrimack College and a member of the Boston College Technology Council.

Julia Graham, Account Executive, Text 100

Julia is an Account Executive at Text 100 and supports the IBM Systems & Technology Group (STG) and Cloud Computing accounts. She oversees day-to-day account activities and plays an integral role in initiative generation, spearheading press announcements, and building strong media and client relationships. Prior to Text 100, Graham worked at Fusion Public Relations supporting both start-ups and well-established clients like Motorola and Comverse. Graham graduated summa cum laude with honors from Marist College and has a B.A. in Communications and a dual minor in Business and Music.

“I am honored, to say the least, to be recognized by PRSourceCode as one of the 2009 Top Tech Communicators. I would also like to extend my appreciation to Text 100, which as a global technology public relations firm, encourages its employees to develop a deep understanding of the technology behind the companies we represent, and promotes media relationships that go far beyond the status quo.”

Melody Haller, CEO and President, Antenna Group, Inc.

I’ve done PR for nearly every kind of technology and advised hundreds of businesses at all stages, from two-person startups to giant IBM. I’m a technology-fan and science-admirer who can’t resist questioning assumptions and loves looking for emerging patterns. I delight in applying strategic skills to support creative, constructive forces in complex markets. An early career editing newspapers, a decade as a Zen Buddhist monk, art-directing MacWEEK, and becoming immersed in the technology world in 1989, has all led to this satisfying point. Antenna is constant learning, right livelihood, changing the world, and great parties: I invented my ideal job.

Kristie Heins Fox, Senior Vice President and Director, Technology Practice, Ruder Finn/Chicago

Kristie Heins Fox is a Senior Vice President and Director of Ruder Finn Chicago’s Technology Practice. In this role, she oversees and is responsible for the development and execution of strategic communications programs for the office’s B2B and B2C technology clients, which encompasses mobile wireless, semiconductor, enterprise software, consumer electronics, and emerging technologies. In addition, Heins Fox plays a key role in business development, the overall management of the office and the professional development of the staff. She brings 10 years experience in public relations and has the ability to clearly communicate complicated technology subjects and issues on behalf of her clients. Heins Fox specializes in wireless and telecom, having built Ruder Finn Chicago’s wireless and telecom expertise from the ground up.

“It’s an honor to be selected by leading technology and business journalists as a Top Tech PR Pro. We pride ourselves on building strong and meaningful relationships with the journalists and bloggers covering our clients’ industries, and this award is a testament to the success of that approach.”

Angela Jenkins, Senior Healthcare Account Director, Amendola Communications

Angela Jenkins is an award-winning public relations professional with a 20-plus year track record in healthcare, technology, and general fields, with grounding in journalism, agency, and corporate environments. The last 13 years she has focused exclusively promoting healthcare IT for Amendola Communications’ clients including RelayHealth, Thomson Micromedex, Misys Healthcare Systems, Per-Se Technologies, and McKesson (formerly HBOC). Jenkins earned a bachelor of arts degree in journalism at Alabama’s Auburn University and is a member of Colorado Healthcare Communicators.

“Amendola Communications’ hands-on seasoned public relations management and program skills stem from collective career experiences including journalism. As a former newswoman, I am humbled by this recognition from my esteemed journalist associates. I believe you can never overestimate the value of establishing credible and reliable media and analyst relationships, the importance of a well written and researched story pitch that resonates with the reporter's beat and readership, and the necessity of continuously acquiring domain knowledge – all critical to our clients’ success.”

Tony Keller, Vice President, SS|PR

Tony Keller is responsible for SS|PR’s most prominent enterprise technology campaigns and his consistent client coverage includes full length features in nearly every medium. He has catapulted campaigns that have led his clients to mainstream notoriety, even prominent acquisitions. Keller’s successes include The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, Businessweek, New York Times, CNN, The Today Show, National Public Radio, and abundant trade coverage. On August 31st, 2006 his “Project Rouge” campaign for client Trust Digital was the number one read technology story of the day in the Associated Press – its substantial syndication was picked up in over 2,000 different print, online, television, and radio outlets. Keller is a graduate of St. Mary’s University of Minnesota; he resides in Colorado Springs with his wife Tracy and son Daxton but is currently preparing for a move back to SS|PR’s Chicago-based headquarters.

