Our People

Amy Binder is the founder and CEO of New York City-based RF|Binder Partners Inc., an integrated communications firm, with branches in Boston, Los Angeles and San Francisco. Amy started her communications career in 1983 at the storied public relations firm of Ruder Finn, founded by her father David Finn, where she rose to become President of Ruder Finn Americas. She founded her own communications firm, RF|Binder in 2001, first as an independently run agency under the Ruder Finn Group umbrella, and then as part of a 2014 restructuring, as a separate woman-owned integrated communications agency. RF|Binder focuses on working with major global corporations and brands on corporate reputation and brand assignments as well as with entrepreneurs and start-ups. She has embraced the use of advanced analytical tools for measuring the success of social media programs and monitoring in real time client related news and events. Over the past several years she has increased the agency’s commitment to corporate social responsibility for its clients and itself. In addition to overseeing the business direction and growth of the agency, Amy is focused on ensuring that every client receives consistent, high-quality service, has continual access to the agency’s best creative and strategic thinking, as well as ensuring that the agency is offering the most innovative use of newly emerging communications channels. Amy’s work has been characterized by creating integrated communications programs that work across communications channels from traditional to digital. She has focused on managing the issues and challenges that emerge when the interests of the public, private sector and government converge. Under Amy’s leadership, RF|Binder has won close to 200 industry awards since the company’ founding, including Creative Agency of the Year from Holmes Report, Best Places to Work in NYC from Crains, and from PRWeek as a finalist for Best Mid-Sized Agency. Clients have included such diverse organizations as Ameriprise, Bank of America, Booz Allen Hamilton, Cargill, Chubb, Citibank, Dunkin’ Brands, McGraw Hill Education, Rockefeller Foundation, edX, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, Schwab and PaxWorld. Amy is a board member of The Institute for Public Relations and the Media Advisory Council for Brown University. She is a member of Columbia Business School’s Family Business Program Advisory Board and has been a guest lecturer in its Family Business MBA program. She has been a recent speaker at National Association of Corporate Directors events for public company directors focused on the relationship between Environmental, Social and Corporate Governance (ESG) issues and corporate strategy. Amy received her A.B. with Honors from Brown University and her M.B.A. from the Columbia Business School.

Rebecca Binder is the President of RF|Binder and is responsible for the development and implementation of Strategic Initiatives for the firm. She oversees strategic planning, expansion of products and services to meet emerging client needs, new business development, talent and culture development, operational efficiency, and strategic communications consulting. Over the course of her career, she has worked with Fortune 500 companies, government agencies, international organizations, non-profits, and start-ups. Most recently, Rebecca worked at Innosight, a growth strategy consulting firm, where she advised C-suite executives on developing long-term transformational growth strategies in the face of disruption. Rebecca was recently recognized as a 2019 Next Gen to Watch by Family Business Magazine for her work at RF|Binder. Rebecca received her M.B.A. from Harvard Business School and her B.A. with honors in International Relations from Brown University.

Atalanta Rafferty oversees strategic corporate communications programs, working extensively in the food and consumer lifestyle industries. She brings 20 years of experience working on corporate and consumer communications issues for category & market leaders, emerging companies, as well as family and founder businesses. For the last ten years, Atalanta has worked with clients across sectors including food and food biotech, lifestyle and wellness, CPGs, wine, spirits and beverages managing integrated consumer marketing programs. Atalanta is an expert in navigating disruption having dealt with issues of sustainability, food safety, nutrition, product labeling on the one hand and retail promotions, large scale consumer events and the advent of food bloggers and social media on the other. Over the years, Atalanta has developed and executed strategic partnerships with not-for profit organizations, influences, celebrities, and organizations to support her clients’ business goals. Through these experiences Atalanta has honed an expertise in helping to launch new products & categories as well as supporting geographic expansions and brand transformations. Atalanta also has a background in journalism and crisis communications. She received a B.A. with honors from Brown University. She is bilingual in French and English and has a basic knowledge of German.

David Weinstock brings more than 20 years of experience in advertising, design, marketing, digital, PR, experiential and content creation to his position as Chief Creative Officer at RF|Binder. Prior to joining RF|Binder, he was the Executive Creative Director for MSLGROUP NY, where he founded the creative department and oversaw creative across all channels on the agency’s lead accounts. His clients included P&G brands such as Crest, Oral B, Nyquil, Febreze, Bounty, and Charmin. In 2014, David’s campaign for March of Dimes won PRWeek’s Nonprofit Campaign of the Year, Publicity Club of New England’s Silver Bell Award, In2 SABRE’s In2 Advertising Award, and Pro Awards’ Platinum Award. Prior to the MSLGROUP, David served as VP, Creative Director at MKTG Inc. in New York, Creative Director of On-Air Marketing at The Oprah Winfrey Network, SVP, Director of Design at MRM/McCann Worldwide, and SVP, Director of Design at Campbell Mithun Minneapolis. He has received recognition from the American Institute of Graphic Arts, Ad Week, Creativity Magazine, SHOOT Magazine, Graphic Design USA, Print Magazine, Ad Age, and the Broadcast Designers Association. As an award-winning commercial director, David created and directed broadcast, online, and in-cinema campaigns for clients including Sony, Nokia, Nike, MTV, Oppenheimer Funds, US Bank, Bayer, and TGI Fridays, to name a few. He received a Clio for a campaign he directed for Trojan Condoms. His directorial work has been highlighted in Adweek’s “Ad of The Day,” Brand Freak, and Boards Magazine. David is a graduate of Pratt Institute in New York with a degree in Communications Design.

As Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, Jason is responsible for managing RF|Binder’s global financial operations. Jason oversees financial strategy and planning, budgeting, auditing, treasury, legal functions and financial systems, as well as contributes to business planning. Jason oversees human resources, company insurance, contracts and agreements, corporate level negotiations including real estate and major supplier and clients contracts. Prior to joining RF|Binder, Jason held positions with Cross Media Marketing, a publicly traded online & traditional direct marketing company, first performing due diligence on potential acquisitions and later responsible for the financial operations of the Print Division as Controller. At Grant Thornton, he served clients seeking to acquire other companies with Due Diligence and M&A services, and at Deloitte & Touche, he served financial, consumer, and telecom clients in an audit advisory role. He holds an M.B.A. from Fordham Business School with a dual concentration in Finance and Media & Communications and received his B.S. in Accounting from St. John’s University and is a Certified Public Accountant. He is a member of the New York Society of CPA’s and he serves as a Director on the Fordham Business School Alumni Association.

As the Chief Technology Officer, Tom is responsible for managing RF|Binders technology related operations. Tom oversees all of the planning, implementation and support of RF|Binder’s cloud and on-premise hardware infrastructure and software services. At the same time he is very much hands-on in the setup and troubleshooting of those components and associated services – which range from employee equipment on the front end, to video conferencing / voice service, networking and security equipment, collaboration software, to identity management and ERP systems on the back end. Tom has been with RF|Binder since its inception in 2001. Prior to RF|Binder Tom was the Network Administrator and later the IT Manager at Ruder Finn. Tom holds the equivalent of a Masters Degree in Electrical Engineering from Otto von Guericke University in Germany and a Masters of Aeronautical Science from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University.

As Vice Chairman, Steve primarily works in the areas of strategic planning, agency expansion, new business development, client retention and legal affairs. Steve has been a long time counselor to the Agency. He served as our outside corporate counsel from our inception in 2001 until 2014. In 2014, Steve joined RF Binder’s Board of Directors and in Fall 2016, Steve came on board full time as Executive Managing Director. Prior to joining RF Binder, Steve spent two plus years helping to run a hedge fund, which included work in the regulatory, compliance and marketing areas of the firm. As an attorney, Steve has extensive experience in domestic and international business transactions, with a focus in the financial services area. He has served as counsel to major banks and other financial institutions. As a law partner he chaired the Business and Technology Group for the New York office of the national law firm, Cooley LLP, and prior to that he chaired the Corporate Department and Banking and Other Financial Institutions group in the predecessor law firm, Kronish Lieb. He also helped form and lead for a number of years, Interlaw Ltd, an association of independent law firms worldwide, with 55 member firms and 110 offices during his tenure. During his legal career, Steve, at various times, was the head of his firm’s and Interlaw’s marketing and public relations functions. Steve has been listed many times by Euromoney/Law Media Group in its “Guide to the World’s Leading Banking Lawyers.” He has a B.S. in Engineering from Cornell University, an M.B.A. from Cornell’s Johnson Graduate School of Management and a J.D. from the Cornell Law School, where he was an Editor of its Law Review.

Bill works with business leaders on communications strategies that help companies strengthen their competitive position, drive growth and protect the reputation of their brands. A former editor, journalist and senior communications executive at leading financial institutions, he has worked with investment banks, asset managers, hedge funds, private equity firms, financial technology firms, exchanges and trading platforms, and energy companies. In 2011, he founded Bryant Park Financial Communications, winner of the PR Week’s 2015 Award for Best IR/Financial Communications Program. Bryant Park’s clients include a leading global investment, the largest electronic trading platform for corporate bonds, and the largest independent registered investment advisor in the United States. Previously, Bill was a Senior Partner at Gavin Anderson, a global communications consultancy. He joined Gavin Anderson from Edelman, where he headed the account team that won the Public Relations Society of America’s Silver Anvil Award for investor relations counsel to a Midwest utility undergoing restructuring. His corporate background includes serving as Managing Director of Corporate Communications at Bankers Trust and Corporate Affairs Executive for Bank of America’s Asset Management Group, with responsibility for the bank’s mutual fund, private bank, brokerage and alternative investments businesses. A graduate of the School of Journalism at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Bill worked five years in Paris as Financial Editor of the International Herald Tribune and was previously an editor on the national news desk of The Wall Street Journal in New York. He has been a contributor to The New York Times, Directors & Boards, Global Finance magazine and TABB Forum, a website on financial markets and technology.

Tom is a Senior Counselor, working closely with clients to develop and execute creative, business-driven integrated communications.

