Team

Norris Clark

Believing that brands are communities based on shared stories, Norris passionately champions the persuasive power of an authentic story to foster cooperation in any context.

His maternal grandfather, a globe-trotting activist/preacher, encouraged him to learn the human story by selling educational books door-to-door. His mom, an English teacher, taught him the value of a well-written story. An uncle who was a history professor taught him that history is the story of our past. And his father, an electrical engineer who designed the broadcasting antenna atop the World Trade Center, told him the story of a new digital age in communications.

“Their stories became my story: a teacher turned advocate, turned marketing/communications executive,” Norris says. “Now as the managing partner of Princeton Strategic Communications, I work with a talented team of professionals to share the stories of consequential companies and causes.”

Prior to PSC, the Jersey Shore native was tasked by the state Board of Education to open its Family and Community Relations Office. There, he directed community outreach while forging stakeholder partnerships in support of an ambitious education-reform effort.

For years Norris told stories of his beloved Jersey Shore, including those of Wildwood and Cape May. He helped clients win the Brass Ring Award from the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions, the N.J. Governor’s Tourism Award in 2010 and the Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International Award for website redesign.

Before Clark became vice president at New York-based Magnet Communications, serving clients such as IBM and the Thomson Corporation, Norris was recruited by Ross Perot as a CRM marketing executive (serving Saks Fifth Avenue) after helping the businessman organize a two million member national advocacy campaign.

While earning a master’s degree in religion and philosophy at the University of Pennsylvania, he taught college courses and developed continuing-education programs in Cape May. Among them: the Art Kane Photo Workshops and the Cape May Music Festival.

Norris enjoys a vast portfolio of experience in a wide array of public-service areas: He served as founding chairman of the N.J. Delaware Bayshore Council, and as a member of the First Legislative District Economic Development Task Force. He led in the restoration of the historic Fishing Creek School, serves on the board of the Historic Cold Spring Village and organizes TEDxCapeMay. Additionally, he served a four-year term as the deputy mayor of Lower Township, the largest municipality in Cape May County.

Ethan Andersen

From playing the lead role in the sixth-grade play, to volunteering as a reporter for East Brunswick’s local TV station in high school, Ethan has been telling stories for as long as he can remember.

“Stories have the power to change lives, shape communities, and bring people together,” Ethan says. “I consider it a great privilege to be able to help our amazing clients tell their stories.”

Ethan has led communications efforts in New Jersey and the U.S. for a range of organizations, including Compassion & Choices, a national non-profit dedicated to expanding end-of-life choices, and United Bank for Africa, the leading sub-Saharan bank with over 21 million customers across 20 African countries.

In his past roles with Princeton Strategic Communications and NisonCo PR, the nation’s leading cannabis communications firm, Ethan has generated earned media coverage in the Associated Press, Forbes, USA Today, BBC, Los Angeles Times, New York Post, Newsweek, and many more leading publications.

“I cherish my long-standing relationships with journalists throughout the world,” he explains. “Being able to shape public discourse through communicating with the media on behalf of our diverse clients is an honor.”

Ethan provided a range of communications services to Democratic candidates and affiliated organizations from 2015 to 2020 through his own business, Andersen Political Services. In that time, he spent $575,000+ across pay-per-click, social, video, display, email, and content marketing on behalf of 13 clients.

Andersen also oversaw attendance and participation for New Jerseyans at the 2016 Democratic National Convention as the Director of Operations and Digital Engagement for Celebrate New Jersey Now. In this capacity, he managed a team of 18 volunteers and led digital communications efforts for the organization.

He currently serves on the executive board of PRSA-NY, the New York chapter of the Public Relations Society of America, and has penned multiple editorials for Forbes.com on key communications topics.

However, it’s not all work and no play for Ethan. He frequently travels internationally, and in the past seven years has traveled to Stockholm, Barcelona, Vienna, Copenhagen, Kathmandu, Beijing, Hong Kong, New Delhi, and Bangkok. He loves classical music, enjoys playing the piano, and speaks conversational Mandarin and German.

Stacey Ehling

Born into a family of artists, graphic designers, writers and photographers, this New Jersey native always knew she would pursue a career as a creative professional.

“I wanted to be in communications since high school,” says the lifelong resident of Freehold in Monmouth County. “I started a youth-run municipal access TV show called ‘Focus on Freehold’ and have been hooked ever since.”