“It’s an honor to be included in this short list of successful and credible peers, and I am flattered to be recognized through the prominent media relationships I’ve work so hard to maintain on behalf of my clients. PRSourceCode is an excellent organization and a perfect example of how our industry continues to evolve.”

Leslie Kesselring, Founder and President, Kesselring Communications, LLC

Leslie Kesselring brings 20 years of enterprise IT public relations experience to her clients along with a core expertise in launching new market categories. Her current company, Kesselring Communications, LLC, specializes in IT security, compliance and risk management, and cloud computing. She also co-founded MacKenzie Kesselring, Inc. (MKI) and was an associate with award-winning Silicon Valley-based Cunningham Communications Inc. (now Citigate Cunningham). Kesselring holds a BA in English and Writing from Santa Clara University.

“Creating community and value for influential reporters, bloggers, and analysis is key to the long-term success of my clients. To receive this award that represents their feedback is an honor. PRSourceCode is one of the tools I use every day to help me anticipate the needs of the media and analysts as well as to evaluate and win placements in important thought leadership opportunities, such as speakerships and awards.”

Alex Kirschner, Sr. Account Executive and Operations Manager, SHIFT Communications

As Senior Account Executive at SHIFT Communications, Alex Kirschner is responsible for the execution of his clients’ PR programs including leading press relations and overall strategy. His expertise spans several industries, including IT security, storage, enterprise software, and event PR. Kirschner prides himself on the relationships he has fostered with the journalist and blogger community through the years. When not at SHIFT, he can be found performing in various Bay Area theatrical venues.

“I have been lucky to be surrounded by the most intelligent and energetic PR minds at SHIFT, and it is the guidance and knowledge I have garnered from them that makes me the professional I am today. This award not only validates the accomplishments of my career, but the stellar work of my colleagues.”

Andrew Law, Account Supervisor, Schwartz Communications

Andrew Law joined Schwartz Communications in 2002 and has worked for an array of biotechnology, medical, and technology clients including Fiserv (formerly CheckFree). His responsibilities include strategic and tactical planning and high-impact media relations. Law is active with social media. He was an integral part of the team that helped launch the first-ever human neural stem cell trial, has executed numerous FDA clearance campaigns, and has raised consumer awareness of the environmental benefits of paying and receiving bills online. Law graduated from Haverford College in 2002.

“Receiving this award is gratifying, as it reflects my commitment to building positive relationships with high-tech journalists, for the benefit of my clients. Understanding journalists’ needs is critical and can only help the PR profession.”

Candace Locklear, Sr. Director, Sparkpr

For the past 13 years, Candace Locklear has honed her skill for connecting technology innovators with opinion makers of all sorts. She oversees the mobile practice at Sparkpr. She sets media strategy for all current mobile clients including Symbian Foundation, GetJar, INQ Mobile, EA Mobile, Tapulous, Tiny Pictures, waze, YouMail, Shortcovers, and a few companies in stealth mode. Locklear comes to Sparkpr from Openwave where she served as the senior PR manager overseeing all CXO level business press activity. Previously, Locklear was at GCI Group in San Francisco where she started her PR career.

“I’m honored to be recognized by journalists as a top communicator. It has been a wild ride since I started my tech PR career in 1996 so I’ve made many press friends along the way and try to make our jobs as enjoyable as possible, which usually involves lots of good red wine.”

Don McDonnell, Managing Director, The McDonnell Group, Inc.

After 15 years applying marketing strategy to grow energy technology companies, Don McDonnell co-founded The McDonnell Group, Inc. in 2005 to deliver research, strategy, and public relations services to retained clients. As media focus on smart grid initiatives has intensified, The McDonnell Group’s knowledge of the significance of energy technology news to larger industry trends has distinguished the growing 10 person agency as a resource to trade and business media. McDonnell is a national policy advocate for smart grid technology, and he hosts debate and news on his blog and Smart Grid Executive Forum. (www.themcdonnellgroup.com)

“Tech reporters tend to be sharp but skeptical for very good reasons. Our team focuses on building reporter relationships based on knowledge and connecting great stories based on trust which is particularly vital considering the era of historic change we're now entering in the utility industry.”