From 2016 to 2023, Tom was Founder and Managing Partner of Peaks Strategies, which was acquired by RF|Binder and is now RFB | Peaks Strategies. From 1998 to 2013, Tom was Founder and President of Walek & Associates, an award-winning independent communications firm known globally for its work in hedge funds, asset management, capital markets and financial services. Walek & Associates, with offices in New York and Hong Kong, represented many well-known global firms, as well as emerging market leaders. Tom and his team earned numerous awards and recognitions for their work from organizations including HedgeWeek, HFM, National Investor Relations Institute, the Public Relations Society of America and Trout Unlimited. Tom holds the “Outstanding Contributions” designation for Hedge Fund Media Communications and Messaging from The Hedge Fund Journal. Tom sold Walek & Associates in 2013. From 1982-1995 Tom was Principal and Managing Director at WeiserWalek, where he was responsible for growth and client service at the firm’s New York office.

Tom is a member of the National Press Club and a former member of the Communications and Global Communications committees of the Alternative Investment Management Association (AIMA). Tom chaired the AIMA sub-committee that produced the first “AIMA Guide to Media Relations for the Hedge Fund Industry” and helped write subsequent updates. Tom has been a featured speaker in the US and abroad for organizations including the Association for Investment Sales Executives, Euromoney, Institutional Investor, AIMA, Compliance Asia, Futures Industry Association, The Investment Company Institute, Credit Suisse, Managed Funds Association and The Association of Women in Alternatives. He has authored numerous articles published in the AIMA Journal, CFA Institute and others.

Tom began his career as a financial journalist covering the daily action and global expansion of derivatives capital markets from the trading floors of the Chicago futures exchanges. Tom graduated cum laude in Journalism from the University of Colorado, Boulder, including a year of study at the University of Lancaster, UK. While in Chicago, Tom attended the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University.

Armel Leslie is an Executive Managing Director joining from Peaks Strategies, where he was a Partner. Peaks Strategies was acquired by RF|Binder and is now RFB | Peaks Strategies.

Armel delivers integrated brand-building campaigns for clients across the capital markets ecosystem including traditional and alternative asset management, professional services, financial technology and trade bodies.

Armel started his career with Tom Walek at Walek & Associates in 1999 where he rose to a Partner by the time of its sale to integrated PR agency Peppercomm in 2013, where Armel was a Senior Director. Following his time at Peppercomm, Armel was a Senior Vice President at Sloane & Company before rejoining Tom Walek at Peaks Strategies.

He graduated cum laude with a BA in History from Baruch College (CUNY), where he worked at the Press Office his senior year. A Native of South Africa, he also attended the University of South Africa (UNISA). He is a Board Member and Treasurer of American Friends of Tikvot, a philanthropic organization headquartered in Israel.

Hibo Abtidon is a Senior Associate at RF|Binder, working across corporate and financial services accounts. In this position, Hibo collaborates with account leads on planning, media relations, and content development. Prior to RF|Binder, Hibo gained valuable experience working with clients in a variety of industries, including technology, higher education, real estate, energy and more. She has expertise in reputation management, litigation, and strategic communications. Hibo is a graduate of the University of Oregon, where she received a BA in public relations.

As Executive Producer, Esther leads all aspects of creative production efforts at RF|Binder including video, digital and events and brand experience. She relishes the opportunity to bring creative concepts to life and understands the importance of delivering projects within budget and on time. She is an expert at aligning the best resources, timing, budgets, and process to support the creative vision. Coming from a public relations background, she borrows from her understanding of media relations to develop thoughtful strategies for creating impactful content as well as successful events and real-life experiences. She focuses on developing new ways for consumers, investors and influencers to interact with brands that are personally relevant, evoke emotion, and create memories. In her time at RF|Binder, Esther has enjoyed working on a broad range of clients including First American, Takeda, University of Michigan School of Engineering, MarketAxess, PAX World, Ameriprise, Euclid Transactional, MyCTSavings, The Grounded Foundation, The Rockefeller Foundation, Joy in Childhood Foundation, Dunkin’, Tupperware, Truvia, Talenti, Johnson & Johnson, Wines of Germany, Wines of Chile, the Vienna Tourism Board and the Malaysian Trade Organization.

Sofi Biviano is a Director at RF|Binder where she works with clients in the food, drinks and nutrition space. Before her time at RF|Binder, Sofi worked across a variety of consumer health, food and home brands, including Weight Watchers, Pier 1, Sur La Table, 3M Command and Scotch Painter’s Tape. She brings with her an expertise in maintaining media and influencer relationships, along with a passion for executing CSR campaigns. Sofi holds a Bachelor of Arts in Advertising & Public Relations from the City College of New York.

As a Senior Managing Director, Craig is responsible for the strategic oversight and execution of integrated communication programs for Truvia Natural Sweetener, AlgaPrime DHA and Baskin-Robbins, among other accounts. Craig brings over twelve years of experience in the food industry. Throughout his career, he’s worked on established CPG brands, like Quaker, Dannon, and Unilever – and food technology start-ups like TerraVia and Perfect Day. Most recently, Craig has worked on Morton Salt, leading the brand’s CSR campaign centered around food waste. Craig’s work with clients has driven earned media coverage, influencer advocacy, compelling digital content and conversations, thought leadership and policy change for his clients. Craig’s passion is the development of brand platforms and communication strategies – using consumer research and industry trends to find a brand’s “sweet spot.” When not at work, Craig can be found with his two-year-old daughter and wife at the beach, or in upstate New York enjoying the mountains.

