Corporate Communications/Investor Relations/Public Relations & Publications Awards Judging Committee

Chair:

David Claxton, Founder
Wise Up Public Relations, Boston, Massachusetts, United States

David is the Founder of Wise Up PR. Wise Up PR is a global PR agency, based out of Boston, that provides each and every client with a bespoke, purely senior-level team that addresses their specific PR needs. David has over a decade of senior PR experience and has led campaigns for some of the biggest brands in the world, such as Google, as well as devising highly successful programs for more fast-growing companies. A media relations specialist, he has also driven award-winning PR campaigns across every major English language media market – from the US, UK and beyond. 

David has extensive and varied sector experience having orchestrated campaigns across B2B technology, aerospace and defense, fintech, energy and numerous others. His former clients outside of Google included big brands like Avis, Fujitsu, Oracle, Pernod Ricard and Worldpay, as well as scale-ups like Freetrade, Otter.ai, ThousandEyes, Twilio and many more. He is also a former journalist, who specialized in sports business and technology issues at SportTechie (since acquired by Sports Business Journal). David is hands-on in supporting clients with their PR programs and communications challenges day-to-day, as well as managing all aspects of Wise Up PR’s operations.

Committee:  

Amy Brennan, Senior Director
Xperi Inc., Calabasas, California, United States
Amy has more than 20 years of domestic & international experience in marketing & communications. Currently she leads Corporate Communications & Brand at Xperi (parent company of TiVo, DTS and HD Radio). She is passionate about the role communications plays in weaving a cohesive story across multiple platforms and audiences.

Susana Briceno, Corporate Communications Consultant
Pembroke Pines, Florida, United States
Susana is a professional with 15+ years of experience in corporate communications, public relations, and marketing. She has managed internal and external communications for multinational companies in various industries, including telecommunications, manufacturing, and oil & gas. A skilled writer and strategic thinker, Susana excels at conveying client visions to achieve business goals.

Kristina Charles, MS, Director of PR    
brandRUSSO, New York City, New York, United States
Kristina Charles, MS, is a soon-to-be three-time Loyola University New Orleans alumna, currently pursuing her second master’s degree, an MBA. With nearly a decade of Marketing and Communications experience across various industries, she serves as Director of Public Relations at brandRUSSO, a B2B agency. Kristina is a former journalist with several published articles.    

Thony Da Silva Romero, CEO
PIZZOLANTE, Caracas, Venezuela    
Thony Da Silva Romero is a communicator, consultant, and CEO with over 30 years of experience in corporate strategy and communications. He has advised Fortune 500 companies, is an author, guest lecturer, and regional thought leader. Educated at UCAB and George Washington University, his career is backed by numerous international awards.

Toby Eckhardt, President & Owner
Focused Image, Washington, District of Columbia, United States
Toby founded Focused Image in Washington, D.C. in 1985. Today, Focused Image is a leading marketing communications agency within the Greater Washington area that helps clients realize their business potential and growth objectives through brand development, marketing, advertising, public relations and social media. Toby takes an active role with every Focused Image client.

David Fraser, Director, Global Press Office & Communication
Philip Morris International, Lausanne, Vaud, Switzerland
David is a seasoned communications leader with a wealth of experience in directing communications strategies and campaigns for high-profile, international organizations. An expert in managing communications within highly regulated, consumer-facing industries, David has a proven track record in building and maintaining corporate reputations.

Tanmay Gupta, Head of IR
Fortitude Re, Jersey City, New Jersey, United States
Detail-oriented leader with extensive experience in both large corporate environments and top-tier investment banks. Tanmay’s expertise lies in leveraging a unique blend of insurance knowledge, equity research, quantitative analysis, finance, and statistics to unearth impactful insights and forge strategic alliances

 

Barbara Hernandez, President
BCH OnPoint, Inc., Marshall, Wisconsin, United States       
Barbara has been President of BCH OnPoint since 2009. The company focuses on issues management, media relations and crisis communications. Now semi-retired, she continues to support organizations working on global issues like climate change and public health.    

Rocio Herraiz, Communications & PR
Consultant, London, United Kingdom
Rocio is a strategic PR, brand, and corporate communications expert with 12+ years of experience driving high-impact PR campaigns. She has led IPO marketing projects, content strategy, and brand repositioning for global companies across EMEA, LATAM, and APAC. She has worked with organizations such as Amadeus IT Group, SiteMinder, Zego, and Noventiq.

Amelia Mecham, PR Manager
Vixio, London, Unite Middlesex, United Kingdom
A dynamic corporate communications practitioner with several years of international experience, Amelia Mecham is passionate about connecting and building relationships with people of various cultures. Amelia completed a Master’s degree in International Business and Intercultural Communication at Oxford Brookes University. She is also Accredited in Public Relations from PRSA.

Edith Miranda, Marketing Director
DroneShield, Los Angeles, California, United States
Edith Miranda is a seasoned marketing executive with over two decades of leadership in strategic brand development, global market positioning, and integrated communications across defense, aerospace, and commercial sectors. She currently serves as Director of Marketing at a global counter drone technology company.


Jessica Puchala, Senior Director
Engine Technology Forum, Frederick, Maryland, United States
Puchala brings decades of professional experience to the judging panel. She's the Senior Director of Communications and Marketing for the Engine Technology Forum as well as the Global Communications and Marketing Lead for the Protect Us Kids Foundation. Puchala got her start as a television news reporter.


Brendi Rawlin, CEO    
Master Plan Communications, San Diego, California, United States
 

Colleen Rosso, Communications Manager: Electric Distribution Operations
DTE Energy, Detroit, Michigan, United States
Colleen has been a communications manager at DTE Energy since 2017, most recently directing communications for DTE Energy's largest business unit, DTE Electric. Rosso has also served as Director of Communications for the Michigan Department of Human Services as well as holding leadership positions in public relations agencies serving national clients.

Anna Swenson, Communications & Events Manager
LevelTen Energy, Seattle, Washington, United States
Anna Swenson is communications and events manager at LevelTen Energy, operator of renewable energy marketplaces. She has over 15 years of experience in climate and technology public relations and writing.

Maria Tkacheva, Chief Operating Officer
Roshel Inc., Brampton, Ontario, Canada
Maria Tkacheva is the Chief Operating Officer at Roshel, a leading North American special-purpose vehicle producer. Her career spans operations, marketing, and corporate communications, including leadership roles in marketing and global communications agencies. She is currently pursuing an Executive MBA at MIT Sloan School of Management.

Tania Tome, CEO & President
Ecokaya Corporate, Africa & Brazil, United States
Tania Tomé is a highly accomplished professional, recognized for her achievements as a serial entrepreneur, international speaker, performance coach, global ambassador, and author of more than 7 books, including "Succenergy – Activate Your Success." With over a decade of coaching and business advisory experience, coupled with a decade as a successful entrepreneur.