Hitting the ground running!
A lifetime has already happened in July! I’m back from my first-ever cruise — aboard the luxurious Crystal Serenity — around Northern Europe. I always figured I wasn’t a cruise person, but I had a wonderful first experience.
On the ship, I celebrated another trip around the sun. It was also quite a milestone of another sort: It was my first kid-free trip of this scope with my husband since our twins were born — 12 years ago this very week. We just picked them up from sleepaway camp yesterday, after close to three weeks (the same camp where I spent my own childhood/adolescent summers), and I think it was a big success all around.
There’s a lot to unpack, both literally and figuratively. Meanwhile, it’s back to the grindstone, and I admit I’m a little intimidated by the workload with lots of new stories in the pipeline — so I welcome your pitches on all the new content below.
Also check out a cool new job in the Los Angeles area and tons more job moves for our colleagues across the industry.
So (yawn), let’s get into it! Happy Monday, though my birthday nails are entirely too long for typing.
[insert some professionally appropriate quip that makes light of our society-wide chemical addiction to caffeine here]
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Open press opportunities
QUICK-TURN DEADLINE TOMORROW 7/21: For Good Housekeeping, I’m working on a story that answers the question: Should you ever bathe your cat? Looking for veterinarians to respond to questions like: Should healthy cats ever be bathed, or is their self-grooming generally all they need? In what situations do you actually recommend bathing a cat? When is bathing unnecessary — or even a bad idea? Are there downsides, such as stress or skin irritation, that cat owners should keep in mind? If a cat does need a bath, what’s the safest and least stressful way to do it?
For Travel Bulletin, I’m working on a roundup of great hot springs resorts around the world and I’m open to pitches.
For Southern Living, I’m working on a story and looking for a plumber to explain why white bread is a surprising plumbing tool! I learned this when my neighbor came over and asked if I had a piece of white bread she could use for her garden hose and naturally had to turn the knowledge into a service story. :)
Following are paid opportunities that will appear on Yahoo. ***Note that my opportunities for sponsored placement in my Yahoo Creators column will always be clearly labeled as such; this content is strictly separate from my editorial work and always disclosed.*** Please email pitch@alicedubin.com for additional information with the topic in the subject line. Here’s what I’ve got in the pipeline:
Back-to-school, back-to-routine survival guide (practical products that make the transition from summer to fall smoother — from school and work essentials to organization, wellness, meal prep, and everyday routines. Sponsored. Deadline: July 28)
Media job moves
Share your job change news with me to be included. Send to info@alicedubin.com.
Sierra Wood has joined bread & Butter as an account supervisor on the PR agency’s Atlanta travel team. Her current client roster includes The St. Regis Atlanta, JW Marriott Atlanta Downtown, Playa Largo Resort & Spa in Key Largo, and Pack Hospitality, the team behind Atlanta dining concepts Kinship Butcher & Sundry and So. Fox.
Sami Elfus has joined the team at Prequel as influencer and PR manager.
Meghan Freeze left Finn PR after five years. “I’m excited for what’s next and would love to stay in touch as I begin this new chapter (more details to come!).” Meanwhile: meghanf19@gmail.com
Megan Rupp has left an in-house role at isima haircare to return the agency side as senior vice president at Chasen Creative Media.
Seth Gilgus recently joined Bacchus Agency in NYC as vice president following four years at M18, an Orchestra Company. “I’ll support the global agency’s NYC office and lead across a variety of luxury hospitality, real estate, and lifestyle brands.”
Jillian Heft has landed at Alison Brod Marketing + Communications after leaving Behrman Cesa Communications.
Mimi Bogert moved from NYC to San Diego, and started a new role with Autumn Communications on the beauty team. Her new roster includes Primally Pure, Almora Botanica, Ora Space, Aveda, and Dr. Jessica Wu.
Sam Gauchier, formerly vice president of Michele Marie PR, is now consulting independently across fashion, lifestyle, wellness, hospitality, and emerging brands. She is also building The Venue List, a curated platform for publicists, brands, founders, event producers, editors, and creative teams looking for the right spaces for press events, dinners, launches, previews, shoots, and brand moments. “The idea came from a familiar industry pain point: teams often spend hours emailing venues and restaurants just to uncover basic details like pricing, minimums, capacity, buyout options, and availability, only to realize the space is not the right fit. The Venue List is designed to make that process faster, clearer, and more curated from the start, with upfront pricing and key event details in one place,” she says. Request access here. Contact: hello@thevenuelist.co
After 19 years at Little, Brown and Company, Sabrina Callahan has left her role there as vice president, executive director of publicity. After spending some time with family, she will begin a new role. In the meantime, scallahan80@gmail.com and 908.451.4802 are her best contacts.