Amanda is a Senior Associate working to support communications programming across accounts. Prior to RF|Binder, Amanda gained experience in marketing for a luxury travel agency, and in social media and community management for New York Women in Business, a non-profit focused on providing women entrepreneurs with access to mentoring, training and business resources. She graduated with honors from Bucknell University in 2020 with a double major in English Literary Studies and Women’s and Gender studies. In her free time, Amanda is passionate about volunteering, an avid reader, and loves spending time with her family and friends.

Alyssa is an Associate Director at RF|Binder specializing in paid media across many accounts and industries. She comes from two years of account management experience at a digital marketing agency based in Boston. At her previous agency, Alyssa worked as an Account Executive, managing and facilitating both Paid Media and SEO programs across a number of B2B and B2C clients. Her client experience includes Mimecast, Intralinks, Carlisle Wide Plank Floors, and Synthesio. Alyssa graduated from Westfield State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management and a concentration in Marketing.

Ben Connor is an associate at RF|Binder. Prior to joining the team, Ben served as a Center Director for the Appalachia Service Project, and worked for a boutique translation agency in Paris. Ben has a passion for language and enjoys crafting clear and engaging messaging. He graduated from Brown University with degrees in Comparative Literature and French.

Jacqueline Cosio is an Associate at RF|Binder. Jacqueline has experience working at BBC-BritBox and supporting communications campaigns. Jacqueline graduated from New York University with a B.S. in Media, Culture, and Communication, as well as a minor in Business of Entertainment, Media, and Technology

Avery Darida graduated from UNC-Chapel Hill in 2020 with a degree in Media and Journalism with a concentration in Advertising, as well as minored in Entrepreneurship and Women & Gender Studies. While in college, she gained experience in content creation and social media marketing in the entertainment and automotive industries. Avery enjoys hiking, running and spending time outdoors at her home in North Carolina.

Tovah Duffaut is an Associate at RF|Binder. Tovah previously worked as an Admissions Intern and Sexual Violence Peer Mentor at Colby College, an Editorial Intern at a publishing company, and a historical musem Curatorial Intern. She graduated with honors from Colby College where she majored in English (with a concentration in creative writing), and minored in Anthropology.

Kevin is a Managing Director at RF|Binder and oversees all paid media and digital marketing initiatives.  He brings over a decade of experience working in advertising, SEO, social media management, and content creation across both B2B and B2C accounts.  Kevin has previously worked at advertising agencies and publishing networks, which has broadened his knowledge and expertise across the digital media landscape.  His wide-array of clients span industries such as technology, financial services, education, food & beverage, sustainability, and more.

Jack is a Director on the Corporate & Financial Services team at RF|Binder, where he manages media relations and executive visibility efforts across his accounts in financial services, energy and commercial real estate, amongst other sectors. Jack works with companies and their leadership teams to create clear and cultivating messaging that resonates with top-tier business and financial media, ultimately reaching clients’ key audiences and stakeholders. Jack is a graduate of the University of Kentucky, where he received a BA in integrated strategic communication with a minor in political science.

Candice Elliott joins RF|Binder as Senior Director of Talent, overseeing recruiting and hiring, and employee experience. She is a “people first” enthusiast and is excited to continue to make work a productive and enjoyable space for her colleagues. She believes that everyone should feel prepared, fulfilled, and valued at work. She has previously worked in the fashion, legal, and engineering industries and most recently formed her own consultancy where she helped organizations improve communication, strengthen company culture, and address various issues to improve retention and overall employee satisfaction. Candice received her M.B.A. from the University of Connecticut, with a dual concentration in Management and International Business, and her B.S. from Cornell University where she studied Fiber Science and Apparel Design. In her free time she loves to dance, create art, and hang out with her pup Cleo.

Jim is the Head of Consumer Media at RF|Binder where he works across all consumer accounts helping clients achieve impactful earned media results. Over the past 14 years, Jim has forged a diverse career in both consumer and corporate communications. Notably, Jim has led award-winning consumer media campaigns on both a regional and national level, and works closely with clients to achieve their communications goals. On the corporate front, Jim has deep experience supporting clients across key initiatives that impact their business, including strategic program development, CEO positioning crisis communications and issues management. Prior to RF|Binder, Jim spent 10 years at ABC News.

Emily Gallagher is an Associate at RF|Binder. Prior to joining the RF|She worked as a Marketing and Communications Intern at Wohler Realty Group in Stratton, Vermont and as a Digital Marketing Intern at Oceana in Washington, D.C. In these roles, Emily developed a passion for marketing and gained valuable industry experience. She recently received her B.A. in Global Studies and minor in Environmental Studies from Colby College.

Laura Gray, Wine Industry Counselor at RF|Binder, brings over 20 years of experience working in the Italian wine industry. She has direct experience in viticulture, winemaking, branding and generational transfers. She has designed marketing, product development and communications initiatives key to bringing Italian wines to the US market. Laura also is well-versed in the various aspects of Italian and EU regulation, financial administration, and compliance in the Italian wine industry. Through her Counselor role, Laura offers a crucial insider’s perspective and understanding of the Italian wine business combined with an expertise of marketing wines in the US market. Prior to becoming Wine Industry Counselor, Laura was CEO of a highly regarded boutique Brunello vineyard for twenty years. She is currently writing a book on Montalcino, Italy. She grew up in Scotland and has lived in Italy for over 25 years. Fluent in both Italian and English, she has a bachelor’s degree from Oxford University.