After she graduated from Rowan University (B.A.) and Widener University (M.A.), Stacey’s initiative and creativity led her to work as a radio news anchor/reporter for stations in New Jersey and Delaware. She also contributed to The Associated Press radio network. But telling stories in only 30 seconds wasn’t enough, so she moved on to working as a communications specialist for universities in her home state and Pennsylvania (Rutgers and Widener among them).

Later, working for the Boy Scouts of America was a natural transition for Stacey, as she had spent many years as a local volunteer for BSA. It was there that she told the dramatic story about a Boy Scout who saved the life of a stranger.

Her talents extend beyond the communications and marketing fields. She owned and operated a cake-decorating business – think “Cake Boss,” but on a smaller scale.

Stacey is most proud of her three sons: one who aspires to be a software engineer, one who wants to be a veterinarian and another who is aiming for a career as a microbiologist and classical musician.

Jeff Coleman

For Jeff Coleman, his life and work are about communication, conviction, and compassion.

His father is a Presbyterian minister, so Jeff is wired to respond to the words and music of conviction and certainty. His path, which took him on childhood missionary travels to Africa, South America and Southeast Asia, led him to politics and public service – including two terms in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives.

“My journey to professional communications wasn’t direct, although growing up I always loved radio – anyone on the AM dial,” says Jeff, who had a brief stint in that medium. “Personalities who had the right blend of voice, timing, and substance would almost always interest me. Live, crackly radio from far-off cities was captivating. I suppose I was always a student of how a voice built trust with the audience.”

“I love working for fellow communicators – especially those looking to add clarity and strength to their own convictions,” says Jeff, a graduate of Liberty University (Va.). “I’m not interested in helping anyone manipulate an audience, but am always ready to help them find their true voice. I help people choose the right words, pictures, and settings to make big ideas understandable.”

Jeff’s journey began in Washington state, where he was born on a U.S. Naval facility, and his travels abroad include time in his mother’s homeland of the Philippines. He considers his home state to be Pennsylvania, where he now lives in the Harrisburg area with his wife Rebecca and their children: Anna, Teddy, Charlotte, and Henry.

“I want the whole world to know that anything good they see in me, or my family, is purely the result of God’s grace,” he says.

Jeff and his team of artists have served a wide range of leaders, causes, and organizations by building and shaping message campaigns and brand strategies. His craftsman-like process is rooted in a belief that the best brands are grown from truthful, authentic communication. And for him, that means his work is more than just a profession.

“I enjoying hearing a person’s journey, and the values and experiences that give their life meaning and significance.”

Natasha Alagarasan

Natasha Alagarasan is used to asking lots of questions and probing details before crafting a narrative. She brings over 15 years of experience in journalism and communications to the PSC team, a decade of which was spent in New York City television newsrooms.

At NY1 News – where she previously accumulated experience as a writer and control room producer, associate producer and fill-in executive producer in the general news division – she senior produced the popular primetime show The Call. The New York Press Club awarded the show’s “New Yorker of the Year” special, which Natasha executive produced, the Rev. Mychal Judge Heart of New York Award.

“In broadcast journalism, we delve into the details but are then afforded a short amount of time to convey the story,” Natasha said. “Deciding which highlights to keep or dispense was a weighty burden but a valuable learning experience.”

Her career in news and production was launched in the prestigious NBC Universal Page Program at 30 Rock fresh out of Rutgers University, where she had earned her baccalaureate degree double-majoring in Political Science (with honors) and Journalism and Media Studies (with high honors). She sharpened her production skills at MSNBC as a production assistant in Dayside News, including stints as an anchor producer and tape producer.

However, after more than 11 years working in New York City, including a stint at Google as a Project Manager, she found her Jersey roots calling her home. In 2018, Natasha joined Governor Philip Murphy’s administration as Deputy Director of Communications at the NJ Department of Human Services. There, she helped spearhead the communications function of the state’s largest agency serving one-fifth of all New Jerseyans and one out of every three children. Her service included one year of shepherding the department through the COVID-19 pandemic and making the public aware of cost-free vaccinations covered by NJ FamilyCare and subsidized childcare for working parents.

From disseminating information on NJ SNAP and other programs to combat hunger and food insecurity to promoting the department’s supportive services to individuals with disabilities, people coping with addiction or mental illness, and seniors; from the promotion of low-cost or free healthcare coverage available through NJ FamilyCare to making outreach to immigrant populations eligible for public assistance, Natasha was deeply fulfilled by promoting critical DHS initiatives in service to vulnerable populations.