Ester Mun has joined Studio Beauty as a senior account manager, where she’ll be working across the agency’s beauty portfolio spanning cosmetics, body care, hair care, fragrance, and wellness.
Aimee Bianca has been promoted to associate vice president, media strategy and communications at 5WPR.
After four years at Sequel (formerly Think PR), Ester Mun is moving on. Meanwhile, connect with her on LinkedIn or IG @estertmun.
Chelsea Livit has left Maui’s Fairmont Kea Lani for a new role as director of marketing with Hawaiian Airlines.
Emily Glickman has recently joined Brandman Agency, where she’ll be working across a portfolio of luxury travel and hospitality clients including IHG Hotels & Resorts Luxury & Lifestyle Portfolio (Regent, Six Senses, InterContinental, Kimpton, and Vignette Collection).
Marisa Chiarello recently joined the Becca PR team and will be working on a variety of hotel and restaurant clients, including FORTH Atlanta.
Jackie Shamie has started a new role as an internal PR assistant manager at Glow Recipe.
After 8 years with Allied Global Marketing, Kristina Bello has been promoted to vice president of publicity. Based in Las Vegas, she oversees clients and teams across the US, with a focus on hospitality, LBE, retail, travel, sports, and gaming sectors. In her new role, she will continue managing her teams and client work, while placing more focus on new business opportunities.
Marielle Gelber has recently stepped into a new role as director of communications & PR at Digital Brand Architects. “At DBA, we’ve been deeply embedded in the rise of creators and the broader shift in how influence, storytelling, and brand-building are taking shape today… If you’re currently working on anything related to creators, digital influence, or the future of media, I’d love to connect and see how we can be a resource. Whether it’s background, insights, or potential stories, I’m always happy to chat.”
After more than four years at Magrino PR, Kristen Abbott moved to a new role as an account supervisor at Foxglove Communications in its New York City office. She will be working with a range of bars, restaurants, and hospitality-focused clients. Her new email is kristen@foxglovecommunications.com.
Corinna Purtill, formerly partner, has been promoted to managing partner at Moxie Communications Group. Other notable changes include Maggie Squires and Rebecca Weiser, formerly senior vice presidents, who have been promoted to partner, and the appointment of Kate Connor as chief operating officer.
After 15+ years on the agency side, Alexis Chernoff has moved in-house to Hyatt as head of brand PR for the lifestyle group, based in the NYC office. She’ll be overseeing a rapidly growing portfolio including Andaz, Thompson, The Standard, Dream Hotels, and more.
After taking some time off, Arianna Cohen has officially joined Jennifer Bett Communications as director on the fashion and retail team, based in Los Angeles.
Her current client roster includes a mix of emerging and established brands: Nuuly, Parker Thatch, Danimás, and Pelican.
Amanda Weiss left Alison Brod Marketing + Communications on April 10 for a new agency job. Meanwhile, contact: arweiss18@gmail.com.
Jacobo Waincier has joined Laura Davidson Public Relations as an account supervisor, coming from Newlink Group where he served as a senior account executive. The Miami-based PR pro’s current client roster includes Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Rainforest Beach and Golf Resort, Wyndham Palmas Beach and Golf Boutique Resort, Hilton Aruba, Hilton Zemi Miches Resort, José Andrés Group (Miami), and Marriott CALA (Meetings & Events). Contact: jacobo@ldpr.com.
Julia White recently left DKC and joined Deutsch Family Wine & Spirits as a public relations manager, focusing on a variety of different brands as well as corporate communications.
Brianna Farmiloe has left Behrman Cesa Communications. She’ll announce a new role soon. Meanwhile: bfarmiloe@gmail.com.
UK-based No Nonsense PR is rebranding to Impact Public Relations.