Diane joins the company as Accounts Payable Clerk and Billing Assistant, also providing office management support. She began her career at Warner Publisher Services investigating and resolving wholesale account remittance disputes. Then moved on to working as Executive Assistant to the CFO of Warner Books. She has also worked as a lead Receptionist for a security company handling contact info for law enforcement. Diane has also handled insurance verification for a high–end camera rental house used in production shoots. The energy and commitment she brings to each of her endeavors is her trademark.

Anna Hansen is an Associate at RF|Binder. Prior to joining the RF|Binder, she worked as a Public Relations Intern in technology and financial services where she explored and developed a passion for public relations and gained valuable industry experience. She recently received her B.A. in Communications and Media with minor concentrations in Digital Studies and Business from the University of Michigan.

Kiley Harris is a Senior Associate at RF|Binder. Prior to joining RF|Binder, Kiley worked at Weber Shandwick where she assisted across a variety of food and beverage clients, developing a passion for media relations and earned media strategy. A curious individual, Kiley consistently keeps a pulse on current trends across platforms to improve her storytelling abilities. She graduated from Miami University of Ohio with a BA in both Strategic Communication and Psychology.

Krysta Hartono is a Senior Designer for the Grove, RF|Binder’s creative team. Since joining in 2016, Krysta has expanded the Grove’s digital services by supporting clients through website design, interactive digital advertisements, email campaigns, and social media content. Krysta has been designing and developing projects from concept to completion for clients such as Dunkin’, Baskin-Robbins, MarketAxess, Pax World, Wines of Germany, Thrive, AlgaPrime, etc. Krysta also collaborates with the Experiential team to execute events by creating an integrated branded experience for clients like Tupperware, Grounded, Joy in Childhood Foundation and MarketAxess. Prior to RF|Binder, Krysta brought her experiences from working with Blue Flame Agency in New York where she helped launch campaigns for brands like CÎROC vodka and DeLeón Tequila; CarrotNY where she visualized a health and nutritional guide for students in the New York area under USDA regulations; and Gushcloud in San Francisco where she helped grow a Singaporean startup. She received her BFA with honors in Communications Design from Pratt Institute.

Cassidy Havens is a Managing Director in RF|Binder’s integrated consumer communications practice, with a special focus on food and beverage. For over a decade, Cassidy has conceptualized and activated successful strategies for wine and spirits regions and brands from around the world. She takes a holistic approach to creating programs for clients, pulling from deep experience in media and trade relations, consumer engagement, on- and off-premise promotions and digital marketing to help brands and regions achieve their communications and business goals. Deeply passionate about the wine and spirits industries and always with a thirst to learn more, Cassidy achieved the WSET Level 4 Diploma in Wine & Spirits in 2017 and is currently a Stage 2 Master of Wine candidate. Past clients range from ultra-luxury brands such as LVMH’s Chinese project Ao Yun, Champagne Laurent-Perrier and Napa’s Heitz Cellar, to accessible wines from Mezzacorona in Italy and Esporão in Portugal, to regional bodies such as the Cognac region and Wines of Alsace. Cassidy is an honors graduate of New York University’s Steinhardt School for Media, Culture and Communication.

Jody Karg is an Associate Director at RF|Binder on the business development and marketing team focused on supporting the agency’s growth. In this position, she works across teams and a wide range of functions including project management, content strategy and development, social media, integrated marketing, and employee engagement. She also works with select clients on consulting projects, helping them clearly communicate their value proposition and differentiators.

Prior to joining RF|Binder, Jody worked in public relations roles at agencies focused on B2B and tech clients. Jody graduated summa cum laude with her BA in Communications and majored in Advertising and Public Relations. She is also studying to receive her MPS in Branding and Integrated Communications with a concentration in Management and Brand Strategy from her Alma Mater, the City College of New York.

Maggie Kauderer is a recent graduate of Fordham University’s Gabelli School of Business where she earned her B.S. in Business Administration with concentrations in Marketing and Strategic Branding. Before joining RF|Binder, Maggie held marketing roles in a variety of industries including real estate and healthcare. In addition to her passions for connecting with consumers and building brand stories, Maggie is dedicated to creating and furthering DEI and ESG initiatives wherever possible.

Cecelia Kersten is an Associate at RF|Binder. Before joining the RF|Binder team, she worked for a diverse range of clients, including BACARDÍ, Rémy Martin, Syracuse University and the Council of Europe in Strasbourg, France. Her varied professional experience equipped her with the skills to effectively communicate across sectors, from politics to luxury goods. Cecelia holds a dual Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations and French from Syracuse University.

Vaibhav is an Associate Director where he assists client teams across a range of industries with a focus on implementing financial services and B2B integrated communications campaigns. Prior to RF|Binder, Vaibhav was Senior Associate at Peaks Strategies. His client experience includes FLX Networks, Komainu, New York Life and Ready Capital. Before Peaks Strategies, Vaibhav began his career as an Associate at Sloane and Co., where he also served as an intern during his senior year of college.

