I fell hard for high tech PR in 1998. This is surprising considering that first job was clipping and faxing newspaper articles to Compaq Computer executives at 7am each morning. Not very “high tech,” but I loved the fast-paced energy of the technology industry and camaraderie of the PR agency world. I was hooked. Subsequent positions at Golin/Harris International, working on Texas Instruments, and at Porter Novelli Austin, helping to grow that office and make a name for numerous tech start-ups, solidified my affection for this job. But I didn’t know love until I had my own agency.
Starr and I founded INK in January of 2004, and that first year brought on the Bluetooth SIG who is still a client today. We continue to work with top innovators from around the country but today do so in tech, clean energy, social innovation, and CPG markets from offices in Austin and Denver. With a rapidly growing staff of diverse communication talents and backgrounds, INK maintains strong client relationships and a happy culture and was named a best place to work by the ABJ and PR News. As president, I work with our clients and account leads to set the story and the strategy for the campaigns we run, as well as lead INK’s new business efforts and brand evolution, and help to guide INK strategy and staff development. I’m passionate about Austin’s growth and culture and devote time to the Austin Technology Council, the Capital Factory mentor program, and support the task force for social innovation in Austin.
I am an instigator by nature and cannot help but question and search for better ways to say and do things – to see PR in a different light. I love that my job is always evolving and I’m constantly meeting innovative people and learning about new, meaningful products and services, and new ways to shine a light on them. When I’m not at INK, I’m with my family – my husband Dave who builds beautiful homes and has supported INK as a sounding board, cheerleader, desk builder, and plumber, and our wonderful kids Tessa and Hayes. We love Austin, particularly crazy South Austin where we live, and try to get out and enjoy it as much as possible.