As a brand ambassador for her clients, Natasha enjoys playing journalist in getting to know them and their needs intimately (seeking to understand) before developing their messaging strategy (seeking to be understood). “When pitching reporters on behalf of a client, I draw upon my years as a journalist to view the issue through (their) lens and offer something of value,” adds Natasha.

Natasha is a proud Jersey City resident, where she lives with her husband, Raj, and two children, Leo and Liana. She is an avid traveler culinary enthusiast and wine aficionado.

Donna Ceperich

Donna holds over two decades of experience managing the customer experience and delivering commitments. With a longtime background serving senior-level military and business leaders, Donna coordinates the creative team for the duration of a project or engagement.

Carolinn Woody

Carolinn loves to educate and inspire others about how to succeed in their businesses through the use of online communication tools.

After years of experience publishing Filmbill magazine, the graduate of Mount Holyoke College (Mass.) had the foresight to see seismic changes coming in the print industry and got ahead of the curve when it came to the digital explosion.

“Since I was a ‘solopreneur,’ I am used to doing everything from client management to writing content, to creating HTML emails to web design and graphic design,” say the native of Peapack-Gladstone, N.J. “That’s what I do for Princeton Strategic Communications.”

A three-time ConstantContact All-Star Award winner, Carolinn enjoys the outdoors when she is not busy with social media and web-site design.

“I took up hunting and fishing because I am an avid cook. I love saltwater fishing,” explains the Hunterdon Central graduate, who while growing up spent summers in Cape May and who lives there now. “There is nothing like watching a mahi mahi dance on the water as you’re reeling that bad boy in.”

She’s glad to talk about her trophy of a lifetime: the 26-point buck harvested with a rifle in Alabama. And anyone who wants to go clay shooting should let her know.

In addition to her expertise in all things digital and affinity for the outdoors, Carolinn had an antiques business called Darwin: Compelling & Resonant Objects. She specialized in American folk art, antique garden furnishings and marine antiques. The business was featured in The New York Times.

When it comes to PSC clients, she enjoys putting her creative talents and drive to work.

“It’s immensely satisfying to take a concept and see it grow to become a living, functioning web site. I just love it when a plan comes together.”

Emaleigh Kaithern

A compelling storyteller, Emaleigh arrived at Princeton Strategic Communication by way of The College of New Jersey, but her path to PSC began much earlier. In her youth, she spent her days laying in the grass writing fictional stories, attending fundraising committee meetings for local non-profits and accompanying her mother to small-town political functions.

“When I was in third grade, I watched as my mom found her voice; she wasn’t happy with what was going on in the town that we call home,” says Emaleigh, referring to West Cape May, N.J. “Watching my mom work so passionately for what she believed in created a similar spark in me to help those in need while rewriting the narrative of our greater community.”

While pursuing a business degree, she took courses that increased her knowledge of vulnerable populations, such as the incarcerated, those with limited food choices in urban areas, and families struggling with infertility. She also took on various research assistant positions and a communication studies minor to refine her writing capabilities. Her college writing career culminated in recognition by the New Jersey Communication Association for “Best Undergraduate Paper” in 2014.

Passionate about helping clients find and strengthen their voice to create compelling messaging, Kaithern has assisted in developing a unique brand identity for countless organizations. While her portfolio includes a wealth of renowned hotels, restaurants, and spas throughout Southern New Jersey & Pennsylvania and various state & national organizations, Emaleigh finds working with non-profits and community-based organizations most fulfilling.

Emaleigh’s dedication to providing unparalleled client resources has led her to pursue continuing education courses, including a visit to Facebook headquarters in California to master the latest social media best practices and the Robert McKee Storynomics Seminar in New York City.

When she isn’t writing, you can find Emaleigh toiling in her vegetable garden, perfecting gluten-free recipes in the kitchen, reading on the beach, or teaching & practicing power yoga.

Maxwell Moran

A third-generation artist, Max’s grandfather was an old-school graphic designer and his father is both an airbrush and a tattoo artist. Now Max is a creative designer mastering multiple media, from corporate and event branding to websites, stage sets, and tattoos.