Vaibhav graduated from the University of Georgia in 2020 as a Presidential Scholar and was named to the Dean’s List with a BA in Political Science and International Affairs. As a student, Vaibhav worked as the Director of Legislative Research for the Representative Frye Fellowship where he conducted in-depth research on bills within the Georgia state legislature. In his free time, Vaibhav enjoys playing soccer and volunteers for Backpacks for the Streets.

Jenna Lehan is an Associate Director at RF|Binder. Prior to joining RF|Binder, Jenna worked as a Public Relations Assistant at Goodwin Group PR, where she developed a variety of visual and written content, secured client coverage in targeted media, and managed influencer partnerships. Having managed social media channels for both a university community service office and a student publication, she has a love for developing content that can thrive across social media platforms. Jenna received a BA and MA in Communications and Media from Loyola University Maryland.

Kelly Logan is a Senior Managing Director in RF|Binder’s Corporate & Financial Services practice. Throughout her career in communications consulting, she has focused on brand strategy, purpose and citizenship, corporate positioning and messaging, culture change, and thought leadership for global corporate and NGO clients. Prior to joining RF|Binder, Kelly led complex business transformation and integrated repositioning work within her previous firm’s practice, aligning enterprise brands with internal and external audience messaging to reach clients’ key stakeholders. She also previously directed corporate strategy and creative activation at MSL to support her clients’ broader reputational efforts. Kelly holds a bachelor’s degree in English Literature from Purdue University, and a master’s in English from Loyola University Chicago.

Davis is a Senior Managing Director at RF|Binder, working across corporate and financial services accounts. He brings his knowledge of investment management and financial advisor businesses, and his relationships with reporters across top-tier financial media and trade publications. Davis came to RF|Binder two and a half years ago from DukasLinden Public Relations, where he worked primarily with asset management clients. His current and former clients include Schwab, Russell Investments, Calvert Investments, Impax Asset Management and MarketAxess Holdings. Recently, Davis won Wall Street Journal coverage of the launch of the first federally chartered de novo bank in the U.S. northeast since the global financial crisis. He began his career as a journalist for a number of business-focused publications, including Minyanville Media. Davis is a graduate of Vanderbilt University.

Will Maroni is a Senior Managing Director at RF|Binder, leading the firm’s Research & Insights team and spearheading strategic research initiatives for a range of clients across sectors. Will’s work focuses on evaluating and reshaping client reputation; developing data-driven positioning frameworks and communications strategies; assessing and navigating critical issues and crisis scenarios; establishing reputational and competitive benchmarking; and evaluating communications impact. His work has spanned numerous sectors, from education to fitness and from food services to financial services, and has informed the communications and business strategies of clients throughout these sectors.

Juliana is an Associate at RF|Binder. She graduated from George Washington University, where she double majored in Marketing and Information Systems, and Technology Management, with a minor in Psychology. Prior to working at RF|Binder, she worked at Procolombia as a Marketing Intern. Juliana grew up in Colombia, and is passionate about design, creativity, and helping the community.

Jill Metzger is a Senior Director in RF|Binder’s Social Impact & Sustainability practice. Her client roster has included corporate brands as well as non-profit organizations and foundations, such as Capital One, CVS Health, Pax World Funds, Ramblers Way, SASB, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and Apparel Impact Institute. As a communications and PR generalist with multi-sector experience, Jill works across different components of each individual client’s strategy. She has broad experience in promoting corporate social responsibility initiatives, cause marketing and sustainability efforts, where she works to develop programs and campaigns that help generate greater awareness and improved brand positioning. Jill graduated from Johns Hopkins University with a bachelor’s degree in International Studies. She is currently pursuing an MBA in Sustainability from Bard College.

Halima Michael is a Senior Client Billing Analyst at RF|Binder working across all accounts to support billing, collections, payables, client reporting and month end closings. Prior to RF|Binder, Halima spent three years at Axis Promotions where she gained experience in many areas of accounting, specifically related to the accounts receivable, accounts payable and general accounting side of the business. Halima attended Davis and Elkins College in West Virginia, where she obtained her first degree in Accounting and Economics. She also received her MBA from Grand Canyon University in Arizona.

Damien is our Senior Managing Director of Growth, dedicated to driving business growth and enhancing the reputation of the RF|Binder brand. He’s of dual nationality English and French and has over 15 years of agency experience as a Growth Professional across renowned holding companies such as Omnicom, WPP, and IPG. Damien embraces a holistic approach to executing business development and marketing initiatives and understands the importance of leveraging all available company talent, assets and tools. By crafting strategic initiatives, he consistently delivers results that elevate brand reputation and drive them towards success. Damien’s philosophy is centered around self-confidence and embracing one’s unique life experiences. He firmly believes that each individual possesses exclusive qualities that can be harnessed to their advantage and encourages others to trust in their abilities and avoid self-doubt.

Emily is an Associate at RF|Binder. Prior to joining RF|Binder, she worked as a Marketing and Social Media Associate for an integrated healthcare company focused on health coaching programs to improve lifestyle choices. She developed the social media and marketing campaign strategy to increase following, build consumer loyalty, enhance brand awareness, and augment sales. Emily received her bachelor’s degree in Marketing, with a minor in Psychology from Tulane University.

