Why did you choose PR as a career?
As a tech journalist for more than 20 years, I often had a good experience working with PR professionals. I found them to be friendly, helpful with fact-checking stories and useful in offering angles to pursue, embargoed news and access to interviews. I enjoyed working in content marketing previously and offering an editorial mindset. I have now made the shift to a PR agency to continue telling stories for brands and helping to get the news out that can benefit CIOs, software developers and IT decision-makers.
What drew you to BOCA?
Nearly 10 years ago I worked with Boca colleagues when I was a freelance tech journalist. It was a great introduction to the quality of talent that Boca has on its team. A couple of years ago I worked with the Boca team again on some stories when I was at PCMag. Boca was always on my radar as one of the top PR firms representing companies in the enterprise tech space. Now I am happy to join the team. The company culture is a great fit, and the flexibility to work remotely even after the COVID-19 pandemic will bring a great work-life balance.
What is your favorite part of your job?
I enjoy the variety of clients and getting the scoop on news before it is pitched to journalists like me.
What do you do for fun?
I love playing tennis, taking spinning classes, catching live music in NYC, following the Mets and spending time at Jones Beach on Long Island.
What’s your favorite show?
I enjoy music shows like “The Voice.” The banter between the coaches is great (too bad Adam Levine left). I regularly watch late-night shows like “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” and “Saturday Night Live.” I wish “Homeland” was still on the air, but these days I enjoy “Cobra Kai” and “Dead to Me.” Next up: “The Morning Show” on Apple TV+. It reminds me of HBO’s “The Newsroom,” which was another favorite. Jeff Daniels, Olivia Munn and Jane Fonda were part of a great cast, and the content was relevant to my career as a journalist.
What’s the most interesting place you’ve traveled to and why?
My favorite place I have ever traveled to was London. I enjoyed the theater, the architecture, riding the Underground and watching how I crossed the street with the traffic in the opposite direction. But the place I enjoy traveling to regularly each summer is Cape Cod. I love the beaches, waterfronts, whale watching and the ferry trips to Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard.
Would you rather be a ninja or a pirate? Why?
Ninja? Sounds like a ninja is more thoughtful and under the radar!
Tell us something interesting about yourself that we might not guess.
I can play “Stairway to Heaven” on the guitar. I interviewed Mike Wallace when I was a student at Hofstra University working on the school newspaper, but he was the master interviewer. The tables were turned!
If you weren’t in PR, what would you do?
Before launching my journalism career at Computer Shopper magazine in 1996, my plan was to become either an English or history professor. I had thought I would teach full time and write on the side. However, plan A worked out, and I was able to break into publishing full time. Now publishing has led to PR!