Max thrives whenever his creativity comes to life. In high school art class, Max volunteered to send a colored pencil illustration to a Guatemalan orphan as a holiday present. “A letter of thanks from the child showed how my work could put a smile on a young orphan’s face,” remembers Max. “It was really touching to see how much my artwork could mean to someone.”

The joy of bringing joy to others through art drove Max to a degree from the prestigious Hussian School of Art in Philadelphia where he became proficient in multiple design programs, including Illustrator, PhotoShop and InDesign.

This in turn drove Max to a career in creative design starting with six-years at Cape Resorts Group as a graphic designer and printing specialist.

Max excels at special events. When Cape Resorts Group produced a musical performance for the public, Max handled all aspects of the program, from stage design, poster creative, to acting and singing. He also designed TEDx event stages.

Max is multi-dimensional when it comes to enjoying life. In addition to his passion for art, he and his wife recently welcomed their first child, a baby girl, into their family. He is also an accomplished musician, playing the saxophone and enjoys relaxing at the beach.

Greg Panos

Put together innovation, expertise in technology and an entrepreneurial spirit and – presto – that’s Greg in a nutshell.

When Greg was a seventh-grader, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania chose him as one of three students statewide to be introduced to computers and computer programming. That laid the groundwork for him to mix technical know-how with business savvy.

He went on to graduate from Penn State with a degree in restaurant and hotel management, and then started working at his family’s restaurant. (“It’s a genetic defect for Greeks to be in the food business,” he says.)

Before too long, he ventured out on his own and opened several restaurants, a bakery and an award-winning chocolate business – all utilizing technology to enhance the customer experience.

Due to his entrepreneurial background, he takes a practical and insightful approach to the challenges faced by today’s business professional, and offers the perspective of having “worn all the hats.” The Keystone State native enjoys passing along his knowledge to others: His articles on marketing, engagement and social media have been featured in trade and industry publications, and he has spoken and conducted seminars at international trade shows.

And others have taken notice. Fast Company Magazine named Greg a first-degree global influencer in social media, which means that the publication recognizes him as being in the top 3 percent worldwide in the field. He specializes in building digital assets (websites, mobile apps), creating UX/UI (user experience/user interface) and digital strategy

However, it’s not all technology for Greg.

He has three children and two grandchildren. Along with his wife, a philosophy professor, he enjoys spending summers working and relaxing at their home in Rhodes, Greece.

Mark Lo Bello

Mark Lo Bello has been in the advertising and brand design business for nearly 40 years.

“Designers are problem solvers. I like solving problems—it’s probably why I enjoy doing crossword puzzles,” says Mark.

Mark brings that problem-solving capability and creativity when working with clients on design and branding at Princeton Strategic Communications. The process begins with a branding discovery meeting to understand the client’s needs.  From there Mark creates a mood board with imagery, colors and ideas to kick off the design process.

“When I’m designing a logo or creating a campaign, I’m looking for a surprise — something that will really connect with the client and the industry they are in.”

As President of Design Source East, Mark helps his clients build their brand through effective design, marketing and advertising. He began his career in graphic design at the illustrious Pratt School in New York City, while balancing a job at night as a bartender. He learned invaluable lessons from both roles, combining business with art.

“I like to say with branding, you get one shot to make a great first impression. And here at PSC, we’re ready to take that shot with you to set you apart.”

Mark currently resides in Stirling, New Jersey with his girlfriend Sharon and Daisy, their rescue dog. When he’s not working on design, Mark enjoys playing golf, working out and mixology. New York City-born and raised, his favorite cocktail is fittingly a Manhattan.

Frank Weiss

Frank can be found at the intersection where artistic vision, creative technique and professional passion meet. That three-part harmony has taken this cinematographer from New Jersey to the Middle East, and then landed his work in Washington for a viewing of his latest film at the Capitol Building.

For the Wildwood Crest native, it’s all about getting the shot. Frank will do just about anything to capture the image he envisions – to the point of putting expensive equipment at risk. A self-described “visual adventurer” and largely self-taught, he honed his storytelling skills photographing the Afghan people during his overseas service with the U.S. Air Force.

“I create videos soup-to-nuts on a variety of different subject matters, from the arts to social issues,” says Frank, a graduate of Stockton University. “To boil it down in the most fundamental way, I love shapes. I also love colors, but shapes come first. I like the idea that an arrangement of objects – and colors – can affect our emotions.”