Sarah Karger has left her staff position at Comm Oddities (hence the job opening you will see in the “open jobs” section below). Formerly a partner, Sarah has transitioned to an independent contractor to support agencies managing commerce-driven clients. As you might have seen from my newsletter in the past, she has 5-star courses on the subject and with this move, she is opening up a handful of spaces for on-demand, executive-level affiliate and performance-PR strategy for teams or individuals looking to expand their capabilities to include affiliate. Support includes team training, pitch and strategy reviews, network platform guidance, and ongoing office hours for publicists overseeing affiliate programs and more. For more information, reach out to Sarah Karger at sarah@kargerandco.com
Kaylee Richards has been promoted to Associate Vice President of the Food & Beverage Division at Jennifer Bett Communications.
After nearly eight years, Kayla Frauen has left Coyne PR. She has landed on the Perowne International team in NYC, “completely thrilled to be looking after a portfolio of exceptional five-star resorts and hotels.” New email is: krf@perowneinternational.com.
Hayley Child is stepping into the world of freelance PR, partnering with PR agencies, hotels, restaurants, and lifestyle brands on media relations, brand storytelling, and strategic communications. Hayley is open to new collaborations, so if your team could use a hands-on PR partner, reach out at hayleychildpr@gmail.com or visit hc3pr.com.
Marissa Goldman is now associate director at B Public Relations, leading PR strategy and media relations for several hotels/resorts, restaurants and destinations across the U.S. and beyond.
JLS PR is now officially Great Scott. “Emails to our current JLS email accounts will forward for several months, but please make note of our new email addresses so they aren’t sent to spam. Email us at jenna@callusgreatscott.com or courtney@callusgreatscott.com to ensure you have our correct contact info.” Current clients include JD Sports, Aura Frames, and BrüMate.
Big news from Melissa Rappaport at RappAround PR! “After 19 incredible years building the fashion division at RappAround, I am officially passing the torch, and I couldn’t be handing it to anyone more perfect. Annie Zeina — who so many of you have worked with over the last decade as my right hand — has acquired the division. On December 1, she’ll be relaunching it as AZPR, and we’re both beyond excited for this new chapter…. The transition will be completely seamless for you: same team (Heather is joining as Annie’s mighty #2), same location, same clients, and the same relationships you already know and love… just with a new name. AZPR will honor the legacy built by RappAround while charging forward with fresh energy and vision.”
Melissa Rappaport will continue supporting Annie and Heather as a consultant while also expanding into broader PR consulting for e-commerce consumer brands and new creative projects under the RappAround name.
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Open jobs
Do you have an open opportunity you want me to promote? Email me at info@alicedubin.com.
Linkby is hiring a Los Angeles-based PR and agency partnerships manager to help build relationships with PR agencies and brand communications teams. This full-time remote role is ideal for someone with 3+ years of PR or communications experience who wants to move into a client-facing partnerships and sales position at the intersection of earned media, performance marketing, and AI visibility (GEO). The role offers a base salary of $85,000–$100,000, uncapped commission, equity, and benefits, with regular networking and client meetings around the LA market. Click through for the full job description and application.
Parasol, a New York City-based boutique public relations and brand marketing firm specializing in the luxury lifestyle and hospitality industry, has an opening for an account coordinator. Previous public relations experience and social media knowledge essential. Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience. Email resume and cover letter to talent@parasolmarketing.com.
Davidson Hospitality Group is hiring for the fully remote position of manager, communications. The role serves as the day-to-day client lead for DH Communications, the group’s in-house PR agency. “We’re looking for an innovative, independent, and well-connected strategic storyteller who amplifies campaigns to drive consumer awareness for our hotels, resorts and restaurants.” Learn more and apply here.
Work with me
I am available for project-based consulting. Please reach out to discuss your needs: info@alicedubin.com.
Feedback from a recent agency after a consulting session: “That was amazing!!! Thank you SO much, you really gave us so many valuable insights to think about, and I could tell what you were saying was really resonating with the team. Really appreciate your thoughtful answers to all our questions and feedback on our pitches.”
Here’s how to pitch: Simply respond to this email with a new subject line or pitch me at pitch@alicedubin.com.
Are you a writer hoping to reach my engaged audience of publicists? A publicist hoping to connect with brands? A digital media type with a product or service for the industry? Maybe you’d like to sponsor this newsletter with a featured ad. I’m also open to well-matched affiliate partnerships. Let’s chat: info@alicedubin.com.