Kelly is currently a Senior Production Coordinator at RF|Binder working with clients in the food, consumer, and financial space. She project manages design deliverables, supports media relations, develops influencer campaigns, and produces consumer and media related events for a variety of clients. Working at RF|Binder Kelly has been able to bring her experiences in public relations and experiential marketing to help cultivate meaningful relationships, create engaging experiences, and support impactful campaigns for both clients and consumers. Kelly received a bachelor of science in Business Administration with an emphasis in Management and a minor in Theatre from The University of Arizona.

Monika Ploc is a Managing Director on the Corporate & Financial Services team at RF|Binder. She oversees various accounts in the financial services industries by elevating their profiles and strategically positioning them across media platforms. Monika is a senior communications and messaging professional with 10 years of experience shaping reach, impact, and perception of major brands, C-suite executives, and national organizations. Most recently, she held the position of Head of Communications for Diamond Standard, a technology firm financializing diamond commodities for institutional investors. While at Diamond Standard, she developed company messaging, managed media relations, and crafted content that generated millions in company sales. She began her career as an Associate Producer at CNN, where her responsibilities included writing engaging stories for the New York bureau’s breaking news division. Monika earned a B.S. in Journalism and International Relations at Boston University and a M.S. in Journalism (Broadcast) from Columbia University’s Graduate School of Journalism.

Camisha currently serves as the Talent Coordinator and Office Manager for RF|Binder. Camisha began her career working in management at Old Navy, later joining the management program at Enterprise Holdings where she landed a role as Administrative Assistant over the Production and Entertainment Department. Camisha Prince graduated from Penn State University in 2017 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications, minoring in Theatre.

Afrah is an Associate at RF|Binder. She recently graduated from Montclair State University with a B.A. in Communications and Media Arts and a double minor in Business and Arabic. Following graduation, she worked as a Communications Specialist at her alma mater’s alumni office. There, she assisted in managing their social media platforms and implemented her knowledge in digital marketing to help grow their channels and increase engagement. She is passionate about social media strategy and utilizing it as a tool to help grow brands in creative ways.

Katie Richanbach is a Senior Designer for the Grove, RF|Binder’s creative team. She brings over a decade of experience from a wide variety of industries. She was the lead designer at Chimera Music working with artists including Yoko Ono and Sean Lennon. At AHM Brands, she designed and managed the brand for Hop Valley, one of Oregon’s largest craft breweries. During her time at AHM she also worked with notable clients and partners including Nike, the University of Oregon, IAAF, as well as boutique brands spanning from hospitality to the nonprofit sector. While at North 6th Agency, she led the rebrand for the agency, while also working with clients in the booming cannabis industry, fin-tech companies, and established brands like All-Clad. Most recently she has been part of the in-house design team at IBM, working on their tent pole sectors like Watson Health and IBM Industries. Katie received her BFA in Communication Design from Parsons The New School for Design.

Bruce Schneider provides strategic counsel to RF|Binder and its clients in the wine industry. As a third-generation wine industry professional with a background in grape growing, wine making, public relations, and new product development he brings a valuable perspective to regional wine promotion organizations and the wine producers they represent. Over his 20-year career, Schneider has been a political campaign field coordinator, founder and chief executive of his own agency, the founder, winemaker and managing director of Schneider Vineyards, a 22-acre cabernet franc focused vineyard on the North Fork of Long Island, director of marketing for the Clicquot, Inc. division of LVMH USA, a wine importer, and co-founder of Gotham Project, a pioneer of wine-on-tap. He has counseled clients from every major wine producing country in the world. Bruce has a M.B.A. from Columbia University and a B.A. in History from Washington University; he was the second investment recipient of The Eugene Lang Entrepreneurship Fund at Columbia University School of Business.

Ava Seave is a Principal of Quantum Media, a consulting firm with deep expertise in the media, information, and entertainment industries. The consulting group has been named by Forbes and Statista Inc. as one of “America’s Best Management Consulting Firms for three years in a row, including the current year.” Ava has led numerous consulting engagements and has provided senior-level management consulting services to public and private, traditional and startup companies in a broad range of assignments that typically involve strategy, new product development, and marketing. Before founding Quantum Media with four others in 1998, she was a general manager at three leading media companies: Scholastic Inc., The Village Voice, and TVSM, the country’s largest cable-listings magazine. Ava has two adjunct appointments at Columbia University: At the Business School, where she teaches “Media and Entertainment Strategy Consulting” and at the Journalism School, where she teaches “Managing the 21st Century Newsroom” with William Grueskin. She has written numerous cases for journalism and MBA students, including a detailed look at the French business and policy news organization based in Paris, L’Opinion. She is co-author of two books, “The Story So Far: What We Know About the Business of Digital Journalism” (with Grueskin and Graves) and “Curse of the Mogul: What’s Wrong with the World’s Leading Media Companies” (with Knee and Greenwald). For the FCC Report (June 2011) on the Future-of-the-Media task force, she contributed research and writing as part of the working group that produced “The Information Needs of Communities: The changing media landscape in a broadband age.” She was a contributor to Forbes.com, writing on the media. Ava is a Board member of two non-profits: The American Poetry Review and DeLaSalle Academy, an independent middle school for extremely bright, but financially challenged middle schoolers. Previously, she was on the boards of private companies Waywire/Magnify and Davler Media. Seave graduated from Brown University with an A.B. (Phi Beta Kappa) and Harvard Business School with an M.B.A.