It was his work on “After Spring,” a feature documentary produced by Jon Stewart that focuses on the Syrian refugee crisis, that led him to the nation’s capital for a viewing of the film on World Refugee Day.

In 2010 he opened Wild Rhino Films, which has produced several documentaries focusing on socio-cultural issues. For his work, he was voted at age 26 one of Atlantic County’s Top 40 Under 40 by Atlanticcityweekly.com in 2013. Frank also produces videos for ArtC, a creative organization that seeks to promote the arts of southern New Jersey.

Frank, who calls film “the orchestra of the arts,” has a variety of interests and issues he feels strongly about. In his spare time, he collects species of plants and does a lot of gardening and plant care. And he is the proud owner of Ninja, his 9-year-old dog.

David Klucsik

Whenever a corporate crisis hits the news, David takes notice.  He’s lived through his share of them, first-hand.  In fact, over several decades, David has helped several industrial companies, both international and domestic, during sensitive and technical turmoil.

David began his career as a business and spot news journalist for a regional newspaper while he was still a business student at Lehigh University. Within five years, he graduated from writing about the first major losses in the steel industry to explaining the technical intricacies and challenges of nuclear power plants. Along the way, he also earned a Master of Journalism degree at Temple University.

To add another dimension to his professional work, David took his next career step as director and vice president for government affairs and communications at New Jersey Natural Gas Company. Aspiring to international experience, David moved to BASF Corporation where he supported BASF’s initial listing on the New York Stock Exchange and led environmental communications.

Continuing his international chemicals experience, David served as the director of communications and public affairs at French specialty chemicals producer Rhodia Inc. where he was responsible for all North American corporate and crisis communications and government affairs. After Rhodia was acquired by the Solvay Group of Brussels, David was named to the company’s global communications leadership team as Head of Risk Communications, responsible for crisis communications and issues management globally.

David’s personal life mirrors his colorful professional career. Besides being a husband and father of two grown sons, he’s striving to improve his French and Italian, as well as his musical skills, and has done his fair share of European exploring.

Eliza Rosenthale

When prompted to write a six-word memoir in her 6th-grade English class, Eliza wrote, “My pencil is my magic wand.” She has been wielding the power of language ever since. Today, she expresses herself through spoken-word poetry competitions, blogs about art and identity, and articles for a Rutgers University newspaper.

With a background in creative writing, Eliza understands the importance of specific, yet succinct language. She says, “An act as simple as removing a punctuation mark or replacing a synonym can change the whole meaning of a sentence. Grasping the nuances of language is essential to captivating and convincing an audience.” She strives to use her sharp writing skills to help others say exactly what they mean.

Eliza put these skills to the test as a public policy intern at Princeton Public Affairs Group by authoring letters to influence legislation that accurately portrayed the perspectives of multiple stakeholders. Now Eliza uses her writing skills to help our clients tell stories that are both authentic and persuasive.

Words aren’t her only source of magic. On weekends, you can find Eliza conjuring up paintings or exploring the enchantment of New Jersey native wildlife.

Tammi Kleszics

On every winning team, there are key players who keep the wheels turning toward triumphs extraordinary and commonplace. Tammi Kleszics is one such contributor at Princeton Strategic Communications, which she joined in the spring of 2020 as an administrative assistant.

“My mother was a secretary – growing up, I just wanted to be like her,” says the Burlington County native, whose roots run deep there. “I enjoy getting that difficult meeting scheduled and the thought that I assisted in having a person’s day flow better.”

Although new to PSC, she’s hardly a stranger to the award-winning organization’s busy office in Trenton. August 2020 marks 24 years for Kleszics with the sister firm Princeton Public Affairs Group. In both cases, she says in a nutshell, “I organize people’s professional lives!”

“I was told that Norris needed some help and I was happy to assist,” she says of PSC’s managing partner. “My job is the same concept, but with a very different service. I am enjoying learning the marketing communications field. I also like that I can help coordinate our sister firms for our clients.”

Tammi puts to good use at both firms the associate’s degree in business that she earned at Burlington County Community College. The choice of a school for her higher education is no surprise: Her family has been in the area since the roads were paved.

“I grew up in Mount Holly/Lumberton. I went to the same high school my parents did,” she explains. “My husband Ken and I went to high school together, and now my daughter goes there. I love Rancocas Valley High School.”

Her dedication to work, however, is not her end all and be all.