Matt McLernon, Senior Account Executive, Bite Communications

Matt McLernon has worked with Bite Communications for 2.5 years, focusing on a range of fearless and boundless client work in social media/online marketing, mainstream media relations, and trade outreach. His driving force each day is working with brands that are using technology to positively influence the lives of people around the world. This can be as basic as creating new ways of sharing information across audiences to major advancements in healthcare, which is where his PR career began.

“I always try to keep an honest and conversational approach when working with media, versus shouting marketing messaging, so it’s great to see that resonates well!”

Brian Parrish, Vice President, Dodge Communications

Brian is a veteran of the healthcare technology industry and has worked with Dodge since the company was founded in 2001. He provides counsel related to brand and messaging development and the implementation of marketing and public relations programs to national and international clients. Experience in both the corporate and agency settings allows Parrish to provide his clients with the strategic and tactical direction needed to achieve goals like increased sales and stronger brand awareness. He was named one of the nation’s top individual practitioners as part of PRSourceCode’s “Top Tech Communicators Awards” the past two years and is a member of the HIMSS Public Relations Advisory Board.

Matthew Podboy, Founder and Vice President, Voce Communications

Matthew Podboy is a Founder and Vice President at Voce Communications. He specializes in driving and executing strategic positioning, corporate and product market introductions, strong consumer and lifestyle media relations, and competitive analysis. Podboy has worked with clients large and small, local, and nationwide, and in all areas of the high-tech industry. Prior to founding Voce, he worked at Weber Shandwick where he managed public relations programs for Compaq Computer Corporation, Fluke and various emerging companies. Previously, Podboy held several in-house public relations roles for companies in Santa Barbara, California. He is a frequent public speaker. Podboy has presented at various industry trade shows on topics including branding, positioning, public relations, and the future of marketing and communications. Podboy was a founding board member of the Society for New Communications Research and currently supports the organization through his role as a senior fellow.

“Thank you to the team at PRSourceCode for organizing this survey; I am honored to be recognized along with my peers in this industry. The PR profession and high tech PR professionals especially, seem to be regularly scrutinized for how we interact with journalists. I spend a lot of my time navigating the ever-changing media landscape and thinking about how our clients can best communicate their stories to a particular journalist's audiences. I think most PR people are doing the same thing. I appreciate the journalists who recognized the PR folks who are doing it right. Our jobs are more of a team sport than most people realize, or tend to admit."

Shev Rush, CEO and Founder, Shev Rush Public Relations (SRPR)

Shev Rush has over 17 years experience in marketing and communications and regularly places clients in top-tier online and offline media. He founded Shev Rush Public Relations (SRPR), a nationally ranked PR agency specializing in business and technology with offices in Los Angeles, Silicon Valley, New York, San Diego, and Cleveland, in 2005. Rush lives in Los Angeles.

Kimberly Stoddard, Director at Eastwick Communications

Kimberly Stoddard began her high-tech PR career in 1995 and has worked on both coasts at agencies including Eastwick Communications, SHIFT Communications, and Cramblitt & Co. For nearly 10 years, she has specialized in enterprise technology, serving vendors such as Fujitsu America, Novell, Quantum, and Varonis, as well as organizations like the Computer History Museum and Churchill Club. When not serving as a PR account director, Stoddard enjoys volunteering for her local library’s adult-literacy program, learning languages, and exploring ancient and modern cities.

Ted Weismann, Senior Vice President, Lois Paul & Partners

Ted Weismann brings 15 years of public relations and marketing experience, and has been with Lois Paul & Partners (LP&P) since 1993. As senior vice president, he leads LP&P’s social media practice, counseling clients and internal teams on how to best integrate new techniques and technologies into their overall communications programs. Weismann has worked with companies in a range of enterprise technology markets.

“It is great that PRSourceCode continues the strong tradition of its survey. Of course, it is an honor to be recognized in this year’s survey, but I hope that our community at large looks at the entire set of winners as evidence that there are indeed thousands of practitioners that are viewed positively by journalists.”