Mo Shafroth is a Senior Managing Director. With over 25 years in financial services public relations, Mo has developed and directed numerous communications campaigns for leading firms across asset management and financial services.

Previously, he was Senior Managing Director at Peaks Strategies, focusing on asset management, ESG and impact investing and student lending. Before Peaks, he was a Director in the financial services practice at New York-based Peppercomm; served as Vice President at Walek & Associates, a leading financial services agency; and led financial services and sustainability practices at CSG|PR in Denver. Mo also worked in-house as Director of Corporate Communications at Charles Schwab & Co., Inc., and Manager, Public Relations, at the Pacific Exchange. A former editor of San Francisco Business Magazine and a reporter at the San Francisco Examiner, Burlington Free Press and Livingston Enterprise, Shafroth received his bachelor’s degree in political science and environmental studies from the University of Vermont.

Haley is a Senior Director at RF|Binder who leads strategy across earned media and influencer marketing for consumer brands. With a focus in the food practice, she has worked on accounts including Baskin-Robbins, Auntie Anne’s, Meatless Farm and Bay State Milling. Before joining RF|Binder, she gained her background in media relations and strategic ideation through working across a variety of client sectors, such as hospitality, consumer technology and beauty with brands like DoorDash, Each & Every, Hotel Indigo, Postmates, evian, TAO Group, SHOWFIELDS and more. Haley received a BS from St. John’s University in Public Relations.

Wayne is joining us as the Executive Assistant to Amy Binder. He is responsible for all administrative and operational activities for the office of the CEO. Prior to joining RF|Binder Wayne began his career at KBS before moving on to support the CEOs at companies such as Y&R, Arnold NY and Duke Corporate Education before returning to Forsman & Bodenfors (formerly KBS). Wayne received his Bachelor’s Degree in Theatre and Speech Communications from Troy State University, and went on to receive his Master’s Degree in Theater from the University of Tennessee.

Meaghan is a Director at RF|Binder, leading digital strategy and influencer relationships in addition to traditional public relations support for Food, Drinks and Nutrition accounts. Keeping a pulse on the ever-changing features and best practices across online platforms, she manages every level of clients’ digital presence, from target market research and content marketing to advertising, web design, analytics, and reporting. With a background in graphic design, she also oversees development of creative. She has helped launch products and reimagine existing brands, and oversees both hyper-targeted and large-scale national campaigns. Her passion is in impactful story-telling, and expertly crafts brand messaging and ensures cohesive look-and-feel in integrated cross-channel campaigns. Meaghan received her Bachelor’s degree with honors from Bentley University.

Paige is a member of the Corporate & Financial Services team at RF|Binder, where she supports various accounts in the real estate and financial services industries with content development, social media strategy and media relations. She is also an active member of the Integrated Planning and Analytics Council at RF|Binder, where she explores and works with analytics tools such as CreatorIQ, Brandwatch, LexisNexis Newsdesk and Quid to integrate them into client work for research and measurement needs. Paige is a graduate from George Washington University in Washington D.C., with a BA in marketing and a minor in political science. Throughout her college career, Paige held numerous internships with nonprofits like Playworks D.C.and marketing companies like LevelUp Marketing, focusing on digital strategy.

Abigail Toppin is an IT Analyst at RF|Binder, where she provides the front-line primary technical support to our end users on various issues and problems relating to hardware and software, VOIP and conferencing systems. She is also involved in web design, customized implementation of cost uploads into our accounting system and training on primary applications for our employees. She joined RF|Binder at its inception and has been at the firm for over 20+ years.

Jillian is a results-driven communications expert with over a decade of experience in the food and beverage industry and beyond. Jillian has led national and regional campaigns for brands including Dunkin’, Auntie Anne’s, Stop & Shop, Spirit Halloween, and Hood. In addition to her traditional earned media chops, Jillian has a passion for pop culture and an eye for trendspotting and has led award-winning celebrity integrations, strategic brand partnerships, and impactful influencer programs.

Matt is a Managing Director with more than fifteen years of media relations experience working with top-tier financial services, fintech and professional services clients. Matt has a proven track record of creatively and consistently delivering impactful placements and executing campaigns and projects for clients.

Before RF|Binder, Matt served as a Senior Vice President at Peaks Strategies from 2017-2023, working across the firm’s financial services clients. Before Peaks, Matt ran his own boutique PR firm, Endeavor Communications, focused on financial services, climate and professional services clients.

Earlier in his career, Matt built a financial services practice and helped manage media relations for some of the country’s largest law firms at Infinite Global. Before that, Matt served as an Account Executive at Intermarket Communications. During the financial meltdown of 2007/2008, Matt helped manage the communications strategies of many key players in the financial services community such as Russell Investments and KBW.

Matt began his career as a political operative, working with the Nevada Democratic Party, as Press Secretary for the Speaker of the Nevada Assembly and as Deputy Press Secretary with Obama for America. He graduated on the Dean’s List in 2006 from The University of Redlands in Southern California with a BA in English.