“The most important thing in my life is my family,” says the mom of a teenage girl and boy. “My kids are very active in sports. We spend our nights and weekends on a field. My husband and I usually divide and conquer!

Suzanne Card

Francheska Marte

A Dominican Republic native who moved to New York City when she was only 14 years old, Francheska speaks English as a second language but her writing is no illustration of that. She’s been winning spelling bees since the first grade and she’s always been an avid reader. Her love of books eventually grew into a passion for writing, whether it’s through journaling or writing for her school newspaper.

As a global brand ambassador for a world-renowned company, Francheska has been featured in newspapers and has also been the on-camera spokesperson on several news channels in three different states. This has given her the ability and knowledge to understand the cruciality of getting a story out the right way, at the right time, with the right intentions.

Before becoming a brand ambassador, Francheska worked in sales, hospitality and customer service, which allowed her to build her communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills. She is a people person who loves the thrill of a challenge.

She will be graduating from Kean University in May of 2023 with a bachelor’s degree in Communications.

As a communications intern for PSC, Francheska hopes to dive deep into the corporate world where she will use her skills to contribute to the company’s mission, vision, and daily goals and needs. She believes there’s always room to learn and to grow and there’s no limit to success.

When she’s not reading a book or writing about what will hopefully be her own book one day, you can find her working out, practicing yoga, on a window seat of an airplane somewhere, or finding the newest pizza spot with her friends and family.

Elizabeth Lockett

When tasked to choose a quote in 4th grade, Elizabeth chose the words, “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” Since then, she’s lived her life in accordance.

As a stalwart community member, Elizabeth has spent her years volunteering to help the homeless, women, children, and animals. She aspires to change the world and create positive influences using her words.

“I’ve always believed in the power of words, I think some people may underestimate their capacity to change the world,” she says. Elizabeth has always been a passionate writer, writing poems and short stories from a young age and always excelling in English classes.

Elizabeth is currently a junior at Rutgers University studying communications and creative writing. Before transferring to Rutgers, she earned her Associate of Communication Arts at Rowan College of Burlington County, graduating Magna Cum Laude.

Elizabeth put her writing and communicative skills to the test as a Communication Intern at the YMCA of the Pines, a large non-profit organization located in South Jersey. Before beginning her internship, Elizabeth worked with the YMCA of the Pines for two years as an after-school counselor for K-5 children. Throughout her work, Elizabeth has implemented great rigor and eagerness.

Apart from her studies, work, and volunteering, Elizabeth is an avid traveler. She has traveled to 12 countries in her twenty years. In her free time, Elizabeth enjoys writing poetry, spending time with friends and family, exploring nature, and planning trips.

Bryan Hickman

To hear him tell it, Bryan’s career has been a long process of learning the difference between argument and persuasion.

In high school, Bryan was the Utah state champion in Lincoln-Douglas Debate—a one-on-one event where participants clashed over ideas, values, and philosophy. However, Bryan believes his success came mostly from his mastery of the format—he didn’t really understand the ideas he was debating until much later.

In college, he searched for an academic discipline that would put his arguing skills to good use, ultimately earning bachelor’s and master’s degrees in political science.

“Somewhere around the end of my undergrad and the beginning of grad school, I realized that writing and talking were very much the same thing,” says Bryan. “Then, something just clicked, and I was suddenly winning arguments in two mediums.”

After graduate school, Bryan headed east to Washington, DC where he got a job in the office of Senator Orrin Hatch and attended law school at night. He never really intended to be a practicing attorney. Mostly, he wanted to argue about politics for a living—as a pundit or columnist—and figured that people would take him more seriously if he had a law degree.

Senator Hatch recognized Bryan’s skills as a writer, and after a few years, he became the go-to speechwriter and a key part of the communication efforts, drafting op-eds, articles, and policy presentations.

“I was never formally assigned the role of ‘speechwriter,’” Bryan says. “But, over time, most of the sensitive or high-profile speeches and writing assignments were being thrown my way, even if I knew next to nothing about the subject matter.”

Bryan filled this role for the better part of a decade, including seven years on the powerful Senate Finance Committee. In time, he learned that the world was a much more complicated place than the average pundit or talk show host would have people believe. Argument, he realized, is a contest where the only real goal is to defeat the other side. Persuasion, on the other hand, is about the audience and the story they need to hear to understand—and hopefully adopt—your point of view.

