Tom McNicholas
Tom founded the company in 1999 and has assisted a wide variety of clients in gaining crucial community and governmental support for their projects – from city hall to the state house. Prior to starting the company, he has 15 years of television newsroom experience working as a producer and reporter in Ohio, West Palm Beach and Miami. Tom attended Morehead State University where he studied Broadcast Communications and Political Science.
President
Brittany Bearden
Director of Public Education
Brittany is a fourth-generation native of Martin County and a graduate of the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. She spent ten years working for the Georgia Department of Education as a classroom agriculture teacher and served on the Executive Board for the Georgia Vocational Agriculture Teacher Association working closely with Georgia policy makers. Her experience includes curriculum writing, coordinating school-based fundraisers and events and working closely with agricultural youth organizations.
Rebecca King
Communications Manager
Rebecca is passionate about business marketing and building stronger communities through grassroots outreach and public education. She brings a lifetime of experience from her family’s multi-generational business which develops and markets the superior turf products to Major League Baseball and some of the world’s greatest golf courses. Rebecca uses her knowledge and communications skills to create positive experiences that educate people and bring them together. Rebecca is a graduate of Clemson University with a bachelor’s degree in marketing.
Ryan Smith
Director of Public Affairs
Ryan is an accomplished operative in Florida politics, with ten years of campaign and legislative experience. He has run numerous successful campaigns, including those of Congressman Matt Gaetz (2016) and former Florida House Speakers Steve Crisafulli (2008) and Will Weatherford (2010). Ryan also has tremendous legislative experience, previously serving as Deputy Chief of Staff of the Florida House of Representatives under Speaker Steve Crisafulli, where he was responsible for the Speaker’s policy initiatives, education policy, and messaging. Ryan graduated from the Florida State University in 2007 with a degree in Political Science and International Affairs.
Dezmin Leeds
Special Projects Manager
Dezmin moved to Florida when she was recruited by Palm Beach Atlantic University to play tennis. Previously working in West Palm Beach, her experience includes writing and fact-checking for various media outlets. A star at playing doubles in tennis, she uses her competitive sports background to develop positive relationships, knowing the importance of having strong work ethic and being a team player.
Krissy Simoneau
Account Manager
Krissy has extensive experience in web design, marketing and event coordinating. She has worked on events for Major League Baseball, the Governor’s office and several Fortune 500 companies. Krissy’s attention to detail and proficient client relations make even the most complex projects seem effortless. Krissy graduated Clemson University with a bachelor’s degree in psychology.
Alex Menendez
Communications Coordinator
Alex is a first-generation Cuban-American with strong roots across South Florida communities. Her experience in West Palm Beach and Fort Lauderdale markets is where she developed her passion for communications. Alex is bilingual in English and Spanish and thrives in crafting meaningful campaigns and content. Alex graduated cum laude from University of Florida’s College of Journalism and Communications with a bachelor’s degree in Public Relations and a minor in Event Management.
Larisa Yerastova
Creative Design
Larisa is a Master of Fine Arts graduate from the Russian Art College and New York Technical College, She has over 15 years of experience in concept development, design, art direction and production management. Larisa has the ability to create unique and compelling designs for every type of print and online application.