While this realization made Bryan a much better writer and a more effective Senate staffer, it also left him ill-suited for a career in political argument and commentary. Fortunately for PSC, he chose a different path.

“I really have no interest in dumbing things down just to win some short-term soundbites,” Bryan says. “It’s much more challenging to come up with the right story that can convince the right audience to change their minds.”

Stephanie Vecchiarelli

Stephanie Vecchiarelli comes to Princeton Strategic Communications with almost two decades of experience in advertising.

Stephanie graduated with a Master of Science in Urban Policy Analysis and Management from the New School in New York City in 2000 and got her start in City government, working for the New York City Economic Development Cooperation.

After working to help small businesses in New York City, including in the immediate aftermath of the September 11^th attacks, she made the move to advertising. Stephanie took on the role as Vice President and General Manager at Titan Worldwide, where she worked on out of home advertising for multiple national and local brands for five years. She then worked in Washington D.C. for nearly seven years, including stints at acclaimed advisory services company the National Journal and served as Northeast Sales Director at Real Clear Politics.

But after years away from her home state, Stephanie made the decision to come back to New Jersey and join MV Digital. As Director of Business Development, Stephanie works on helping clients with media planning and buying and delivering targeted campaigns, ensuring their campaigns are having the desired impact in real time.

Stephanie is an avid reader and is a member of a book club. She also enjoys cooking, working out and traveling. She currently resides in Middletown, NJ with her husband and two children.

Ken Schlager

Ken Schlager brings more than 40 years of experience to Princeton Strategic Communications as a writer, editor, digital content creator, and newsroom manager.

Most recently, he was editor of New Jersey Monthly, the Garden State’s largest consumer magazine. During his 13 years at the helm of New Jersey Monthly, he was in charge of all print and digital media, including website content, blogs, podcasts, newsletters, and other New Jersey Monthly-branded products, as well as custom publications.

Previously, Ken spent 20 years at Billboard, serving as managing editor, executive editor, and vice president of business development for the music-industry publication. Among his favorite Billboard moments was a backstage meeting with Bob Dylan at Madison Square Garden. When introduced, Dylan declared: “Ah Billboard, my favorite magazine!”

Over the years, Ken has written about a wide range of topics, including politics, New Jersey history, health care, crime, travel, entertainment, and sports. He is especially proud of his New York Times piece about Babe Ruth, which provided a rare glimpse of Ruth’s overlooked handful of pitching masterpieces for the New York Yankees.

Ken also has eight years of daily newspaper experience as an editor and writer for The New York Post; Gannett Westchester Newspapers; and the Fort Lauderdale News. He earned his M.A. degree in journalism at the University of Missouri-Columbia.

Currently, Ken works as a freelance writer and editorial consultant and is a lecturer in journalism at the Rutgers University School of Communication and Information in New Brunswick, N.J.

Ken enjoys cycling, golf, swimming, and long walks around Montclair, N.J., where he and his wife Robin have lived for the past 30 years.

Lindsey Stevenson-Gerry

As a New Jersey native, Lindsey has always used marketing to take the opportunity to showcase what makes her home state so unique.

“Coming from the small town of Cape May instills in you a sense of camaraderie and almost a sense of duty to protect your home. I love sharing the story of Cape May and encouraging people to visit, but I also love making it a great place to grow up as I did.”

Fresh from graduating from Rowan University, Lindsey returned home, intending to make an impact on her community. She knew she was on the right path when she landed a role at a local newspaper. During her time there, she interacted with many business owners helping guide them in their advertising, spoke with locals running contests in the off-season that gave away gift cards to local businesses, and launched their social media presence. During her time at the newspaper, Lindsey fell in love with social media. It is the perfect mixture of analytics and creativity which is where Lindsey succeeds best.

“I like to think of myself as the perfect mixture of Type A and Type B. When people ask, I usually tell them I am type AB. I love being creative in my posting and advertising, but I love diving into the analytical side of things to find out exactly why something was successful or didn’t work.”

Throughout her decade-long career in marketing, Lindsey has specialized in social media and has worked on both sides of paid and organic. As a result, she has helped nationwide clients grow their revenue and impact. For example, she was an integral part of launching National Prom Day, which helped provide prom dresses for those in need.

When Lindsey isn’t researching the latest social media trend, you can find her at the movies, traveling with her husband, or soaking up the sun with her animals.